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|caption = R.A. the Rugged Man in 2013
|caption = R.A. the Rugged Man in 2013
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name =
| birth_name = Richard Andrew Thorburn<ref name="combatjack">[http://thecombatjackshow.com/show/7190/#.UZLTt8rNiHk R.A. the Rugged Man On The Combat Jack Show]. (2013-03-25). Retrieved on 2013-05-15.</ref><ref>http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/178839-ra-the-rugged-man-on-mayweather-broner-ward</ref>
| birth_date =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1974|01|10|mf=yes}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RAtheRuggedMan/status/289410212522229760|title=Today is My Birthday. Say nice shit to me.|publisher=Twitter|first=R.A.|last=Thorburn|date=January 10, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/bloggers/2007/12/hammer-was-garbage-so-is-kanye/|title=Hammer was garbage, so is Kanye|publisher=''XXL''|first=|last=|date=December 21, 2007}}</ref>
| birth_place =
| birth_place =
| alias = Crustified Dibbs
| alias = Crustified Dibbs
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| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]
| occupation = [[Rapping|Rapper]], [[Screenwriting|screenwriter]], [[Film direction|film director]], [[Film production|film producer]]
| occupation = [[Rapping|Rapper]], [[Screenwriting|screenwriter]], [[Film direction|film director]], [[Film production|film producer]]
| years_active = 1992 – present
| years_active = Early 1990s – present
| label = [[Nature Sounds Records]] <small>(current)</small> [[Jive Records]], [[Capitol Records]], [[Priority Records]] <small>(former)</small>
| label = [[Nature Sounds Records]] <small>(current)</small> [[Jive Records]], [[Capitol Records]], [[Priority Records]] <small>(former)</small>
| associated_acts = [[Jedi Mind Tricks]], [[Vinnie Paz]], [[Kool G Rap]], [[Akinyele (rapper)|Akinyele]], [[Mobb Deep]], [[The Notorious B.I.G.]], [[Timbo King]]
| associated_acts = [[Jedi Mind Tricks]], [[Vinnie Paz]], [[Kool G Rap]], [[Akinyele (rapper)|Akinyele]], [[Mobb Deep]], [[The Notorious B.I.G.]], [[Timbo King]]
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}}
}}
'''Richard Andrew Thorburn''' (born January 10, 1974), better known by his [[stage name]] '''R.A. the Rugged Man''', is an American [[rapper]] from [[Suffolk County, New York|Suffolk County]], [[Long Island]], [[New York]].<ref>[http://nature-sounds.net/artists/r-a-the-rugged-man/ R.A. The Rugged Man]. Nature-sounds.net. Retrieved on 2011-05-30.</ref> He began his music career at age 12, building a reputation locally for his lyrical skills. After a nine-label bidding war for his services, R.A. signed to major label [[Jive Records]] at age 18. However, his infamously inappropriate behavior, coupled with a refusal to craft the pop hits Jive wanted, eventually led R.A. and the label to part ways. His first album, ''Night Of The Bloody Apes'', was never released.<ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-11-10/music/r-a-the-rugged-man-abides// Village Voice: ''R.A. the Rugged Man Abides'']</ref>
'''R.A. the Rugged Man''', is an American [[rapper]] from [[Suffolk County, New York|Suffolk County]], [[Long Island]], [[New York]].<ref>[http://nature-sounds.net/artists/r-a-the-rugged-man/ R.A. The Rugged Man]. Nature-sounds.net. Retrieved on 2011-05-30.</ref> He began his music career at age 12, building a reputation locally for his lyrical skills. After a nine-label bidding war for his services, R.A. signed to major label [[Jive Records]] at age 18. However, his infamously inappropriate behavior, coupled with a refusal to craft the pop hits Jive wanted, eventually led R.A. and the label to part ways. His first album, ''Night Of The Bloody Apes'', was never released.<ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-11-10/music/r-a-the-rugged-man-abides// Village Voice: ''R.A. the Rugged Man Abides'']</ref>


