Tony ‘Bones’ Harrison recalls his first memory of R.A. The Rugged Man:
So in ’93 I was an intern in the Jive Records art department working under Jean Kelly and Nick Gamma. Nick was working on Midnight Marauders, and various Heiro and KRS-One things. Exciting times.
I sat in a cubicle just outside the art room. Phone and art supplies – no computer. All of a sudden I hear what sounds like the opening scene to a movie with a fella entering an office and playing his demo tape. The songs kick in, and god damn – shit was ferocious! It was blaring out of the office of the A&R Jeff Sledge whom I hadn’t met, me being a lowly intern. Needless to say it was a pure banger and, if I’m not mistaken, ended with the interviewer being chainsawed.
After my internship was up I heard that RA was dropped off the label for allegedly wil’ing in the office and pulling out his j’doint. I’m not sure if that’s factual but like they say, when confronted with the myth or the truth, always go with the myth. I think I saw money in Harlem the other day. Good to see not only does R.A. still have it, he’s iller than ever.
R.A. The Rugged Man – ‘Every Record Label Sucks Dick’
He has been a legend since day one.
…dirty crusty til death do us.
rugged man just does not give a fux
Skilled, dope, entertaining, funny as hell, and is known for wiling on label fags. This man should be a platinum artist.
He’s the emcee’s emcee.
And “Every Record Label Sucks Dick” should be a certified classic in everybody’s book.
the quintessential true school grimy emcee.
BIG EARTH MIDGET FACE DROP ‘EM
I heard he went up in Jive with a cot mattress and two freaks on leashes and had ’em go to town right by the cubicles.
ra’s swine flu on the mic device plus he’ll tell floyd mayweather he needs to step his game up. What more you want…
I never thought RA was worth a shit but then he flipped it on that Black Market Militia joint and I had to reconsider everything.
i called this guy ra the rugged man for years…… ok ..it’s r.a.