Spring Break
CD Review: Red Gone mediocre on Red Gone Wild album
Jeremy Carmona
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Entertainment
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09/12/07 - New Jersey rapper Redman has come back into the music world after a year long hiatus, which was spent filming and working on other projects, to produce a piece of work that might have audiences wishing he had never opened his mouth again.
On Red Gone Wild, Redman tries to upgrade his usage of reggae and funk influences by incorporating them in almost every track on the album. This isn't the problem so much as the repetitive content of drug use and guns.
Tracks such as, "Merry Jane" and "Blow Treez" certainly aren't about Christmas time or jolly ole St. Nick, but rather a green-planted drug and "snow" covered trees.
Granted Redman's persona is one of a stoner, but you would think one would be able to conjure up more creative commentary like he did on his debut, Whut? Thee Album, which was laced with silly satire and comedy.
Even though his career might seem a little burned out, Redman somehow builds up enough intensity to make a few good tracks.
"Gillahouse Check" is the album's winning track. Mildly explosive and energetic, Redman's lyrics leave an impact by telling us how, in '95, he was in charge, solely because "I pull up in a coupe that a n**** can't find." Definitely a good reason why Redman should be in charge of a year.
"Put It Down," another great track on the album, is a song to get the ladies on the dance floor. Supporting Redman's vocals are chants, commanding listeners to get down, and beats composed by Timbaland, someone who might have a chance at saving Redman's career.
Red Gone Wild isn't exactly a horrible album, but it isn't a good album either. The album just seems very reminiscent of early '90s rap, but the kind that no one really heard on the radio because: A) people didn't understand or relate to the content, or B) it just wasn't worth anyone's time.
Or maybe this is a smart way for Redman to approach albums in his future. Such as on his most successful albums from the early '90s and when he collaborated with fellow label mate Method Man.
Maybe this is why the Redman resorted to movies so people can laugh at him for being a comedic actor versus trying support his lifestyle by continuing to be a rapper.
On Red Gone Wild, Redman tries to upgrade his usage of reggae and funk influences by incorporating them in almost every track on the album. This isn't the problem so much as the repetitive content of drug use and guns.
Tracks such as, "Merry Jane" and "Blow Treez" certainly aren't about Christmas time or jolly ole St. Nick, but rather a green-planted drug and "snow" covered trees.
Granted Redman's persona is one of a stoner, but you would think one would be able to conjure up more creative commentary like he did on his debut, Whut? Thee Album, which was laced with silly satire and comedy.
Even though his career might seem a little burned out, Redman somehow builds up enough intensity to make a few good tracks.
"Gillahouse Check" is the album's winning track. Mildly explosive and energetic, Redman's lyrics leave an impact by telling us how, in '95, he was in charge, solely because "I pull up in a coupe that a n**** can't find." Definitely a good reason why Redman should be in charge of a year.
"Put It Down," another great track on the album, is a song to get the ladies on the dance floor. Supporting Redman's vocals are chants, commanding listeners to get down, and beats composed by Timbaland, someone who might have a chance at saving Redman's career.
Red Gone Wild isn't exactly a horrible album, but it isn't a good album either. The album just seems very reminiscent of early '90s rap, but the kind that no one really heard on the radio because: A) people didn't understand or relate to the content, or B) it just wasn't worth anyone's time.
Or maybe this is a smart way for Redman to approach albums in his future. Such as on his most successful albums from the early '90s and when he collaborated with fellow label mate Method Man.
Maybe this is why the Redman resorted to movies so people can laugh at him for being a comedic actor versus trying support his lifestyle by continuing to be a rapper.
