When Redman introduced his cartoonish flows and sinister lyrics to Hip-hop in 1992, it was clear that a star was being born. Erick Sermon of EPMD first discovered Redman while DJing for Lords of the Underground. The lore around how Redman started rapping is an interesting one. In a recent interview with Bootleg Kev, Sermon said he heard Redman say one line, “I float like a butterfly, Sting like the rock group,” and the acclaimed producer was sold. The rest goes down in Hip-hop history as one of the most criminally underrated discographies of the early to mid-90s. Redman snatched his opportunity and presented his authentic self via his first three LPs, 92’s Whut?, 94’s Dare Z A Darkside, and 1996’s Muddy Waters.
We look at Redman’s Muddy Waters era for this Golden Age Thursday. At this time, Redman was a full-blown star. His first two releases were met with critical acclaim, and his third outing was no different. In 1996, Redman took the stage at Teen Sumit with his mentor Sermon to perform “Whateva Man” and “That’s How It Is (It’s Like That).” The duo put on a jaw-dropping performance of pure Hip-hop prowess in front of an energetic crowd as the credits rolled on a show that saved the best for last.
