In a highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live’s ‘Studio 8H,’ Jennifer Lopez delivered electrifying performances, offering a glimpse into her upcoming ninth studio album, This Is Me…Now, set to release on Feb. 16th.
JLo graced the SNL stage with a reimagined version of “Can’t Get Enough,” featuring rapper Latto and a surprise appearance by Redman. The collaboration showcased dynamic staging, energetic choreography, and commanding vocals. Redman’s hit, “Da Goodness,” inspired the “Jiggy Woogie” social media dance trend, culminating in the SNL collaboration.
The global superstar also treated the audience to a world-exclusive performance of the title track, “This Is Me…Now,” a sensational preview of her upcoming album. The single is available on all streaming platforms, building excitement for JLo’s first major musical project in nearly a decade.
With This Is Me…Now just 12 days away, Jennifer Lopez is embracing the return of traditional physical albums. Fans can anticipate special and limited editions, including a deluxe CD with a 40-page booklet and exclusive Polaroid photos. The standard vinyl, available in Jennifer’s favorite green, is accompanied by an exciting collectors series featuring eight additional exclusive vinyls with different covers and colors, all available for preorder. As a bonus, an Amazon Original, This Is Me…Now: A Love Story, will also be released on Prime Video alongside the album drop.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Strong Island rap duo EPMD released their third studio album, Business as Usual on the Def Jam imprint. Although upon its release it wasn’t as commercially popular as its two predecessors, this album is still considered to be a success. In the year of its release, Business As Usual peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200 and claimed the #1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The album was certified gold on May 7, 1991, and in 1998, The Source Magazine selected this project to be apart of the “100 Best Rap Albums” list.
Although the project is titled Business as Usual, the sound of the album was largely different than what had made EPMD famous on earlier releases. The production on their first two projects consisted mostly of samples and simple drum patterns. On Business as Usual the sound is more complex and the drum patterns are more involved. Erick and Parrish stepped the game up and ventured away from the tradition sample-heavy beats that were prominent in New York during this era.
Lyrically, this album is a lot more straightforward than there previous efforts. The punch lines are wittier and the newer sound of the production allows the duo to experiment with different flows and subjects. This album also ushers in the career of a rap legend Newark, NJ newcomer Redman. Redman was featured on the tracks “Hardcore” and “Brothers on My Jock.” Redman’s hunger for the spotlight is easily noticed on this project and set the tone for the long and successful career that followed.
The three singles from this project, “Gold Digger”, “Rampage” featuring LL Cool J, and “Give the People”, had high reception in the Hip Hop community; two of them claimed spots on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. “Gold Digger” peaked at #14 and “Rampage” at #30. After this project, EPMD went on to release four more successful studio LPs.
Although Redman has many talents, let’s get one thing straight- he’s untouchable as a rapper. It’s no surprise why he’s widely regarded as one of the classic MCs of the ‘90s. Contributing to his legacy is his debut album, Whut? Thee Album, a seminal work in the realm of East Coast Hip Hop. Its impact has been immense since its release, and Redman has received unending praise for creating a timeless, trippy body of work.
Even though Redman still sounds as fresh as he did in 1992, Whut? Thee Album is now, remarkably, 31 years old. Throughout his impressive catalog, it has remained one of the MC’s best musical projects. Indeed, Redman is a versatile industry vet, but his rap skills stand far above his other talents. With Whut?,Redman began a stellar musical run.
The Rise Of Redman & The Birth Of Whut?
Before releasing his debut album, Redman was already making waves in the Hip Hop scene. This was particularly due to his association with the Hip Hop duo EPMD. Specifically, Erick Sermon, one-half of EPMD, took Redman under his wing and mentored him. Moreover, Sermon recognized Redman’s exceptional talent and unique style, and their partnership birthed greatness.
Redman officially debuted with his appearance on the EPMD tracks “Hardcore” and “Brothers on My Jock.” These tracks were off the duo’s third album, Business as Usual. Two years later, a 22-year-old Redman dropped his debut album, Whut? Thee Album. The project was released on September 22, 1992, and was recorded between 1991 and 1992.
Redman & Erick Sermon Make Magic
The album was entirely produced by Erick Sermon and Redman. However, it featured additional co-production from Pete Rock and Parrish Smith on two tracks. Pete Rock has production credits on “How to Roll a Blunt,” while Parrish Smith has credits on “Hardcore” as a member of EPMD. Notably, Sermon’s production style, characterized by samples and hard-hitting beats, laid the foundation for Redman’s flows and lyrical prowess. The synergy between Redman and Sermon’s beats became a defining feature of the album.
