I saw a post on Threads recently. Or is it just called a Thread? Probably. I saw a Thread recently that contained one simple fill-in-the-blank: _____ is the most underrated MC of all-time? How would I know? I live in a bubble. It’s not like I’m surrounded by hip hop heads here in Green Bay. I know what I read online, but it’s not like I live it. I don’t know what the streets are saying, I only read the internet. That said, I mentally rewound through the decades of hip hop I’ve enjoyed and my initial reaction was Keith Murray. In 1994 Keith Murray released the wildly underrated The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World. That’s an album any hip hop fan should check out if they haven’t already, but nothing that followed was nearly as strong. He ended up in legal trouble, then Keith Murray kind of vanished…at least from what I could tell. If you play Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon with Keith Murray, the next step would certainly be his Def Squad mate Reggie Noble, a.k.a. Redman. Redman is a borderline household name thanks in part to his fun-loving stoner persona, his acting career, and his legendary appearance on MTV Cribs. The more I thought about it, Keith Murray is a deep cut. Redman is the true underrated MC. Every time I see someone’s top five list I see the same names: Rakim, Nas, Pac, Biggie, Jay-Z. Maybe some will throw a curveball like Kendrick or Kanye. Truth be told, give me Reggie Noble over any of them. Yes, I said it and I mean it.
Not gonna lie. I’ve written and re-written this post several times. I vacillate between thinking I’m delivering too much obvious information about Red and thinking that the people that I know reading this are going to look at the title and say, “Who the fuck is Redman?” So, I’m gonna bombard you with Wikipedia-esque facts about Red, then I’ll make my list and tell some stories. I’m writing this for my audience that likely doesn’t know shit about Redman and if you do, you might just learn something anyway.
Redman was born Reggie Noble but you’ll often hear him refer to himself as Funk Doctor Spock, or Funk Doc for short. He represents Newark, New Jersey, a.k.a. Brick City. His first album Whut? Thee Album dropped in 1992 and he’s been steadily making music since, but he was most prolific in the late-1990s. He doesn’t have that one hit or that one album you can point to. The discography is strong. His sophomore album – 1994’s Dare Iz A Darkside – is 64 straight minutes of bangers, but (spoiler) I didn’t actually put a single song from the album on this mixtape. Redman shines brightest when he’s working alongside other greats. He spent years as 1/3 of hip hop collective Def Squad with Erick Sermon and Keith Murray back in the days when a post-EPMD Sermon was the headliner/mentor and Murray and Redman were the young protégés. Redman followed that with a long, successful run as Gen X Cheech & Chong alongside Wu-Tang Clan standout Method Man. Meth & Red recorded two albums and a soundtrack together as well the 2001 stoner movie How High that grossed $31 million at the box office. Three years later the sitcom Method & Red debuted on Fox and lasted for one season and was cancelled after creative differences with Fox.
But enough of me regurgitating Wikipedia. Here’s what you need to know about Redman: He can rhyme with the best MCs who ever lived. He’s hands down the funniest MC ever to rock a mic. Don’t let the sense of humor fool you, though. He’s spitting dope shit while he’s making you laugh. If you don’t know Redman your introduction is long overdue. These are my favorite Redman tracks…or should I say tracks that include Redman. As always, one more disclaimer before I begin:
I had a co-writer for this post. I was under the impression that he was a big fan of Redman and he enthusiastically accepted the offer to contribute to this column. After a few weeks I hadn’t heard from him and I wondered where his playlist was. I discovered that I missed a message stating that he wanted to punt on the Redman list and join me at another time. So, you’re just getting my Redman playlist and you’ll have to trust that it’s the best. Enjoy.
“Time 4 Sum Aksion” by Redman from Whut? Thee Album (1992)
I didn’t hear Redman here in northern Wisconsin until well after his debut album dropped in 1992. By the time I heard “Time 4 Sum Aksion” at least a year later (I’m guessing during Jam Session on an episode of NBA Inside Stuff) it was after Onyx had a radio hit with “Slam” and my initial response was, “This sounds like Onyx.” Little did I know, 30+ years later I’d still be listening to the guy that sounded like Onyx and I’d have to Google, “What was that one song Onyx had?” because I’d completely forgotten. Actually, 30 years ago Google didn’t exist, but you get the point. ”Time 4 Sum Aksion” is driving my spellcheck crazy so I’m going to stop typing about it, but not before I give it credit for being the perfect opener for this playlist. It was my introduction to Redman.
