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.
Waka
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rugged records
Bringing a new something something
You know what I'm saying
I just want all the ladies in the house
Let me see yall (Bounce)
Jamix (Bounce)
Rugged man (Bounce)
All those things you got let it (Bounce)
Everybody now (Bounce)
Bounce
Yeah (Bounce)
I'll be back in my city
Show no pity
Love me or hate me I flex like fidi
A lot hate me
Some wanna fight me
It ain't my fault that your girlfriend likes me
I come through with a sign like Nike
I don’t give a fuck what you yapping about me
You talking I talk when I walk
And walk nigga go ahead now bite me
I'm flipping styles on a regular basis
I'm doing my shit
And running the game
My nigga whats crazy
Cus I'm known to speak my mind
When I want to
I shifting gear I'm swerving
I'm bonus like Dave turner
The brothers upon ya
With a style that’s gon run ya
Out of town like a sheriff
Don’t talk shit I don’t merit
You gotta forget it
My anger you don’t wanna go near it
Cus like a cheerful giver
I'm ever ready to share it
I trip for those wey dey meet me for show
They talk say me me dey flex dey pose
Like say I be super star
But wetin I suppose do
I'm a super star cause I work for it
If you want a piece of me you have to work for it
Who dem be (What)
Where dem dey (What)
Who dey come (What)
Where dem form (What)
Wetin dem talk (What)
Who dey yan (What)
Who dey halla (What)
Who dey maga (What)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka
To all my enemies
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka
To all my bad belle people dem
I've been in the game a long time
I've paid dues and played a fool
Learnt the ways and bent the rules
I walk fars in a many a shoe
No need to go into the topic
Shit this brother had to do
No need for sob stories
Now that im living with all this glory
No need to take you back to when I wrote my first track
That was a long time ago
Before many learnt the phrase yo
Oh I play dope like jigga
I'm rocking shows I'm cracking figures
While fans clap and take pictures
You came with a cup
I brought a cup my appetite is large
Sometimes I leave em real relaxed
Like a body massage
Right now their tensed like the Calvary
Before they charge
With the heat I'm bringing
You can call me
Who dem be (What)
Where dem dey (What)
Who dey come (What)
Where dem form (What)
Wetin dem talk (What)
Who dey yan (What)
Who dey halla (What)
Who dey maga (What)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka
To all my enemies
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka
To all my bad belle people dem
If you wanna hate
Go ahead and hate
Say you got beef I serve it on a plate
But you better know who you got beef with
And a good reason for beef
And don’t ever keep it a secret
I got a lot of people talking about me
Plain haters beefing up I know they can't stop me
And all the people are walking with you talking with you
But its not everything they say that you should work with
As long as we breathe people go talk
For you to discern the truth and the lie
Clear some of the wax form your ear
Shut your mouth and straight up shine your eye
They say make a move
Ask em why
A check before you spit
Cause the very evil of a person is to get behind that brother
You’s creeping with
Rugged is making a move you can't count
Road walk even walk with no bouncer
Naija representer
Even before you ask the question I got your answer
Jamix is the person you should meet
For making a beat so sick
And Rugged man is putting it down
And making it stick
Who dem be (What)
Where dem dey (What)
Who dey come (What)
Where dem form (What)
Wetin dem talk (What)
Who dey yan (What)
Who dey halla (What)
Who dey maga (What)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka
To all my enemies
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Waka waka waka
To all my bad belle people dem
The lyrics of Ruggedman's song "Waka" talk about his experience in the music industry, his confrontations with haters and his determination to keep pushing forward. He starts by introducing himself as the founder of Rugged Records and expresses his desire to see the ladies bounce to his new song. Ruggedman then goes on to reflect on his career, saying that he has been in the game for a long time, and has paid his dues. He speaks of how he has been the subject of hatred, and how people talk about him behind his back, but he lets it slide because he is focused on success. He states that he does not need to be pitied, and that he will continue to succeed, even if it means stepping on toes.
The chorus, which repeats the phrase 'Waka Waka', conveys a sense of toughness and resilience amidst the taunts of enemies and bad belle (people who hate without reason).
