Redman (rapper)

Reginald "Reggie" Noble (born April 17, 1970), better known by his stage name Redman, is an American rapper, DJ, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame in the early 1990s as an artist on the Def Jam label.

For other uses, see Redman.
Redman
Redman in August 2006
Background information
Birth nameReginald Noble
Also known as
  • Doc
  • Reggie
Born (1970-04-17) April 17, 1970
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • DJ
  • record producer
  • actor
Years active1990–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitewww.redmansworld.com

He is well known for his collaborations with his close friend Method Man, as one-half of the rap duo Method Man & Redman,[1] including their starring roles in films and sitcoms. He was also a member of the Def Squad in the late 1990s.

Early life

Raised in Newark, New Jersey, Redman attended Speedway Avenue School and 13th Avenue School before attending West Side High School, an experience he described as "off the hook".[2]

In 1987, Redman was expelled from Montclair State University his freshman year due to poor academic performance at age 16. Having no other options, Redman then went back home to live with his mother, Darlene Noble, who eventually kicked him out of her house for selling cocaine.[3] Two years later, at age 18, Redman was a young DJ-MC who went by the name "DJ Kut-Killa". He freestyled over funk and hip hop instrumental tracks on vinyl records in various parks and house parties around New York and New Jersey.

Redman was eventually discovered by Erick Sermon of EPMD while he was a DJ for Lords of the Underground. Erick Sermon said when he met Redman for the first time, "I knew there was something spectacular about him. Right off the bat. The next day, we talked. And within the next two or three months, he moved to Long Island, to my crib. He moved right into my apartment."[4] After moving in with Erick Sermon, Redman went out on tour with EPMD. While on tour with the group he did everything from carrying the group's bags to coming out on stage and doing rap freestyles. In 1990 at an EPMD show in New York, Redman was invited onstage by Erick Sermon where he delivered a rap freestyle that changed his life. He freestyled a song describing himself as a rapper using every letter in the alphabet, from A to Z. After this, Redman was an official rap artist and began production with Erick Sermon on his first major label album, Whut? Thee Album.

Music career

Whut? Thee Album & Dare Iz a Darkside (1990–1995)

In 1990, Redman made his official debut on EPMD's album Business as Usual, appearing on the tracks "Hardcore" and "Brothers on My Jock".

In 1992, Redman released his debut album, Whut? Thee Album, which Allmusic noted for blending "reggae and funk influences" with a "terse, though fluid rap style".[5] The album peaked at number forty-nine on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. He was named "Rap Artist of the Year" by The Source. Redman followed this up with his 1994 album, Dare Iz a Darkside. The first single, "Rockafella", samples Leon Haywood's "I Want'a Do Something Freaky to You" and George Clinton's "Flash Light", two of the most sampled songs in hip hop. Redman's second album was notable for having most of the tracks produced by the artist himself (later on Redman would let other producers make most of his beats). During this time he used former mentor Erick Sermon to produce his records, including "Pick it up" and "Whateva Man" from Muddy Waters.

In 1992, Redman appeared in A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario" music video.[6]

In 1993, Redman released his second studio album, "Dare Iz a Darkside". It was released on November 22, 1994, by Def Jam Recordings. The album debuted at 13 on the US Billboard 200. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Redman has said that he was on drugs during the recording of the album, and said in 2010 that he doesn't play the album in recent years because it was made during one of the dark times in his life.

Muddy Waters (1996–1997)

On December 10, 1996, Redman released his third album Muddy Waters, which was highly praised by critics.[7][8] The album featured two of his Billboard's hit singles: "Whateva Man" and "It's Like That (My Big Brother)". The song "Do What You Feel" appeared on the soundtrack to the video game Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 12, 1997. During this time, with new found friendships with Method Man and Tupac, they both appeared on Tupac's double album All Eyez on Me on the song "Got my Mind Made Up".

In 1999 Redman took part in the Hard Knock Life Tour, including a stop in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.[9]

Doc's da Name 2000 & Blackout (1998–1999)
Redman (left) has collaborated with Method Man (center) on two full-length albums and Erick Sermon (right) as a member of the Def Squad.

