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Rugged (rug..id) adj. 1. Having a rough, irregular surface. 2. Strong and sturdy. 3. Demanding great effort or endurance.

One word that describes Damion Bertram is rugged. Judging solely on appearance, one would expect Damion to have a rough, commanding, intimidating demeanor. However, Rugged defies such a stereotype by his display of endurance through his life experience. Newark, N.J. was the birthplace of Damion Bertram, but after his family relocated to Far Rockaway N.Y., Damion began to spend most of his time immersed in the hip-hop culture, in the home of none other than Biggie and Jay.

As Rugged became familiar with hip-hop, he quickly developed an affinity for MCing and deejaying. First as an MC, Rugged diligently wrote rhymes and freestyled along with his members of his crew Source Life Entertainment. The collection of family and childhood friends known as Source Life Entertainment consists of MCs, DJs, and singers. All things considered, with this talented group, Ruggs exposure to deejaying would later serve as the stepping stone to his true passion producing. Rugged never really put the mic down, from time-to-time he still spits a few bars, but making timeless music is his main focus.

Family is most often credited for the courage individuals draw upon to pursue their endeavors. Damion has not only found his family which includes his wife Cheree and son Jarris to be a great influence on him, but honors his Jamaican-born parents as being the main source for his musical inspiration. Amongst the feel-good vibes of Bob Marley, Freddie McGregor, Luciano and Dennis Brown, that Damions mother played on a regular basis, the sounds of Damions father playing the bass & drums could also be heard throughout the household.

Although hip-hop was Rugg's reason for his rhyme and soon-to-be burgeoning career as a producer, one can hear the heavy presence of reggae in the beats he creates. Like his predecessors, such as DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Diddy, Jay-Z, Swizz Beats and Kanye West, Rugged looks to break-in new talent. When considering production in hip-hop, there is a dichotomy between beat makers and producers. One would say that beat makers simply make beats for artists; whereas producers help bring new talent to the forefront through a complete music making process.

The true meaning behind his name "Rugged" can be viewed as a way of life for Damion. He redfines such word into a backronym that supports his philosophy of life to live "Righteous Under God's Gift Every Day". He believes everyone is given a gift through God and given opportunity to use that gift wisely to bring blessings into their own life. Rugged is the epitome of a producer. Currently working with reggaes newest upcomer Troublesum a.k.a. "The Star Of The Show" as well as local talented artist, Rugged is putting forth a valiant effort towards an enduring venture in the music industry.