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.
Dublin With Luv
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spitting lyrics you can't handle
Don’t need a black mask
I'm still the micro phone vandal
I spit words thats two times nice
Shine like ice
Come through despite of all lies
Up in the human eyes
Shines like the sun lines
Instead churn your burn you’re fake is why you on the run
I threaten you without any gun
More poetic than Shakespeare
More articulate than a pistulair
My track makes you holla
My gut always delli every ready
You never catch the Rugged off guard
Here's how I throw down on a real
So the streets can know I know the deal
I stuck here sicker than the ill
When I come through on a daily
They don’t really wanna do this Xavier made me
Now I'm rocking it like a baby
Maybe I brake you off some
If you whoresome
Only if you want some
I know where to come son
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
Those on the streets end
Those who are locked up
All my peeps up in Naija representing
One life one death
Watch where you stepping dog
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
Those on the streets end
Those who are locked up
All my peeps up in Naija representing
One life one death
Watch where you stepping dog
I spits for the industry
Styles cut all deep in me
Manifest in the whole
In a short chest and what’s next
Na me to yani chile
Naija representing
No half stepping
Real to the core
My dogs know the score
Form Lagos to Dublin
Rugged still hustling
I yan fast
Nuclear smash handsome bring backs
When I speak you go holla
When I bust you go fear
Fakers go rush to cheer
My voice feel the air
Helter skelter forget looking for shelter
Whatever l speak for you will definitely perch ya
Individual eyes
My name is not the sky
Even Igbo guy go holla maka why
War slays with venom
When I spit em up in your cerebellum
When my album drops
Hurry up to get em
Cus like the tickets to a good show
They be sold out
All time ama give you my all l never hold down
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
Those on the streets end
Those who are locked up
All my peeps up in Naija representing
One life one death
Watch where you stepping dog
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
Those on the streets end
Those who are locked up
All my peeps up in Naija representing
One life one death
Watch where you stepping dog
Yeah yeah yeah that is how l do my thing
Ruggedman representing
Up in here l got my men Tobi Fito
I got Master Lee fuck Master Lee you gat to hustle
Xavier in here my boy stone
And my friend nigga Emmanuel
Up in and out we been dong it
Hustling in Dublin you know what I'm saying
Everybody be up in here like that
Rugged man representing Naija
That’s how we do HipHop
I got it locked down
Hope you got your ish locked down
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
Those on the streets end
Those who are locked up
All my peeps up in Naija representing
One life one death
Watch where you stepping dog
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
Those on the streets end
Those who are locked up
All my peeps up in Naija representing
One life one death
Watch where you stepping dog
You know what I'm saying
Remember the name Ruggedman
For real
Forever
The song "Dublin With Luv" by Ruggedman is a rap song that exudes confidence and pride in his ability to spit lyrics that others cannot handle. In the first verse, he claims to not need a black mask to be a microphone vandal, further asserting his dominance. He goes on to emphasize his poetic abilities, comparing himself to Shakespeare, as well as his articulacy, claiming to be more articulate than a pistol air. The chorus emphasizes his commitment to representing his people, particularly those who are locked up or on the streets, and reminds everyone of the importance of being mindful of where you step.
Throughout the song, Ruggedman showcases his pride in his Nigerian heritage, mentioning Naija several times and representing his people. He emphasizes his commitment to the industry, to his fans, and to giving his all. The song also includes shoutouts to his friends and collaborators, including Tobi Fito and Xavier. Ruggedman is confident of his abilities and confident in his commitment to his craft and his people.