In 1998 Redman released his first collaboration album El Nino with group Def Squad. His fourth studio album Doc's Da Name 2000[10] was a top seller, shipping platinum in sales and exceeding his previous record of gold. It peaked at #11 on The Billboard 200 and had three songs ("I'll Bee Dat", "Da Goodness", "Let Da Monkey Out") that charted. With his new formed close partnership with labelmate Method Man who, with him, made a featured appearance on the Doc's Da Name 2000 record on the song "Well All Rite Cha". In 1999 Method Man and Redman released a collaborative album called Blackout!. Originally, the record was supposed to be advertised as "Amerika's Most Blunted", but it was changed to the more commercially friendly title Blackout!.

Malpractice (2001)

In 2001 Redman released his fifth studio album Malpractice. It reached #4 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by the RIAA on July 21, 2001.[11] It boasted two singles "Let's Get Dirty (I Can't Get in da Club)" and "Smash Sumthin'".

Mixtapes, Collaborations & Production (2002–2006)
Redman performing at the 2004 NBA All-Star Jam Session in Los Angeles

Since the release of Malpractice, he has kept his fans happy by independently releasing the Ill At Will mixtapes, which feature various members of his new record label Gilla House members under Redman's Gilla House imprint include Saukrates, Icarus, Ready Roc, E3, Young Heat, and Melanie.

Redman had his best-known international hit with Christina Aguilera, when he was featured on her 2002 single "Dirrty". Around this time he was also featured on a popular remix of Pink's track Get This Party Started. He is cited in the song 'Till I Collapse as rapper Eminem's favorite rapper, beating out Jay Z, 2Pac, and Notorious B.I.G., among others.

Under his birthname, Reggie Noble, Redman has done production for himself, many of his crew members, and even Shaquille O'Neal on his 'Shaq-Fu: Da Return' album.

Red Gone Wild (2007–2008)

In March 2007, Redman released Red Gone Wild. He stated on MySpace that the reason for the long wait to drop the album is because of the fast-changing pace of Hip Hop. On March 27, 2007, Redman confirmed on BET's Rap City: Tha Bassment that the sequel to How High, How High 2, is currently being written. In an April 10, 2007, Onion A.V. Club interview,[12] Redman hinted that there would be a second collaborative album with Method Man.

Blackout! 2 & Reggie (2009–2010)

Blackout! 2 was announced in 2007 by Redman and was originally scheduled for release in 2008, but its release was pushed back a number of times due to numerous reasons. In early 2008, a remake of the Smoothe da Hustler and Trigger tha Gambler classic Broken Language was released to the internet by the duo entitled Broken Language 2008, fueling rumors of a Blackout! sequel coming soon. This rumor was further fueled by the duo while performing in Gainesville, FL at the University of Florida. A Blackout! LP was scheduled for a December 9, 2008, release but was recently pushed back to the first quarter of '09. It was finally released on May 19, 2009. It debuted at number #7 on the Billboard 200, at number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, at number 2 on the Top Rap Albums and digital in charted number 7 on the Digital Albums charts selling 63,000 copies in its first week.[13] The album also charted number 10 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album has sold 160,375 copies in the United States by December 12, 2009, according to SoundScan.

In May 2009, Redman confirmed his next solo album would come out December 2009. The title for the project is Reggie Noble "0" 9½.[14] The title of the album was then changed to just Redman Presents... Reggie, and three singles ("Coc Back", "Oh My", & "Money on My Mind") were released. The first single "Coc Back" (which features Ready Roc) had music video filmed and released for it. But as it turns out, none of the tracks made the final cut of the album, only being promo singles. During an interview, Redman stated that Reggie Noble (Redman's own birth name), does the album, not Redman. Redman also said that there is going to be more, "poppish", type songs, rather his normal "rugged" and "hardcore" songs.[15] After a few push backs, Redman Presents... Reggie was finally released on December 7, 2010. The first official single is "Def Jammable" & a video was released for the single. It has been confirmed that Redman will appear on a remix along with French rapper Soprano of "Tranne Te" by Italian rapper Fabri Fibra.

