Bio
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem… Read Full Bio ↴Bio
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem Ohafia, Abia state, all levels of schooling were done in Lagos state. I am a graduate of Political Science Lagos State University Ojo. I started loving rap music from around 1989 when I was learning the words in rap tracks I liked and rapping along to their instrumentals - until I decided that I could do mine, then I started writing my own lyrics. 1999 was when I put out my first cd for air play. The cd contained two tracks: 1, What If? - which was produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo; and 2, "Gwo-gwo". These two tracks got massive airplay. Then in 2002 I decided to do a track criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers and the track titled Ehen Part 1 has blown sky high nation wide.
My two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which I took on a so-called music mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop my song getting played on radio stations 'cos I talked about him) and “WHAT YOU GOT” (which is a dance track for people who said all I can do is diss) are both getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad. My dance track is a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and Ireland.
RUGGEDMAN is a no-nonsense, speak-my-mind type of nigga that stands up for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music no matter how much big men try to hold him down.
THE NAME:
The name came when I was in high school and fresh into the rap game proper.
Every one wanted a name that didn’t sound weak and Ruggedman was the one I came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul was a bit too deep and the tag 'Mc' a bit over flogged.
INFLUENCES:
My early influences came from NWA, KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers, Leaders Of The New School, King Sun… etc. Now they are Nas, DMX, Eminem, Dr. Dre and especially all the wack rappers in Nigeria.
APPEARANCES:
My very first performance was at a secondary school ceremony in 1992. From
then on it's been performances in clubs and tertiary institutions. Other places of performance are: Mr. Macho - University Of Lagos (UNILAG) - 1994; Nigerian Carnival - National Stadium - 1994; Home movie soundtracks; Lyricist Lounge - held at club 11:45 for the Rap Legend Guru from America, Eve and Kc & Jojo - show (performed alongside Tony Tetuila).
Some others are: part of the opening act for Lagbaja some months back; a bit of acting in a Francis Agu movie, waka pass (movie extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done; radio jingle; TV music show theme song (did the rap).
I also directed my first music video 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss me again video”. I addition, opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st January 2003, where I started the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd - which is doing quite well now. I also organized a mock celebrity soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation, where I got other Nigerian artistes and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul Ik Dairo, Mr. Kool, Emma Ugolee, Maideena, Trybesmen, Nomoreloss, e.t.c, to play football. It was mad fun.
I've likewise performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja All African Games; and have also performed alongside Dance hall sensation Sean Paul. Ruggedman's been performing all over Nigeria right now and is Nigeria's most wanted rap act.
"I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out right now."
He's been on almost every newspaper, and the radio and tv stations love him being in their place cos he gets calls from the audience like crazy.
My video, Peace Or War is the best video ever done by a Nigerian and was number one for two and a half months on MBI top ten video count down. Ehen has so far spent a year on the MTN top ten count down on Cool fm. My new dance track “WHAT YOU GOT” has been #1 two months running on Star 101.5 fm's World New Flavour chart show and is on all the radio station charts.
I recently just got back from Ireland, Europe where I went to chill out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread my cds to Near fm 101.6 Dublin - where I was also interviewed, and Today fm 100-102 Dublin. I shot clips for my new song Big Bros and met Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan.
AWARDS:
I won the Nigerian Fanta Fame Award for best new rap act/group or duo 2003 on the 31st of October. I also added to that, three awards at the just concluded Gbedu music awards for RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR, BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR, AND SONG OF THE YEAR. Awards have also been given to me by high schools and tertiary institutions for my contribution to the development of Nigerian rap music.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON THEIR SONGS RELEASED & UNRELEASED:
Believe it or not, I am the most featured Nigerian rapper. I have rapped on over 20 tracks for people. Most of these were done before I even released Ehen part 1.
"...meaning my voice is going to be heard for a long time to come in this country and wherever the music is taken to…feel me?"
They are:
Tony Tetuila (2 Tracks on his latest album), Paul Play Dairo, Tony Tonnero, Lexzy Doo - formerly of the group X-Appeal, Sabina Jabari, D’Banj’, Segun Fakeye (Gospel), P-Flow (Gospel), Niyi (Gospel), Shawa, Chi Chi, Artquake, Nutty Pin,
OJB Jezreel, Magnum (London based rapper), George Nathaniel, Slam, Mr. Kool.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON MY ALBUM PROJECT SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, C-Mion, Abounce, Jaffar, Azadus, Frank Ogbebor, Harmony,
Josh (A Congolese rapper).
