Hip Hop

Mindless Behavior: A Complete Timeline

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Mindless Behavior is a young boy band group who made decent waves within the music industry back in the early 2000’s. Now in 2023, where are they, and are they making more music? When the group first began, they were hardly out of their teenage years. Below we’ll take a look at the Mindless behavior timeline to see the extension of their talent with hip hop, pop, and R&B. 

The band Mindless Behavior includes four members, most of which change around the mid-2000’s. Because of many shifts within the band’s schedules and expectations, many members either dropped off of the project or were fired well into 2011. However, the initial performance of the first members of the band make Mindless Behavior what it is today in retrospect, as each member contributed heavily to the development of hits like My Girl and All Around The World.

Raquan Tanyae Smith

Raquan Tanyae Smith, also known as Ray Ray in the band, is the second oldest member of Mindless Behavior. Hailing from Los Angeles just like some of the other members of the group, Ray Ray is the same age, being born in 1997. Ray Ray contributed heavily to Mindless Behavior’s success, acting as a lead in the band under many circumstances. He was not only a backing vocalist for Mindless Behavior in the timeline, but also acted as a sub-rapper and lead rapper. Despite only holding that lead rapper title for a little while, Ray Ray still made iconic movements within his own group, helping bring Mindless Behavior to the reown it witnessed during the 2000’s.

Ray Ray not only influenced the group with his skills on the mic, but his talent on the stage as well. He understood dance basics before joining the group, partnering with dancer Tommy the Clown. His lessons helped evolve his style, eventually budding into the energetic hype that the entire group generates on stage.

Craig Crippen Jr.

Craig Crippen Jr. was the elder member of Mindless Behavior in the timeline. Also called Prodigy, Craig was born in 1996, hailing from the East Coast. As opposed to the other members, Craig came from the east side of the USA, and as a result had a much different outlook on the band as a whole. While he is the eldest member of the band, he was the last member to be brought in, bringing the band to its beginning stage in the early 2000’s. Prodigy was discovered on YouTube that he ran while in Philidelphia. The nickname he uses flor the band, Prodigy, stems not from himself, but the other band members. He gets this nickname from his ability to take on new talents for the band, including music styles, singing roles, and dance moves.

Chresanto August

Roc Royal, real named Cresanto August, is the youngest member of Mindless Behavior, born on July 23, 1997. While he is the youngest, his specialty lies in his vocal addition that he brings to the band. Roc Royal serves as a backing vocalist and main rapper in Mindless Behavior. His well honed rapping skills definitely made an image within the band. Roc Royal was a dedicated member, beginning his rapping career at an early age of eight years old. On stage, he was an energetic and impression-giving member, always bringing hype to the audiences, whether it be through a music video or live performance. 

Jacob Perez

Jacob Perez, or as his name within Mindless Behavior goes, Princeton, was born in Los Angeles in 1997. He stems from a Latino and African American heritage, getting an early start in life before a screen by being in commercials for products such as Nike and McDonalds. Before he was even five, he was on the screen.

His nickname Princeton comes from his almost obsessive love for both music theory and history.  Even in his earliest days of performance, Princeton was a part of music videos for popular brands. His professionalism in the field as well as his great fan-knowledge of music made him a great member of the group, which helped Mindless Behavior become a hit during their hottest track releases.

There are many tracks that made Mindless Behavior a notable group in the 2000’s. Tracks like My Girl and All Around The World made for great waves in the public eye and ear, bringing Mindless Behavior up to a very mindful audience degree. Despite having a relatively short arc in success and noteriety during the 2000’s, none can deny Mindless Behavior’s influence during their highest time.

My Girl

My Girl was the beginning of the best time in the Mindless Behavior timeline. For the entire group, My Girl meant a stellar music video as well as multiple live performances where the group was given the chance to show of their skills. It hit record heights, coming through with over 30,000 copies sold during just the first week of release. Thanks fot the work by Interscope Records, it hit number 7 on the U.S. charts relatively shortly after release.

All Around The World

Their second hit album, All Around The World, made for a second big wave in Mindless Behavior’s work. While it was the only peak since 2011, the impact it made in 2013 made for a great hit on the United States album charts. During peak release time, the second album hit number six on the charts. This was more or less the end of Mindless Behavior’s popularity, because the third album saw significantly less public acclaim. The Third album #OfficialMBMusic, arrived in 2016, but came with little fanfare.

