- Ruggedman has opened up on how he believes his music positively influenced the Nigerian music industry.
- The rapper gave himself credit as the one behind the evolution of music in Nigeria and why.
- He also spoke on his recently released EP.
Veteran Nigerian rapper, Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has given himself credit for the evolution of Nigerian music.
He declared that he played a significant role in ensuring that the industry got to where it is today by releasing a controversial hit song.
Speaking during an interview, Ruggedman said at a point in his career, he focused on making original music which was one of the major moves that propelled the Nigerian sound.
The Hip Hop star said;
“I played a significant role in the evolution of the Nigerian music industry. After I released the song that has been tagged one of the most controversial songs out of Nigeria, I sat up and concentrated on making original music.
“That is one of the major moves that led us to where we are today. Anyone who listens to my recently released Extended Play album titled, Michael Stephens Experiment, will hear how my music has evolved.”
On why he featured Jesse Jagz, Eva Alordiah, Mista Styles (formerly Freestyle) and Uzikwendu on one of the tracks on the EP titled, OG’, Ruggedman said;
“I wanted a track that would show the world that some of the super talented rappers to ever do it can still do it, no matter how much music has changed. The beat was produced by a Gen Z producer— Blvck Sauce.
I sent it to them (featured artistes) and they all recorded their verses and sent it back to me. Music style is temporary, but talent and class are permanent. That is what that song emphasises.”