New Jersey rapper Redman made his initial impact with Whut? Thee Album in 1992. He blended reggae and funk influences with topical commentary and displayed a terse, though fluid rap style that was sometimes satirical, sometimes tough, and sometimes silly. Redman returned in 1994 with his second album, Dare Iz a Darkside, which was a harder album than his debut. Muddy Waters, Redman's third album, followed in 1996; he returned two years later with Doc's da Name. The 1999 album Blackout! was a collaboration with Method Man while 2001's Malpractice was another solo effort. Soundtrack appearances, acting (most notably a starring role in the film How High), and collaborations (including an appearance on Christina Aguilera's hit single "Dirrty") kept Redman away from his solo career until 2007, when Red Gone Wild arrived. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