Since then, he has worked with the likes of [[Mobb Deep]], [[Wu-Tang]], [[Kool G Rap]], and [[Notorious B.I.G]], as well as producers [[Erick Sermon]], [[Trackmasters]], [[DJ Quik]], [[Alchemist (producer)|Alchemist]], [[J-Zone]], [[RZA]], and [[Ayatollah]]. He was featured on all three of [[Rawkus]]’s Soundbombing albums, as well as the platinum-selling [[WWF Aggression]] album. After a brief stint on [[Capitol Records]] (during which he recorded another unreleased album, ''American Lowlife''), R.A. signed with independent label [[Nature Sounds]] and released his official debut, ''[[Die, Rugged Man, Die]]''.<ref>[http://abovegroundmagazine.com/news/culture-news/03/03/r-a-the-rugged-man-releases-video-based-on-experience-with-jive-records/ Above Ground Magazine: ''R.A. The Rugged Man Releases Video Based On Experience With Jive Records'']</ref>. In 2013, R.A. released his second album, ''[[Legends Never Die]]''.<ref>[http://www.kevinnottingham.com/2013/02/20/r-a-the-rugged-man-the-peoples-champ-prod-by-apathy/ Kevin Nottingham - single release announcement]</ref> The album was released on April 30, 2013 by [[Nature Sounds]].
Since then, he has worked with the likes of [[Mobb Deep]], [[Wu-Tang]], [[Kool G Rap]], and [[Notorious B.I.G]], as well as producers [[Erick Sermon]], [[Trackmasters]], [[DJ Quik]], [[Alchemist (producer)|Alchemist]], [[J-Zone]], [[RZA]], and [[Ayatollah]]. He was featured on all three of [[Rawkus]]’s Soundbombing albums, as well as the platinum-selling [[WWF Aggression]] album. After a brief stint on [[Capitol Records]] (during which he recorded another unreleased album, ''American Lowlife''), R.A. signed with independent label [[Nature Sounds]] and released his official debut, ''[[Die, Rugged Man, Die]]''.<ref>[http://abovegroundmagazine.com/news/culture-news/03/03/r-a-the-rugged-man-releases-video-based-on-experience-with-jive-records/ Above Ground Magazine: ''R.A. The Rugged Man Releases Video Based On Experience With Jive Records'']</ref>. In 2013, R.A. released his second album, ''[[Legends Never Die]]''.<ref>[http://www.kevinnottingham.com/2013/02/20/r-a-the-rugged-man-the-peoples-champ-prod-by-apathy/ Kevin Nottingham - single release announcement]</ref> The album was released on April 30, 2013 by [[Nature Sounds]].
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=== 1992-2003: Beginnings ===
=== 1992-2003: Beginnings ===


In 1992, at the age of 18, Thorburn signed with [[Jive Records]], then in the mid-1990s signed with [[Priority Records]]/[[EMI]]. His contract was later absorbed by [[Capitol Records]] but he began recording [[independent record label|independently]] in the early 2000s. He has worked with MC's such as [[The Notorious B.I.G.]], [[Mobb Deep]], [[Chuck D]] of [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], [[Jedi Mind Tricks]], [[Tech N9ne]], [[Hopsin]], [[Talib Kweli]], [[Masta Ace]], [[Kool G Rap]], [[Wu-Tang Clan]], [[Rakim]], [[Killah Priest]], and producers [[Trackmasters]], [[Erick Sermon]], [[DJ Quik]], [[Buckwild]], [[The Alchemist (producer)|Alchemist]], and [[Ayatollah (producer)|Ayatollah]]. He was featured on all three of [[Rawkus]]’s [[Soundbombing]] albums, as well as the platinum-selling [[WWF Aggression]] album, performing the theme song for [[Chris Jericho]]. In [[Ego Trip (magazine)|''Ego Trip'']] Vol. 1, Issue 3, the Notorious B.I.G. was quoted as saying, "I thought I was the illest," when referring to Thorburn<ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-11-10/music/r-a-the-rugged-man-abides/ R.A. the Rugged Man Abides – Page 1 – Music – New York]. Village Voice (2009-11-10). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.</ref> He is closely associated to the [[Wu-Tang Clan]] and its various associates.
In the early 1990s, at the age of 18, Thorburn signed with [[Jive Records]], then in the mid-1990s signed with [[Priority Records]]/[[EMI]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abovegroundmagazine.com/news/culture-news/03/03/r-a-the-rugged-man-releases-video-based-on-experience-with-jive-records/|title=R.A. The Rugged Man Releases Video Based On Experience With Jive Records|last=Hakes|first=Tyler|date=3 March 2011|publisher=aboveGround Media|accessdate=24 July 2013}}</ref> His contract was later absorbed by [[Capitol Records]] but he began recording [[independent record label|independently]] in the early 2000s. He has worked with MC's such as [[The Notorious B.I.G.]], [[Mobb Deep]], [[Chuck D]] of [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]], [[Jedi Mind Tricks]], [[Tech N9ne]], [[Hopsin]], [[Talib Kweli]], [[Masta Ace]], [[Kool G Rap]], [[Wu-Tang Clan]], [[Rakim]], [[Killah Priest]], and producers [[Trackmasters]], [[Erick Sermon]], [[DJ Quik]], [[Buckwild]], [[The Alchemist (producer)|Alchemist]], and [[Ayatollah (producer)|Ayatollah]]. He was featured on all three of [[Rawkus]]’s [[Soundbombing]] albums, as well as the platinum-selling [[WWF Aggression]] album, performing the theme song for [[Chris Jericho]]. In [[Ego Trip (magazine)|''Ego Trip'']] Vol. 1, Issue 3, the Notorious B.I.G. was quoted as saying, "I thought I was the illest," when referring to Thorburn<ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/2009-11-10/music/r-a-the-rugged-man-abides/ R.A. the Rugged Man Abides – Page 1 – Music – New York]. Village Voice (2009-11-10). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.</ref> He is closely associated to the [[Wu-Tang Clan]] and its various associates.


