The Funk Doc kicked down the door to the rap game in 1990 with two incredible guest verses on EPMD’s “Hardcore” and “Brothers on My Jock” off Business as Usual. With unparalleled energy and a rhyming style as colourful as his personality, Redman quickly established himself as a pillar of the ’90s rap scene.
Unconventional, unpredictable, but always undeniably skillful, the New Jersey MC has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a rapper. With each album, from his raw and gritty 1992 debut Whut? Thee Album to his ambitious 2015 opus Mudface, Redman has remained true to his funky and humorous style while keeping the art of rap alive. His catalogue offers a roller coaster ride through the eclectic mind of Reggie Noble. Whether he’s donning the title of Doc’s Da Name 2000 or navigating the murky terrain of Dare Iz a Darkside, one fact remains consistent – Redman is one of the greatest rappers of all time.
So let’s get into it. From his funky debut, Whut? Thee Album, to his magnum opus, Muddy Waters, and latest album, Mudface, we rank every Redman album, from worst to best.
Malpractice
Released: May 22, 2001
Label: Def Jam
Singles: “Let’s Get Dirty (I Can’t Get in da Club)”, “Smash Sumthin'” • Features: Adam F, G. Forbes, DJ Kool, Icarus, Mally G, Scarface, Treach, Method Man, Saukrates, Streetlife, D-Don, Double-O, Roz, Shooga Bear, Pacewon, Keith Murray, Missy Elliott, DMX
It’s almost like you could feel it coming with Malpractice, Redman’s fifth solo offering. The all-too-familiar narrative: artist hits superstar status and the music starts to show signs of complacency, or worse, stagnation. The album, to its credit, isn’t completely devoid of charm; the lead single “Let’s Get Dirty” still had that Reggie Noble spark. But the other tracks, a mixed bag of eccentric skits and overdone lyrical motifs, mostly end up rehashing the same territory covered in his previous works. The smoky production from the reliable Erick Sermon and a few guest appearances, including a delightful one from George Clinton, add some flavor to this dish, but not enough to prevent it from tasting somewhat reheated. Don’t get it twisted, Malpractice isn’t a complete bust, but for an artist of Redman’s caliber, one of the best rappers of all time, you can’t help but expect a little more seasoning.
Reggie
Released: December 7, 2010
Label: Def Jam, Gilla House
Singles: “Def Jammable”, “Rocking With The Best” • Features: DJ Kool, Ready Roc, Runt Dawg, Saukrates, Faith Evans, Saukrates, Kool Moe Dee, Method Man, Bun B, Poo Bear
With Reggie, Redman showed that he wasn’t afraid to venture outside of his comfort zone. Trading in his gritty, street-infused lyricism for a more extroverted persona, the New Jersey MC decided to have some fun, pulling in an all-star cast of collaborators, from Bun B to Kool Moe Dee. This album is all about celebrating the spirit of hip-hop, mixing classic punchlines with infectious hooks. The beats are pop-infused, giving tracks like “That’s Where I Be,” “Def Jammable,” and “Full Nelson” an undeniable club vibe. Yet, for some fans, this departure from his trademark hardcore style was too drastic. If you’re the type who’s all about the Funk Doc’s hardcore street raps, Reggie might not hit the spot. But for those who appreciate Redman’s playful side, the album is a refreshingly light-hearted take on the genre. In the end, the verdict on Reggie boils down to personal taste: it’s either a fantastic, fun-filled ride or a jarring deviation from the norm.
Mudface
Released: November 13, 2015
Label: Gilla House
Singles: N/A • Features: Ready Roc, Runt Dog, Stressmatic, Josh Gannet
Mudface represented Reggie making moves into a new era while maintaining that classic grit we’ve come to love. This eighth studio album, released independently, served up the Funk Doc’s signature off-kilter humor with a dash of modern flavor. Redman’s still kicking those absurdly hilarious punchlines, flowing over an array of beats that pay homage to his roots while nodding at the genre’s evolution. Tracks like “Dopeman” and “Bars” keep that dirty, street-infused vibe alive, making Mudface feel like a familiar friend you haven’t seen in a while. And while it may not reach the lofty heights of his 90s classics, it still commands respect for its refusal to compromise on Redman’s fundamental style.
Red Gone Wild: Thee Album
Released: March 27, 2007
Label: Def Jam, Gilla House
Singles: “Put It Down” • Features: E3, Blam, Runt Dawg, Ready Roc, Icadon, Saukrates, Gov Mattic, Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, Biz Markie, Melanie Rutherford, Ready Roc, Method Man, Saukrates, Icadon, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Hurricane G
If you want to talk about a wild ride, let’s talk about Red Gone Wild: Thee Album. It’s an ice cream van joyride through the ‘hood, bumping beats from the likes of Timbaland, Scott Storch, and Pete Rock. Redman is in top form, dropping imaginative rhymes and punchlines that make even the most hardened hip-hop heads chuckle. Tracks like “Gimme One” and “Put It Down” are pulsating bangers, evidence of Reggie’s ability to craft party jams with substance. The Funk Doc’s unmistakable charisma and boundless energy make Red Gone Wild an invigorating listen, a testament to his talent and consistency in an ever-changing genre. Despite an almost overwhelming list of guest features, Doc manages to keep the spotlight firmly on his witty lyricism and commanding presence, cementing Red Gone Wild as an essential addition to Redman’s discography.
