Review By: Marissa J. Lonardo AKA MJ

Artist: Redman
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album Title: Red Gone Wild

Artists Stats: Putting the M in MC way before the world heard his name, Reggie Noble A.K.A. Redman was killing ciphers from NJ to NYC with his off the cuff freestyles, so it was no surprise when Erick Sermon one half of super group EPMD scooped up the phenom after hearing just one of his amazing freestyles. Redman was immediately added to the roster of Sermon’s Hit Squad crew. Redman quickly started building his resume by appearing on EPMD songs "Hardcore" and "Brothers on My Jock." But it wasn’t until Redman's 1992 Def Jam debut "Whut? Thee Album" that the world really was able to get a glimpse of Redman’s fantastically creative mind.

After that success, Redman's solo career flourished and continued throughout the 90's until today, a fete that many MC's could only hope for. Remaining consistent and original has become Redman's strong suit. Never conforming to what many of today's rappers rap about. Redman's unique style and witty raps has helped him link up with many highly regarded MC's like Method Ma, KRS One, Biggie, 2Pac, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Scarface, Gorrillaz, Tribe Called Quest and LL Cool J just to name a few. With a career that has spanned almost two decades Redman has continued to stand his ground in a world of half ass rhymes and payola.

Album Assessment: "Red Gone Wild" is truly Redman's most top-notched effort since his debut album almost 12 or so years ago. And you know the saying, If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, well Redman has listened and is offering us 23 tracks including skits of the same MC we have all grown to know and love. Redman never ceases to amaze the listener with his off the wall rhymes and his most original freestyles. Although, the album traces back to Redman's typical formula, songs like "Walk in Gutta" featuring Erick Sermon, Biz Markie, and Keith Murray make you happy he hasn't strayed. And you can't call it a Redman album without a track from his BF Method Man “Blow Treez" also featuring Ready Roc really take you back to the good old days when Hip-Hop was intriguing and rhymes were put together with thought.

“WutchooGonnaDoo" feat. Melanie Rutherford is another stand out with hot rhymes, great flow, and wordplay for days. Melanie appears on the album twice and is apart of Red's Gillahouse crew, she is a definite asset to the album. “Soopaman Luva 6” feat E3, Hurricane G & Melanie Rutherford and “Soopaman Luva 6 ½” conjures up memories as to why he really is the OG Funk Doctor. Red also made excellent choices when he picked his collaboration partners including, Snoop Dogg, Keith Murray, Erick Sermon and his Gillahouse crew, just to name a few. Always merging futuristic sounds with classic funk, Redman flawless bridges the gap and seems to always remind us why he is the original Funk Doc.

While it may be impossible, I can’t say that there is one track or skit that I don’t like. The album as a whole is enjoyable and actually makes you think. Overall the fact that this man smokes more greenery than a forest fire and still consistently brings forth some of the hottest rhymes in the game is not only amazing, but makes you think that people are lying when they say marijuana kills brain cells, cause that isn’t happening in Red’s case at all. So I am going to say it now, this album will go down as another Redman Classic, if you are a true Redman or a real Hip-Hop fan for that matter you need this album in your life, for Real!!