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Draft:Thunda Man

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Thunda Man
Born
Mebraknegodguwad Mahtemework

September 1, 1991
Washington, D.C., USA
Other namesRas Nebyu • Futuristic Black Man • Ras Griffin • Neb
OccupationRapper • singer • record producer
Years active2011 - present
OrganizationWashington Slizzards
StyleHip-Hop • Ragga • Soul
Children1

Thunda Man (Ras Nebyu)

[edit]

Mebraknegodguwad Mahtemework (Amharic: መብረቅነጎድጓድ ማኅተምወርቅ; born September 1, 1991)[1] better known by his stage name THUNDA MAN (formerly Ras Nebyu)[2], is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Born and raised in Washington, DC, he embarked on his musical journey in 2011 gaining local recognition as a founding member of the creative collective “Washington Slizzards”.[3] His music being labeled as a hip-hop/reggae fusion hybrid[4], Mahtemework has been described as having “melodic styles of delivery and rapping” being acknowledged by VICE as “a gem among many rocks…a well-respected artist to emerge from the scene.” via an online article published in 2016.[5] Over the years Mahtemework has garnered support in the DC Metropolitan area particularly within the Ethiopian American community due to his lyrics touching on themes of spirituality, pan-Africanism, gentrification and other issues faced by black people throughout the diaspora.[6]

Mahtemework's pregnant mother with his father months before his birth in 1991
Mahtemework (center-right) singing with his sister & cousins imitating Bob Marley & The I-Threes.

Early Life

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Mahtemework was born on September 1, 1991, in Northwest, Washington, D.C. at Howard University Hospital[7] to an African-American mother and Ethiopian father.[1] He was given the Amharic name “Mebraknegodguwad Mahtemework” which translates to “lightning, thunder sealed in gold” due to the influence of his father’s Rastafarian livity.[1] Feeling the name was too radical, his grandmother, a devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christian insisted on calling him “Nebyu” which means “the prophet” instead.[1] Raised uptown in the Brightwood neighborhood of DC near Kennedy Street, Mahtemework grew up in a pan-African household and attended Roots Public Charter School where he received an Afrocentric education.[1][8][9] He also spent a little over a year living in The Gambia, before returning back to the United States in 2001.[9] Mahtemework graduated from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in 2009.[10]

Musical Journey

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The Arckitech in studio with Mahtemework.

From producer to recording artist

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Mahtemework grew up primarily listening to roots-reggae explaining in several interviews the influence of Bob Marley’s music early in his life along with the likes of Peter Tosh and Culture.[7][11]. Later deep-diving into hip hop as a teenager, Mahtemework would explore and study classic rap albums with childhood friend and long time collaborator The Arckitech.[12] This shared love for the art form amongst the two would eventually lead to their interest in music production.[13] However, Mahtemework would soon start rapping himself after growing frustrated with the struggle of getting local artists to record over his beats.[1] Growing up his favorite rappers where Nas, Lauryn Hill and Tupac.[11][14]

Washington Slizzards

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In 2011 during his transition from producing to recording, Mahtemework and his friends began to label themselves as the “Washington Slizzards”.[1][13] Arising out of what started out as a joke, the “Slizzards” term was a play-on of the city’s professional basketball team.[13] A year later in 2012 he released a music video for a song of the same title further growing the crew’s popularity in the local scene.[15][16][8] Through the 2010’s the Slizzards became known for their annual “Holy Slizz” holiday concert headlined by Mahtemework at the now closed U Street Music Hall.[17] Notable co-headliners for Holy Slizz include DJ K-Meta, Mereba & Ari Lennox.[18][19]

Mahtemework in 2014 during "Ras Griffin III" mixtape promo shoot, photographed by Lloyd Foster.