Mudface, 3Joints (2011–present)

In June 2013, Redman announced that his next studio album Muddy Waters 2 would be released in late 2013[16] via Entertainment One and he would release a mixtape to go along with it, which evolved into an EP titled Muddy Waters 2: The Preload.[17] Redman has also confirmed work on Blackout! 3 with Method Man with recording starting summer 2012, however, recording was pushed back to late 2014. Mudface was released on November 13, 2015,[18][19] with Blackout! 3 coming out after, and Method Man's long-awaited mixtape and fifth solo album directly following these projects.[20] Method Man and Redman are also slated to be working on a long-rumored sequel to their original stoner comedy, How High.[21] In a HipHopDX interview in February 2017, Matt "M-80" Markoff confirmed the project, revealed that the sequel will be titled Too High and that he is currently looking to acquire finances for the film.[22] An EP called '3 Joints' was released on his Gilla House label in 2020, as further work on other albums continues.

Other ventures

Acting

In 2001, Redman co-starred with Method Man in the stoner comedy film How High, which featured the pair playing two marijuana-addled students attempting to survive at Harvard. Redman also stated at a concert (at the Soundset in Minneapolis) that he and Method Man are working on How High 2, a sequel to the first movie.

Redman played a major role in the horror film Seed of Chucky.

Method Man and Redman also appear in Def Jam Vendetta, Def Jam: Fight for NY and Def Jam: Icon video games, often as tag team partners, and briefly had their own television sitcom, Method & Red, on Fox during the 2003–2004 season.

In the music video for The Offspring's single "Original Prankster", Redman plays the part of the "conscience", telling the "Original Prankster" what pranks to pull.

In 2004, Redman again co-starred with Method Man in the Nickelodeon cartoon, The Fairly OddParents, in School's Out! The Musical, rapping the "Pixes Rap".[23]

Redman is featured in the 2006 video game True Crime: New York City. He provides the voice of himself in a mini-game where he tries to escape New York during a riot. This character also has a cameo in the main storyline.

Fashion

In April 2015, Redman released a collaboration with New York-based streetwear brand Mighty Healthy. The 420-themed collection includes jerseys, T-shirts, hats, and other items with cannabis-related graphics.

Hosting

In August 2017, it was announced that Redman would host the first season of VH1's Scared Famous, which premiered on October 23, 2017.[24]

Personal life

Redman was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Darlene and Eddie Noble. His sister Rosalyn Noble is a fellow rapper, going by the name Roz. She's appeared on several Redman songs over the years.[5] He is a cousin of rapper Tame One.

In 2001, Redman appeared on an episode of MTV Cribs and showcased his Staten Island home which, in contrast to the luxurious homes usually featured in the series, was described by XXL magazine as "small and grimey". The episode, which featured the crew having to pinch two wires together because the house lacked a doorbell, and a cameo by Redman's cousin Mr. Cream sleeping on the floor in a comforter, has become "the most infamous, most cited" episode of the show according to MTV VP of programming Nina L. Diaz.[25][26] According to a 2017 interview, Redman still lived in the property and was quoted as saying "It's real small. Two bedrooms. [...] I wouldn't know what to do with a big house".[27]

Redman began boarding his four-month-old pit bull terrier Daddy with dog trainer Cesar Millan, with Daddy ultimately becoming Millan's "right-hand-man" on his TV show The Dog Whisperer.[28]

Discography
Main article: Redman discography
Further information: Method Man & Redman discography

Other media

Video games

Television shows

Filmography
  • 1998: Ride
  • 1999: Colorz of Rage
  • 1999: P.I.G.S.
  • 2000: Boricua's Bond
  • 2000: Backstage
  • 2001: Statistic: The Movie
  • 2001: How High
  • 2002: Stung
  • 2003: Thaddeus Fights the Power!
  • 2003: Scary Movie 3
  • 2004: Seed of Chucky
  • 2004: Beef II
  • 2004: Meth & Red
  • 2005: Hip-Hop Honeys: Las Vegas[29]
  • 2006: Rock the Bells (2004)
  • 2006: High Times Stony Awards
  • 2007: Big Pun The Legacy
  • 2007: The Sunset Strip
  • 2012: The Art of Rap
  • 2015: Dark
  • 2019: Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
  • 2019: The Return of the living Dead