“A-YO” by Method Man & Redman feat. Saukrates from Blackout 2 (2009)
In 2009 Meth and Red appeared on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and performed this track sans Roots, which initially disappointed me, but this track fucks anyway. Meth and Red were running around the studio, jumping up on Jimmy’s desk, and bringing their usual fun stoner charisma. The song has been in my rotation ever since.
“Oooh.” by De La Soul featuring Redman from Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (2000)
When De La was rocking with Prince Paul they frequently flashed their unique sense of humor. They parted with Paul became hip hop guardians and elder statesmen. Their music never stopped being dope, but the quirky humor decreased significantly. Enter Redman, who plays hype man on this amazing track. While Posdnuos laments “shiny suit rappers and flossin’ MCs” Redman is dropping laugh out loud lines about “fat chicks gettin’ they fuck on tonight” and “women that’ll throw they hands against they punk ass man”. One of my favorite tracks on this list.
“Check N’ Me Out” by Def Squad from from El Niño (1998)
After years taking turns on each other’s albums, Reggie, Erick Sermon, and Keith Murray finally made Def Squad official with an album in 1998. While Sermon and Murray spend their verses with typical hip hop braggadocio, Redman raps about being broke and fantasizes about “rocking gear for deer hunting” while robbing a First National Bank. This track is some of Sermon’s finest production. That bass line is fire.
“Tear It Off” by Method Man & Redman from Blackout! (1999)
I have little to say about this track. The shit is dope. Produced, once again, by Erick Sermon.
“Da Goodness” by Redman feat. Busta Rhymes from Doc’s da Name 2000 (1998)
When I first heard this track my brain nearly exploded (produced by Reggie Noble, by the way). In 1998 (or any year) not many MCs could go toe to toe with Busta on a track, but as always, Redman was more than up to the task. Red’s comedy nearly outshines his skills on this track with multiple laugh out loud lines, including him repeatedly encouraging listeners to “shake ya stinkin’ ass”. He would continue referring to stinkin’ asses throughout his career.
“Y.O.U.” by Method Man & Redman from Blackout! (1999)
Yes, I’m aware pretty much every other track on this mixtape is by Meth and Red. That’s just how good Blackout! is. This song is the whole package. Sick beat. Dope verses. Great one-liners. At one point Red refers to his dick as “ergonomic”, which makes me laugh every time. The video is ridiculous. Seriously, in my next life I want to be Method Man and/or Redman in 1999. They gave me the impression that they were having more fun than anyone while still being two of the coolest humans who ever lived.
“Full Cooperation” by Def Squad from El Niño (1998)
In the history of terrible album covers, El Niño is right up near the top of the list. It’s as if the record label just said, “Your budget for this album cover is whatever stock photo you can find for free. We’ll just put your names in bold all caps Arial font on top of it.” So, they found some cool clouds and lightning and that was it. They couldn’t do a photo shoot with the three of them and make it look cool?
“4,3,2,1” by LL Cool J feat. Method Man, Redman, Canibus, and DMX from Phenomenon (1997)
LL Cool J has a microphone tattooed on his arm. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I’m about to relate. LL recruited some hot young rappers to spit bars on his track “4,3,2,1”. One of rappers by the name of Canibus had skills and a bright future at that time. When Canibus recorded his verse for the track he made the unforgivable mistake of asking, “L, is that a mic on your arm? Let me borrow that.” While Canibus maintained that it was a show of respect, LL took great offense to it. Like Canibus was trying to snatch his crown. LL dedicated his entire verse on the track to verbally destroying Canibus. LL then asked Canibus to change his verse, convincing Canibus that if he took out the line about the microphone nobody would know who LL was talking about in his verse. People would just think he was sending a warning shot at young rappers in general. So, Canibus recorded a new verse with no reference to the mic. But, of course the original “leaked” and by the time the finished version of “4,3,2,1” dropped the damage was done. Everyone knew exactly who LL was rapping about on his verse. It became a legendary diss track and Canibus was humiliated for having the audacity (I guess) to ask LL if he could borrow his tattoo mic. Canibus released a retaliation track “Second Round K.O.” featuring Mike Tyson and, to be honest, at that point he was a better rapper than LL. But, LL was already established for over a decade and Canibus was never heard from again. The lesson: Don’t fuck with LL. Did I mention Method Man, Redman, and DMX also appear on this track? The Canibus story buries the headline. This track is dope with or without the controversy.
“Royce & Reggie” by Royce da 5’9″ feat. Redman from The Heaven Experience – EP (2023)
Speaking of underrated MCs, Royce da 5’9″, ladies and gentlemen. This one is for anyone who’s still reading and thinking, “But Cha, every track on here is at least 20 years old.” Redman will have bars until the day he dies, which won’t be for at least another 100 years because he looks like he’s in better shape now at 53 than he’s ever been in his life. He’s gonna outlive all of us. More on that later. Respect.