Singles & Project Releases

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Early Music

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Mahtemework released music videos for his songs “Washington Slizzards” and “Futuristic Black Man” from his first two mixtapes “Kennedy Street Teachings” (2011) and “Babylon’s Most Wanted” (2012).[15][20][21][22] Both videos were received well with the Washington Post describing “Futuristic Black Man” as “intriguing” and “potent”; pop music critic Chris Richards adding:

“he rhymes about rastafarianism, charged-up chakras, the tangled politics of his city’s growing rap scene, and in his closing couplets, addresses the federal politicos that share his area code, re-stoking a culture clash that’s epitomized life in Washington for decades.”[23]

Ras Griffin III

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On August 1st, 2014 Mahtemework released a project titled “Ras Griffin III”,[24] a name inspired by former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III.[25][26] The 10-track album marked the beginning of Mahtemework’s transition from traditional rapping to experimenting with his melodic delivery.[3] The Arckitech along with Mahtemework are listed as the album’s executive producers with additional production from Corbin Butler, Ibrahim Keita and Black Jesus. Guest features include Haile Supreme on the song “Rat Race”.[24]

Ras photographed in 2016 by Kubi Solomon.

Slizzatrism

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The music video for the promotional single “No Love” was released on June 10th, 2016 via REVOLT’s YouTube channel after performing relatively well on SoundCloud.[27] A few months later Mahtemework released the project “Slizzatrism” on September 1st, 2016, the same day of his 25th birthday.[28] The album was named after a philosophy he created and is quoted defining it as:

“the art of finessing good energy to work in your favor by way of meditation, pure intent and acknowledgment of your ancestors.”[29]

Guest appearances include DC-based rapper Lightshow on the album’s 2nd track titled “Gilbert”.[30] A song where the emcees recite rhymes laced with nostalgia about what their lives looked like growing up in DC when basketball star Gilbert Arenas was on top of the sports world.[28] Mahtemework’s reggae/dancehall influences shine through on standout tracks like “Best of Life” and “Blazin”; the latter of which features a verse from The Arckitech where he raps: “Senegalese [braids] under her [head] wrap/but couldn’t show it to you if you gave her a map.”,[31] highlighting the culture’s prioritization of outward appearance over education. Aside from “Slizzatrism” being an expression of Mahtemework’s creativity, the project showcases The Arckitech’s musical versatility with him contributing two guest verses, producing seven out of 13 tracks as well as recording and mixing the entire album.[30] The music video for the song “Don’t Forget” featuring Corbin Butler and Haile Supreme was released February 19th, 2018.[32]

Mahtemework performing at Ben's Chili Bowl 60th Anniversary.

Uptown Lion Walkin’

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In the summer of the same year on July 5th, Mahtemework released the music video for “Thirsty Packman” featuring punk-rap songstress Rico Nasty.[33] The single marked the first time Mahtemework’s music was played on commercial radio winning the WKYS versus contest.[34] Although receiving a favorable review from the FADER,[35] “Thirsty Packman” was met with a fair share of criticism particularly from purist circles with it being described as meaningless and even “cringe worthy”.[36] Later that winter his “Uptown Lion Walkin” album was released on November 1st, 2018.[37][1] In an interview with OkayAfrica Mahtemework explained the inspiration for the album by saying:

“Going into this project, I experienced this sever case of writer's block to the point where I couldn't even think and what I would do is literally take walks around the city. These walks literally helped me open my mind up to writing and to come up with song concepts and to just really understand what's going on around me.”[1]

On August 13th, 2019 the music video for “Days Later” was released via Hope Music’s YouTube channel, a prominent entertainment company in Ethiopia where the entire visual was filmed.[38]

Thunda Man in 2014 performing at Trillectro Music Festival; photographed by Lloyd Foster.