Overall, the lyrics of "Waka" can be interpreted as a message of perseverance in the face of adversity. Ruggedman's confidence and determination to succeed are evident in his words, and he encourages others not to let their detractors bring them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Its me ah
I am introducing myself
Rugged records
I represent Rugged records
Bringing a new something something
I am bringing something new to the table
You know what I'm saying
Do you understand what I am trying to convey?
I just want all the ladies in the house
I am requesting the presence of all the ladies in the gathering
Let me see yall (Bounce)
I want to witness your energetic movements
Jamix (Bounce)
Shoutout to Jamix
Rugged man (Bounce)
Shoutout to Rugged Man
Ladies (Bounce)
Bounce, ladies
All those things you got let it (Bounce)
Allow all your assets to move freely
Everybody now (Bounce)
Everyone, bounce now
Bounce
Repeating the instruction to bounce
Yeah (Bounce)
Expressing agreement or excitement while bouncing
I'll be back in my city
I will return to my hometown
Show no pity
I will not show mercy
Love me or hate me I flex like fidi
Regardless of the love or hate towards me, I confidently flaunt my success
A lot hate me
Many people dislike me
Some wanna fight me
Some people want to engage in physical conflict with me
It ain't my fault that your girlfriend likes me
I am not responsible for your girlfriend's attraction towards me
I come through with a sign like Nike
I enter with a presence similar to the iconic Nike brand
I don’t give a fuck what you yapping about me
I don't care about your negative comments or gossip about me
You talking I talk when I walk
If you talk about me, I will confront you in person
And walk nigga go ahead now bite me
You can try to attack me verbally, but it won't affect me
I'm flipping styles on a regular basis
I continuously change and innovate my musical style
I'm doing my shit
I am focused on my work
And running the game
I am dominating the music industry
My nigga whats crazy
What's even more impressive is
Cus I'm known to speak my mind
Because I am known for expressing my opinions freely
When I want to
At times of my choosing
I shifting gear I'm swerving
I am changing my approach and style abruptly
I'm bonus like Dave turner
I am an added advantage, similar to Dave Turner
The brothers upon ya
The people are watching and observing you
With a style that’s gon run ya
My unique style will surpass and dominate you
Out of town like a sheriff
I will force you out of town like a law enforcement officer
Don’t talk shit I don’t merit
Don't speak negatively about me, I don't deserve it
You gotta forget it
You should let go of your animosity
My anger you don’t wanna go near it
You don't want to be around me when I am angry
Cus like a cheerful giver
Because, just like a generous person
I'm ever ready to share it
I am always prepared to spread positive energy
I trip for those wey dey meet me for show
I am disappointed by those who only approach me for superficial reasons
They talk say me me dey flex dey pose
They say I am showing off and pretending
Like say I be super star
As if I am a superstar
But wetin I suppose do
But what am I supposed to do?
