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McMenamins Presents:R.A. The Rugged Man
Spanish Ballroom
December 4th, 2024
6:30 PM Doors
7:30 PM Start
$22 adv or $27 DOS
All Ages Event
R.A. The Rugged Man
R.A. The Rugged Man is one of the most fascinating figures in hip-hop history. His career spans decades, and defies simple narratives. The Rugged Man has been an up-and-coming star, an industry outcast banished and forgotten, an underground cult hero, an independent success story, and an influential master of the art form. He can obliterate rappers with ferocious battle rhymes, craft heartfelt personal songs fans can relate to, offend sensitive listeners with shocking vulgarity, challenge corrupt politicians and corporations, paint pictures with captivating storytelling, and deliver jaw-dropping flows that prove his lyrical skills are unmatched. He’s also worked with a staggering number of hip-hop’s most respected artists, including legends like The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang, Tech N9ne, Rakim, Mobb Deep, Talib Kweli, Kool G Rap, Public Enemy, Brother Ali, and many more. And while others struggle to maintain a foothold in the ever-changing rap landscape, R.A. The Rugged Man is the rare artist who has become more relevant with time, with each new album more compelling than the last.
Originally from Long Island’s Suffolk County, R.A. was raised by his father, a Vietnam veteran whose exposure to Agent Orange left two of R.A.’s siblings with severe disabilities. After building a reputation as one of the most talented unsigned MCs on the scene, he sparked a bidding war between several major labels. R.A. eventually signed to Jive Records, but his outspoken defiance and reckless behavior spelled the end of that deal and left him banned from venues, labels, and recording studios. The Rugged Man re-emerged in the late 90s, pioneering the indie rap hustle by pressing up his own 12” singles and contributing to compilations from the celebrated Rawkus Records. He earned a Gold record for his work on the WWE Aggression album, and his music was featured on the video game Tony Hawk’s Underground, which sold millions of copies.
R.A. then unleashed his seminal independent album Die, Rugged Man, Die, along with the critically acclaimed compilation Legendary Classics. The latter included show-stealing collaborations and many of the storied tracks that fueled his rise, including the Jedi Mind Tricks song “Uncommon Valor”, on which the Rugged Man delivers what is widely recognized as one of the greatest verses in rap history. R.A. has also made his mark in journalism and film. He's interviewed Academy Award winning filmmakers and world boxing champions for outlets like Complex and Vibe, and worked as a screenwriter and director, notably writing and producing the cult classic Bad Biology. By the time his last album Legends Never Die debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, R.A. was thoroughly established as an independent hip-hop icon, playing sold-out shows across the world and drawing widespread praise for his undeniable contributions to the culture.
Now, R.A. The Rugged Man is back with All My Heroes Are Dead, a brand new album that stands as his best work to date. “So many of the greats are gone, and the legends who made it out alive are cast aside,” R.A. says. “Society left our heroes and their culture for dead. We have to dig that greatness out of its grave, and bring it back with an angry vengeance.” While Legends Never Die was dedicated to the memory of his father, All My Heroes Are Dead is R.A.’s first album since becoming a father of two himself. “When you have children, that’s a whole other level of joy and pain and emotion,” he describes. “It opens whole entire universes with the pen.” The music covers a wide range of moods, and transcends hip-hop cliches. “I didn’t want to make a whole album of just destroying rappers and rapping better than everyone.” the Rugged Man explains. “There’s a lot of places my albums take you, and there’s way more storytelling on this one. I love to bring listeners into different worlds.” Now available worldwide, All My Heroes Are Dead features an all-star cast of hip-hop heavyweights, including Chuck D, Slug of Atmosphere, Ghostface Killah, Immortal Technique, Vinnie Paz, Ice-T, M.O.P., Kool G Rap, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Onyx, Brand Nubian, Chris Rivers, Inspectah Deck, A-F-R-O, Masta Killa, and more. The highly-anticipated album showcases the full scope of R.A. The Rugged Man’s considerable talent, making it a powerful statement from an unforgettable artist.
Lone Wolf & Kub
An aging and embattled ronin searching for his final fight discovers a sense of direction through travels with his son, a vicious micsmith just approaching top form. He is Shao Sosa, his son is Nobi. Together, they are Lone Wolf & Kub.
Old tradition and wisdom guides the young assassin as the duo cut through stanzas fit for battle and reflection alike. The soundscape shifts from the tone of dubbed kung fu flicks and dusty samples to space age coliseums where furious synthesizers have replaced Roman horns.
Witness the passion of the microphone controller change guard, from the darkest night into the dawn of a different tomorrow.
@Shaososa @LoneWolfandKub
Afrok
Afrok is an artist and emcee from Olympia,Washington. Afrok delivers art from the heart whether rocking a stage,creating in the studio, or public speaking. He is dedicated to his family and has made his morals, culture, and consciousness to the forefront of his thought provoking lyrics. Afrok has been on the music scene since his teenage years and has been bringing his positive perspective to the community via his unique voice. Having shared stages with the upper echelon of hip hop music( KRS-1, dead prez, Locksmith, Murs, Raekwon of Wu Tang, OneBeLo, Masta Ace, Casual of Heiroglyphics, Can-I–Bus, and many more) He is known for his energetic stage presence whether with a live band, by himself, or sharing the stage with DJs and other performers. His stage presence resonates energy and feel for the moment and the times. He has embodied the elements of Hip Hop in his soul and way of life, harkening back to the roots of the culture while simultaneously embracing futuristic vibes. When you hear Afrok, you will know where his heart is and what he believes in and what he stands on.
His new album, “A King With Words”, a transparent look into the life of this passionate rhyme artist is available on all major streaming platforms and on Bandcamp:
https://afrok360.bandcamp.com/album/a-king-with-words
The Cortege Suite
The Cortege Suite is a dynamic hip hop duo hailing from the vibrant Pacific Northwest. Comprised of rappers Swift Holiday and Ric Nelz, the group has been making waves in the local music scene with their unique blend of introspective lyrics and innovative beats.
Swift Holiday, known for his smooth flow and thought-provoking storytelling, is also a major music producer in the region, working with multiple artists. He brings a reflective and soulful element to the duo’s music. His lyrical prowess and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level have earned him a dedicated following.
Ric Nelz, on the other hand, complements Swift Holiday with his energetic delivery and sharp wordplay. His charismatic stage presence and knack for crafting catchy hooks make him a standout performer in the Pacific Northwest hip hop community.
Together, The Cortege Suite creates a sound that is both fresh and rooted in the rich musical heritage of the region. Their music often explores themes of personal growth, social issues, and the complexities of modern life, resonating deeply with a diverse audience.
Their current project is out on all platforms and is doing exceptionally well, not just in the region, but also nationally and internationally. With a growing catalog of tracks and an ever-expanding fan base, The Cortege Suite is poised to become a significant force in the hip hop world. Their dedication to their craft and their community ensures that they will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.
Miz
MIZ is an emcee from Perth Amboy, NJ now residing in Olympia, WA. He has been recording and releasing music for the last two decades as part of the collective, The Real Life Click. MIZ’ brand new album, “#41YO” will be released April 14th, 2023 and features production from Northwest musicians SmokeM2D6 and TheDGTL. The new LP also boasts a guest appearance from legendary New Yorl emcee, Sadat X of Brand Nubian. Keep up with MIZ on IG: @reallifemiz
DJ Ryan Fresh
Ryan Fresh is a longtime Seattle-based DJ who shakes the 12s up in the open format genre, with an emphasis on hip-hop. He's the modernity mixed with vinyl DJ sensibilities and has held residencies at a myriad of popular Seattle venues like Havana, Ohana, and The Comet. He's plenty active on his site ryanfresh.com
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Spanish Ballroom, 565 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402-3907, United States,Tacoma, Washington
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