Redman – Muddy Waters Too – Raw Side Hip Hop

It’s been one hell of a wait – and this has resulted in a host of feelings, ranging from frustration to fear – but Redman has finally dropped the super-delayed sequel ‘Muddy Waters Too‘. Personal reasons, global pandemic and everything else, hip hop heads who have been burnt by Dr Dre and the ‘urban legend’ Detox – had every reason to be cautious. But, it’s here and it’s FIRE! The first singles would have eased some concerns, the KICK ASS artwork (and the alternate cover) would have provided some solace that Reggie is still dat guy! Everything about this album – represents the hip hop journey of Redman. From the clever, crafty and downright crazy wordplay, to the heavily weed-focused content and the production – this has such a 90s era vibe from start to finish, but it doesn’t sound dated in the slightest! In fact, unlike most artists, Redman at 50, probably connects with the culture more than most emcees his age. Not to mention, this is a THIRTY TWO TRACK ALBUM (yep, 32…) clocking in at over 1 hour and 20 minutes. If anything represents the old school, it’s a big listening experience that you need to sit down and bring snacks to!

Since we’ve already heard the singles, and some other snippets via IG etc, you already know that Funk Doctor Spock is still bringing his trademark comedic flow, and remains true with his style of production – albeit it blended slightly to avoid sounding dated. However, there is a HUGE risk, when you are literally creating a highly anticpated sequel to one of the illest hip hop albums of all time, that the music just won’t meet expectations. It’s human nature – but Red has never really cared for the opinions of others. He’s always made music for himself first and foremost, he’s created his personas and curated his content to suit him – you will either appreciate it or not. This is actually a gift, because even with 30+ tracks (granted – plenty of dope skits!) he hasn’t bothered catering for the crowds and making ‘something for everyone’. It’s almost unapologetically Reggie – weed, women, wordplay…. funky beats, crazy skits and collabs that make sense to him!

Not to say there aren’t club and radio focused moments… tracks like ‘Hoodstar‘ which features Faith Evans on the hook, is certainly a more ‘mainstream’ angled joint, but think of it more like a ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ joint. Those first joints ‘Dont Wanna C Me Rich‘ and ‘Jersey‘ also have some radio appeal – but Red hasn’t gone the way of Ice Cube – who’s latest project was chock full of radio targeted tracks and a ‘We Be Clubbin’ flow on nearly every track. There are still SO MANY dope tracks on this project, that keep the focus well and truly on smoking and smashing while entertaining hip hop heads on multiple levels. ‘Wave‘ is a joint designed to play in the whip and ride to, ‘Kush‘ is a completly unapologetic ode to weed featuring none other the Uncle Snoop Dogg, and ‘Lite It Up‘ is the ultimate posse cut! Red’s ability to be authentic in multiple lanes is pretty unique….

Redman has crafted a range of ‘Soopaman Luva‘ joints throughout the discography and Muddy Waters Too doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the SEVENTH installment of this hood-hero super story! Modernised to include Avengers & X-Men, Trump’s and Obama’s, this effortlessly weaves in a blockbuster narrative worthy of Hollywood scriptwriting, while bringing those funky, ‘Gz and Hustlas’ vibes throughout. Written in three pieces – ‘Soopaman Luva 7 (skit)‘, ‘Soopaman Luva 7‘ and ‘Supaman Luva 7 Continue‘ this is another case for the records books!

Tracks like ‘Dont You Miss‘, ‘Da Fuck Goin On‘ and ‘Looka Here‘ are in your face joints that have a kick ass energy and a 90’s vibe. It’s part homage and part warning that thirty years on, Red can take that golden era sound and continue to make it relevant and slap the shit outta the speakers. It’s a purposeful “90’s era vs New Content” angle which Red seamlessly delivers. At thimes throughout the album, Red switches from that traditional boom bap sound, removes the upbeat funk and simply gets a little darker and grimier with it – with great results. ‘Gheddo Motivation‘ is really edgy, while ‘Im On Dat Bullshit‘ is dark and grimey. Both tracks are really high points of the album too – showcasing the versatility of Redman’s flow and pen.

There is no doubt, some hip hop heads will head into their first listening experience of Redman’s ‘Muddy Waters Too‘ project with trepidation. Hopefully, after a few minutes, the angst and anxiety will be eased, and they’ll be able to thoroughly enjoy this entertaining and superbly crafted hip hop album. Red doesn’t reinvent the landscape or change the game with MW2, but what he DOES do, is deliver a cohesive, comprehensive and downright entertaining hip hop album. There are more than a handful of outstanding features on this project as well. We get Method Man and Snoop Dogg, but appearances from Oran Juice Jones II, Kid Capri, Sheek Louch, Mr Cream, Runt Dawg and KRS-One (among others) add value without sacrificing synergy. And did we mention ‘Lite It Up‘ featuring Naughty By Nature, Queen Latifah, Rah Digga, Shaquille O’Neal, Lords of the Underground, Lady Luck, Artifacts, Heather B and Channel Live??!!!

In his own words – Reggie Noble can “still drop an album that change the climate”. Like it’s predecessor, this album is chock full of bangers and classic skits, is curated well and flows superbly from start to finish. And well and truly exceeds whatever expectations you had.

raw side hip hop logoraw side hip hop logo

About The Author

Source link

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Internet Connectz
Logo
Shopping cart