Notable Performances

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On January 25th, 2014 Mahtemework opened for the DC stop of Nipsey Hussle’s Crenshaw Tour at the historic Howard Theatre.[39] A few months later on August 23rd, 2014 he performed at Trillectro, a music festival based in Washington, DC.[26][40] Mahtemework also collaborated with the band Marlee in the Mixx to perform an opening set at Broccoli City Fest on April 25th, 2015.[41] In August of the same year he traveled to Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire to open for Nigerian star WizKid, a trip that ultimately inspired the direction of the “Slizzatrism” project.[42][43] On March 14th, 2017 Mahtemework performed in Austin, Texas during WeDC’s Showcase for SXSW at Austin City Limits, an event headlined by Erykah Badu & the Wu-Tang Clan.[6][44] Over the years Mahtemework has graced many stages opening for likes of Vince Staples, Wale & legendary duo Mobb Deep[5][6].

Mahtemework with his daughter in line for Holy Communion at SPOT Church in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Stage Name Change

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In 2021 Mahtemework officially changed his stage name from “Ras Nebyu” to “THUNDA MAN”,.[45] a pseudonym he has always gone by since he began releasing music in 2011. On January 31st, 2022 he released an 8-track projected self-titled “THUNDA MAN”[46]

Personal Life

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Mahtemework is an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian.[47] He has one child, becoming a father in 2019.[48]

