RA THE RUGGED MAN

Few artists are ever as controversial as they are influential. New York legend R.A. the Rugged Man has lived up to such a moniker by simultaneously inspiring generations of rappers while being banned from every major record label’s offices and even barred from performing during the late-90s underground explosion. But by combining the authenticity of his undeniably rugged life with his undisputed mic skills and understanding of the genre as a Hip-Hop historian, his music has both survived and thrived off the strength of bootlegs and word of mouth through high profile collaborations and high quality official releases, setting a standard for “Real MCs” that few have ever attempted to match. Frequent collaborator The Notorious B.I.G. was once quoted in reference to R.A. by stating “And I thought I was the illest.”

Originally from a broken home in Long Island’s Suffolk County, R.A. was raised by a Vietnam veteran/mental patient father whose exposure to Agent Orange left his brother Maxx physically and visually impaired and his sister Dee Ann unable to walk or speak. Finding refuge in Hip-Hop, R.A. began his whirlwind rap career at the age of 12. His immediate growth as an artist and constantly raising profile soon caught the attention of the majors and R.A. found himself at the center of a nine label bidding war. While he eventually signed with Jive, his vile behavior proved too much for the label to handle as they left him to die without an album in stores to his name.

Taking matters into his own hands, R.A. pioneered the truly independent indie-rap hustle, pressing his own vinyl singles and racking up one of the most impressive

Guests: 

A.F.R.O (RA The Rugged Man’s young protégée, currently recording an album with Primo) 

RA The Rugged Man’s young protégée, currently recording an album with DJ Premier)

Quotes on Afro:

Vinnie Paz:  “I’m so proud of this kid. I love this kid. Big things are happening for him”

Pete Rock:  “AFRO is the future. We’re gonna rock some joints”

Sean Price: (R.I.P)  -“A-F-R-O is the future”

“I seen the future and it will be… A-F-R-O aka All Flows Reach Out” – Questlove (The Roots, Tonight Show)
Dres of Black Sheep : “I’m so very proud of my lil bro A.F.R.O. … He’s embraced his potential… studied his craft to an infinite degree… has a work ethic that is inspiring…. obvious he’s been here before… he’s just trying to catch up to himself”

Producer MR GREEN