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.
Watch Me
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While some stay static
I get emphatic
Always put an approach that’s pragmatic
To sum it up like mathematics
I got the industry locked down
If you ain't me you better shut down
Or get detention
I'll lend you another cash so you can pay attention
And watch me when I walk
Listen to me when I talk
Its not by force
But its obvious that I'm on course
On the right path
To more fame and more cash
I got tired of watching rich cats
While they drive past
But their cars are small flashy
Than a mirror reflecting
The suns rays
Hoping that will bе he one day
They ant wait to hеsitate
Take the bull by the horn
As dare rose from no rap to heavy weight
Throw punches that knock some off their hunches
Laid back as the world
Eat up my tracks like munchies
Watch me
With every move that I make
Every step that I take
Dey go just dey
Watch me
Everywhere that I go
Every chick I talk to
People just dey
Watch me
It ain't my fault that I'm too much
That’s why they
Watch me
You need tips
Watch me watch me
I always check the situation I'm in
Before I make a move
Before we turn sin
I make all my haters grin
I know I got a few out there
Well maybe a lot more
Some are out for peace
While some want more
I'm ever deli ready
To get it popping
And whatever fashion he bring it
Rugged is ready to swing it
Spot my own gear
While I swipe beer
More with henny
I make more moves than any
More dangerous than a snake that’s pissed off
Watch me elevate faster than a jet
Fly that lifts off
Been in the game long enough
So if you ain't bringing
Good music or business
Burger off
I'll like dan green
Got soul like al green
I mean when I have to be
On and off screen
Whatever happens to the next man
Should help show me your plans
That’s what I did
And here I still am
Watch me
With every move that I make
Every step that I take
Dey go just dey
Watch me
Everywhere that I go
Every chick I talk to
People just dey
Watch me
It ain't my fault that I'm too much
That’s why they
Watch me
You need tips
Watch me watch me
Is it cus I float like butterfly
Sting like bad news
Give fakers long faces
Like when Super Eagles lose
Turn on your radio many to chose
With nothing to prove
I'll soon give you a bomb
You can't defuse
When I step on stage
My mouth dey blaze
I no dey look face
Cus right now I feel nothing but rage
Don’t try to stop me
You do na stumble
I treat you like you owe me
No padi for jungle
My liver’s got more muscles
Than Arnold Swingier
With some circles
I elicited more hate
Than a swa sticker I blow quicker with my true niggas
And grow bigger cus my flock thickens
Like I plot like Charles dickens
I'm straight winning not day dreaming
A flash of cars
And screaming women
I did that when I was beginning
Now I'm a big boy with expensive toys
I'm still into music cus it brings me joy
Watch me
With every move that I make
Every step that I take
Dey go just dey
Watch me
Everywhere that I go
Every chick I talk to
People just dey
Watch me
It ain't my fault that I'm too much
That’s why they
Watch me
You need tips
Watch me watch me
Watch me
With every move that I make
Every step that I take
Dey go just dey
Watch me
Everywhere that I go
Every chick I talk to
People just dey
Watch me
It ain't my fault that I'm too much
That’s why they
Watch me
You need tips
Watch me watch me
Watch me
With every move that I make
Every step that I take
Dey go just dey
Watch me
Everywhere that I go
Every chick I talk to
People just dey
Watch me
It ain't my fault that I'm too much
That’s why they
Watch me
You need tips
Watch me watch me
In Ruggedman's song "Watch Me", he confidently boasts about his success and prowess in the music industry, proclaiming that he can handle any challenge that comes his way. He compares his rise to fame and fortune to mathematics, saying that he has everything under control and is on the right path. He also acknowledges that not everyone can make it big in the industry and offers to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.
Throughout the song, Ruggedman encourages his listeners to watch him closely, to observe every move and step he takes. He states that he always checks his circumstances before making a move and knows how to handle his haters. He acknowledges that he has been in the game long enough to know what works and what doesn't, and he will stick to what works best for him.
