Method Man and Redman – More than an Act

Music collaborations come and go, but Method Man and Redman have worked together for over two decades. Their story begins in the early ’90s when Method Man (Clifford Smith) was already a rising star as part of the influential Wu-Tang Clan, while Redman (Reggie Noble) was making his name as part of the Def Jam roster.

Fans might not know that a record executive didn’t plan their collaboration. They met at a party in the early 1990s and clicked. Their chemistry was so strong that they began performing together regularly despite being on different record labels—something almost unheard of then.

Redman – Lalala ft. Method Man Official Video

 

Method Man Feat Redman – Father’s Day 2009

The Chemistry of the Blackout! Era

In 1999, they released their first collaborative album, “Blackout!” – now considered a hip-hop classic. During the recording, they lived together in the same Staten Island apartment. Producer Erick Sermon shared: “They’d be in the studio finishing each other’s sentences. Red would lay down a verse, and Meth would be there hyping him up the whole time. Then they’d switch. I never seen two artists support each other like that.”

Trailer for How High

This chemistry works well on stage, too. Method Man typically brings a deeper, melodic flow with complex rhyme patterns. He can be introspective while creating memorable hooks. This contrasts with Redman, who delivers energetic, punchline-heavy verses with impeccable timing. Their opposing yet complementary styles create a perfect balance. 

You can see it on “Da Rockwilder” (from “Blackout!”, 1999). This is one of their most celebrated tracks with a minimalist beat allowing their contrasting vocal styles to shine. The brevity of the song (under 3 minutes) with back-and-forth exchanges on this track demonstrates perfect chemistry and efficiency. It shows Method Man’s smooth delivery popped by Redman’s energetic flow.

Method Man, Redman – Da Rockwilder

Movie Stars

Their natural rapport translated to the cult classic film “How High” in 2001, based on their song by the same name. This iconic early collaboration shows their trademark humor and storytelling styles. Method Man’s more melodic hooks pair well with Redman’s animated verses.

What many fans don’t know about the movie is that so much of the dialogue was improvised. Director Jesse Dylan reportedly let the cameras roll while Meth and Red riffed off each other, capturing their authentic friendship. It’s said that the hardest part of making the movie was getting them to stop making each other laugh between takes.

From Humble to Iconic

Once on an early tour, there was a mix-up with hotel reservations, leaving them with just one room. Rather than insisting on star treatment, the pair shared a room, staying up all night writing lyrics. The next day, despite no sleep, they delivered one of the most energetic performances of the tour. The tour manager later said he found them both asleep backstage after the show, Method Man using Redman’s duffle bag as a pillow.

Their 2019 “Blackout! 20th Anniversary Tour” showed that their chemistry remains electric two decades later. While today the pair tends to focus on their families when not on tour, Redman and Method Man continue to put on an incredible stage show.

You can see them at Duluth’s AMSOIL Arena on May 3, 2025! TICKETS HERE