PRODUCERS I HAVE WORKED WITH SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, Omololu, Ojb, Jezreel, Freestyle and Xaviar.
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem… Read Full Bio ↴Bio
Born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem Ohafia, Abia state, all levels of schooling were done in Lagos state. I am a graduate of Political Science Lagos State University Ojo. I started loving rap music from around 1989 when I was learning the words in rap tracks I liked and rapping along to their instrumentals - until I decided that I could do mine, then I started writing my own lyrics. 1999 was when I put out my first cd for air play. The cd contained two tracks: 1, What If? - which was produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo; and 2, "Gwo-gwo". These two tracks got massive airplay. Then in 2002 I decided to do a track criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers and the track titled Ehen Part 1 has blown sky high nation wide.
My two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which I took on a so-called music mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop my song getting played on radio stations 'cos I talked about him) and “WHAT YOU GOT” (which is a dance track for people who said all I can do is diss) are both getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad. My dance track is a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and Ireland.
RUGGEDMAN is a no-nonsense, speak-my-mind type of nigga that stands up for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music no matter how much big men try to hold him down.
THE NAME:
The name came when I was in high school and fresh into the rap game proper.
Every one wanted a name that didn’t sound weak and Ruggedman was the one I came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul was a bit too deep and the tag 'Mc' a bit over flogged.
INFLUENCES:
My early influences came from NWA, KRS One, Poor Righteous Teachers, Leaders Of The New School, King Sun… etc. Now they are Nas, DMX, Eminem, Dr. Dre and especially all the wack rappers in Nigeria.
APPEARANCES:
My very first performance was at a secondary school ceremony in 1992. From
then on it's been performances in clubs and tertiary institutions. Other places of performance are: Mr. Macho - University Of Lagos (UNILAG) - 1994; Nigerian Carnival - National Stadium - 1994; Home movie soundtracks; Lyricist Lounge - held at club 11:45 for the Rap Legend Guru from America, Eve and Kc & Jojo - show (performed alongside Tony Tetuila).
Some others are: part of the opening act for Lagbaja some months back; a bit of acting in a Francis Agu movie, waka pass (movie extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done; radio jingle; TV music show theme song (did the rap).
I also directed my first music video 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss me again video”. I addition, opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st January 2003, where I started the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd - which is doing quite well now. I also organized a mock celebrity soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation, where I got other Nigerian artistes and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul Ik Dairo, Mr. Kool, Emma Ugolee, Maideena, Trybesmen, Nomoreloss, e.t.c, to play football. It was mad fun.
I've likewise performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja All African Games; and have also performed alongside Dance hall sensation Sean Paul. Ruggedman's been performing all over Nigeria right now and is Nigeria's most wanted rap act.
"I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out right now."
He's been on almost every newspaper, and the radio and tv stations love him being in their place cos he gets calls from the audience like crazy.
My video, Peace Or War is the best video ever done by a Nigerian and was number one for two and a half months on MBI top ten video count down. Ehen has so far spent a year on the MTN top ten count down on Cool fm. My new dance track “WHAT YOU GOT” has been #1 two months running on Star 101.5 fm's World New Flavour chart show and is on all the radio station charts.
I recently just got back from Ireland, Europe where I went to chill out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread my cds to Near fm 101.6 Dublin - where I was also interviewed, and Today fm 100-102 Dublin. I shot clips for my new song Big Bros and met Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan.
AWARDS:
I won the Nigerian Fanta Fame Award for best new rap act/group or duo 2003 on the 31st of October. I also added to that, three awards at the just concluded Gbedu music awards for RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR, BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR, AND SONG OF THE YEAR. Awards have also been given to me by high schools and tertiary institutions for my contribution to the development of Nigerian rap music.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON THEIR SONGS RELEASED & UNRELEASED:
Believe it or not, I am the most featured Nigerian rapper. I have rapped on over 20 tracks for people. Most of these were done before I even released Ehen part 1.
