RUGGEDMAN MICHAEL

Ruggedman, born Michael Ugochukwu Stephens on the 20th of September in Ebem, Ohafia, Abia state. All levels of schooling were done in Lagos state.
Graduate of political Science Lagos State University Ojo. Started loving rap music from around 1989.That was 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 and 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? Was produced by and also featured Paul Play Dairo. And
2. ”Gwo-gwo”
These two tracks got massive airplay. Then this 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.
THE NAME:
The name came when he 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 he came up with, after I thought Rugged Soul was a bit too deep and the phrase ”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 its been performances in clubs, tertiary institutions, Mr. Macho (University Of Lagos State (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). Part of the opening act for Lagbaja some months back. 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 2002,which was D'Banj's “Kiss me again video”. 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 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,Medina,Trybesmen,Nomoreloss e.t.c to come and play football.It was mad fun. Performed at the national stadium at the Guinness stand for Coja All African Games. Ruggedmans been performing all over Nigeria right now and is Nigerias most wanted rap act.
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 WHEREEVER THE MUSIC IS TAKEN TO…..feel me?
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.
PRODUCERS I HAVE WORKED WITH SO FAR:
Paul Play Dairo, Omololu,Ojb Jezreel and Freestyle