2025 Is The Year of Redman

The legendary rapper discusses his long-awaited album “Muddy Waters Too”, transforming his lifestyle, and his vision to be a filmmaker.

For over three decades, Redman has been recognized as a top-tier rapper hailing from Newark, NJ. His impressive body of work includes notable solo albums like “Whut? Thee Album” (1992), “Dare Iz a Darkside” (1994), “Muddy Waters” (1996), and “Doc’s Da Name 2000” (1998). His collaborations are equally respected, featuring albums like “Blackout!” (1998) and “Blackout! 2” (2009) with Method Man, and “El Nino” with the Def Squad, including Erick Sermon and Keith Murray.

Redman has also made his mark in acting, starring in the stoner comedy “How High,” the horror film “Seed of Chucky,” and the acclaimed Starz drama “Power Book II: Ghost.”

On Christmas Eve, Redman released “Muddy Waters Too,” an expansive 32-track album that features artists like Erick Sermon, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, KRS-One, Sheek Louch, among others. This release reflects his shift towards music that resonates more with everyday life, moving away from solely traditional boom-bap styles to embrace more relatable content.

Discussing his promotional strategies, Redman highlighted his return to grassroots marketing with the inclusion of “Jakk Boy Beat Freestyles” to boost the album’s visibility. Despite the long gap between releases, Redman described the album’s completion as a significant relief and a personal victory, expressing readiness to continue his musical journey with new projects planned soon.

Redman also noted significant personal changes, such as overcoming a prolonged divorce and adopting a lifestyle that includes fasting from sex and smoking, which he credits for helping him focus and regain control over his life.

A standout track from the album, “Lite It Up,” features prominent New Jersey rappers like Rah Digga and Queen Latifah, celebrating the state’s rich hip-hop heritage. Redman’s approach was to create a monumental event with the song, likening it to a movie due to its grand assembly of talent.

Reflecting on the broader hip-hop scene, Redman feels energized by his peers’ continued success and relevance, emphasizing the importance of understanding all aspects of the music industry for sustained success. Looking ahead, he expressed a desire to shift towards directing, aiming to contribute creatively behind the scenes in film and television.

This narrative showcases Redman’s evolution as an artist and individual, highlighting his deep roots in hip-hop and his vision for future contributions to entertainment and culture.