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R.A. The Rugged Man – Legends Never Die (2LP Repress) [Nature Sounds NSD159]

New repress.

Few artists are ever as controversial as they are influential. New York legend R.A. The Rugged Man has lived up to this billing by combining the authenticity of his undeniably rugged life with undisputed mic skills. Among the most gifted lyricists hip-hop has ever seen, R.A. burst onto the scene with an ill-fated stint on Jive Records in the early 1990s, before eventually becoming a pioneer of the independent rap hustle.

Now, three decades after his arrival, R.A. has probably outlasted nearly all of his peers. Having been banned, forgotten, blackballed, and left for dead, the Rugged Man has somehow emerged as one of the most important figures in underground hip-hop, with a thriving career, a nonstop touring schedule, and a die-hard fan base. His 2013 album Legends Never Die is remembered as the classic that solidified this reputation, balancing technically brilliant lyricism with raw honesty and head-nodding production.

Featuring A-list guests like Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Talib Kweli, Brother Ali, Krizz Kaliko, Vinnie Paz, Masta Ace, Sadat X, and more, Legends Never Die is not only a celebration of R.A.’s illustrious history, but an exciting look at what’s still to come.