“The Game” by Def Squad feat. Biz Markie from El Niño (1998)
Back in the day I used to have a cool mashup of “The Game” and classic boner anthem “Too Close” by R&B trio Next. Both songs share the same infectious sample of Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin'”. Then I accidentally deleted my entire Apple Music library and…welp…no more Redman rapping about cool shit while those Next goofballs sing passionately about slow dancing with girls at the club and getting hard-ons like a bunch of 12-year-olds.
“Pick It Up” by Redman from Muddy Waters (1996)
For the record, Redman’s best album is Muddy Waters. Can’t believe it took me this long to include it in the mixtape. If you’ve never heard “Pick It Up” and you click the YouTube link above you’re in for a PG rated version that just produced a spit take on my keyboard. I hadn’t heard that version in 25 years and almost choked when I heard Red open the track with the line, “If you see 50 dollars on the ground everybody tell me what you gonna do?” The album version I’m accustomed to opens with the line, “If you find a bag of weed on the floor motherfucker what the fuck you gonna do?” ”Pick It Up” also contains on of my favorite Redman lines when he freezes the track for a moment, then resumes with the line, “Ha ha, where was I? Oh yes, sippin’ on Cristal with three fingers up your bitch dress.” Now seems like a good time to mention that this mixtape should come with the parental advisory sticker.
“Cereal Killer” by Method Man & Redman from Blackout! (1999)
From the moment “Cereal Killer” starts it’s obvious the beat is dope. Credits on this track say it was produced by RZA, which doesn’t surprise me. I was stunned to discover that pretty much the entire beat was taken from a song called “The Rub” by someone named George & Gwen McRae. RZA kind of mailed this one in. Credit to him for finding a cool sample, but after that all he had to do was loop four bars of that shit, then hand it to Meth and Red to do their thing. Final note on this track: I see no reason why the title of the track is spelled like the popular breakfast food instead of the correct spelling of the word (serial) meaning “consisting of, forming part of, or taking place in a series,” which is more appropriate considering the lyrical content.
“I’ll Bee Dat” by Redman from Doc’s da Name 2000 (1998)
The song that gave us the line, “My first name must he ‘he ain’t shit’ cuz every time I’m in my ride bitches be like ‘he ain’t shit.'” He also drops the line, “My crew do drugs Duane Reade couldn’t breed. Dry me out in the sun, I’ll amount to 10 keys.” The video is a masterpiece as well. *chef’s kiss*
“Rap Phenomenon” by Notorious B.I.G. feat. Method Man & Redman from Born Again (1999)
The list of rappers with whom Redman has collaborated is long and distinguished. Maybe none more revered than Biggie Smalls. Not once has Red sounded out of his league or in over his head. Nothing particularly funny about this track. Just Redman proving he’s in his element whether clowning or trading verses with the greatest.
“Da Rockwilder” by Method Man & Redman from Blackout! (1999)
Time for more hyperbole. ”Da Rockwilder” is one of my favorite songs of all-time. The track comes in at a lean 2:16, and it’s damn near 30 seconds of intro before you hear a voice. The Meth and Red each take 16 bars and in the process put on an emcee clinic over a sick beat created by Dana Stinson a.k.a. Rockwilder. He’s made numerous beats for Redman tracks, but I guess this one was so dope they just decided to name it after him. Hip hop has rarely sounded better.
“Tonite’s tha Night (Remix)” Kris Kross feat. Redman from Tonite’s tha Night (Single) (1996)
Most understandably remember Kris Kross as the little boys who wore their clothes backward and dropped NBA arena anthem “Jump” back in 1992. Seemingly few remember that they continued making solid hip hop with Jermaine Dupri for years after that. One of their singles from 1996’s Young, Rich & Dangerous was the laid back “Tonite’s tha Night” with a remix that featured Redman. My sole reason for including this track was so readers would think, “Wait? Kris Kross?!?” Yep. Kris Kross. Don’t sleep. They did some cool shit. Check out “Come and Get Some” by Da Brat featuring Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly. Rest in peace.
“Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine” (Def Squad Remix) by D’Angelo feat. Redman from Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine (Single) (1995)
There was a time when appearing on an R&B single was considered wack, corny, selling out, a poor choice, etc. I never understood that. Don’t tell me an appearance on an R&B track killed red. Wu-Tang crushed it on SWV’s “Anything” remix. Biggie contributed legendary verses to Total’s “Can’t You See” and 112’s “Only You“. The Lox made Mariah Carey’s “Honey” remix better than the original. Ditto for ODB on another Mariah track, “Fantasy“. Jodeci’s “Freek’n You” remix with Raekwon the Chef and Ghostface Killah is an all-timer. I could go on. I never understood the misconception that rappers somehow sacrificed street credit when they appeared on R&B tracks. They literally all did it. Redman has appeared on tracks with Jodeci, SWV, and Dru Hill just to name a few, but when it comes to R&B it gets no better than D’Angelo. When D needs a rapper on a track his go-to is Redman. Red appeared with Method Man on 2000’s underrated “Left & Right“, but in 1995 he appeared on D’s remix of “Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine”, an all-time great R&B jam. Red bursts onto the track with the line, “I be the Funk Doctor Spock, originator of wreck shop. The type brother to give your stolen car a test drive.” Later he opens his second verse with, “Me and my man D’Ang go into tree spots with a grand and leave out with two hunnid just to get our brains rammed,” then later brags “I got a city of girls wet and still soaking.” It shouldn’t work, but it does. D and Red are like kettle corn. D brings the sweet and Red brings the salty. I’d give anything for another D’Angelo and Redman collaboration. We’re waiting, D….
“Whateva Man” by Redman feat. Erick Sermon from Muddy Waters (1996)
“Whateva Man” was young Redman emerging from his cocoon a beautiful New Jersey stoner butterfly. His first two albums showed promise but still left me somewhat unsatisfied. With “Whateva Man” Red revealed the mind-bending flow that would remain throughout the rest of his career. He’s staking his claim as one of hip hop’s finest.
“How High” (Remix) by Method Man & Redman from Blackout! (1999)
I’m pretty sure there are at least 27 versions of “How High” but the remix I’m talking about is the one that appears on the Blackout! album. I will accept “How High 2” with the Toni Braxton sample as an alternative version as well. As I mentioned above, Red & Meth starred in a movie by the same name. If you haven’t noticed by now, Redman is a cannabis enthusiast and it’s the subject of most of his music. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve partaken. I’ve never understood musicians’ obsession with writing weed songs, and perhaps nobody has written more than Redman. His topic of choice seems an unlikely match for my taste, and yet here we are. There’s no better weed song in my Apple Music catalog than this one right here even though I’m the first to admit I’m ignorant on the topic.
BONUS TRACK: “Heal Yourself” by Redman from J@q Boi Be@tz (2023)
This track doesn’t appear on streaming services (that I know of) so I can’t include it on my mixtape, but I’m putting it here anyway. I discovered Yaahn Hunter Jr. on Instagram a while back…I’m guessing two years ago. I was brainlessly scrolling as one tends to do and I kept seeing this dude at a keyboard smiling and saying, “That’s Hunter,” followed by a mellow vibe with some Dilla-esque non-quantized beats. The more I saw him, the more I liked it, so I followed him. Then I started adding his beats to my Apple Music library. One beat in particular called “Vintage Chill Vibes” caught my ear. It’s a cool vibe with ethereal keyboards and a funky bass line provided by Ukrainian bassist/dancer/vocalist Ana Pshokina. I added it to at least 4-5 of my playlists even though it’s instrumental. Enter Redman. He spent much of 2023 dropping freestyles over other rappers’ beats on YouTube for a “mixtape” he’s calling J@q Boi Be@tz (sometimes spelled Jakk Boy Beats). One week it’d be a classic Doug E. Fresh beat. Next week it’d be Jay-Z. Maybe Busta Rhymes. One of my favorites is his “Benjamins” freestyle. Then Red blew my mind when he jacked Yaahn Hunter’s “Vintage Chill Vibes” and dropped a rare, revealing glimpse into his own wellness called “Heal Yourself”. It was my favorite song of 2023, and it’s not even an actual song that I can download or stream on my preferred streaming service. So, I keep going back to the video on YouTube like a junkie to get a fix. I love 53-year-old Redman on his self-reflection shit every bit as much as I love wild ass 23-year-old Redman that didn’t give a fuck.
As always, since I’m an Apple Music guy and WordPress doesn’t support embedding their playlists, I’ll just give you this link and you can click it to access the Redman Mixtape there. Reggie Noble from Newark, New Jersey, and Cha Brawner from Green Bay, Wisconsin, are about as unlikely a pairing as you could imagine. Redman doesn’t have much (if any) music that I can relate to, but there are few artists who have given me more joy over the past 30 years. In my opinion, the most underrated rapper of all-time. For the record, I don’t know who my top five are. I just know Redman is one of them.
mookiefantana 