Awards and nominations

Redman has been nominated for two Grammys:

  • Grammy Awards
    • 2003, Best Pop Collaboration w/ Vocals "Dirrty" w/ Christina Aguilera (nominated)
    • 2001, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group "Ooh" w/ De La Soul (nominated)

References
  1. "Redman: "I Am Officially A Wu-Tang Member"". Xxlmag.Com. 2010-11-19. Retrieved 2012-03-30.
  2. "The Spots: Redman's New Jersey", Street League Skateboarding, August 21, 2013. Accessed November 11, 2019. "I went to Westside High. You know the East Side High in Lean On Me? I went to the Westside version. It was off the hook. I went to Speedway Avenue School. I went to 13th Avenue School."
  3. djvlad (July 26, 2016). "Redman on Mom Kicking Him Out for Selling Coke, EPMD Putting Him On" – via YouTube.
  4. "Hip-Hop Gem: Redman Met EPMD While DJing for Lords Of The Underground". Stop The Breaks | Independent Hip-Hop Promotion. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  5. Wynn, Ron. Redman Biography at Allmusic.com. Accessed 2007-06-02
  6. "Full Clip: Redman Runs Down His Entire Catalogue". Vibe. 2010-11-22. Retrieved 2019-10-12.
  7. Huey, Steve. "allmusic ((( Muddy Waters > Review )))". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-01-03.
  8. Schmoh, Joe (2009-11-15). "Redman – Muddy Waters (album review)". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  9. "Live Reviews: The Hard Knock Life Tour with Jay-Z, DMX, Method Man, Redman, DJ Clue? March 9, 1999 Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON". Chart Attack, Sean K. Robb
  10. "Doc's the Name: Redman: Music". Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  11. "RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database - November 19, 2015". RIAA. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  12. Rabin, Nathan (2007-04-10). "The A.V. Club". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  13. Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 5/24/2009. HipHopDX. Retrieved on 2009-05-24.
  14. "Redman Interview". Archived from the original on May 14, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2009.
  15. Kuperstein, Slava (2009-11-08). "Redman: Till I Collapse | Rappers Talk Hip Hop Beef & Old School Hip Hop". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  16. HipHopDX (June 9, 2013). "Redman Announces EP, Reveals "Muddy Waters 2" Release Date". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  17. "Method Man and Redman hit Bend". The Bulletin. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  18. "Redman Drops New Album, 'Mudface'". 2dopeboyz.com.
  19. HipHopDX (September 29, 2014). "Redman Provides "Muddy Waters 2" Album, Mixtape Update". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  20. Lloyd Jaffe (July 4, 2014). "Method Man Talks Upcoming Projects On Reddit AMA". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  21. "Interview: Redman previews new "How High" movie sequel, upcoming albums". Columbus Alive. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  22. "Method Man & Redman's "How High 2" Still In The Works". hiphopdx.com. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  23. redastra2000 (July 24, 2006). ""The Fairly OddParents" School's Out! The Musical (TV Episode 2005)". IMDb. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  24. Bellino, Damian. "VH1 Announces Scared Famous Starring Tiffany Pollard, Drita D'Avanzo, Alaska Thunderf-uck, and More!". VH1 News. Viacom International. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  25. Faraone, Chris (September 11, 2015). "An Oral History of Redman's Notorious MTV Cribs Episode".
  26. "Redman Remembers His Legendary 'MTV Cribs' Episode in New Oral History". billboard.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
  27. India, Lindsey (October 24, 2017). "Redman Still Lives in his 'MTV Cribs' House in Staten Island". XXL. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  28. "In Memoriam: Daddy the Pit Bull". Archived from the original on February 23, 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2010.
  29. Heffner, Mr. "Hip-Hop Honeys: Las Vegas at". Retrieved 2011-03-02.
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