Brick City, New Jersey veteran Redman returns after a decade with his ninth studio-length record, a Christmas Eve miracle. As a member of the Hit Squad, he later signed with Def Jam Recordings and had success as a solo artist in the 90s and 2000s, later on his first 3 albums Whut¿ : Thee Album” and “Dare iz a Darkside” and later became a duo with Method Man. The latter, who turned 28 a few weeks ago, will return after nearly a decade with Muddy Waters 2 via his own label, Gilla House Records.
After the “Welcome” intro, first track “Da Fuck Goin’ On?” opens the door with 77 seconds of homemade hardcore hip-hop, while “Whut’s Hot” has a bit of a rap-rock vibe thanks to Khrysis talks about not knowing what’s popular and what isn’t. The Rockwilder-produced “Jersey” showcases a soulful vibe that represents his turf, and after the “Fat Shirley” skit, Method Man and Redman-produced “Lalala” showcases their back-and-forth chemistry in a fun way.
“Don’t You Miss” looks back at times as he was a 90’s kid who never gave up and gives everyone what they paid for when he reunited with his mentor Erick Sermon, which led to ” Ignant” talks about the fact that no one in his city displays his typical ignorance like he does. Following the “Uncle Quilly” skit, “Aye” takes it to the streets with a funky beat, while “Hoodstar” brings a disco vibe that talks about being famous in the streets.
Lead single “Don’t Wanna C Me Rich,” which samples A Tribe Called Quest’s “Luck of Lucien,” lets everyone know he’s been doing well for the past nine years, right on “I’m on Dat Bullshit” thanks Hallway Productionz’s Teak Underdue for talking about those who talk behind his back and giving them a life before venturing into trap. Following the “Da Trunk” skit, “Pop da Trunk” connects some synths and handclaps, showcasing his gangster connections, while “Gheddo Motivation” dips into the traps again, offering street gospel.
“Dynomite,” starring Sheek Louch, finds the two connecting and reminding everyone that they’re both moving, while “Wave” spends a minute and a half talking real shit and getting away from anyone trying to go all out. Following the “My Weed’s Been Taken” skit, “Kush” featuring Snoop Dogg brings the synths back into a stoner ballad, while “Booyaka Shot” positively talks about those fucks that never win The boy and G’s persistence.
Ke Turner joins Funk Doc to produce Mike & Keys’ “Goofy” so they can make fun of all the weird assholes out here these days, and after the “Obama Stick Up” skit, “1:00” crudely lets you all know Things are going south for the King of Cannabis. “Lite It Up” strips down the drums to create a star-studded New Jersey team cut including Artifacts, Channel Live, Heather B, Lady Luck, The Lords of the Underground, Naughty by Nature, Nikki D, Queen Latifah, Rah Digga and Shaquille O’Neal were tasting the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” while “Wudeytauknbout” jokingly talked about looking at all the haters.
“Why the Madness?” The trio featuring Mr. Cream and Runt Dawg wonder exactly why everyone is so mad at Rick Rock’s instrumental, and after the “Soopaman Luva 7” skit, we’re treated to Reggie’s beloved series The seventh part of the track is divided into 2 parts. “Looka Here” featuring KRS-One approaches the finale of Muddy Waters 2, with the pair making sure everything is in order, while “Smoke wit Me” ends with a talk about his legendary status.
Funk Doctor Spock has been teasing this album for so long that it’s been called an East Coast version of Dr. Dre’s mythical Detox album, and now we’re finally getting it 15 years later, his first release since Red Gone Wild The most stable work since “: the album about 18 years ago this spring. I found it to be more well-produced than the commercial version of “Reggie & Mudface,” and “Brick City Masher” was a return to the humorous hardcore style he was known for.
Rating: 9/10
