Renowned for his dynamic performances and impactful lyrics, rapper and music producer, Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known professionally as Ruggedman, is set to release his new Extensive Playlist (EP) titled T.M.S.E (The Michael Stephens Experiment) on June 7.
The project marks another milestone in the lyricist’s illustrious career, showcasing his evolution as an artiste and his continued commitment to delivering high-quality music. It features collaborations with some of the industry’s brightest talents, including Jesse Jagz, Eva Alordiah and Mista Styles (formerly Freestyle of Trybesmen).
The EP has four tracks which include OG, One man ft MCdow, Gara and Found Love. As a standout single from the project, the track OG is expected to be fan’s favourite, blending powerful lyrics with captivating beats that reflect Ruggedman’s unique style and versatility.
Speaking about the EP, Ruggedman said, “The EP is aptly titled because it is a body of work where I decided to experiment with different genres of music. It is not the usual rap I am known for, rather it is a way to show the side of Ruggedman people aren’t familiar with.
“I achieved this with the support of amazing song writers like Specikinging and Mbryo. This will be understood in the track Found Love where Fiokee displayed his guitarist art,” he added.
According to the Ruggedman, the exclusive listening and release party is scheduled for June 7 at the esteemed Vaniti Lagos in Victoria Island. He noted that T.M.S.E upon release will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
A graduate of Political Science from Lagos State University (LASU), Ọ̀jọ́, Ruggedman has been a major influence in the African music industry since his debut in 1999.
Over the years, he has made a name for himself by producing his own songs and releasing well-received tracks, thus solidifying his position as a leading figure in the Nigerian music scene, especially the Hip-pop genre, becoming the most featured rapper in the country.
His albums, all released under his personal label, Rugged Records, have consistently topped charts and won numerous accolades. Through his label, he continues to support and nurture new talent, contributing significantly to the growth of the music industry.
Beyond his music career, Ruggedman is also known for his role as the host of the prestigious Star Quest Reality TV Talent Show sponsored by Nigeria Breweries Plc, which he hosted from 2009 to 2011. He is an actor, radio show host, and humanitarian and UN Peace Ambassador.