Line by Line Meaning
Once again it’s the individual
I am back again as an independent artist
Spitting lyrics you can't handle
I am rapping with tough and impressive words
Don’t need a black mask
I don't need to hide my identity
I'm still the micro phone vandal
I am still the one who destroys the microphone with my lyrics
I spit words thats two times nice
My words are beautiful and impressive
Shine like ice
My talent sparkles and shines
Come through despite of all lies
I am still successful despite various lies about me
Up in the human eyes
People recognize me as a successful artist
This individual
I, as an independent artist
Shines like the sun lines
I shine like the sun and have great potential
Instead churn your burn you’re fake is why you on the run
You are running away from the truth because you are fake
I threaten you without any gun
I can scare you with my talent alone
More poetic than Shakespeare
My words are more beautiful and impressive than Shakespeare's
More articulate than a pistulair
I am more eloquent than a professional speaker
My track makes you holla
My music makes you shout with excitement
My gut always delli every ready
I am always ready for anything, like a soldier
You never catch the Rugged off guard
I am always prepared and never caught off guard
Here's how I throw down on a real
This is how I am really doing it
So the streets can know I know the deal
I want the streets to know that I understand the situation
I stuck here sicker than the ill
I am struggling but still trying hard
When I come through on a daily
When I am around every day
They don’t really wanna do this Xavier made me
They don't want to challenge me, but my talent comes from my own hard work, not just genetics
Now I'm rocking it like a baby
Now I am dominating and owning the industry
Maybe I brake you off some
Maybe I'll give you some of my talent
If you whoresome
If you are worthy
Only if you want some
I'll only give it to you if you are willing
I know where to come son
I know how to help you if you need me
I'm dropping this for my peeps who know what's up
I am releasing this song for my fans who understand the rap culture
Those on the streets end
Those living on the street
Those who are locked up
Those who are in prison
All my peeps up in Naija representing
All of my fans from Nigeria are representing the culture
One life one death
We only live once before we die
Watch where you stepping dog
Be careful where you go and who you mess with
I spits for the industry
I am rapping for the music industry
Styles cut all deep in me
My music style is personal and meaningful to me
Manifest in the whole
It is evident in my entire artistic work
In a short chest and what’s next
I am ready for whatever comes next
Na me to yani chile
It's me who is really talking (in Nigerian Pidgin English)
No half stepping
There's no room for halfheartedness in this industry
Real to the core
I am genuine and true to myself
My dogs know the score
My fans and supporters understand and appreciate my talent and message
Form Lagos to Dublin
From Lagos, Nigeria, to Dublin, Ireland
Rugged still hustling
I am still working hard despite my success
I yan fast
I rap quickly and sharply
Nuclear smash handsome bring backs
My music brings a powerful energy and nostalgic memories
When I speak you go holla
When I speak, people cheer and show excitement
When I bust you go fear
When I rap fiercely, people feel intimidated
Fakers go rush to cheer
Fake people might pretend to support me to look cool
My voice feel the air
My music can be heard everywhere
Helter skelter forget looking for shelter
There's no refuge from my talent and energy
Whatever l speak for you will definitely perch ya
Whatever I say, it will stick with you
Individual eyes
As an independent artist
My name is not the sky
I am not famous yet, but I will be
Even Igbo guy go holla maka why
Even someone from my indigenous tribe would ask why I am not famous yet (also in Nigerian Pidgin English)
War slays with venom
The industry is fierce and unforgiving
When I spit em up in your cerebellum
When I rap fiercely, it impacts your brain directly
When my album drops
When my new album comes out
Hurry up to get em
Quickly purchase my new album
Cus like the tickets to a good show
Like tickets to a good concert, they will sell out fast
They be sold out
They will be sold out quickly
All time ama give you my all l never hold down
I will always give my best, and never hold back
Yeah yeah yeah that is how l do my thing
That's how I do my work
Ruggedman representing
I am representing myself as an independent artist
Up in here l got my men Tobi Fito
With me here are my friends Tobi and Fito
I got Master Lee fuck Master Lee you gat to hustle
I also have Master Lee, and he works hard (also in Nigerian Pidgin English)
Xavier in here my boy stone
My friend Xavier is here with me
And my friend nigga Emmanuel
Also my friend Emmanuel is here
Up in and out we been dong it
We have been working hard here
Hustling in Dublin you know what I'm saying
We are working hard in Dublin (also in Nigerian Pidgin English)
Everybody be up in here like that
Everyone is here working similarly
Rugged man representing Naija
I am representing Nigeria and its rap culture
That’s how we do HipHop
That's how we rap in Nigeria
I got it locked down
I am dominating the industry
Hope you got your ish locked down
I hope you are also doing well in the industry (using slang)
Remember the name Ruggedman
Remember me as Ruggedman
For real
Seriously
Forever
Always
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind