By Anifowose George
Rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens popularly known as Ruggedman is one artiste who’s never shy of controversy. In 2002, he stoked the fire of controversy when he attacked percieved wack artistes in the game (actually Eedris Abdulkareem, Rasqui, Black Reverendz and Maintain) . His singular effort of voicing what we all knew opened a new chapter in Nigerian music and rap in general as artsites who fell below standard stepped up their game while some opted out of music completely. He named names regardless of whose ox was gored.
So the name Ruggedman has always been tagged with controversy but many will concede that he brought the much needed competition to a hitherto one-man dominated hip hop game. Couple of years after the controversial ‘ehen pt 1’ and ‘peace or war’ tracks – where he fired shots with venomous gusto at even powerbrokers- Ruggedman again got into the news in 2009 accepting the gauntlet thrown at him by fellow rapper Mode 9 who many rap aficionados believe has the right to stake a claim to being the best wordsmith this side of the divide.
In a recent chat with NET, Ruggedman, 34, tells us about his plans to quit music after his upcoming album, his clothing line and other issues.
‘‘I’m doing great, been chilling for a while. I took time off to travel and cover new grounds. As you know, I’m currently hosting the prestigious musical reality TV show Star Quest for the second year running.
‘‘I have been chilling. Took time off to step back and check the game to know what next and new to do. It’s always good to come in with something that will make a mark. A lot of people can rap, but not every rapper can make history. I already have a track titled She ‘n My Swagga featuring Ice Prince all over the internet and it will be on radio soon along with a dance track that’s already mixed. Its a good thing there a lot more rappers out now so at least we will take a bigger stand in the industry. The R&B singers have been having a field day.
I am in the studios as we speak and I have done songs with Da Grin and Psquare. I have a track with both 2Face and MI on it. I also got tracks with Ice Prince Zamani, YQ, Gino and Lil Jojo. I definitely still have what it takes. Word was not just going round. I announced that I will quit after my third album because I want to concentrate on the artists on my label Rugged Records and also my clothing line 20th Sept Wear.
My 20th Sept Wear clothing line is still in the pipeline because I am researching on a whole lot of stuff that have to do with it. I need it done right before I mass produce, but that does not still stop my promoting it. It will hit the streets fully at the right time. My private life remains private, so I have nothing to say about that.’’
NET learnt that Ruggedman has since released two tracks off the yet-to- be titled upcoming album and has also shot a video with Kleva J. He confirms that the video of the song ‘She ‘n My Swagger’ featuring Ice Prince will be shot in London very soon.
On the song She ‘n my Swagga – Rugged employs the services of gifted rapper Ice Prince who performs below-the-expected on the track, but makes up for the obvious flaws on the hook, giving the song an impressionable and memory sticking hook- one that’ll definitely stay glued to the lips of music lovers. The beat is catchy and the rhymes totally depict the message of the song. The second track Sanwo Ft. Vino and produced by SARZ is typical Ruggedman on a party track- ‘‘like a baseball player, I only make hits”, he proudly states on this new song reminding other rappers he’s still capable of delivering the goods. His rap verses are accompanied by nicely sequenced Konga plays mixed with the smooth vocals of the new R & B crooner Vino. Producer Zino serves music fans a potential club banger with this one. Sanwo has the imprint of a song that will keep a lot of heads bumping and the club dance floors busy in the coming weeks.
So even if it turns out the upcoming album will be his last, Ruggedman has earned a place as the rapper who revolutionalized the rap game in Nigeria. However, it remains to be seen if the award winning rapper’s farewell effort will hit the bull’s eye.
We can’t wait!
18 comments
Dont av much 2 say, ruggedman still remains relevant in 9ja hiphop history anyday anytime cos he was d one who make ways 4 d new kids on d game. A REVOLUTIONARY WRAPPER WHO SANITIZE D NIGERIA MUSIC INDUSTRY.
"WRAPPER" U SAY? Luvezek,LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@t man, dat was a mistake man. I mean RAPPER . Ok
a-ah, luvezek is right o. rugged is a wrapper now! lol
Ruggedy baba, na u be the rap indusstry baba,i hear ur lines and rhymes i scream aba! Keep it real… can't wait to hear the track with MI nad 2face includin Psquare
Ruggedy baba, always on point, knows what to do at every point in time. He is still the baba.
Luvezek correctd himself so u(mode 9 fan) should correct urself & stick 2 a real rapper & nt mode, ehen pls also tell mode 2 correct himself & spit what his fans would hear ha ha ha. The problem wit mode is dat hes childish he can do 7 tracks 4 beef tracks hw many is now remaining 4 d fans, i mean dats selfish.
Rugged is still en always be d first to recon with as far as Nigga Music industry is concern. Mode 9 should try and step up is game give is soms party tracks. Let us feel his groove , no doubt he have some flows , let him put that up into a party mix , then we can all feel him . Imagine He is a broke Ass and His Album Still Floooopp..
Respect to Michael Ugochukwu Stephens You will always be the Man …..
I will remain a loyalist of other rappers exxept Rugged man,this guy is a quak ,hes d worst rapper we have and ave never enjoyed any of his songs,this guy is enjoy fame where he has no basis,hes rapp are baseless,too loose ,no rhyme or nursery rhymes and i dont know why peep enjoy him,his songs are just funny and sounds like slangs,i compare him to Durella who is another misplaced artiste,ave recently switched back to foreing songs since peep like Rugged are celebrated,his intending retirement is a sign of cowardness since he knows with peep like Mode 9,M i,Dagrin around theres no place for this self style rugged back bitter.Thank God hes gonna be OFF ma Radio,this the best entertainment news this year
Keep it up Guy u are just too good
Ruggedman still remain the king of rapper in Naija music industry no matter what the new Kids are now
Ruggedy can never be written off!he's real and has proven it,the kidz are what u call 'em 'new'we really don't know/can't say much abt 'em.but tha old ones like ruggedy we know.
why some peep talk trash about Ruggedy? peep fail to understand this game called rap/hip hop. to all ya'll dick suckers, i wanna put it straight to ya'll, as far as rap is concern, you as a rapper must have ya own style or skill. 2pac during his time was a very good rapper, but we won't because Pac was good then we will underrate other rappers like DMX, SNOOP, JAYZ EAZY E and many more. if you should listen to this rappers, including present rappers, you will realize that they don't sound alike.
you must have you style of doing things that's what makes you whom you are. why am i saying this, am telling all ya'll Baba haters. your way and mine can't be the same. LOVE HIM OR HATER HIM he has already achieved his goals a an artist so sit ya ass up and get busy than to go about hating on Ruggedy!
why some peep talk trash about Ruggedy? peep fail to understand this game called rap/hip hop. to all ya'll dick suckers, i wanna put it straight to ya'll, as far as rap is concern, you as a rapper must have ya own style or skill. 2pac during his time was a very good rapper, but we won't because Pac was good then we will underrate other rappers like DMX, SNOOP, JAYZ EAZY E and many more. if you should listen to this rappers, including present rappers, you will realize that they don't sound alike.
you must have you style of doing things that's what makes you whom you are. why am i saying this, am telling all ya'll Baba haters. your way and mine can't be the same. LOVE HIM OR HATER HIM he has already achieved his goals as an artist so sit ya ass up and get busy than to go about hating on Ruggedy!
poeple will make different comment,say different things about u,baba just proof ur point and get off the scene.u are jar.
Mo-e na only god know who go evenuallty make am dis yr,fools stil dissing.guy forget ur album go chaka ya in alaba these yr.
ruggedy u r truly a music icon
nothing can change d fact………..ruggedy is d opomulero.