Popular rapper, Michael Stephens, aka Ruggedman, has said that he played a significant role in the evolution of Nigerian music.

Speaking during an encounter with Sunday Scoop, he said, “I played a significant role in the evolution of the Nigerian music industry. After I released the song that has been tagged one of the most controversial songs out of Nigeria, I sat up and concentrated on making original music. And, that is one of the major moves that led us to where we are today. Anyone who listens to my recently released Extended Play album titled, Michael Stephens Experiment, will hear how my music has evolved.”

On why he featured rappers such as Jesse Jagz, Eva Alordiah, Mista Styles (formerly Freestyle of Trybesmen) and Uzikwendu on one of the tracks on the EP titled, OG, Stephens said, “I wanted a track that would show the world that some of the super talented rappers to ever do it can still do it, no matter how much music has changed. The beat was produced by a Gen Z producer— Blvck Sauce. I sent it to them (featured artistes) and they all recorded their verses and sent it back to me. Music style is temporary, but talent and class are permanent. That is what that song emphasises.”