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.
because of you
Ruggedman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I won't be feeling this way
I do
This is true
My brother there’s no nsobu
That’s why I sing this song for you
Rugged man with 2face MI
See I see life like a mirror
I wipe it so I can see clearer
Im the number one beef cloth wearer
I push it away but it keeps coming nearer
Wherever I go haters come at me with evil
Like im the exorcist
Taller can be evil canivil
You’re letting your envy eat you
I see you like you’re wearing a see through
Its obvious that its easy for me to straight defeat you
But I won't cause I don’t go into useless banter
Im out to leave an stonical mark
Like the black panther
I can end it like the wrath of a jew the right scriptures
Choose to leave a learning chapter
For rappers who will come after
Rugged stepped on the stage
And he rocked like zuma
I exploded way back
You’re still tryna blow like uma
So huma get the audacity to jump on this track with me
And hit the city
If its not because of you
I won't be feeling this way
I do
This is true
My brother there’s no nsobu
That’s why I sing this song for you
Yeah, Rugged man with 2face mr MI
This is true eh eh
Riddle me this
Little me is
Riddle this
The epithany of hiphop
And now its my lyrics they love
So will it be silly to filly the fans
Cause really
No M I ah without them lifting me higher
True love is there whether the weather form up above
But cheddar is better
So it don’t matter
We get our love
My fans love me like the gunners love their team
Through bad yes we hold the drink
If it wasn’t for the fans
My mans my J Town boys
I couldn’t hang with rugged man
No be yan no be Nosie (No be noise)
See im nothing if not for
You now im thinking bout cracking the top for
I remember seeing 2face in my mind oh
Now im rapping on the verse 2face is on the hook
People saying M.I yo he must be a pro
How he stole the spot light
He got the gelish oh
If its not because of you
I won't be feeling this way
I do
This is true
My brother there’s no nsobu
That’s why I sing this song for you
This is true
Yes its Mr incredible
And Mr controversial
Quick to hit the stage
And blow it up with no rehearsal
Am I not the one feeding you tracks like marsals
Handing off bandits
Cus we heard to lyrically hurt you
When also patience they say is a virtue
This track is packed for our fans and more so
All the people writing and texting
Tweeting and facebooking
We’re tested and trusted
That’s why we live the stage shaking
Want rugged like a man no war
Rappers wanna battle but they want no war
With a revolution every evolution
Every Charles Darwin is
AK47 spitter
I get around with this lyrical
Proactivist mori more single radder
Who couldn’t get a thumbs up from
They see me im papa with no spinach
2face MI Rugged on one track
E don finish
If its not because of you
I won't be feeling this way
I do
This is true
My brother there’s no nsobu
That’s why I sing this song for you
This is true eh eh
The lyrics to Ruggedman's song "Because of You" convey a strong message of gratitude and appreciation towards his fans and supporters. The opening lines, "If it's not because of you, I won't be feeling this way I do. This is true" set the tone for the entire song, which can be interpreted as a heartfelt dedication to those who have stood by him through thick and thin. Ruggedman goes on to express his admiration and respect for other artists like 2face and MI, and acknowledges the role played by his fans in helping him achieve success.
The lyrics are also filled with imagery and metaphors, such as "I see life like a mirror, I wipe it so I can see clearer" and "I can end it like the wrath of a Jew the right scriptures." These lines demonstrate Ruggedman's poetic abilities, as well as his skill in crafting creative and impactful lyrics. The message throughout the song is clear; without the love and support of his fans and fellow artists, Ruggedman truly believes he wouldn't be where he is today.
Line by Line Meaning
If its not because of you
I am feeling this way because of you
I won't be feeling this way
This feeling would not exist if not for you
I do
It is true that I feel this way because of you
This is true
The previous statement is true
My brother there’s no nsobu
There is no problem or difficulty, my brother
That’s why I sing this song for you
This is why I am dedicating this song to you
Rugged man with 2face MI
This is Rugged man's song featuring 2face and MI
See I see life like a mirror
In my view, life is like a mirror
I wipe it so I can see clearer
I clean it up to have a better understanding
Im the number one beef cloth wearer
I am the foremost in diss tracks and beefs
I push it away but it keeps coming nearer
I try to avoid it but it keeps getting closer to me
Wherever I go haters come at me with evil
Everywhere I go, I face haters and their negativity
Like im the exorcist
They treat me like I'm trying to expel demons
Taller can be evil canivil
The more powerful one can be more wicked
You’re letting your envy eat you
Your jealousy is consuming you
I see you like you’re wearing a see through
I can see straight through you
Its obvious that its easy for me to straight defeat you
It is evident that I can easily defeat you
But I won't cause I don’t go into useless banter
I won't engage in pointless arguments
Im out to leave an stonical mark
I aspire to make a lasting impact
Like the black panther
Like the black panther superhero who makes an impact
I can end it like the wrath of a jew the right scriptures
I can put an end to your negativity with the appropriate words
Choose to leave a learning chapter
I prefer to create a teaching moment
For rappers who will come after
For future generations of rappers
Rugged stepped on the stage
Rugged man performed on stage
And he rocked like zuma
He gave an energetic performance like Jacob Zuma
I exploded way back
I have been around for a long time
You’re still tryna blow like uma
You are striving to make an impact like Uma Thurman
So huma get the audacity to jump on this track with me
So you should be bold enough to collaborate with me on this track
And hit the city
And make a major impact in the music industry
Yes its Mr incredible
Yes, it is Mr Incredible (referring to MI)
And Mr controversial
And Mr. Controversial (referring to Rugged Man)
Quick to hit the stage
We perform with urgency
And blow it up with no rehearsal
Without practicing, we give an amazing performance
Am I not the one feeding you tracks like marsals
Aren't I the one giving you hit songs?
Handing off bandits
Giving out amazing songs
Cus we heard to lyrically hurt you
Because we are here to hurt you with our lyrics
When also patience they say is a virtue
But patience is also an important trait
This track is packed for our fans and more so
This song is made for our loyal fans and beyond
All the people writing and texting
All the people sending messages through various channels
Tweeting and facebooking
Tweeting and using Facebook
We’re tested and trusted
We have been tried and proven trustworthy
That’s why we live the stage shaking
That's why we give electrifying performances
Want rugged like a man no war
You want to be tough like Rugged Man
Rappers wanna battle but they want no war
Rappers want to diss each other but don't want to take it to the next level
With a revolution every evolution
With each change, there is a revolution
Every Charles Darwin is
Every innovator is a Charles Darwin
AK47 spitter
A rapper who is skilled with words
I get around with this lyrical
I am known for my impressive lyrics
Proactivist mori more single radder
A proactive and motivating rapper
Who couldn’t get a thumbs up from
Who couldn't get recognition from
They see me im papa with no spinach
They see me as a boss without having to try hard
E don finish
It is finished (concluding the song)
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IbrahimGaruba-lu1cs
Ruggedman was good and 2face is a phenom
@oviekingsley3065
Hard!!!
@obinnaokpani1372
I’m here 2023❤❤
@richardchukwuma8940
Who's here in 2023 👍
@situmbekomusipili4583
Am here
@ifeanyijude653
Me too
@tideakin
I'm here in 2024