"...meaning my voice is going to be heard for a long time to come in this country and wherever the music is taken to…feel me?"
They are:
Tony Tetuila (2 Tracks on his latest album), Paul Play Dairo, Tony Tonnero, Lexzy Doo - formerly of the group X-Appeal, Sabina Jabari, D’Banj’, Segun Fakeye (Gospel), P-Flow (Gospel), Niyi (Gospel), Shawa, Chi Chi, Artquake, Nutty Pin,
OJB Jezreel, Magnum (London based rapper), George Nathaniel, Slam, Mr. Kool.
ARTISTES I HAVE FEATURED ON MY ALBUM PROJECT SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, C-Mion, Abounce, Jaffar, Azadus, Frank Ogbebor, Harmony,
Josh (A Congolese rapper).
PRODUCERS I HAVE WORKED WITH SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, Omololu, Ojb, Jezreel, Freestyle and Xaviar.
Broken Promise
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I remember Larensin where you have your family house
Where we moved into coming from the East to the South
Where I first laid my hand in LAG
OS thoughts of you make tears choke my chest
The early 80's I was just a baby
But your face is still clear cause I used to see you on a daily
Coming back from school was cool
You taught me how to put up a fight
Even if beaten black or blue
George I feel you
Cus part of you was still with me
My favorite cousin remember the
First time you whipped me
You opеned up a lesson for little kids
I was onе of em
You did something different
You brought me just like all of em
Next thing I heard you was going to America
As a kid I couldn’t understand what was wrong with Africa
If I know what would happen
I would have held you back
Boy now you're gone
And I can't get you back
You promised me
That you would always be here
You promised me
That you was gon take care
You promised me
That you would come back here
But now you’re gone
Now you're nowhere near
You promised me
That you was gonna watch me grow
You promised me
That you was gon see me blow
You promised me
And death had to make you go
You promised me
You promised me (Now you're gone)
Remember when you fought that bus driver
Driver careless than you hit
You did what you had to do
You handled your biz
You scratched your face on the road
During the scuffle the struggle bloody
But you went through the trouble
That's the kind of man you was
I respected you my better bros
I adored you and yours
A couple of years later you came back with gifts
F the presents all I cared about was your physical presence
Then you went back and I started to miss you
When I remembered the stuff you told me that happened to you
The next thing I heard you was dead
I heard of how you bled
I couldn't get the pictures in my head
You was the first person close to me to die
I didn't cry all I ask was was why
One up for death cause his cold hands squeezed you
But make us even cause in my heart I still keep you
You promised me
That you would always be here
You promised me
That you was gon take care
You promised me
That you would come back here
But now you're gone
Now you're nowhere near
You promised me
That you was gonna watch me grow
You promised me
That you was gon see me blow
You promised me
And death had to make you go
You promised me
You promised me (Now you’re gone)
Lots of times I asked myself why death had to take you
If it was meant to be
Then why did God create you
If it was only for him to take you again
You was a good start that had a terrible end
Sometimes it hurts so bad
I wish that I could do it all
Master of the whole earth
Power over all
So I could turn the hand of time
And bring you back
Breathe life into your longs
And watch you ball like sheck
You were my own super star
My own super hero
My personal thug
My own Don Chichio
I looked up to you cus the vibe you sent was good
You left at a time the hood was all good
Now its all messed up
Fences everywhere
Every house is like a prison
Every rich nigga is scared
One minute you’re chilling
The next minute you're running from
Cops or robbers or some fetching mother
You promised me
That you would always be here
You promised me
That you was gon take care
You promised me
That you would come back here
But now you’re gone
Now you're nowhere near
You promised me
That you was gonna watch me grow
You promised me
That you was gon see me blow
You promised me
And death had to make you go
You promised me
You promised me
Outro
Where we moved into coming from the East to the South
Where I first laid my hand in LAG
OS thoughts of you make tears choke my chest
The early 80's I was just a baby
But your face is still clear cause I used to see you on a daily
Coming back from school was cool
You taught me how to put up a fight
George I feel you
Cus part of you was still with me
My favorite cousin remember the
First time you whipped me
You opеned up a lesson for little kids
I was onе of em
You did something different
You brought me just like all of em
Next thing I heard you was going to America
As a kid I couldn’t understand what was wrong with Africa
If I know what would happen
I would have held you back
Boy now you're gone
And I can't get you back
You promised me
That you would always be here
You promised me
That you was gon take care
You promised me
That you would come back here