Doc’s da Name 2000
Released: November 24, 1998
Label: Def Jam
Singles: “I’ll Bee Dat!”, “Da Goodness”, “Let Da Monkey Out” • Features: Diezzel Don, Double-O, Gov Mattic, Roz, Young Zee, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Markie (aka Mr. Cream), Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, Dave Hollister
As the end of the millennium approached, the Funk Doc presented us with Doc’s da Name 2000. A sonic blend of the rapper’s signature zany humor, braggadocious wordplay, and hard-hitting beats, the album represented one of the definitive moments in Reggie’s career. Tracks like “Da Goodness” and “ill Bee Dat!” illustrated Redman’s lyrical dexterity, underpinned by infectious, head-nodding production. There’s a confident ease with which the New Jersey MC navigates the album, his flow shifting effortlessly between smooth and abrasive. Yet, the record was far from a one-note endeavor. The humorous skits and interludes provided a welcome levity, while tracks like “Jersey Yo!” gave a nod to his Garden State roots. With Doc’s da Name 2000, Redman didn’t reinvent the wheel, but he solidified his mastery over the formula that had defined his sound.
Whut? Thee Album
Released: September 22, 1992
Label: Rush Associated Labels
Singles: “Blow Your Mind”, “Time 4 Sum Aksion”, “Tonight’s da Night” • Features: DJ Scratch, Erick Sermon, Charlie Marotta
Whut? Thee Album marked the arrival of a fresh and unapologetically funky MC. Redman’s aggressive delivery coupled with his irreverent humor gave this debut a distinct flavor that was equal parts street-hardened and party-centric. Lyrically, Reggie was in his element, balancing tales of debauchery with ridiculous jokes and audacious boasts. The album’s standout track, “Time 4 Sum Aksion”, encapsulates Reggie’s gritty yet playful approach to rap. As he rode Erick Sermon’s funk-infused production, the Funk Doc navigated effortlessly between braggadocio and surreal humor, ensuring that every track was an exhilarating ride. From the tongue-in-cheek guide on “How to Roll a Blunt” to the absurd narrative on “A Day With Sooperman Lover”, Whut? Thee Album was a testament to Redman’s unique vision. As a classic debut, it was a potent proclamation of the rapper’s talent and set the stage for a remarkable career.
Dare Iz a Darkside
Released: November 22, 1994
Label: Def Jam
Singles: “Rockafella”, “Can’t Wait” • Features: Erick Sermon, Rockwilder, Keith Murray, Hurricane G
Dare Iz a Darkside stands as a testament to Redman’s eccentric creativity. Darker and more experimental than his debut, this record showcased the rapper’s willingness to delve into the oddball recesses of his mind. In the spirit of his P-Funk influences, the Funk Doc created a hallucinatory hip-hop odyssey, blending twisted narratives, outlandish humor, and his uniquely off-kilter flow. Tracks like “A Million and 1 Buddah Spots” displayed Reggie’s ability to deliver engaging wordplay, even amidst a soundscape that oscillated between psychedelic funk and grimy hip-hop. Indeed, the album’s strength lies in its daring oddity. But that same quirkiness caused a divide amongst fans; some reveled in its peculiar charm while others felt it was inaccessible. No matter where you stand on this debate, one thing is certain – Dare Iz a Darkside demonstrated Redman’s capacity for innovation and his refusal to adhere to a successful formula.
Muddy Waters
Released: December 10, 1996
Label: Def Jam
Singles: “It’s Like That (My Big Brother)”, “Whateva Man”, “Pick It Up”, “Smoke Buddah” • Features: Erick Sermon, Redman, Sugarless, Xross-Breeze, Rockwilder, Pras, Jerry “Te-Bass” Duplessis, K-Solo, Jamal
Muddy Waters is the crown jewel of Redman’s discography. It was here that the rapper truly cemented his place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats. The album found Reggie at his most focused, balancing his raucous humor with a renewed sense of lyrical sharpness. Songs like “It’s Like That (My Big Brother)” and “Whateva Man” showcased Reggie’s incredible storytelling ability, his verses punctuated by his infectious, braggadocious charm. Yet, the record was not all laughs; the Def Squad MC demonstrated a profound social consciousness on tracks like “Case Closed”. The production, predominantly handled by Erick Sermon, was equally exceptional, providing a rich, funky backdrop to the Funk Doc’s lyrical acrobatics. With its winning combination of humor, insight, and relentless flow, Muddy Waters represents the pinnacle of Redman’s artistry. It is not just his best album, but a definitive piece of ’90s hip-hop, serving as a reminder of the culture’s potential for depth, complexity, and sheer entertainment value.