Partnership with Diggy Simmons

In 2011, during the height of the band’s time, Mindless Behavior had the opportunity to partner up with Diggy Simmons to create the song Mrs. Right. The song features rapping talents from Simmons, as well as lyrical support for writing in addition to Dee1 and Rickey Deleon. At the time, all the members were anywhere from 13 to 15 while the song was being made, making it an iconic piece. While Mrs. Right didn’t stand out as much as the first breakout release, it still made big waves and is known as a siginificant notch in the timeline for Mindless Behavior.

Later Band Changes

As the lead vocalist for Mindless Behavior, one of the first changing aspects in the timeline was Prodigy’s decision to leave. While he did later rejoin in 2015, ties between the band members were strained. There’s some speculation that internal strife and bullying were the cause of the band’s sudden upheaval despite great success.

Other changes included Roc Royal’s position in the band. He was fired in 2014 for supposedly stealing a producer’s car. Accusations that confirmed his seperation from the band include starting fights and jail time. In 2018, he began serving time in prison, right after he became the first member of the band to become a father. Despite setbacks, he has since released solo tracks under a new name, Santo August.

Despite some good success, the band is no longer together. After Prodigy’s leaving in 2013, the group was a trio in peformance until another member, EJ, was brought on for his role as a vocalist. While Prodigy did come back to the band very briefly in 2015, it wasn’t enough to make an impact on the band’s future. The end of Mindless Behavior’s timeline came in 2017, when they officially disbanded.

‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ – A Masterpiece Beyond TV

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Few musical groups have impacted society to the extent of the Wu-Tang Clan. The mark they left on hip-hop in the 1990s is simply unmeasurable. Emerging during the golden age of hip-hop, the Wu-Tang Clan quickly established itself as one of the era’s most innovative and influential groups.

Their music and philosophy helped define the era, and their impact is still felt in music and pop culture today. Wu-Tang remains a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and excellence. They are a testament to the power of collective vision and collaboration.

As the Hulu show Wu-Tang: An American Saga ends, reflecting on the group and the show’s impact is essential. The show’s creators, actors, and crew brought their passion and dedication to every aspect of the production.

From the writing and direction to the music and cinematography, they strived not to make a TV show but to create a work of art.

The Creation of ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’

Wu Tang: An American Saga

RZA, one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan, along with Alex Tse, pitched the show to Hulu. Hulu jumped at the concept. They saw it as the ideal opportunity to explore the group’s origins. It also was a way to tell the saga of Wu-Tang’s rise to fame in a way not done before.

Hulu’s biggest draw to the project was the cultural significance and influence on hip-hop music that the Wu-Tang Clan presented. Also, they wanted to share its impact on popular culture. Hulu recognized the potential for a compelling story as well. Most of the group’s origins largely remained shrouded in mystery and myth.

Moreover, the show promised an intimate and authentic look at the lives of the Wu-Tang Clan members. The show offered a fresh perspective by focusing on their struggles as young men growing up in a turbulent and violent environment.

The Importance of the Wu-Tang Story

Wu-Tang Clan

Wu-Tang’s influence on the genre of hip-hop extends far beyond music. They arrived on the music scene during a time of incredible social and economic upheaval in New York City.

The crack epidemic ravaged communities, and poverty, high unemployment rates, and police brutality constantly lurked as a threat. Against this backdrop, the Wu-Tang Clan used their music to speak truth to power. And they gave a voice to their community’s struggles and aspirations.

That is not to take anything away from their music. Their sound is unique and all their own. The heavy use of sampling and martial arts-inspired imagery characterizes it. Wu-Tang’s music is distinctive and raw. This combination sets them miles apart from other groups.

Furthermore, their music is unapologetic and uncompromising. But it is also profoundly poetic and reflective. It captured the complexities of life in the inner city while celebrating the resilience and creativity of the people of New York.

Ultimately, the story of the Wu-Tang Clan is a testament to the power of art to inspire, heal, and bring people together.

‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ as an Art

Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Wu-Tang: An American Saga is more than just a TV series; it is a masterpiece. The show is a stunning piece of art that goes beyond the expectation of a standard TV show.

The Writing

The Writing

Excellent writing is akin to fabulous painting, a masterpiece of words that evokes strong emotions and leaves an indelible impression on the mind. Just like a painting, it has the power to capture the essence of the human experience, immortalizing the moments that define us as a species. This type of writing radiates throughout the entire series.

