In his own way, Redman – a k a Reggie Noble, the Funk Dr. Spock – ranks as one of the most consistent MCs in rap. Since his start as a protégé of the now-defunct hip-hop heavyweight group EPMD, which he followed with his 1992 breakout debut, Whut? Thee Album, he has displayed a unique unpredictability and supreme funk sensibility.

Take the introduction to Redman's latest release, Muddy Waters. A foreboding ambient interlude with tribal chanting, jungle sounds and explosions seems to pick up where his last effort, the sinister Dare Iz a Darkside, left off. Then, out of nowhere, the smooth boom bap of "Iz He 4 Real" segues in, perhaps bringing with it a new era of East Coast funk. Unlike his peers' grooves, producer Erick Sermon's beats are stripped down but tight – designed both to make you move and to give Redman plenty of room to let loose his nasty tongue.

But the real versatility comes from Redman himself. He supplies choppy, offbeat verses and memorable call-and-response choruses throughout, and he even croons like Luther Vandross on "Da Bump." There's also lyrical support from some of hip-hop's best on Muddy Waters: Veteran K-Solo helps Redman shred "It's Like That" (a remake of the Just-Ice/Mantronix classic "Cold Gettin Dumb"), Method Man creeps up on "Do What Ya Feel," and wordsmith Keith Murray gets busy on "Da Ill Out." Make no mistake, though – this is Red's show all the way. And it ain't nothin' but a party, y'all. (RS 753)

S.H. FERNANDO JR.