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Published: November 14, 1999 Method
Man & Redman
With the release of what is probably the most highly anticipated collaboration album ever, Def Jam presents the "dynamic duo" of hip-hop, Method Man and Redman. Forget Batman & Robin, Starsky & Hutch, and any other duo that may have thought they were hardcore. Method Man and Redman have remained true to hardcore throughout both of their rewarding careers in hip-hop. "Hip-hop has been so good to us. We never want to go away. Hip-hop is back to the hardcore," Redman remarks. The. idea for this album was born back in 1995 when Redman and Method Man collaborated on the hit single, "How High." "When we came together to do 'How High' for The Show soundtrack, the single blew up, and has been burning in us for the last five years," he says. "After we did 'How High,' the response was so good, we decided it would be a good move to give the people what they wanted," adds Method Man. Since then, hip-hop fans have embraced every song the two have been featured on together. "Our chemistry is like Run-DMC. Red and I feed off each other. When you come to a Redman/Method Man show, you get your money's worth," says Meth. As separate solo artists, Method Man and Redman have both made major contributions to hip-hop. Both have achieved platinum status, both have been affiliated with credible hip-hop crews (Method Man with his Staten Island based clan Wu-Tang and Redman with the Erick Sermon founded Def Squad), and both have received much critical praise for their music. "Elevation. That's what this is all about. We're gonna keep elevating, keep rising, keep modernizing with the times. That's exactly what's different about Redman and Method Man. We're staying on top of the game. We're staying on point," Method Man declares.
Redman describes Blackout! as "the fusion of two crews that have been running underground hip-hop for years." The album brings forth more of the same flavor that has made Red blow your mind and Meth bring the pain. With production by Redman, DJ Scratch, Erick Sermon, The RZA, Rockwilder, and Mathematics, songs like "4 Seasons," a posse cut featuring fellow Def Jam artists LL Cool J and Ja Rule, and "Da Rockwilder" are straight hardcore, no chaser. "When Reggie and I get together, it's magic," Meth comments. The album's 16 songs allow the duo to prove that even after a combined nine albums to their credit, the two emcees still have lyrics to make any listener hit rewind. Lyrically, Red & Meth use their own unique logic to create ill concepts, which, for Blackout!, they came up with while on tour together. Method Man talks of the writing process, "We just sat down and wigged out. We said whatever that music told us to say. As far as the rhymes go, we ain't playing." And though the duo is known for kicking their killer lyrics over hardcore beats, Method Man and Redman manage to keep their audience entertained by lacing their complex rhymes with a tinge of humor. On "Tear It Off," Redman sets it off- "Flip modes, toilet bowls explode/When Doc come drop a shitload." With Redman, Method Man, Reggie Noble, Johnny Blaze, Funk Docta Spot and Meth Tical all present on this album, the two never allow listeners to get tired of them, and are constantly jumping in and out of character. On "Mic Checka," Method Man and Redman revisit the Das EFX classic like only they can, showing other emcees how easy it is for them to flip their style. Another track that stands out is the RZA-produced "Serial Killer," which allows Red and Meth to trade blazing verses on a Wu-banger. Vocally, no other rappers can quite deliver rhymes in the way Method Man and Redman do. They don't just recite rhymes over beats; they breathe life into each and every verse on Blackout! "Our delivery is based on how we feel. We want people to feel us 'cause this is real. It's like I see my lyrics. I'm trying to give the vision of what I'm saying when I say it," Method Man speaks confidently. With Def Jam about to release its all-star team right before the turn of the new millennium, hip-hop will be pleased that the label has decided to set off its hostile takeover with Blackout! Following its release, both Method Man and Redman will drop solo albums in December 'to make y'all feel it.' "We giving that extra other shit. They're ain't too many rappers that's gonna give it out like us two," says Redman, and Method Man sums it up, "and being on Def Jam is like playing for the Yankees." |
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When
you combine any two of hip-hop's 5 million emcees, you get an average
duo. When you combine the forces of two artists with the skills, charisma,
energy, and experience of Method Man and Redman, you get a Blackout! Everything
else gets shut down.