Moreover, one of the most striking examples of the show’s persistence in creating art is the exceptional writing. It seamlessly blends real-life events with fictionalized elements. Though based on the true story of the Wu-Tang Clan, the writers also incorporated creative liberties to enhance the narration.

The writers, including RZA, developed an engaging narrative that stayed true to the actual events’ spirit while keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The writers also masterfully incorporate symbolism and metaphors throughout Wu-Tang: An American Saga. These metaphors add more profound layers of meaning to the show.

Chess

Chess as a Metaphor

In Addition, an example of a frequently used metaphor is chess. The game of chess represents the Wu-Tang members’ strategic thinking (particularly RZA’s) and their ability to navigate difficult situations.

The artistry of incredible writing lies in its ability to transcend time and space, allowing people to enter a different world and experience things they may never have thought possible. The writers of Wu-Tang: An American Saga mastered this art.

The Directing

The Directing

Outstanding direction does not merely create a TV show but rather crafts a work of art that speaks to the human experience powerfully and profoundly. Superb direction on a series can open the audience’s eyes to new perspectives and stir their hearts with the power of storytelling.

The directors of Wu-Tang: An American Saga formed such a realistic and authentic world set in the 1990s. They recreated the period with extraordinary attention to detail. From the costumes to the site locations, every element was examined.

But perhaps the most crucial element in the director’s arsenal is their ability to draw out powerful performances from their actors. Through a combination of careful coaching and instinctual guidance, the director can coax out the raw emotions and vulnerability of the actors, creating a palpable sense of authenticity and realism.

The directors undoubtedly brought out some of the best performances in the actors on this show. Wu-Tang: An American Saga has a huge ensemble cast. So giving each member their moment to shine was not a small chore.

The Cast

The Cast

Ashton Sanders as Bobby Diggs, aka RZA, is phenomenal and outstanding. Additionally, Siddiq Saunderson as ​​Dennis’ D-Love’ Coles, aka Ghostface Killah, is extraordinary and unforgettable.

Ultimately, the directors were not merely creating a TV show but crafting a work of art. Through their mastery of the medium, the directors created a sense of camaraderie and chemistry between the actors, effortlessly felt through the TV screen.

The Cinematography

The Shots

Additionally, extraordinary cinematography can transform a show into a work of art by using visual language to create a powerful emotional and intellectual experience for the viewer. It is a palette of the artist, the DAW for rappers.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga‘s cinematography immerses the viewers in their world. It gives the viewer permission to experience the story viscerally. The creative camera movements, framing, focal length, and angles develop a sense of urgency and danger. These shots result in honest and genuine scenes.

Contrast, Color, and Lighting

Lighting

Using contrast and color brings a sense of visual poetry to the show. The show’s color palette is muted. The use of numerous shades of browns and grays gives the show a gritty and pragmatic feel.

The interplay of light and shadow is also carefully crafted to establish a sense of depth and dimensionality. This use of shadows and low-key lighting produces a sense of intimacy and intensity.

Ultimately, through its use of composition, lighting, color, movement, and storytelling, Wu-Tang: An American Saga converts poetry to a visual medium. It transports the audience to another world and leaves them with a lasting impression of beauty, meaning, and inspiration.

And, OF COURSE, the Music

The Music

Music holds power. And the music of this show elevates it to a higher artistic level. The music creates a sense of identity throughout Wu-Tang: An American Saga. It also provides a unifying thread that ties the story together.

The show’s music pays homage to the Wu-Tang Clan’s classic sound while incorporating new elements that feel fresh and modern. The show’s original score, composed by RZA, is a testament to his producer skills. It also showcases his deep respect for the Wu-Tang Clan’s musical legacy.

The score incorporates classic Wu-Tang samples, gritty drums, and fierce vocals.
Additionally, it employs classic Wu-Tang Clan tracks to underscore key moments in the story.

The show’s creators and RZA carefully chose the ideal tracks to complement scenes and evoke the exact emotion from the viewers. It is truly a remarkable art form that can enhance and enrich the viewing experience in ways that are beyond measure.

The Enduring Art and Legacy of Wu-Tang Clan

The Legacy

The Wu-Tang Clan’s impact on hip-hop culture cannot be understated. They introduced a new style of lyricism, with each member bringing their unique voice and perspective to the group’s collective output.

Ultimately, their music is courageous and authentic, capturing the struggles and experiences of urban youth in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. Their philosophy of brotherhood, self-reliance, and artistic excellence inspired a generation to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world.