Meanwhile, Redman also exuded great confidence and self-assuredness throughout the project. His lyrics are filled with bravado, reflecting his belief in his abilities as a rapper. Furthermore, his pen was marked by playful and humorous wit that added an element of fun to the album. Whut? Thee Album also showcased Redman’s ability to incorporate social commentary into his lyrics. For example, tracks like “So Ruff,” “Tonight’s Da Night,” and “Rated R” explored darker themes like crime and violence.
A Masterclass In Solo Strength
Redman is left to his own devices for most of this record. There are only three featured acts on the 21-track album. “So Ruff” features scratches by the iconic DJ Scratch, while Sermon and Charlie Marotta appear on “Watch Yo Nuggets.” The three singles released from the album were “Blow Your Mind,” “Time 4 Sum Aksion,” and “Tonight’s Da Night.” The only single to appear on the charts, however, was “Time 4 Sum Aksion,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.
Shaping A Legacy
Upon its release, Whut? Thee Album was a critical triumph for the New Jersey rapper. Additionally, retrospective reviews have been even more favorable. Consequently, it is often cited as one of the best Hip Hop albums of the ‘90s. The project’s energy, clever wordplay, and infectious beats resonated with listeners, catapulting Redman to fame.
Whut? Thee Album reinforced Redman as a force to be reckoned with in the ’90s. He set a new standard for authenticity and creativity in rap music. Additionally, the psychedelic elements present in the project proved to be highly influential creative decisions. Overall, 31 years down the line, Whut? remains a classic in the Hip Hop canon, and Redman has gone down in rap history.
There are plenty of icons in rap music as all hip-hop heads know. However, it is hard for many fans to pinpoint one specific G.O.A.T. of the genre. You will hear a majority of people say Tupac, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Eminem. But, there are some more sleeper candidates that could take that top spot. One of those who needs to be heard more often in these discussions is Redman. Of course, he has gotten his flowers over the years, along with his running mate Method Man.
It just feels like most people refer to him as the cream of the crop. He has plenty of great tracks under his belt. From “Da Rockwilder,” “Tonight’s Da Night,” and more, Redman has the catalog to back up his case. On top of that, he has one of the most energetic and commanding voices on the mic.
Just recently, the rapper put out a little one minute and change freestyle onto his YouTube page. In the link above, he chooses to spit over one of Drake’s best songs as of late, “Chicago Freestyle.” The somber and dark production actually meshes well with Redman’s booming voice. He creates a head-nodding banger right off the dome.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand new freestyle from Redman, “Sunday A Lil Slow?” Is this one of the best freestyle raps you have heard this year? Is Redman up for the greatest rapper of all time discussion? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Redman, as well as all of the hottest freestyles and song releases.
Quotable Lyrics:
All types of raps in my phone Studio Ima kill the booth Big trees call me Groot Prada or Armani on the suit Fast cars keep me on the job How can I cook another meal
On this date in 1999, Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man and Def Quad standout Redman collaborated on their first full-length studio album entitled Blackout! on the Def Jam Recording imprint.
Serving as a prequel to their 2001 blockbuster silver screen debut in How High, Red and Meth’s debut album, which was originally to be titled Amerikaz Most Blunted, debuted on No. 2 of US Billboard 200 and sold over a quarter-million copies in its first week.
The 19-track album failed to disappoint, churning out singles like “4 Sessions” featuring Queens legends LL Cool J and Ja Rule, the RZA-produced “Cereal Killer” and “Run 4 Cover” which featured Meth Wu cronies Street Life and Ghostface Killah.
Salute to Red and Meth for their timeless collaborations, especially this one that set the pace for their inevitable popularity that you see today!
On this date in 1992, Brick City, NJ’s own Reggie “Redman” Noble dropped his debut solo release Whut? Thee Album on the Def Jam imprint.
Produced primarily by the legendary EPMD’s Erick Sermon, Whut? introduced the world to Redman; the newest recruit to the supergroup The Hit Squad. The fans wanted more from what they got from the Newark native on “Hardcore” from EPMD’s ‘Business Never Personal’ album, where Redman was first heard by Erick and Parrish fans, making them Redman fans by default.