The artist uses a lot of metaphors and imagery to describe his journey and success. He compares himself to a butterfly that can sting like bad news and gets fakers to make long faces. He also describes his liver having more muscles than Arnold Schwarzenegger, indicating his strength and ability to handle any challenge. He encourages anyone who wants to learn from him to watch him closely, indicating that he has a lot of tips to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
I flip styles regular
I change my rap style frequently
While some stay static
Some rappers don't switch up their style
I get emphatic
I put a lot of energy into my songs
Always put an approach that’s pragmatic
I take a practical, logical approach to my music career
To sum it up like mathematics
To put it simply and logically
I got the industry locked down
I have a strong presence and influence in the music industry
If you ain't me you better shut down
If you're not as good as me, you should quit
Or get detention
Or face the consequences of being inferior
Even if you’re broke
Even if you don't have money
I'll lend you another cash so you can pay attention
I'll give you money so you can focus on my music
And watch me when I walk
Watch my every move
Listen to me when I talk
Listen to my words
Its not by force
No one is obligated to like my music
But its obvious that I'm on course
But it's clear that I'm successful
On the right path
Heading towards success
To more fame and more cash
To become even more famous and financially successful
I got tired of watching rich cats
I got tired of watching wealthy people
While they drive past
As they drove by
But their cars are small flashy
But their cars are relatively small and showy
Than a mirror reflecting
More flashy than a reflective surface
The suns rays
As bright as sunlight
Hoping that will be he one day
Hoping to be wealthy like them one day
They ant wait to hesitate
They can't wait, but they hesitate
Take the bull by the horn
Take control of your life
As dare rose from no rap to heavy weight
Like how I rose from nothing to become a successful rapper
Throw punches that knock some off their hunches
Deliver powerful and unexpected lyrics
Laid back as the world
Relaxed as the world is chaotic
Eat up my tracks like munchies
Listen to my music compulsively
Is it cus I float like butterfly
Do people like me because I'm graceful
Sting like bad news
My lyrics can be harsh and critical
Give fakers long faces
Expose and shame fake people
Like when Super Eagles lose
Like when the soccer team loses a game
Turn on your radio many to chose
There are many options when it comes to Nigerian rap
With nothing to prove
I don't need to prove myself to anyone
I'll soon give you a bomb
I'll soon release a great song
You can't defuse
You can't stop my success
When I step on stage
When I perform
My mouth dey blaze
I rap with intense energy
I no dey look face
I don't care about pleasing people
Cus right now I feel nothing but rage
Because at the moment I'm feeling angry and motivated
Don’t try to stop me
Don't try to hinder my progress
You do na stumble
You will be unsuccessful
I treat you like you owe me
I expect respect and recognition
No padi for jungle
No friends in the difficult music industry
My liver’s got more muscles
I have a lot of strength and power
Than Arnold Swingier
Even more strength than Arnold Schwarzenegger
With some circles
With certain people
I elicited more hate
I received a lot of hatred and criticism
Than a swa sticker
Even more hate than a controversial sticker
I blow quicker with my true niggas
I work faster with my close friends
And grow bigger cus my flock thickens
I become more successful as my fanbase grows
Like I plot like Charles dickens
Like how Charles Dickens crafted intricate plots
I'm straight winning not day dreaming
I'm really succeeding, not just imagining it
A flash of cars
A group of expensive cars
And screaming women
And adoring female fans
I did that when I was beginning
I experienced those things when I was first starting out
Now I'm a big boy with expensive toys
Now that I'm successful, I have expensive possessions
I'm still into music cus it brings me joy
Despite my success, I still make music because I love it
Watch me
See me in action
With every move that I make
With every action I take
Every step that I take
Every move I make in my career
Dey go just dey
People will just watch
Everywhere that I go
Wherever I am
Every chick I talk to
Every woman I interact with
It ain't my fault that I'm too much
I can't help being very talented
That’s why they
That's why people
You need tips
You can learn from me
Watch me watch me
See me, observe me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Economics with Kingsley Adonike
Ruggedman is Blessed.. He is the best!!! I love him die! Funny enough, I can recite this rap with him..
Musical Solo Star Official
Exactly the best
ConocoPhillips Energy Cooperation
@Kelvin you so right .....most Nigerisn dont listen to lyrics alll da listen tois just beats and chorus...as far as i know Rugged Baba is the best the whole Africa for real...
Olise
Underrated track
KutiTheDirector
I just remembered this song
dauda mojeed
He is more dangerous than a snake that's pissed off
olayemmy alabi
Ruggedman wasted punches in this
Emamode Eruvieru
i swear
FornTainment
menhhhhhhhhh..............i still belive this track die
Ifeanyi Jude
Watch me