The Power of the Art

The Art

Furthermore, by telling the story of the Wu-Tang Clan, the world gains a more philosophical understanding of the social and political context that gave rise to hip-hop culture. The show also gives an incredible insight into the creative process and artists’ struggles. It spotlights the sacrifices needed to achieve success.

Wu-Tang’s impact on hip-hop and pop culture continues to be felt to this day, making them one of the most essential and enduring groups in music history. Wu-Tang: An American Saga goes far beyond simply retelling their story, but instead gives viewers a stunning work of art they can scrutinize over and over.

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DJ Quik Recounts Almost Fighting Tupac

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DJ Quik recently revealed that he almost fought with hip-hop legend Tupac over a misunderstanding. “Outside the studio, he was a jokester – bagging on n****s — joking, fun — we toured a little bit. He got in my ass one time too — we were about to get into a fight because he thought I was stealing his stage show — like when he would rap and jump up on the speakers. I had to tell him ‘bro I got that off of Bobby Brown my n**** — off of the ‘My Prerogative’ shit.”

The DJ then shared the way they resolved the conflict. “Come here, Quik. Let me holler at you — How am I stealing the show — this n**** hot; he ready to fight. So, instead of us fighting, we went into the weight room and just started lifting weights and shit. You know what I’m saying? Just go in there like ‘knock it out, dog.’” 

The Time DJ Quik Almost Died

This isn’t the first time DJ Quik has gotten into trouble thanks to the “All Eyez On Me” artist. The star recently recounted how he could have lost his life in an altercation over Tupac’s bootleg music in a Uproxx Video interview. He states that he gave a security guard a copy of a copy of a CD that the late rhymer was working on.

Quick said “‘Ay, you know ni**as up here playin’ that new Tupac sh*t y’all in there workin’ on?’ He’s like, ‘What!?’ What!?. So I get a call, ‘Hey man, come up to the office.’ I already know with them Death Row meetings, when they call you randomly at 4:20 to fight traffic and get up here, ‘Aw, this finna’ be some bullsh*t.’” 

The 53-year-old then speaks about getting into a life-threatening altercation after he asked the security guard who received the aforementioned CD from him. “So I fight the dude, and he dropped his Hennessy, and I think he was more mad that he dropped his Hennessy than me actually swinging on him or whatever. So he told his homeboy, ‘Man, blast this mothaf*cka!’ My man just pulled out a Tec and cocked it. I just [stopped and became] cold over this dumb-ass Tupac tape. So my man didn’t shoot me. My security got the gun from him and was like, ‘Y’all just go ahead up.” What’s your favorite DJ Quik song? Let us know in the comments.

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Tisha Campbell Dishes On Dinner With Tupac

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Tisha Campbell is an American actress, singer, and dancer who has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1980s. She is known for her roles in popular television shows such as “Martin” and “My Wife and Kids.” However, Tisha is also known for her friendliness and kind heart. This is backed up by her story about her cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Tupac in the 1990s. In an interview with The Breakfast Club morning show, Tisha looks back on her dinner with fondness.

Additionally, Tisha Campbell admits to having had issues with not being present in the moment. It’s easy to lose track of how quickly time moves, and to get stuck in one period of time. Tisha states that as she gets older, she is able to appreciate being in the moment. But back when she was younger, she was not able to fully comprehend how much she was living in the past. She credits her friend Berkley for being able to put things into perspective for her.

Tisha Campbell Realizes Dinner With Tupac Is Not Normal

“I would say random stuff like ‘oh yeah when I made Thanksgiving dinner for Tupac’ and he was like ‘you can’t just say you made Thanksgiving dinner for Tupac’. And I was like, oh that’s not normal?” Tisha Campbell talks about how casual having Thanksgiving dinner with Tupac was to her in the 90s. She realizes now how extraordinary her connection to the famous late rapper truly was. Back then, Tupac had joined Tisha Campbell and her husband at the time, Duane Martin, for a holiday dinner.

During the 1990s, Tisha Campbell and Tupac Shakur were both rising stars in the entertainment industry. As a result, Tupac, Tisha, and Duane Martin would periodically hang out and get together. It was not uncommon for famous celebrities living in LA to be close, or even casual friends. Tisha states that she used to host large parties where she was cooking for large quantities of people at once. “Now my parties are like, two, three people. But I used to cook a lot.” Now Tisha realizes how special her connection to Tupac was, and focuses more on being present so she can develop new special connections.

