September 22, 1992 – Redman released his debut album on the Def Jam Records label. We were first introduced to Redman two years prior when he appeared with his then Hit Squad members on the EPMD hit Hardcore, but we didn’t grasp the full scope of his lyrical prowess until Whut? Thee Album hit shelves in September of 1992. The album stayed true to the funk, underground direction adopted by fellow Hit Squad members EPMD, K Solo and Das Efx and was an instant critic and fan favorite quickly reaching gold status. Though the album failed to break into the top 20 on Billboard’s Hot 200 album charts, it performed far better on the R&B Albums chart by scoring the #5 spot. The album featured production from Erick Sermon, Parrish Smith, Mr. Bozak, Pete Rock and none other than Redman himself. The album received an amazing 4 1/2 out of 5 mics from the Source and made the magazine’s 1998 100 Best Rap Albums List. Whut? Thee Album has become known as an all out hip-hop classic and is hailed by many as his best work to date.