I'm a super star cause I work for it
I am a superstar because I have put in the hard work
If you want a piece of me you have to work for it
If you want to be involved with me, you need to put in the effort
Who dem be (What)
Referring to certain unidentified individuals
Where dem dey (What)
Asking about their whereabouts
Who dey come (What)
Questioning who is approaching
Where dem form (What)
Asking about their origin or background
Wetin dem talk (What)
Inquiring about their conversation or statements
Who dey yan (What)
Asking who is talking excessively
Who dey halla (What)
Questioning who is shouting or making noise
Who dey maga (What)
Curious about who is being deceived or fooled
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Repeating the instruction to bounce or move energetically
To all my enemies
Referring to all the individuals who oppose or dislike me
Waka waka waka
Repeating the instruction to move energetically
To all my bad belle people dem
Specifically addressing those with malicious intentions or envy
I've been in the game a long time
I have been involved in the music industry for a significant period
I've paid dues and played a fool
I have faced challenges and made mistakes
Learnt the ways and bent the rules
I have gained knowledge and adapted to the industry's norms
I walk fars in a many a shoe
I have experienced different situations and perspectives
No need to go into the topic
There is no need to elaborate on the subject
Shit this brother had to do
I had to handle various challenges and tasks
No need for sob stories
There is no need to share emotional tales of struggle
Now that im living with all this glory
Now that I am successful and surrounded by fame
No need to take you back to when I wrote my first track
I don't have to remind you of my humble beginnings
That was a long time ago
That happened in the distant past
Before many learnt the phrase yo
Before many became familiar with the slang term 'yo'
Oh I play dope like jigga
I perform exceptionally well like Jay-Z
I'm rocking shows I'm cracking figures
I am delivering impressive performances and earning significant income
While fans clap and take pictures
Audience members applaud and capture moments with their cameras
You came with a cup
You arrived with a drink
I brought a cup my appetite is large
I came prepared with a substantial amount of alcohol
Sometimes I leave em real relaxed
At times, I make people feel calm and at ease
Like a body massage
Similar to the relaxing sensation of receiving a massage
Right now their tensed like the Calvary
Currently, they are anxious like a military unit
Before they charge
Before they make a sudden attack
With the heat I'm bringing
With the intense energy and entertainment I am providing
You can call me
You can refer to me in that manner
If you wanna hate
If you have a desire to dislike or criticize
Go ahead and hate
Feel free to express your negativity
Say you got beef I serve it on a plate
If you claim to have a problem with me, I will confront it directly
But you better know who you got beef with
However, you should be aware of the consequences of opposing me
And a good reason for beef
You should have a valid motive for the conflict
And don’t ever keep it a secret
And never hide your feelings or intentions
I got a lot of people talking about me
Many individuals are discussing me
Plain haters beefing up I know they can't stop me
Simple-minded individuals who dislike me are attempting to provoke me, but I am unstoppable
And all the people are walking with you talking with you
And all the people who seem supportive and friendly towards you
But its not everything they say that you should work with
But not everything they say should be taken seriously or followed
As long as we breathe people go talk
As long as we are alive, people will continue to gossip
For you to discern the truth and the lie
It is your responsibility to distinguish between what is true and what is false
Clear some of the wax form your ear
Remove the ignorance or bias from your perception
Shut your mouth and straight up shine your eye
Keep quiet and observe carefully
They say make a move
They suggest taking action
Ask em why
Question their motives or reasoning
A check before you spit
Evaluate the situation before you speak
Cause the very evil of a person is to get behind that brother
Because it is wrong for someone to secretly plot against another
You’s creeping with
You are conspiring with
Rugged is making a move you can't count
I am making progress that cannot be easily quantified
Road walk even walk with no bouncer
I am confident and successful even without an entourage
Naija representer
I proudly represent Nigeria
Even before you ask the question I got your answer
Even before you raise a query, I already have the response
Jamix is the person you should meet
If you want to collaborate, you should connect with Jamix
For making a beat so sick
Because he produces exceptional music
And Rugged man is putting it down
And Rugged Man is delivering it with great skill
And making it stick
And ensuring that it resonates with the audience
Who dem be (What)
Referring to certain unidentified individuals
Where dem dey (What)
Asking about their whereabouts
Who dey come (What)
Questioning who is approaching
Where dem form (What)
Asking about their origin or background
Wetin dem talk (What)
Inquiring about their conversation or statements
Who dey yan (What)
Asking who is talking excessively
Who dey halla (What)
Questioning who is shouting or making noise
Who dey maga (What)
Curious about who is being deceived or fooled
Waka waka waka (Bounce)
Repeating the instruction to bounce or move energetically
To all my enemies
Referring to all the individuals who oppose or dislike me
Waka waka waka
Repeating the instruction to move energetically
To all my bad belle people dem
Specifically addressing those with malicious intentions or envy
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@silas-olu4057
Highly underrated artist, this's straight up hip hop....baddest
@MusicalSoloStar
U made me fall in love with hip hop ruggedy
@mike-eldaniel3322
Who is here 2023
@ifeanyijude653
Me
@MusicalSoloStar
Who is here 2020?
@ifeanyijude653
Here 2023
@noahonyoh6095
Sweet music
@forntainment7342
O my God............... Ruggedman PLs come backkkkkkkk.this is hippop