Discography

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  • Kennedy Street Teachings [ep] (2011)[21]
  • Babylon's Most Wanted (2012)[22]
  • Ras Griffin III (2014)[24]
  • Slizzatrism (2016)[30]
  • Uptown Lion Walkin (2018)[37]
  • THUNDA MAN (2022)[46]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ras Nebyu Is Washington, D.C.'s 'Uptown Lion Walkin' | OkayAfrica". www.okayafrica.com.
  2. ^ Richards, Chris (2 February 2022). "Review | As omicron slows down our nightlife, check out these new recordings from DMV artists". The Washington Post.
  3. ^ a b Alim, Teta. "Ras Nebyu: The Singing Rapper Spreading 'Slizzatrism' Across The World". WAMU.
  4. ^ "KYS Versus: Get To Know Ras Nebyu". YouTube. 22 December 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Speakers in the House: Can Washington, DC Be a New Capital for Rap?". VICE (in Danish). 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  6. ^ a b c "Ras Nebyu". SXSW 2025 Schedule. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  7. ^ a b ebstv worldwide (2016-05-06). Nunu Wako Show: Interview With Ras Nebiyu. Retrieved 2025-04-29 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ a b MerchantJuly 17, ArtsBy Canaan; 2020 20. "It's always fun to see DC pop up in music videos". ggwash.org. Retrieved 2025-04-29. {{cite web}}: |last2= has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ a b Collins, Sam P. K. (2023-07-26). "Roots Public Charter Founder to Soon Retire". The Washington Informer. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  10. ^ "Ras Nebyu on His New Single 'Naturale,' Conscious Rap, and Travelling To Africa". Washington City Paper. 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  11. ^ a b "On the Map: Washington DC". dmy.co. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  12. ^ "Bandwidth | WAMU 88.5's New Music Site". 2016-12-16. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  13. ^ a b c "Ras Nebyu: The Singing Rapper Spreading 'Slizzatrism' Across The World". WAMU. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  14. ^ Tiffany. "Ras Nebyu is Ras Griffin III". Retrieved 2025-05-01.
  15. ^ a b SLIZZ TV (2012-10-05). THUNDA MAN - "WASHINGTON SLIZZARDS" (Official Music Video)(fka Ras Nebyu). Retrieved 2025-04-29 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ "Watch: D.C. Rapper Ras Nebyu's Chilled-Out New Music Video". DCist. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
  17. ^ "U Street Music Hall closes its doors due to coronavirus pandemic hardship". WTOP News. 2020-10-05. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  18. ^ Jones, Caroline (2016-12-16). "To Do This Weekend: Martin Garrix, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Holy Slizz 3". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  19. ^ staff, Going Out Guide (2019-12-19). "15 things to do in the D.C. area this weekend". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  20. ^ SLIZZ TV (2013-08-12). THUNDA MAN - "FUTURISTIC BLACK MAN" (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) (fka Ras Nebyu). Retrieved 2025-04-30 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ a b "Kennedy Street Teachings, by Ras Nebyu". Ras Nebyu. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  22. ^ a b "BABYLON'S MOST WANTED [2012], by Ras Nebyu". Ras Nebyu. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  23. ^ Richards, Chris (2013-08-20). "Ras Nebyu, Charlie Worsham, Lulacruza and Goodie Mob: Critic's Notebook". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  24. ^ a b c Ras Griffin III, 2014-08-01, retrieved 2025-04-17
  25. ^ "DMV Beats: Harmony Muzik's Psychosexual Cinema". Washington City Paper. 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  26. ^ a b "Listen: Ras Nebyu's Sophomore Mixtape, Ras Griffin lll". Washington City Paper. 2014-08-04. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  27. ^ REVOLT (2016-06-10). PREMIERE: Ras Nebyu - No Love. Retrieved 2025-04-30 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ a b jgraytudfj (2016-09-03). "Stream: Ras Nebyu – "Slizzatrism"". jgraytudfj. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  29. ^ Kelly, Chris (2018-03-07). "D.C. concert of the week: Rapper Ras Nebyu". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  30. ^ a b c Ras Nebyu - SLIZZATRISM, retrieved 2025-04-17
  31. ^ Ras Nebyu - Blazing, retrieved 2025-04-30
  32. ^ "The Washington Slizzards Have the Smoothest Song You'll Hear All Week | OkayAfrica". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  33. ^ SLIZZ TV (2018-07-05). THUNDA MAN ft. Rico Nasty - "THIRSTY PACKMAN" (Official Music Video) (fka Ras Nebyu). Retrieved 2025-04-30 – via YouTube.
  34. ^ Radio One D.C. (2017-12-22). KYS Versus: Get To Know Ras Nebyu. Retrieved 2025-04-30 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ "Ras Nebyu and Rico Nasty team up against finessers in the "Thirsty Packman" video". The FADER. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  36. ^ jillianhwebb (2020-02-13). "Ras Nebyu-Ethiopia". The Hip Hop African. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  37. ^ a b Uptown Lion Walkin, 2018-11-01, retrieved 2025-04-17
  38. ^ Hope Music Ethiopia (2019-08-13). Ras Nebyu - Days Later - New Ethiopian Hip Hop Music 2019 (Official Video). Retrieved 2025-04-30 – via YouTube.
  39. ^ The Marathon Continues (2024-06-30). Nipsey Hussle at the Howard Theatre Recap. Retrieved 2025-04-30 – via YouTube.
  40. ^ Richards, Chris (2014-08-24). "Trillectro music festival proves it can keep up with the big boys". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  41. ^ Burney, Lawrence (2015-04-27). "Everybody Loves Jaden and Willow: A Report from DC's Exciting, Eclectic Broccoli City Festival". VICE. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  42. ^ "Ras Nebyu on His New Single 'Naturale,' Conscious Rap, and Travelling To Africa". Washington City Paper. 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  43. ^ "Ras Nebyu". SXSW 2025 Schedule. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  44. ^ Gensler, Andy (2017-02-27). "Erykah Badu, Wu-Tang Clan, Thievery Corp To Play SXSW D.C. Showcase: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  45. ^ Richards, Chris (2022-02-02). "Review | As omicron slows down our nightlife, check out these new recordings from DMV artists". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  46. ^ a b THUNDA MAN, 2022-01-31, retrieved 2025-04-17
  47. ^ Richards, Chris (2018-12-04). "Here's how Ras Nebyu transposed his third-eye visions of gentrification into rhyme". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
  48. ^ AMPD365 (2021-04-16). Thundaman Muckbang Interview | NuVegan Cafe - Sponsored by AMPDWear. Retrieved 2025-05-01 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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