Reginald Noble born April 17, , better known by his stage name Redman , is an American rapper, DJ, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame in the early s as an artist on the Def Jam label. He was also a member of the Def Squad in the late s. In , Redman was expelled from Montclair State University his freshman year due to poor academic performance at age Having no other options, Redman then went back home to live with his mother, Darlene Noble, who eventually kicked him out of her house for selling cocaine.
He freestyled over funk and hip hop instrumental tracks on vinyl records in various parks and house parties around New York and New Jersey. Sermon said when he met Redman for the first time, "I knew there was something spectacular about him.
Right off the bat. The next day, we talked. And within the next two or three months, he moved to Long Island, to my crib. He moved right into my apartment. While on tour with the group he did everything from carrying their bags to coming out on stage and doing rap freestyles. He freestyled a song describing himself as a rapper using every letter in the alphabet, from A to Z. After this, Redman was an official rap artist and began production with Erick Sermon on his first major label album, Whut?
Thee Album. In , Redman released his debut album, Whut? Thee Album , which AllMusic noted for blending "reggae and funk influences" with a "terse, though fluid rap style". Redman followed this up with his album, Dare Iz a Darkside. Redman's second album was notable for having most of the tracks produced by the artist himself later on Redman would let other producers make most of his beats. The album debuted at 13 on the U. Billboard The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Redman has said that he was on drugs during the recording of the album, and said in that he had not played the album in recent years because it was made during a particularly dark period in his life.