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De La Soul’s Top Streaming Songs To Date

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De La Soul is one of the most important groups in the foundation of hip-hop. Not only do they represent the power of a rap group but they also represent the power of lyricism. They were known for rapping over a plethora of unique samples. Most recently, the group has been in the news for both unfortunate and fortunate reasons. The unfortunate reason is one of their members, Trugoy The Dove, recently passed away at the age of 54. The fortunate reason is their first six albums will be available for streaming on March 3rd, 2023. This will be the 34th anniversary of their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising. Ahead of this historic day, we wanted to celebrate the biggest songs that have been able to make it to streaming up to this point.

Note: At the time of this writing, these are the songs with the highest streaming numbers. The songs are likely to change once their discography is added.

#10 Quiet Culture – Ibrahim Maalouf (feat. Pos of De La Soul)

This first entry is the most recent so naturally it has the lowest amount of streams out of this group. That is in no way a reflection of the quality of the song. Released in 2022, this one is a collaboration between Posdnuos and jazz trumpeter and pianist Ibrahim Maalouf. The track comes from Maalouf’s album which also features other notable artists.The first minute or so of the track is drumless as and we hear Pos flow over Maalouf’s trumpet and piano. Once the drums come in the song picks up and a children’s sounding choir assists with the song’s hook. Pos’ flow on the second verse features some flow switches and Maalouf’s trumpet takes a backseat of sorts. On this one we get three verses and each one is more motivational than the last as we get advice for getting through life. 

#9 Eye Know

The samples in this song are all iconic and instantly recognizable for many. They all come together to create a pleasant atmosphere for the two MCs to rhyme over. Their smooth yet upbeat bouncy flows pair well with the melodies. This song is also iconic because of its music video and how it showcases the epitome of the image De La Soul had at the time. The brightly colored backgrounds and flower graphics lined up really well with the positive image they were presenting. The wholesomeness of the song itself added to this as it is a love song. Trugoy and Pos share their intentions for their lover and it may seem they are after the same woman. Referring to themselves as “Plug One” and “Plug Two”, they explain why they are better than other men the woman has met. 

#8 The Magic Number

This is a track most people today are probably familiar with. It’s one of the biggest singles De La Soul ever had and this is due to a few reasons. One of course, is the sample of “Three is a Magic Number” from the series Schoolhouse Rock. Many of their listeners grew up watching this show and have a nostalgic connection to the original song. Fast forward to 2022 and Marvel fans heard it during the end credits of Spider-Man; No Way Home. Since there were three Spider-Men in that movie and there are three members of De La Soul, it just worked out perfectly. The joy of the song could now be shared with new generations and form a connection for the older one and the current one. 

#7 Baby Got Work – Potatohead People (feat. Pos of De La Soul)

Potatohead People are a Canadian producer duo consisting of Nick Wisdom and AstroLogical. Producers are just as important as the rappers themselves especially in this day and time. On this track, Potatohead People give Pos a landscape of jazzy and electronic noises to flow over. Trugoy is absent from this one but Pos holds it down and represents the trio well. Pos’s rapping does not distract listeners from the production nor the reverse. They come together and enhance each other. Kapok provides some sung vocals for the hook that Pos has an equal contribution to. This is one of the most recent songs from De La Soul and fits in very well with their expansive discography. This track came out in 2020 and sounds modern while still keeping the spirit of traditional hip-hop alive.

#6 He Comes – (feat. Ghostface Killah)

De La Soul and Wu-Tang Clan are both giants in terms of 90s hip-hop representation, However, if you have heard a song from either group, you know how different they are. There is nothing wrong with this as it only makes this collaboration all the more important. Ghostface Killah hails from Wu-Tang clan and represented them well on this track. In fact, his bridge declares that this collaboration was inevitable because they’ve both been killing the game for so long.  His verse is full of internal rhyme schemes and other word gymnastics. Posdnuos and Trugoy hold it down with solid verses too and the song’s sample serves as a brief but soulful hook between verses.

