Nigerian rapper Not to be confused with R.A. the Rugged Man.
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| Ruggedman | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Ugochukwu Stephens |
| Also known as | Ruggedy Baba, Opomulero, Mr Controversial |
| Born | September 20, |
| Origin | Ohafia, Nigeria |
| Genres | African hip hop, rap |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, record producer |
| Years active | 1999– |
| Labels | Rugged Records |
| Website | {{{1}}} |
Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known professionally as Ruggedman, is a Nigerian rapper from Ohafia, Abia State, southeastern region of Nigeria.
Career
A graduate of political science from Lagos State University (LASU), Ọ̀jọ́, Ruggedman started exploring music in 1999. He produced his own songs and released two tracks in 1999, both which were well-played on radio. Ruggedman launched himself into the music industry in 1999, eventually becoming the most featured rapper in Nigeria. His albums are all released on his personal label, Rugged Records.
Ruggedman's record label, Rugged Records, signed its first act, singer MBRYO, in September 2012. MBRYO was featured on Ruggedman's "Ruggedy Baba pt 2″, produced by Blaize Beatz. Money Making Music, Ruggedman's 2012 album, is a collaboration with MBRYO as part of a promotion for the new artist, with guest appearances by Terry G and Funbi.
Ruggedman hosted the prestigious NB Plc sponsored Star Quest Reality TV Talent Show in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Controversies
In 2002, Ruggedman released the controversial song "Ehen" featuring Nomoreloss. The song which was directed to diss the then established acts in the Nigeria music industry had him mentioning names of Eedris Abdulkareem, Black Reverendz, Maintain and Rasqui for their apparent lack of lyrical contents or originality in their songs.
Ruggedman recounts how he recorded 'Ehen' with late singer|url=https://www.pulse.ng/nomoreloss-ruggedman-recounts-how-he-recorded-ehen-with-late-singer/4k03she%7Caccess-date=6 October 2020|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}</ref>
Discography
- Albums
- Thy Album Come (2004)
- Ruggedy Baba (2007)
- Untouchable (2010)
- Money Making Music (2012)
- Situation (2021)
- The Michael Stephens Experiment (2024)
Singles
 | This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (January 2016) |
| Year | Title | Album | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Seyi Shay Featuring Olamide | — |
References
- ^ "Ruggedman Signs M.Bryo Into His Rugged Record Label". Ibaka TV. 18 September 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
- "TheNET.ng – Nigeria's Top Website for News, Gossip, Comedy, Videos, Blogs, Events, Weddings, Nollywood, Celebs, Scoop and Games". Nigerian Entertainment Today – Nigeria's Top Website for News, Gossip, Comedy, Videos, Blogs, Events, Weddings, Nollywood, Celebs, Scoop and Games.
- "Ruggedy Baba by Rugged Man".
- "Untouchable by Rugged Man".
- "iTunes - Music - Money Making Music by Ruggedman & Mbryo". itunes.apple.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014.
- "New Music Ruggedman – 'Seyi Shay' ft Olamide". Pulse.ng. Joey Akan. 5 February 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
Situation: Situation (2021) https://open.spotify.com/album/2ZRGkHbgQUOd42rwlakW38?si=MGp1HCSSQ-yjU4MHn8LnJw The Michael Stephens Experiment: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZEQv0VBbKukVsjZnnZn8k?si=70X3RCGPSQG9t0-OTSkeFA
External links
Profile, thisdaylive.com
- Profile, punchng.com