Redman Drops ‘Muddy Waters’ Album – Today in Hip-Hop

On this day, Dec. 10, in hip-hop history...

1996: While some rappers’ debut albums are classified as their best, Redman showed that artists could continuously improve their craft with his third album Muddy Waters, which was released on December 10, 1996 through Def Jam Records.

While both his 1992 debut album, Whut? Thee Album, and 1994’s Dare Iz a Dark Side, were both critically acclaimed, it was Funk Doc's Muddy Waters that would be touted as a hip-hop classic.

The 23-track LP explored themes such as life on the streets, women, violence and drugs. The album featured production from Rockwilder, fellow Def Squad member, Erick Sermon, and of course, Redman himself. The project also saw a track alongside Red's frequent collaborator, Method Man. It included the hit singles “Its Like That (My Big Brother),” “Whateva Man,” and “Pick It Up.”

Upon its release, Muddy Waters peaked at the top spot on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart and at number 12 on the Billboard 200. It was certified gold two months after it dropped, classifying Funk Doctor Spock's third solo effort a commercial success.

Although he has had plenty of successful albums since, Red often explains how much he liked the classic sound of Muddy Waters, and will aim to duplicate that success with the LP's sequel, Muddy Waters, Too, which will drop at some point in the early part of 2019.

22 years since its release, Muddy Waters stands out as a crowning project for the Newark, N.J. MC.

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