But now you’re gone
Now you're nowhere near
You promised me
That you was gonna watch me grow
You promised me
That you was gon see me blow
You promised me
And death had to make you go
You promised me
You promised me (Now you're gone)
Remember when you fought that bus driver
Driver careless than you hit
You did what you had to do
You handled your biz
You scratched your face on the road
During the scuffle the struggle bloody
But you went through the trouble
That's the kind of man you was
I respected you my better bros
I adored you and yours
A couple of years later you came back with gifts
F the presents all I cared about was your physical presence
Then you went back and I started to miss you
When I remembered the stuff you told me that happened to you
The next thing I heard you was dead
I heard of how you bled
I couldn't get the pictures in my head
You was the first person close to me to die
I didn't cry all I ask was was why
One up for death cause his cold hands squeezed you
But make us even cause in my heart I still keep you
You promised me
That you would always be here
You promised me
That you was gon take care
You promised me
That you would come back here
But now you're gone
Now you're nowhere near
You promised me
That you was gonna watch me grow
You promised me
That you was gon see me blow
You promised me
And death had to make you go
You promised me
You promised me (Now you’re gone)
Lots of times I asked myself why death had to take you
If it was meant to be
Then why did God create you
If it was only for him to take you again
You was a good start that had a terrible end
Sometimes it hurts so bad
I wish that I could do it all
Master of the whole earth
Power over all
So I could turn the hand of time
And bring you back
Breathe life into your longs
And watch you ball like sheck
You were my own super star
My own super hero
My personal thug
My own Don Chichio
I looked up to you cus the vibe you sent was good
You left at a time the hood was all good
Now its all messed up
Fences everywhere
Every house is like a prison
Every rich nigga is scared
One minute you’re chilling
The next minute you're running from
Cops or robbers or some fetching mother
You promised me
That you would always be here
You promised me
That you was gon take care
You promised me
That you would come back here
But now you’re gone
Now you're nowhere near
You promised me
That you was gonna watch me grow
You promised me
That you was gon see me blow
You promised me
And death had to make you go
You promised me
You promised me
Outro
The lyrics of Ruggedman's song "Broken Promise" tell the story of a close friendship or brotherly bond that is shattered by death. The song is a reflection on the memories and promises made between the singer and his dear friend or cousin, Larensin.
The first verse describes their shared childhood in Larensin's family house in LAG, where they grew up together. The singer recalls the moments they spent together and how Larensin taught him valuable lessons, even if it meant getting physically hurt. The mention of Larensin's journey to America as a kid symbolizes the singer's inability to understand the allure of leaving Africa behind. In hindsight, the singer wishes he had stopped Larensin from venturing abroad.
The chorus emphasizes the broken promises Larensin made before his untimely death. The singer expected Larensin to always be there, support him, and witness his growth and success. However, Larensin's departure from this world has left the singer feeling abandoned and lost.
The second verse reminisces about an incident where Larensin stood up for himself by fighting a careless bus driver. The singer admired Larensin's bravery and loyalty. The reference to Larensin returning with gifts indicates his occasional visits back home, which brought joy to the singer's life. However, news of Larensin's death shattered the singer, leaving him questioning the unfairness of life and the reasons behind his friend's tragic end.
In the final verse, the singer expresses his grief and anguish, questioning why death had to take Larensin. He wishes for the power to turn back time and bring his friend back to life. The singer highlights the impact Larensin had on his life, seeing him as a superstar and role model. He reflects on how the neighborhood they grew up in has changed, becoming a dangerous place where fences and fear dominate.
Overall, "Broken Promise" is a heartfelt tribute to a lost friendship and examines the pain of broken promises and the overwhelming loss of a loved one. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, regret, and frustration, amplifying the impact that Larensin's absence has had on the singer's life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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prince Sunny Rex
i personally dedicate this track to my brother , friend and mentor Patrick Danjuma Ekele, a student of University of Nigeria Nsukka law department who past away on the 9th of august 2000
Levi Natty
Thank you Ruggedy Baba...
paul osasu
this was when ruggedman was u rugged man not now....... he dont put his soul on his music again...
officialruggedman
:)