HIPHOPDX Redman

The Newark, NJ born rapper known as Redman began his career with the name DJ Kut-Killa because he would freestyle over funk and instrumental vinyl records throughout New York and New Jersey. He was discovered by Erick Sermon of EPMD while DJing for Lords of the Underground. Reggie’s first studio album appearance was on EMPD’s Business as Usual on “Hardcore” and “Brothers on My Jock.” Erick Sermon would executive produce Redman’s Whut? Thee Album, released in 1992. It peaked at 49 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. Redman would follow the success of that album with the release of Dare Iz a Darkside in 1994. Redman would produce his second album almost entirely himself. However, he would relinquish much of that responsibility to Erick Sermon on his third set, Muddy Waters. It was certified gold on February 12, 1997. Around this time, Redman would become fast friends with Method Man and the late Tupac Shakur. He would appear alongside them on Pac’s All Eyez on Me double CD on the song “Got My Mind Made Up.” Redman released El Nino in 1998, a collaborative album that featured his crew, Def Squad. Doc’s Da Name 2000 was his fourth studio album and was his first to go platinum after multiple gold certifications. Redman would team up with Method Man for Blackout! in 1999. Redman released Malpractice, his fifth studio album, in 2001. It was his highest charting album to date, reaching number four on the Billboard 200. Red and Meth would team up again for the How High soundtrack in 2001 as well. The dynamic duo would come together once again in 2009 for Blackout! 2. Redman would release Red Gone Wild: Thee Album in 2007 followed by Reggie in 2010, which was his final Def Jam release, and Mudface in 2015.