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.
Emi Ni
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Got my name in their mouths like a tongue
Cus I stand for a cold
Like im one million strong
We Dracula ma bleed eh
Akomo need eh
Awon shaka beat on drop
Album a feelie
Mio toje kope
Industry doom
Emini condition
Toma jeki orie gun
Cus whatever I say can never be null and void
Rugged man is so sick
Im nick names typhoid
Emini
Molenu bi bon
Molenu bi wufa
If I want I can mark you like veduka
My words one time
Fits all like a filler
Call me Thailand cus im the man iller
Emini
Im a ruler
You’s just a pencil
Im a spade im a rake
You na utensil
Moti gboroni gboro
Molenu me agbero
Towani bustop men ton gbono (Ole jor)
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Good morning
Emi noni
Dagrin iledeku wey dey mishomo mummy
Emini mowanbe
Sho eh cro mibe
Dagrin pelu rugged we are fully loaded yeah
Emini monster emini buster
Emini moni girlfriend eh
Iwoni toaster yeah
Emini drogba emini Chelsea
Emi lemo ton so ifinish pepsi
Keni barrack dagrin
Mi oga beku mean
You know what I mean
Gema felo mishe mean yeah
Emini dollar, euro, pounds, naira
Emini titi, you go know when you hear my CD
Emini driver, emini conductor
Wilomo toso kpekogbadun
Bere lowo doctor
Emini Biggi
Emini Tupack
Emini Fella
Bereni gbogbo tasi kpema
Emi noni, emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Yeah, awalaba everywhere
See wetin we dey wear
Jibutrali on the bed but dey no dey hear
Malokpemi nigga
Malokpemi dog
Kolekpemi lomini
Ma manager eh gimini
A male executive oma temini CEO
Toma drive log mi duro fu awon VIO
Emilomo toso nigboro ko sick gon
Ara mi oyi agbon momo fit gon (Emini)
Omo igbo toso Yoruba bin ko mi
When we up in the club drinks on me
Rugged records CEO yall know me
Your chick starts to act funny nigga
Shes on me
Plumber, shoemakers, mechanics
And Hispanics
Im the total package only haters can't stand it
Always on the top that’s where you find me
Dictionary ain't got enough words to describe me
Emi noni, emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni, emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi ni
Emi noni emi noni
Emi
Ruggedman's song Emi Ni loosely translates to "It's me, it's me" and repeats the line throughout the song. The song is intended to be a boastful anthem in which Ruggedman asserts his dominance in the Nigerian rap scene. In the first verse, he describes how his name is on everyone's lips, and how he is responsible for the "cold," or harsh, style of rap that he and others like him practice. He claims to be one million strong and compares himself to Dracula, saying that he makes his enemies bleed. He also mentions that his album is out, but he is not fazed by his competition.
The chorus repeats the line "Emi ni," which can be translated to "It's me." The second verse is another boastful set of bars, in which Ruggedman describes himself as a ruler while his competition is just a pencil. He describes his enemies as "utensils," while he is a spade or a rake, emphasizing his role in the industry. He asserts that whatever he says can never be null and void and that he is so sick that he is nicknamed Typhoid. He also mentions that he can mark someone, fitting the meaning of the title, "It's me."
The third verse features a guest verse from Dagrin, another Nigerian rapper. He and Ruggedman discuss their status as "Emini," which would roughly translate to "boss" or "ruler." They compare themselves to various famous individuals and objects, including Drogba, Chelsea, Tupac, Fela, and various currencies. The song closes with another chorus of "Emi ni," emphasizing the self-centeredness of the track.
