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.
Peace or War
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People dey halla, people dey shout
Them dey kolo both for streets and inside the house
Including-Universitys, Polytechnics respect me
Because I don yarn wetin them don keep inside them chest since
I speak for shoe makers
I also speak for mechanics
I speak for those wey hear some kind of rap and don't understand it
And for those wey no fit talk unless oga door dey closed
I speak to those wey dey ask me where I don dey since
While I pity ones wey enter rap without knowing the basics
Makes it da real or fake shit
Because makeshift-
No dey last-na Matrix
Like actors wey dey waka pass
I go preach teach through my music give you lesson to learn
No matter wetin them try to do -my fire still go burn
I don -speak ma mind and I go still speak more
You either love me or hate me in peace and war
Some actually ask why I spat the way I did with so much venom
Say if I no get beef why I no just call them to tell them
How you go talk to person wey feel say him dey too much?
When ofcourse we know say the cause na plenty promo from big bros
Ofcourse I laid low-
Watched the fake glow grow-
Prematurely
Knew it had to end for surely
It was insults I took with a pinch of salt and a bottle of malt
Until the voice in ma head tell me say. put a halt-
To -
Da fake hype, fake promo, fake rap
Them don too believe thats why e be like say I set trap
Wey them fall inside as I glide
Rush to wash all of them like bar beach high tide
Those flows came from inside my brain-
Wey them don dey try to stain since
Like puttin white cloth inside a bowl of paint or blue ink
I don -speak ma mind and I go still speak more
You either love me or hate me in peace and war
My time na wetin I take to investigate
And spit words wey everybody go fit relate with
Children go fit to play with, hit da stage with
Trip and split your brain with
Because its filled with facts wey go make you flash back to past tracks
To criticise here- take my own too-put am inside
Feel the words and feel the vibes
Cos I say no be beef one guy say I be coward
How many Nigerians don come out talk straight where there's no reward
I go face any panel or board
Infact I I ready face the world to seriously defend my words
Dey pick out points from deep inside-I was tripped
Now I don turn one man fan to ma own critic
Which also makes you ma fan weither or not you admit it
I don -speak ma mind and I go still speak more
You either love me or hate me in peace and war
Ruggedman's "Peace or War" speaks to the power of words and the ability to use them to effect change. In the opening verse, he explains that he is someone who speaks his mind and that this has earned him both adoration and animosity. He acknowledges that not everyone understands the messages he conveys through his music and he seeks to bridge that gap by speaking for those who may feel marginalized or unheard. He speaks for the shoe makers, mechanics, and other working-class people whose voices often go unheard. Despite facing criticism, Ruggedman is determined to continue speaking his truth because he believes his fire will never be extinguished.
The second verse is more reflective in tone. Ruggedman contemplates why some people seem to dislike him, suggesting that it may be because he doesn't sugarcoat his words. He speaks candidly about the fake hype, fake promo, and fake rap that pervade the industry. He suggests that some people may be threatened by his honesty because it calls attention to their own shortcomings. Despite facing criticism, Ruggedman remains steadfast in his beliefs and in his commitment to speaking his mind.
Overall, "Peace or War" is a song about the power of words and the importance of using them to effect positive change. Ruggedman believes that his music can serve as a catalyst for this change by speaking to the experiences of those who may feel marginalized or unheard.
Line by Line Meaning
Just because I open my mouth
I attract attention simply by speaking out
People dey halla, people dey shout
People react strongly, both positively and negatively
Them dey kolo both for streets and inside the house
People go crazy over my music, whether they're out in public or at home
Including-Universitys, Polytechnics respect me
Even educational institutions have recognized my influence
Because I don yarn wetin them don keep inside them chest since
I speak out about topics that people have been keeping to themselves for a long time
I speak for shoe makers
I represent people in all walks of life, including those in the shoe-making industry
I also speak for mechanics
I advocate for people in different professions, such as mechanics
I speak for those wey hear some kind of rap and don't understand it
I speak for people who are not familiar with rap and its different styles
I speak for those wey don vex so tey them tear them clothes
I speak for people who are so angry that they end up tearing their clothes
And for those wey no fit talk unless oga door dey closed
I speak for people who are afraid to express themselves unless they have privacy
I speak to those wey dey ask me where I don dey since
I respond to people who are curious about my whereabouts
While I pity ones wey enter rap without knowing the basics
I feel sorry for people who try to be rappers without understanding the fundamentals
Makes it da real or fake shit
Distinguishing what is genuine from what is counterfeit or false
Because makeshift-
Because temporary solutions are not sustainable
No dey last-na Matrix
Temporary solutions are like illusions that eventually fade away, like the Matrix
Like actors wey dey waka pass
Like actors who play a role and move on, leaving little impact
I go preach teach through my music give you lesson to learn
I use my music to educate and enlighten people
No matter wetin them try to do -my fire still go burn
Despite any opposition, my passion for music will continue to blaze
It was insults I took with a pinch of salt and a bottle of malt
I endured insults with a blend of acceptance and drinking
Until the voice in ma head tell me say. put a halt-
Until my inner voice told me to stop accepting fake promotion
To -
To put an end to
Da fake hype, fake promo, fake rap
False promotion, false hype, and false music
Them don too believe thats why e be like say I set trap
They have been deceived into believing that I had ulterior motives
Wey them fall inside as I glide
They fell into my trap as I navigated around them smoothly
Rush to wash all of them like bar beach high tide
I swept away all the false pretenses like a tidal wave at Bar Beach
Those flows came from inside my brain-
My lyrics were born from my own creativity and talent
Wey them don dey try to stain since
Which some people have been trying to criticize and discredit
Like puttin white cloth inside a bowl of paint or blue ink
Like trying to maintain the purity of white cloth in a bowl of paint or blue ink
My time na wetin I take to investigate
I spend my time researching and exploring different topics
And spit words wey everybody go fit relate with
And I share my thoughts and opinions in a way that everyone can understand
Children go fit to play with, hit da stage with
Even children can enjoy and perform my music
Trip and split your brain with
My music can be thought-provoking and profound
Because its filled with facts wey go make you flash back to past tracks
Because my music is filled with truth that will help you remember past events and appreciate my previous songs
To criticise here- take my own too-put am inside
To criticize me, listen to my own music and reflect on how I could improve
Feel the words and feel the vibes
Experience the emotions and messages conveyed in my music
Infact I I ready face the world to seriously defend my words
In fact, I am willing to face the world and defend my beliefs and opinions
Dey pick out points from deep inside-I was tripped
People try to find areas to criticize, and that can be discouraging
Now I don turn one man fan to ma own critic
Now, even my own fan base also critiques my music
Which also makes you ma fan weither or not you admit it
But even if you don't admit it, you may be a fan of my music
I don -speak ma mind and I go still speak more
I will always voice my opinions and speak my mind
You either love me or hate me in peace and war
People will either love or hate me, whether there is peace or conflict
Contributed by Henry Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.