===2004-2012: Die, Rugged Man, Die, Film cameos & Magazine writing===
===2004-2012: Die, Rugged Man, Die, Film cameos & Magazine writing===
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Richard Andrew is Thorburn's middle name. His first name has never been disclosed.<ref name="combatjack"/> R.A. is of [[Germans|German]] descent from his mother's side.<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/ratheruggedman/photos/51140330#{%22ImageId%22%3A51140330} MySpace: My Photos]</ref>
Richard Andrew is Thorburn's middle name, and his first name has never been public knowledge.</ref><ref name="combatjack">{{cite web|url=http://thecombatjackshow.com/show/7190/#.UfBIXD079qd|title=The R.A. the Rugged Man Episode|date=25 March 2013|publisher=The Combat Jack Show|accessdate=24 July 2013}}</ref> While he has quoted his day and month of birth as January 10, his year of birth is not known.<ref>[https://twitter.com/RAtheRuggedMan/status/289410212522229760]</ref><ref name="combatjack"/>
R.A. is of [[Germans|German]] descent from his mother's side.<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/ratheruggedman/photos/51140330#{%22ImageId%22%3A51140330} MySpace: My Photos]</ref>


Thorburn's father, Staff Sgt. [[Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story#John A. Thorburn|John A. Thorburn]], was a [[Vietnam veteran]] affected by [[Agent Orange]]. Thorburn's family was significantly affected by the potent chemical. His brother Maxx was born handicapped and blind, eventually dying at the age of 10. Thorburn's sister, Dee Ann, was born without the ability to walk or speak. She died in 2007 at the age of 26. Thorburn tells his father's story in "[[Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story]]," from the [[Jedi Mind Tricks]] album ''[[Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell]]'' (which was also re-released on the compilation ''[[Legendary Classics vol. 1]]''). John A. Thorburn died 7 January 2010 from [[cancer]]. Thorburn said that his father was truly happy within his last year of life, due to his mindset that he could plan for his death.<ref>[http://www.hiphopug.com/ra-the-rugged-man.html Hip Hop Underground] bio on [[R.A. The Rugged Man]] describes the tragic death of is family members</ref>
Thorburn's father, Staff Sgt. [[Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story#John A. Thorburn|John A. Thorburn]], was a [[Vietnam veteran]] affected by [[Agent Orange]]. Thorburn's family was significantly affected by the potent chemical. His brother Maxx was born handicapped and blind, eventually dying at the age of 10. Thorburn's sister, Dee Ann, was born without the ability to walk or speak. She died in 2007 at the age of 26. Thorburn tells his father's story in "[[Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story]]," from the [[Jedi Mind Tricks]] album ''[[Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell]]'' (which was also re-released on the compilation ''[[Legendary Classics vol. 1]]''). John A. Thorburn died 7 January 2010 from [[cancer]]. Thorburn said that his father was truly happy within his last year of life, due to his mindset that he could plan for his death.<ref>[http://www.hiphopug.com/ra-the-rugged-man.html Hip Hop Underground] bio on [[R.A. The Rugged Man]] describes the tragic death of is family members</ref>

