Ruggedman, (real name Michael Ugochukwu Stephens) was born on the 20th of September in Ebem Ohafia, Abia State in Nigeria. He is a graduate of Political Science at the Lagos State University. He started loving rap music from around 1989 and put his first cd out in 1999…

The cd contained two tracks:

What If? 

Produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo. 

Gwo-gwo

Both of these 2 tracks enjoyed massive airplay. Then in 2002 he decided to do a track criticizing a couple of Nigerian rappers in the track “Ehen Part 1“
. 
His two new songs “BIG BROS” (in which he took on a so called music mogul in Nigeria for trying to stop his song getting played on radio stations because he was talking about him) and “WHAT YOU GOT” (which is a dance track for people who said all he can do is diss) are both getting mega air play in Nigeria and abroad. His dance track is a favourite in a couple of Clubs in London and Ireland.

Ruggedman is the type of guy who speaks his mind and stands up for the improvement and promotion of good Nigerian music
. 
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 phrase”Mc” a bit over flogged cos I also tried Soul Mc.”

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, tertiary institutions, Mr. Macho UNILAG University Of Lagos State 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). Part of the opening act for Lagbaja. Did a bit of acting, waka pass (movie extra) too because I wanted to know how it’s done. It was a Francis Agu movie. Radio jingle, TV music show theme song (did the rap). Directed my first music video in 2002, which was D’Banj’s “Kiss Me Again Video”. Opening act again for Lagbaja on 31st January 2003, where I started with the sales of my “Ehen” singles cd. I organized a mock celebrity soccer match for The Kanu Heart Foundation to help raise funds for children who needed heart surgery. I got other Nigerian artists and celebrities like Plantashun Boiz, Paul Ik Dairo, Mr.Kool, Emma Ugolee, Medina, Trybesmen, Lexzy Doo, Teju Baby Face, Nomoreloss to come and play football. It was mad fun. Performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja All African Games. Performed alongside Dance hall sensation Sean Paul in April 2004. Was also at the just concluded MTN Yellofest show recording for Channel O in June 2004. 

He also goes on to say that:
“I am the most featured rap artist in Nigeria and the hottest out right now. I have been on almost every newspaper there is, radio and tv stations love me being at their studios because I get calls from the audience like crazy. My video, “Peace Or War” is the best rap video ever done by a Nigerian and was number one for 2 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” was #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 Europe, (Ireland) where I went to chill out a while and also promote myself and my music. I spread my cds to Near FM 101.6 in Dublin (I was interviewed there) and Today FM 100-102 in 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.
Won 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.”

PROJECTS: 
“I am currently working on the full Ruggedman album which is due out end of July 2004. It is a 15 track album. 
Also my Ruggedman VCD/DVD is in the making, which will consist of all my videos, the two that you know already…Ehen and Peace Or War and three others including Baraje and Big Bros and a short documentary on Ruggedman before and after the fame and controversy.”

ARTISTS HE HAS FEATURED WITH (RELEASED & UNRELEASED): 

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 

ARTISTS FEATURED ON HIS ALBUMS: 
Paul Play Dairo
C-Mion
Abounce
Jaffar
Azadus
Frank Ogbebor
Harmony
Josh (A Congolese rapper) 

PRODUCERS HE HAS WORKED WITH: 
Paul Play Dairo
Omololu
Ojb Jezreel
Freestyle
Xaviar (A French Producer In Ireland) 

For more info go to:
www.ruggedmanonline.com

You can also view an interview he did with AfricanHipHop.com here.

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