Biography
Ruggedman: Biography, Education, Career, Marriage, Net Worth, Source of Income, Achievements and Controversy
By Balogun Kamilu Lekan
Biography
Ruggedman, real name Michael Ugochukwu Stephens is a Nigerian rapper, producer and fashion entrepreneur.
He was born on the 20th of September 1975 in Ohafia, Abia state.
Ruggedman, fondly called Ruggedy Baba, is one of Nigeria’s greatest rappers whose rap has earned global recognition.
He is arguably the first Nigerian rapper in Nigeria to rap in Pidgin English, and that gave him his diversity.
Education
Ruggedman is a graduate of political science from the prestigious Lagos State University, Ojo.
Career
Ruggedman stormed the Nigeria music scene in 1999 when he dropped two singles, ‘What If’, produced by and featured Paul Play Dairo, and the other being ‘Gwo-gwo.’
The two tracks gained popularity and earned enormous, massive airplay in Nigeria.
Ruggedman directed his first music video, ‘Kiss Me Again’ music video in 2002.
All his albums and songs are self-produced and released by his record label, Rugged Records. He inducted his first signee, MBRYO, to the label in 2012.
Ruggedman released an album ‘Money Making Music’ in 2012, where he featured his signee, MBRYO. Some other artists, like Funbi and Terry G, made special appearances on the album.
He has also had the privilege to perform with international acts like Wyclef Jean, LL Cool J, Maxipriest, Kanye West, Sean Paul, Nas, T-Pain, and many others.
Ruggedy Baba has partially left the music scene to focus on his personal business.
Intermittently, he comes out to drop some songs. One of such includes “ Is Police, Your Friend.”
Marriage
There is no public information about Ruggedman’s relationship at the moment.
Net worth
Ruggedman amasses his wealth from music and other businesses, like his personal clothing brand and brand ambassadorship for other top brands.
His net worth is estimated at $5 million. However, this cannot be independently verified by NewsWireNGR.
Achievements
DISCOGRAPHY
Albums
- Thy Album Come
- Ruggedy Baba
- Untouchable
- Money Making Music
Songs
- Is Police Your Friend
- Wetin Dey
- Baraje
- Because of You
- Club Rugged
- Ja Rule
- Ruggedy Baba
- Push
- Ebemsi
- Wobe
- Jusile
- To Whom It May Concern
- Ehen
- Kokos Song
- Won’t Battle
- Watch Me
- I am RuggedMan
- Touched by An Angel
- Agidi
- Waka
- Let Me Touch You Broken Promises
- My Life
- If I could Do it all
- Rock Da Spot
- Move something
- 8 Figures
- 9ja Hip Hop
- Gangsta
- Boing Boing
- Make Me Feel Alright
- Sanwo
Awards and Achievements
Ruggedman has gotten so many acknowledgements and awards for his fantastic rapping skills.
He got the award for
- Nigerian Fanta Fame Award
- FAME Award
- AMEN Award
- Nigerian Entertainment Awards,
- Nigeria Music Awards,
- Hip Hop World Awards
- African Integrity Award
Controversy
One of Nigeria’s top musicians, 9ICE, accused Ruggedman of having sexual affairs with his ex-wife, Toni Payne,
Ruggedman was caught in this web of controversy that it attracted the attention of many people both in Nigeria and abroad.
9ice released a single, ‘Once Bitten’, allegedly a diss track against Ruggedman.
However, years later, 9ice apologised and stated that the accusations against Ruggedman were not true.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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