Revision as of 21:46, 24 July 2013

R.A. the Rugged Man
Also known asCrustified Dibbs
OriginSuffolk County, Long Island, New York, US
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, screenwriter, film director, film producer
Years activeEarly 1990s – present
LabelsNature Sounds Records (current) Jive Records, Capitol Records, Priority Records (former)
WebsiteOfficial Website

R.A. the Rugged Man, is an American rapper from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.[1] He began his music career at age 12, building a reputation locally for his lyrical skills. After a nine-label bidding war for his services, R.A. signed to major label Jive Records at age 18. However, his infamously inappropriate behavior, coupled with a refusal to craft the pop hits Jive wanted, eventually led R.A. and the label to part ways. His first album, Night Of The Bloody Apes, was never released.[2]

Since then, he has worked with the likes of Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, Kool G Rap, and Notorious B.I.G, as well as producers Erick Sermon, Trackmasters, DJ Quik, Alchemist, J-Zone, RZA, and Ayatollah. He was featured on all three of Rawkus’s Soundbombing albums, as well as the platinum-selling WWF Aggression album. After a brief stint on Capitol Records (during which he recorded another unreleased album, American Lowlife), R.A. signed with independent label Nature Sounds and released his official debut, Die, Rugged Man, Die.[3]. In 2013, R.A. released his second album, Legends Never Die.[4] The album was released on April 30, 2013 by Nature Sounds.

In addition to his hip hop career, Thorburn has been active as boxing commentator and film critic. He has contributed to Vibe, King, Complex, Rides, XXL, [5]The Source, The Ring (magazine), and more. He wrote and produced the cult film Bad Biology, and also hosts the web series "Film School" on MTV's Film.com.

Career

1992-2003: Beginnings

In the early 1990s, at the age of 18, Thorburn signed with Jive Records, then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI.[6] His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording independently in the early 2000s. He has worked with MC's such as The Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Jedi Mind Tricks, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Talib Kweli, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Killah Priest, and producers Trackmasters, Erick Sermon, DJ Quik, Buckwild, Alchemist, and Ayatollah. He was featured on all three of Rawkus’s Soundbombing albums, as well as the platinum-selling WWF Aggression album, performing the theme song for Chris Jericho. In Ego Trip Vol. 1, Issue 3, the Notorious B.I.G. was quoted as saying, "I thought I was the illest," when referring to Thorburn[7] He is closely associated to the Wu-Tang Clan and its various associates.

2004-2012: Die, Rugged Man, Die, Film cameos & Magazine writing

In 2004 he released his first album Die, Rugged Man, Die[8] on Brooklyn based label Nature Sounds. Thorburn has cameos in several music videos including Havoc from Mobb Deep's I'm the Boss,[9] Sadat X's Throw the Ball[10] and Old Man featuring Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, Masta Killa and Ol' Dirty Bastard in one of ODB's final video appearances.[11]

The October 2006 issue of The Source featured Thorburn's verse on Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story as its "Hip-Hop Quotable" of the month and HipHopDX named it as the "Verse of the Year"[12] AllHipHop.com states that "This record will be remembered most for R.A.'s robotic flow recounting his own father's story of war while absolutely murdering the beat." Rolling Stone Magazine recently compared Thorburn's rap flow to that of a blue-eyed Biggie Smalls. When reviewing his song "On the Block", Vibe Magazine said, "I love this song. It give me goosebumps. It's very inventive."

In addition to his hip hop career, Thorburn wrote a monthly movie column for Mass Appeal Magazine, was a contributor to The Ego Trip Book of Rap Lists (St. Martin's Press) and Ego Trip's Big Book of Racism (HarperCollins), and has written numerous articles for other magazines including Vibe, King, Complex, Rides, XXL[13] and The Source.

