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R.A. the Rugged Man, real name R.A. Thorburn, is a rapper from Stony Brook, Long Island. He began his music career at age 12. At 18, he signed to Jive Records. R.A.'s legend, perpetuated by the P.R. biographies at his various labels, say he was dropped due to violent and disgusting behavior, but in interviews he disputes many of the more extreme stories told about him, adding that Jive just didn't know how to break new artists at the time.

There are at least two artists called "Silent Knight." 1. Emerging from the New Jersey underground Urban performance circuit comes Silent Knight, a recording artist who brings a new glimmer of hope to Hip-Hop culture. This Brooklyn born - Tri State raised performer is an emcee whose electric stage presence and poignant lyrical abilities are smartly matched by his tastefully scathing social and political views.

He spent his early years in the Brooklyn neighborhood of East New York, where he has been rapping at block parties since the early days of his youth. He first showcased his hardcore Brooklyn style to audiences on "I'm the Man," a track from Gang Starr's 1992 album Daily Operation. The following year he released his first single, "Come Clean", which was produced by DJ Premier and became an instant underground hit.