Veteran rapper Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has shared his thoughts on the evolution of Nigerian hip-hop, admitting that the genre has taken a back seat to afrobeats in recent years.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, the rapper reflected on how the music scene has changed over time and how artists today approach their craft compared to his generation.
He said, “Rap in Nigeria has taken a back seat to afrobeats because it’s easier to make afrobeats. Good rap requires more than just a catchy beat and popular street lamba (slang). People in this generation want the easy life. They prefer to vibe to simple sounds, and that’s what afrobeats gives them. Also, financially, you can make money quicker with afrobeats; so most people would rather invest in it. I don’t blame them for that.”
When asked whether Nigerian rap is evolving or merely struggling to stay relevant, Ruggedman said the genre is doing both, noting that artists who stick strictly to rap are rare, while others have had to adapt by blending their sound.
“Rap in Nigeria is both evolving and adapting to survive. The few who still do straight rap are evolving; they’re rare. But those who fuse rap with singing or afrobeats are adapting to survive. Again, I don’t blame them because you don’t pay bills with titles like ‘the best rapper’ or ‘legendary rapper,’” he said.
Reflecting on his legacy, Ruggedman expressed that he has not received as much recognition as he deserves for his contributions to Nigerian hip-hop.
“I don’t think I got enough recognition for what I contributed to Nigerian hip-hop culture, but I’m etched in the history books for life, and I believe a time will come when I’ll get my flowers,” he stated.
He also recounted moments when his name was omitted from discussions about influential Nigerian rappers, noting that fans often step in to correct the record.
“Sometimes I see posts online about Nigerian rap from my era, and my name is omitted while rappers who came after me are mentioned. I just laugh because I also see people commenting, ‘Your list isn’t complete if Ruggedman’s name isn’t on it.’ That tells me there are still people who know the real history. When I realise some Gen Z folks make such posts, I understand they know little about our era; they’re too lazy to research, so I forgive them. I only step in publicly when someone or a body that should know better tries to misinform people about Nigerian music history; then, I correct them.”
The rapper further revealed that he is preparing to release a unique project that he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s rap scene.
“Now, I’m about to do something no Nigerian rapper has done before — I’m releasing Best of Ruggedman: The Acoustic Sessions Vol. 1 on October 24, 2025. You’ll hear me rap five selected tracks over just acoustic guitar music — no beats, no extra instruments. Just bars and heart,” he shared.
Ruggedman, who is often credited as one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian rap, remains a prominent voice in discussions about the genre’s history and direction.
