Redman has cashed plenty of checks during his three-plus-decade rap career, but his biggest payday came on a song with pop superstar Christina Aguilera.
The New Jersey native collaborated with the singer on the lead single from her fourth studio album, Stripped, due out in 2022.
“Christina is like one of my favorite collaborations,” he revealed in an interview with Red Bull Music.
Redman explained that Christina Aguilera loved his 2021 song “Let’s Get Dirty,” a collaboration with DJ Kool, who produced an R&B-pop version of the song. The resulting single “Dirrty” went on to achieve platinum sales and take the rapper around the world.
“So I made a record, and then the song took off,” he recalls. “Man, we’re everywhere. She takes me on tour, we’re overseas.
Stripped established alter ego ‘Xtina’ and saw the singer shed her teenage pop princess image to reveal her true and raw personality. The album sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and earned Christina Aguilera multiple Grammy Award nominations, including Best Pop Collaboration with Redman.
“I really saw how pop artists were shaking up and evolving in the industry,” Redman shares. “It’s on another level than hip-hop.”
This collaboration not only broadened his horizons, but also had a significant impact on his financial situation.
“My publishing check,” Redman exclaimed. “Oh my God! I couldn’t believe how much money I made from just one poem. My first check was $250,000.
Meanwhile, Redman continues to prove he’s a lyrical force to be reckoned with. He recently teamed up with Method Man and Raekwon to produce the latest version of Red Bull’s Spiral one-take Hip-Hop cypher.
