TheRalph: From High School Rapper to ‘High Tides’

Raphael Stephen, known as TheRalph, has carved a unique path in the music world, blending influences from hip-hop legends with his personal journey.

“Ralph has always been my nickname,” he explains, “so I just decided to use it as my artist name. There are a lot of Ralphs out there, but I’m TheRalph.”

His journey began in high school, where he was inspired by J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Wayne.

He quickly gained recognition as one of the best rappers in his school, finding a sense of belonging and freedom through his music.

Born in Port Harcourt, TheRalph spent his early childhood in Bayelsa State before moving to the United States at the age of 12.

His life story is marked by significant transitions, but his recent project, “High Tides,” available on all streaming platforms, captures a pivotal chapter.

TheRalph shares that he was in a period of drought, both financially and mentally, when he began creating some of the songs on the tape. Tracks like “Eye for an Eye” and “Fire Fighter” were instrumental in lifting his spirits and giving him the energy to persevere, believing that the tides would eventually turn in his favor.

The turning point came when he secured a six-figure job as a substation electrician for Exelon, a utility company. This period also marked the birth of his first child, and he bought a house where he now lives with his wife and son. This gradual improvement in his life inspired the name “High Tides,” symbolizing the end of a dry spell and the rise of abundance.

As TheRalph continues his journey, he remains dedicated to making music, with another project already in the works, promising more to come soon.