A horror film fan, Thorburn has written three screenplays with cult film director Frank Henenlotter and is writer-producer of a new Henenlotter film, Bad Biology.[14] The film has an original score by Josh Glazer (J. Glaze) with additional production by Prince Paul, and cameos by Playboy model Jelena Jensen and Penthouse Pet Krista Ayne. Thorburn is working on his directorial debut, a film based on his family, God Take, God Give.[15]

2013-Present: Legends Never Die

Thorburn's second studio album Legends Never Die was released on April 30, 2013. Guest appearances include Brother Ali, Masta Ace, Tech N9ne, Talib Kweli, Hopsin, and Krizz Kaliko. His first single of the album was 'The Peoples Champ'. The second single was "Learn Truth' Feat. Talib Kweli. Upon release the album debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, number 17 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and at number 131 on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 4,000 copies in the United States.[16]

Personal life

Richard Andrew is Thorburn's middle name, and his first name has never been public knowledge.</ref>[17] While he has quoted his day and month of birth as January 10, his year of birth is not known.[18][17] R.A. is of German descent from his mother's side.[19]

Thorburn's father, Staff Sgt. John A. Thorburn, was a Vietnam veteran affected by Agent Orange. Thorburn's family was significantly affected by the potent chemical. His brother Maxx was born handicapped and blind, eventually dying at the age of 10. Thorburn's sister, Dee Ann, was born without the ability to walk or speak. She died in 2007 at the age of 26. Thorburn tells his father's story in "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story," from the Jedi Mind Tricks album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell (which was also re-released on the compilation Legendary Classics vol. 1). John A. Thorburn died 7 January 2010 from cancer. Thorburn said that his father was truly happy within his last year of life, due to his mindset that he could plan for his death.[20]

Discography

Main article: R.A. the Rugged Man discography

Albums

Compilations

Filmography

Film
Year Show Role Notes
2008 Three Thug Mice Vic (Short)
2008 Bad Biology Ex-Boyfriend (As R.A. The Rugged Man) Also Writer and Producer
2009 Damnation Film Crew Guy #1 (Short)
2013 Skid Row John (Post-Production)

References

  1. ^ R.A. The Rugged Man. Nature-sounds.net. Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  2. ^ Village Voice: R.A. the Rugged Man Abides
  3. ^ Above Ground Magazine: R.A. The Rugged Man Releases Video Based On Experience With Jive Records
  4. ^ Kevin Nottingham - single release announcement
  5. ^ It’s A Beautiful Thing Being R.A. the Rugged Man. Xxlmag.Com. Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  6. ^ Hakes, Tyler (3 March 2011). "R.A. The Rugged Man Releases Video Based On Experience With Jive Records". aboveGround Media. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  7. ^ R.A. the Rugged Man Abides – Page 1 – Music – New York. Village Voice (2009-11-10). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  8. ^ 365 Albums a Year » Year 1, Day 171: R.A. The Rugged Man – Die, Rugged Man, Die (2004). (2010-04-06). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  9. ^ ‪Havoc I'm The Boss‬‏. YouTube (2009-11-08). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  10. ^ ‪Sadat X – Throw the Ball‬‏. YouTube (2006-12-19). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  11. ^ ‪Masta Killa – Old Man‬‏. YouTube (2009-07-31). Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  12. ^ Hale, Andreas. (2007-01-01) 2006 HipHopDX Awards | Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop. HipHop DX. Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  13. ^ It’s A Beautiful Thing Being R.A. the Rugged Man. Xxlmag.Com. Retrieved on 2011-05-30.
  14. ^ Bad Biology (2008), IMDB.com
  15. ^ R.A. The Rugged Man Talks New Film And Music Projects. (2009-08-31). Retrieved on 2013-04-17.
  16. ^ "LL Cool J Scores 13th Top 10 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ a b "The R.A. the Rugged Man Episode". The Combat Jack Show. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  18. ^ [1]
  19. ^ MySpace: My Photos
  20. ^ Hip Hop Underground bio on R.A. The Rugged Man describes the tragic death of is family members

External links

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