Overlooked Emcee #3. R.A. The Rugged Man
Who is R.A. The Rugged Man?
R.A. is a NY emcee who got his start in the late 80s earlier 90s rapping in his local neighborhood. As he progressed, labels were in bidding wars over his contract. Even the late great Biggie Smalls himself said he thought he was the best out, until he heard The Rugged Man. His history has been plagued with rumors of him being insane. From supposedly shitting on a record exec's desk to sexual harassment. False stories have been thrown all over the industry. Despite the nonsense, does R.A. live up to Biggie's words? Well, let's check out his 2013 release. Legends Never Die.
Still Diggin' Wit Buck (Legends Intro)
R.A. starts spitting after a sweet Jazz intro, stating his album is for hip hop heads only. I liked this opener. It's straight forward.
The People's Champ
Beats always slamming like Dilla, like Ali was the man in Manilla
One of the initial singles for the album, The People's Champ declares R.A. as the former. Some slick boxing references throw in, and it makes a great opening track. Setting up R.A.'s style for the rest of the album.
Definition of a Rap Flow feat. Amalie Bruun
Rappers are comedic, heated leaving you paraplegic, I'm undeniable, diabolical, biological warfare
Once of the Rugged Man's best attributes has to be his flow. He's got one of the best i've ever seen, fitting he was friends with the Notorious B.I.G. Hip Hip references thrown all over, our host lives up to his hype on this. The hook's also rather unique from what i'd expect on a track like this but it's just fine.
Learn Truth feat. Talib Kweli
The former half of Black Star joins R.A. on a very fresh beat. The production is top notch so far. They kick some knowledge about the real horrors of the world that have been often ignored by the media or the less important ones that have been blown up IE. Casey Anthony. It's an top tier duet.
Bang Boogie
A quick verse spit out by the host to lead us into the next track. Perfection doe. 1+ for not including a dumbass skit instead.
Tom Thum
I don't need to breathe when I rap, I got gills, fuck lungs. I'm like a superhero out of the toilet of the slums Another dope follow up, there's some speed rap done here. I do enjoy some speed rappin' but only when its actually to say something and not cover up that you aren't saying shit. But that's a thought for a later review.
Holla-Loo-Yuh feat. Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko
R.A. teams up with some of the most highly respected underground emcees, Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko. Krizz sticks to the hook and Tech spits a verse. The team is very well done. Can't find a weak spot in it. Shout out to EPMD.
Media Midgets
You wanna see the true racist? Just take look at Joe Biden
#shotsfired Biden hit with the ether. Can't wait till Joe gets in the studio and replies, quit ducking R.A. and drop some hot fire. This is targeted at the media and corporations that have held down our host in the past. It's a well done entry. With some raw parts. (see what i did there? Steak.)
Shoot Me in The Head
Bill O'Reilly he would hate my guts, so what? Katie Couric she would hate my guts, so what?
Barbara Walters or Whoopi; which one's the dumber slut? Keith Olbermann, bitch, could get a knife in his gut Now Bill O'Reilly, I wanna hear his diss track. Every politician or media figurehead R.A. has distaste for gets a line shot at them in Shoot Me in The Head. It's getting rough up in here. Cheer up R.A.
See, He's fine.
Legends Never Die (Daddy's Halo)
I was mad at God like he murdered you, As a father you couldn't have done a better job
Dedicated to the father of R.A. The Rugged Man, our host gets rather emotional in this one. His war days were also documented in his verse on Uncommon Valor, which you need to check out if you haven't. It's becoming more and more clear that the album is referring to his father and he's dedicating his work to him. R.A. even legit. breaks into tears by the end of the song. You're choking me up Rugged Man. It's rather touchin', if Esco does say so himself.
The Dangerous Three feat. Brother Ali and Masta Ace
This may be my favorite track here altogether. A dope ass team up of Brother Ali and the God Tier underrated emcee Masta Ace. (Will I get to him in this series...WHO KNOWS!?) There's a mafia like themed video and a Biggie Smalls sample. Everything about it is amazing.
Luv to Fuk feat. Eamon
If you're unaware...Eamon is a rapper/singer who had a hit "Fuck It (Don't Want You Back) around '04. It was complete shit, and just irritating altogether. Seeing him reappear is surprising. Especially on this album. His voice has definitely improved though. i'm impressed with that but the song does nothing for me.
Underground Hitz feat. Hopsin
I was hoping not to see Hop until I get to Knock Madness..but he's here. How is the track though? It's decent. Album's deteriorating a bit at this point for me.
Laugh, Clown, Laugh
A very unique beat lead by R.A. Our host rides it well, but I just don't care for this piece at all.
Sam Peckinpah feat. Sadat X and Vinnie Paz
Paz and R.A. have been working together for a long time and they're Grade A material here too. Sadat X of Brand Nubian does the hook and Paz tears it up in his banter with his long running partner. The title is based off of violent film director Sam Peckinpah. One of the best tracks on here.
Outro
R.A. thanks his fans for sticking with him and leads to the album to it's finale.
Still Get Through the Day feat. Eamon
The Rugged Man has been through some rough times and he encourages people to get through the day anyhow as he does. It's touching in a similar way as Daddy's Halo was. It's a pretty nice ending.
Make You Famous (Bonus)
R.A.'s here to coach you on how to become famous. It's a solid track but it's not necessary on the album. There's also a deluxe bonus and a cassette edition bonus track but stick to the original. Still Get Through the Day felt like the real ending to the album.
The Highlights:
The People's Champ
The Dangerous Three
Definition of a Rap Flow
Shoot Me in the Head
The Lowlights:
Luv to Fuk
Laugh, Clown, Laugh
The Gem:
Daddy's Halo
Is it Worth a Purchase?
Despite my distaste for a few tracks here, this is a great, great album. The weak material is limited and the dope shit is plentiful on this LP. Rugged Man brought it.
Overall Grade: A-
Does He Deserve Better?
Of course, but in terms of radio and mainstream wise? I doubt he wants that. As he established over ten years ago. R.A. has built himself a lane and he's great in it. A little more recognition for his work couldn't hurt though.
You should also check out his debut, Die, Rugged Man, Die if you haven't and enjoyed this project. Til Next Time, One Love.
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