Tracks the propelled the album’s success include singles such as the visual accompanying “Time 4 Sum Aksion”, “Tonight’s TDa Night”, the weed rolling anthem “How To Roll A Blunt” and the beginning of the ever-evolving saga of “The Sooper man Lover”. This four and a half mic album was certified gold by the RIAA in less than a year and certified official by the streets upon its release.
Big shouts to Redman and Erick Sermon for making the Funk Doctor Spock’s first project a certified Hip Hop classic!
On this day in Hip-Hop history, New York duo EPMD released their second studio LP, Unfinished Business. Certified gold by the RIAA, this album was the critically acclaimed follow-up to the group’s debut Strictly Business.
Claiming the #1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts, this project has proven its timelessness. EPMD’s style sets them and this album apart from what was currently popular in New York at the time. In ’89, New York Hip Hop was heavily saturated with conscious boom-bap, and the braggadocio lyricism of Erick Sermon and PMD brought something fresh to the rap game. EPMD’s rap style helped pave the way for the flashy New York rappers of the next generation, such as Jay-Z, The Diplomats, and A$AP Mob.
The single from this project, So What Cha Sayin’, peaked at #23 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart and #5 on the Top Rap chart.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Slick Rick released his final studio LP, The Art of Storytelling.
Produced mainly by DJ Clark Kent and Kid Capri, this album featured guest verses from Redman, Rev Run, Outkast, Nas, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg.
Critically the album has been hailed as the only proper sequel to his breakthrough debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. Due to continuous run-ins with the law, the public could never fully experience Slick Rick as an artist. For the same reason, the world will never know what his outstanding ability and outspoken persona could have done for Hip Hop culture. What is apparent is that when the master storyteller has the time, he can pen and deliver a masterpiece.
The Art of Storytelling was Slick Rick’s most commercially successful album, peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album even went gold during its first week of sales. True to the title, the album is full of narratives that could only be crafted by the pen that scribed the famous “Children’s Story.” And although he has not strayed away from his signature rhetoric, The Art of Storytelling shows improvement and Slick Rick’s ability to stay relevant as far as his style blending with the popular sound of the time. This album is deserving of all accolades and is a proper farewell to Slick Rick as an album rapper.
Rock The Bells has returned! The long-running hip-hop festival, which originally focused on legacy and underground rap acts, was basically defunct for the past ten years. However, that was until the rapper whose song the festival is named after revived the festival last year. The man born Todd Smith revealed the full lineup for the 2023 festival today with a trailer reproducing scenes from headliner Queen Latifah’s 1996 film debut Set It Off (this is a trend), showing the only thing that changed is the coast (the original Rock The Bells took place in California, and so featured more West Coast artists).
The lineup for this year’s festival (“don’t call it a comeback”) includes Big Daddy Kane, Boot Camp Clik, De La Soul, Fabolous, Ludacris, MC Lyte, MC Sha Rock, Method Man & Redman, Monie Love, Rakim, Roxanne Shanté, Salt-n-Pepa, Slick Rick, Swizz Beatz and friends, The Cold Crush Brothers, and Yo-Yo. In addition, the festival will feature a tribute to the late Sean Price by the members of Boot Camp Clik, including his widow Bernadette Price, as well as a set honoring the pioneering women of hip-hop who are often ignored.
The 2023 Rock The Bells Festival will take place on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, New York. You can get more information here.
A very big Happy Birthday shout out goes out to Hip-Hop legend and actor Redman. The Newark, NJ bred veteran turns a half-century today and is showing no signs of slowing down; his progress of constantly going strong is evident in the Hip Hop and film world.
Redman has been able to bless his fans with an impressive album catalog over the span of three decades including Whut? Thee Album, Muddy Waters, Doc’s Da Name and Malpractice. Hits such as “Let’s Get Dirty”, “Smash Sumthin”, and his classic collabo with partner-in-crime Method Man on the Blackout album has helped his fans realize that Reggie Noble has understood the complex formula for success and longevity.
Besides crushing the rap game, Redman was able to show off his thespian abilities and an underrated comedian on the big screen as well. His cameos on successful movies such as How High, Scary Movie 3 andBackstage have opened the eyes of new fans from different demographics worldwide, proving that Hip Hop can’t always be serious and that some of the best in the game can be one of the funniest individuals in entertainment. The good folks at TheSource.com would like to wish Redman a Happy 50th Birthday and many more in the future!