#5 Fallin’ – De La Soul and Teenage Fanclub

Teenage Fanclub is a Scottish alternative rock band. While there are multiple aspects of the golden age of hip-hop people often cite, one sticks undoubtedly: unexpected collaborations. These found hip-hop acts joining forces with someone from a completely different genre. The reasoning behind it ranges from wanting to experiment or sometimes for the sake of charity. In this case, the reason was the former. The song comes from the soundtrack for the 1993 movie Judgment Night whose tracklist consists of rock and metal bands collaborating with rappers. Trugoy and Posdnuos rap over a guitar and drums that are a little different from the breaks they are used to and the two of them still slow their flows down a little here. They certainly had fun with it as the last minute or so is just them laughing and goofing off in the booth.

#4 Much More – De La Soul (feat. Yummy)

This song is quite a big deal for two main reasons. The intro has a brief spoken contribution from DJ Premier. The song itself was produced by J Dilla. Both of these people are the epitome of the era De La Soul hails from. The song is an example of them coming together to showcase their roots in traditional hip-hop. The overall tone of the song lines up with this as it has a very triumphant atmosphere – a golden age atmosphere. Featured artist Yummy Bigham is on hook duty here and reinforces the vocal sample J Dilla used. Trugoy and Pos both assert their dominance over other rappers with Trugoy focusing on his mental ability and outlook being superior. Posdnuos closes his verse with some creative imagery about his skill on a mic which is a testament to their era of “rocking the mic” 

#3 Drawn – (feat. Little Dragon)

The feature on this song is a testament to the power of generations working together. Little Dragon is a band from this generation and their listeners may be unfamiliar with an older group like De La Soul – and vice versa. Still, this song shows that these separate audiences can come together simply for the sake of enjoying good music. The gentle piano and Little Dragon’s lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s vocals are what is heard for most of the song. Other instruments drop in and out giving the song a unique feeling. The collaboration comes to the forefront in the song’s bridge where Nagano sings and Posdnuos raps a brief repeated two line piece followed by a verse. This verse offers a bit of vulnerable transparency that fits in well with the atmosphere of the song.

#2 Pain -(feat. Snoop Dogg)

This is a more recent track (2016) from their discography and has been on streaming since it was released. It was a single for their 9th album And The Anonymous Nobody…This one is in the chilled out jazzy lane the trio often finds themselves in. The song’s hook is sung by Lola Troy and has an upbeat motivational feeling to it. Both verses from Posdnuos and Trugoy capitalize on this theme through positive and uplifting verses. Posdnuos chooses to focus on universally uplifting content while Trugoy mentions some of the struggles of everyday life and being able to overcome them. Snoop Dogg’s feature has the same feeling to it as he uses word gymnastics to reflect his confidence and his relaxed flow fits the song excellently. 

#1 Rock Ko. Cane Flow (feat. MF DOOM)

RIP MF DOOM. This song has a semi eerie tone to it due to the vocal sample loop. These background vocals sit between a simple piano melody that fits the eerie atmosphere. Production on this one comes from Jake One, a name many are very familiar with. MF DOOM’s feature includes two verses from him, one after Posdnuos’ first verse and one before his second verse. In a unique delivery decision,  he speeds up his flow to match the drums at the conclusion of the verse. This switch up adds to the intrigue of the song and showcases his skill in syllable usage. The song has no hook and the verses come in one after another in a cypher-esque way. The effective simplicity of the production capitalizes on this feeling. 

Is De La Soul one of your favorite golden age hip-hop groups? Are you excited to see their discography coming to streaming services? Let us know in the comments below.

Method Man And Redman: A History Of The Duo

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Method Man and Redman. Two names that hold enormous weight in the hiphop industry. These two hip hop heavyweights made their debut during the Golden Era in the 90’s. While separately there is no denying their greatness, over the past two decades, they have become synonymous with one another.

Having become somewhat recognized as a package deal in the entertainment industry, many have speculated whether the two MC’s were actually related due to their similar names and incredibly close relationship. Though the two are not related, it is only fair to wonder given the amount of other industry stars that actually are. Artists such as GZA, RZA and ODB are all related and created the very Wu-Tang Clan that Method Man is a part of. Though the pair have accumulated plenty of aliases over the years such as Meth & Red, Red & Mef, John Blaze and Funk Doc, they very much broke into the industry on their own accord.

On Their Own

Method Man (L) and Redman of Redman & Method Man perform during the Pemberton Music Festival. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/FilmMagic)

Clifford Smith, Jr. Is better known by his stage name Method Man. He was born March 2, 1971 in Hempstead, Long Island. Smith divided his childhood between his father’s Long Island residence and his mother’s home in Clifton. During those years, he hung out and rapped with Robert Diggs (now known by the names Prince Rakeem, or the RZA) and his cousins Gary Grice (the Genius, or GZA) and Russell Jones (Ol’ Dirty Bastard).

Some years later, Diggs and Grice, after suffering recording industry setbacks, gathered old friends Jones and Smith along with newcomers Dennis Coles (Ghostface Killah), Jason Hunter (Inspectah Deck), Lamont Hawkins (U-God), and Raekwon to form the Wu-Tang Clan in 1991. And after some practice, they were considered the best crew of MCs in the neighborhood.  He took his stage name from the 1979 film Method Man. Meanwhile, while the Wu-Tang was being formed on Staten Island, Redman’s roots began in Newark, New Jersey. Reginald Noble is best known by his stage name Redman. Growing up he was raised in Newark, New Jersey and attended West Side High School. Which was an experience he described as “off the hook”.

How Method Man Got His Start

He was later expelled from Montclair State University his freshman year due to poor academic performance. At the time having no other options, Redman then went back home to live with his mother, who kicked him out of her house for selling drugs. Roughly two years later, when he was 18 years old Redman became a DJ-MC who went by the name “DJ Kut-Killa”. During that time he would  freestyle over funk and hip hop instrumentals that were spun on vinyl records in various parks and house parties around New York and New Jersey.

Eventually, he was discovered by Erick Sermon of the legendary hip hop group EPMD. A few months after moving in with Sermon, Redman went out on tour with EPMD. While on tour with them he did everything from carrying their bags to coming out on stage and doing rap freestyles. In 1990, during one of their shows in New York, Redman was invited onstage by Erick Sermon where he delivered a rap freestyle that was life changing. He freestyled a song describing himself as a rapper using every letter in the alphabet, from A to Z. After his performance, Redman began production with Erick Sermon on his first major label album.

The Dynamic Duo

Rappers Method Man and Redman perform during the Budlight Event 2017 SXSW Conference and Festivals. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)

The duo have known each other long before they both signed with Def Jam records. They actually met for the first time at a Kris Kross release party in the very early 90’s. In 1994 during their time under the same label they met again on tour. And then again in 1995 in a recording studio while working with 2Pac. The pair recorded “Got My Mind Made Up” for his multi-platinum album All Eyez on Me.

During an interview Redman explained what touring together was like and how it solidified the pair’s friendship. He explained, “Every time when we roll together, I’m the music man. I put the music on or whatever. We listen to s**t that everyone can vibe to whether it’s beats or old school, whatever. I’m kinda the DJ. So, when we was riding in the vans at that time doing promotion, that’s real promotion, we had some songs written.

They Started Making Music Together

He continued and said, “That’s how I can say how the Red and Meth brand came about was from us being on the road when Def Jam put us there. They placed that scene I would say. They mapped out that scene for us to be on the road. It was up to us, organically, to make the Red and Meth brand happen because it could’ve went another way. It could’ve went like, ‘Alright, I ain’t f***in’ with this n***a. Or I ain’t f***in’ with this n***a.’ And we could’ve just went on about our business after that promo tour. But after that promo tour, I threw them beats on and we literally connected through the music organically, and we came back home like real good friends and ready to say, ‘You know what? Let’s do an album.’”

After this, they had a few friendly freestyle battles against each other on the 90’s TV show, “Yo! MTV Raps”, which ultimately led to their collaborative debut single “How High” in 1995. In 2001 the rappers teamed up to star in the stoner classic coincidentally also titled, “How High”. In the film, Redman and Method Man portray two cannabis users who are visited by the ghost of a deceased friend after smoking his ashes. The ghost helps with their exams, and they receive scholarships to Harvard University. While the movie did not receive the best reviews, it goes down as one of the top stoner films of all time. 

What Are They Doing Now?

I(L-R) Rappers Method Man of Wu Tang Clan and Redman perform onstage during the KDay 93.5 Krush Groove concert. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

While the pair’s last official album, “Blackout 2!” was released in 2009, neither of them have stayed out of the spotlight. Singularly or collectively. As recently as 2022 the two had released music. A track titled, “Live From the Meth Lab”. Which featured Method Man, Redman, Hiphop legend KRS-one and Jojo Pellegrino. Although neither of them have released an album alone or together in a few years, it is not because of a rift between them at all. They have had and continue to have much love for one another. Although they are not blood brothers address each other and refer to one another as such on and off cameras.