Line by Line Meaning
Emi noni emi noni
I am who I am
Emi ni
My name is what I stand for
Got my name in their mouths like a tongue
People keep mentioning my name
Cus I stand for a cold
Because I represent something strong and unwavering
Like im one million strong
As if I have the power of a million people
We Dracula ma bleed eh
Even vampires would bleed if they came against me
Akomo need eh
All those fools need me
Awon shaka beat on drop
All the haters will fall and bow down to my beats
Album a feelie
My album is what everyone needs to feel
Mio toje kope
I won't stop speaking my truth
Industry doom
The industry is doomed without me
Emini condition
My condition, my way of being, is untouchable
Toma jeki orie gun
Don't even try to come against me
Cus whatever I say can never be null and void
Everything I say has weight and value
Rugged man is so sick
I am amazing
Im nick names typhoid
People call me typhoid because I am infectious
Molenu bi bon
My mouth is powerful
Molenu bi wufa
My mouth is sharp like a razor
If I want I can mark you like veduka
I have the power to ruin you
My words one time
Everything I say has an impact
Fits all like a filler
My words apply to everyone
Call me Thailand cus im the man iller
I am so great they call me Thailand, and I am the best
Im a ruler
I am in charge
You’s just a pencil
Compared to me, you are weak and insignificant
Im a spade im a rake
I am capable of all things
You na utensil
You are simply a tool
Moti gboroni gboro
I am famous
Molenu me agbero
My mouth is like that of a powerful street thug
Towani bustop men ton gbono (Ole jor)
Everyone at the bus stop is listening to me
Good morning
Hello
Dagrin iledeku wey dey mishomo mummy
Dagrin from the street who had a rich mother
Emini mowanbe
People celebrate me
Sho eh cro mibe
What are you going to do about it?
Dagrin pelu rugged we are fully loaded yeah
Dagrin and I are a powerful team
Emini monster emini buster
I am a monster, a buster
Emini moni girlfriend eh
I have so many girls
Iwoni toaster yeah
I am a woman's dream
Emini drogba emini Chelsea
I am as strong as Drogba and Chelsea combined
Emi lemo ton so ifinish pepsi
I am so cool that even Pepsi can't keep up
Keni barrack dagrin
Everyone fears Dagrin
Mi oga beku mean
I am not afraid
You know what I mean
Do you understand?
Gema felo mishe mean yeah
I am a force to be reckoned with
Emini dollar, euro, pounds, naira
I am successful in all currencies
Emini titi, you go know when you hear my CD
My music speaks for itself
Emini driver, emini conductor
I am in control
Wilomo toso kpekogbadun
Everyone listens to and loves me
Bere lowo doctor
Even the doctors respect me
Emini Biggi
I am big
Emini Tupack
I am like Tupac
Emini Fella
I am like Fela
Bereni gbogbo tasi kpema
Everyone knows who I am
Yeah, awalaba everywhere
Everywhere I go, people recognize me
See wetin we dey wear
Look at how fresh we look
Jibutrali on the bed but dey no dey hear
I am so fresh, I don't even need to speak
Malokpemi nigga
I am on a different level
Malokpemi dog
I am higher than a dog
Kolekpemi lomini
I am untouchable
Ma manager eh gimini
My manager is taking good care of me
A male executive oma temini CEO
I am the CEO
Toma drive log mi duro fu awon VIO
I can even outrun the traffic police
Emilomo toso nigboro ko sick gon
Everyone knows and loves me
Ara mi oyi agbon momo fit gon (Emini)
I am unique and powerful
Omo igbo toso Yoruba bin ko mi
I am accepted everywhere
When we up in the club drinks on me
I am always buying the drinks in the club
Rugged records CEO yall know me
I am the CEO of Rugged Records
Your chick starts to act funny nigga
Your girl is starting to like me more
Shes on me
I am attracting her
Plumber, shoemakers, mechanics
Everyone respects and loves me
And Hispanics
And even people from different cultures
Im the total package only haters can't stand it
I am amazing and only my enemies dislike me
Always on the top that’s where you find me
I am always on top of my game
Dictionary ain't got enough words to describe me
I am indescribable
Emi noni
I am who I am
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@OlaG-el9zr
Ruggedman and his smooth yoruba knowledge is mesmerising.
@Relationship_expert89
Continue to rest in peace Chief Executive of omoita. I miss you bro😓
@donathedonvlog
DaGrin killed it. Rest in peace. 17 Feb. 2023 here
@adeniyiatantubo7696
Dagrin Akogun. Still the best till this day !
@bigbrothernaijallstars
Awa la wa everywhere.... See wetin we dey wear.... Dagrin lives on. August 2023
@officialruggedman
So painful, we miss him too, R.I.P dagrin.
@officialruggedman
It's very sad, we all miss him, R.I.P Dagrin.
@exodus.ge1
bros ruggedy baba please we are expecting you're hot rap again
@ids165
officialruggedman So sad he's no more dagrin the industry miss you... ruggedman keep up your good work I followed your revolutionary music. We look forward for better nijar police and politicians
@kaymoney526
Dagrin ❤