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.
Ireke
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the beat Samklef no ni
Samklef no ni
Girl I don't know what you feeling but am feeling what you dealing
You make me touch the ceiling cos you got me so high
I love the way you love me cos your love dey drive me crazy
Your love dey drive me crazy and baby that's why
I no go mind even if you chop my pa a ay o
As long as you go come back and
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
She say she want my lreke
She all over me omo see gbege
Anything you want girl me le se
Just put it on me girl please play play
When we play play
She wants to chop it up
She’s feeling on me trying to touch it up
Me trying to go slow but she rush it up
Its too tight for me trying to force it up
Ruggedy Baba
She says come around come see mama
When I have kids you can be baba
We can just practice boy leave matter
Oya now she wants to go down
She wants to do me low key
She wants to do me low key
She wants to do me
She likes my Ireke o
I no go mind even if you chop my pa a ay o
As long as you go come back and
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
You wanna wish on a star you can wish on me
Need a hook up you can fish on me
Your mouth needs work you can kiss on me
And if you’re hungry you can feast on me
Put the beast on me that's alright
Put a song on we can dance all night
Got too many girls trying to cop one wife
And I can't do em all only got one mic
I use it well don't retire
Pour fuel on add more fire
You shock me like I hold wire
I just buy stuff me I don't hire
She wants to go now
But she’s right back trying to go down
Birthday suite dinner no gown
She no go let me go cos of (My Ireke o)
I no go mind even if you chop my pa a ay o
As long as you go come back and
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
My Ireke o
My (Lets go lets go lets go)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
In the song "Ireke" by Ruggedman, the lyrics convey the artist's feelings towards a girl and their intimate relationship. He expresses that he is unsure of what the girl is feeling, but he is deeply connected to her and is on a high because of their love. He appreciates the way she loves him and it drives him crazy in the best way possible. He reiterates that as long as she comes back to him, he is willing to endure any challenges or sacrifices in their relationship.
The second paragraph delves into the girl's desires and actions. She expresses her desire for Ruggedman's "ireke," which can be interpreted as his unique style or charm. She cannot resist being around him and wanting to be intimate with him. Despite his attempts to take things slow, she is eager and rushes things. Ruggedman acknowledges her intentions but states that it may be too intense for him to handle. However, he is still intrigued by her and enjoys the attention she gives him.
The following paragraph introduces a playful tone as Ruggedman describes various desires the girl may have. He offers himself as a wish come true, a person to confide in, and a source of affection and pleasure. He implies that he is popular among women but can only commit to one. He also emphasizes his individuality and ability to provide entertainment through music, highlighting his skills as an artist.
The final paragraph continues the girl's advances towards Ruggedman. She wants to be intimate with him even though she initially expressed her desire to leave. Ruggedman points out that she keeps returning for more, implying that their connection is strong. He reaffirms his willingness to endure anything for her love, even if it means sacrificing his own comfort. The repetition of "Gbaskelebe" and "Gbagolo" could be interpreted as onomatopoeic references to sexual activity or rhythmic elements within the song, emphasizing the intimate nature of their relationship.
Overall, "Ireke" portrays a passionate but complex relationship between Ruggedman and the girl. It explores his attraction to her and her assertiveness in pursuing him, emphasizing the intensity of their connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Ey Ruggedy Baba
Hey, Ruggedy Baba
On the beat Samklef no ni
Samklef is on the beat
Girl I don't know what you feeling but am feeling what you dealing
I don't understand your emotions, but I can relate to what you're going through
You make me touch the ceiling cos you got me so high
You make me feel ecstatic and euphoric
I love the way you love me cos your love dey drive me crazy
I adore the intense love you give me because it overwhelms me
Your love dey drive me crazy and baby that's why
Your love makes me go insane, and that's why
You make me say eh eh eeh oh
You make me express my excitement
I no go mind even if you chop my pa a ay o
I don't care even if you deceive me
As long as you go come back and
As long as you come back to me and
My Ireke o
My treasure (referring to the person)
She say she want my Ireke
She says she wants to possess me (referring to his love)
She all over me omo see gbege
She's all over me causing a commotion
Anything you want girl me le se
I can give you anything you desire
Just put it on me girl please play play
Just give it to me, girl, and let's have fun
When we play play
When we have fun together
She wants to chop it up
She wants to have sexual intimacy
She’s feeling on me trying to touch it up
She's caressing me, trying to stimulate it
Me trying to go slow but she rush it up
I'm trying to take it slow, but she wants to hurry things up
Its too tight for me trying to force it up
It's too uncomfortable for me to forcefully proceed
She says come around come see mama
She invites me to meet her mother
When I have kids you can be baba
When I have children, you can be their father
We can just practice boy leave matter
We can practice making a baby without worrying about consequences
Oya now she wants to go down
Now she wants to perform oral sex
She wants to do me low key
She wants to engage in sexual activity discreetly
She likes my Ireke o
She enjoys my love and affection
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
A chant or expression of excitement
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Another chant or expression of excitement
You wanna wish on a star you can wish on me
If you want to make a wish, you can rely on me
Need a hook up you can fish on me
If you need a connection, you can rely on me
Your mouth needs work you can kiss on me
If your lips need practice, you can kiss me
And if you’re hungry you can feast on me
If you're craving satisfaction, you can indulge in me
Put the beast on me that's alright
Let out your wild side with me, it's okay
Put a song on we can dance all night
Play some music, and we can dance throughout the night
Got too many girls trying to cop one wife
I have many women interested in being my wife
And I can't do em all only got one mic
But I can't be with all of them, I only have one microphone (symbolizing limited capacity)
I use it well don't retire
I utilize my talents effectively, I don't retire
Pour fuel on add more fire
I intensify the situation by adding more energy
You shock me like I hold wire
You surprise me like I'm holding an electric wire
I just buy stuff me I don't hire
I prefer to purchase things myself rather than hiring someone
But she’s right back trying to go down
But she immediately wants to engage in oral sex again
Birthday suite dinner no gown
We'll have a special dinner without formal attire
She no go let me go cos of (My Ireke o)
Because of my love, she won't let me go
My (Lets go lets go lets go)
My excitement or encouragement to take action
Gbaskelebe (Arinkoko)
A chant or expression of excitement
Gbagolo (Arinkoko)
Another chant or expression of excitement
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind