R.A THE RUGGED MAN DROPS NEW ALBUM “ALL MY HEROES ARE DEAD”
R.A The Rugged Man finally returns with a new album after a 7 year hiatus from the drop of Legends Never Die; personally one of my favorite albums of all time. The Rugged Man has been a top tier underground artist since the early 90’s, the days of Biggie Smalls and 2Pac while even having a song with Biggie.
During the first song “The Introduction” of R.A The Rugged Man’s album “All My Heroes Are Dead” , he’s heard talking about his past issues during the first phase of his career mentioning that he’s dealt with mental health issues while also conquering them over the years. His mind set has obviously matured becoming one of the most advanced lyricists bar for bar, his song “Uncommon Valor” is easily one of the greatest verses of all time.
On the song “Wondering/Happening to Believe” R.A is heard talking about two touchy stories, one about a girl named “Jenny” who ends up becoming a victim of a touchy rapist who was an honored student athlete, where she’s cared to speak up and ends up taking her life.
In a second verse you can hear a story of a boy named Eric, who turns to drugs for relief from life. During the verse you can hear how this effects the boys mother, who later has to bury her own son from his addictions.
R.A is obviously still a top tier artist that could easily take over mainstream hip hop as heard once you listen to this new album, it’s like he hasn’t took a day off in 20 years. My favorite song on this album is Dragon Fire featuring Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, Kool G Rap, and Xx3eme.
All artists are heard going toe to toe, bar for bar in what sounds like a 90’s setting on one of the sickest beats produced by Shroom. Another favorite of mine is The Slayers Club featuring M.O.P., Vinnie Paz, Chris Rivers, Onyx, Chino XL, and Brand in what sounds like a song fresh outta Def Jam Fight for NY.
He first teased this album with a music video titled “Legendary Loser” where he was seen dressed as Lil Pump and mentioned how colored hair SoundCloud rappers with no skill do not deserve a top tier spot in hip hop. On the song Contra-Dictionary, The Rugged Man is heard talking about a bunch of contradicting behavior issues in society that surround the Hip Hop community.
This album “All My Heroes Are Dead” features a range of old to new artists such as Chuck D of Public Enemy, Ghostface Killah, Immortal Technique, Ice-T, Slug of Atmosphere, Vinnie Paz, M.O.P., Kool G Rap, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Onyx, Brand Nubian, Chris Rivers, Inspectah Deck, A-F-R-O, Masta Killa, and more. If I had to rate it, it’d be an easy 10/10 as this is one of R.A’s most in-depth album work so far in my opinion, showcasing intricate flows and vocal speed as’well as a gill like lung when it comes to rapping. He could easily stand at the top of the list and compete with any rapper out.
If you’ve never heard of R.A The Rugged Man, I suggest you go pick up this album to get a taste of his newer sounds. This album is definitely a 10/10 when it comes to the scale of quality recording, mixing, flowing, punch lines and lyricism. Some songs I suggest checking out are All Systems Go, Life Of The Party, Contra-Dictionary, Dragon Fire and Living Through A Screen.
