Hip hop’s love for cannabis is well-documented, with a large segment of its artists and fans all admitting — and even boasting about — their conspicuous consumption of the sticky leaf since the culture’s inception. However, standing out amongst rap’s most notorious tokers are Method Man and Redman, two legendary artists whose music has served as the soundtracks for an innumerable amount of smoke sessions worldwide. Both making their respective debuts in the early ‘90s, each artist branched out from seminal rap collectives to become two of the most captivating soloists of their time. With multiple gold and platinum plaques, as well as dozens of classic records between them — including a pair of collaborative albums — under their belt, Red and Meth are regarded as one of the greatest superstar tandems in rap history.
Given their status as marijuana connoisseurs and the co-stars of the seminal 2001 stoner flick How High, it was only right that the pair be tapped to take the stage for Verzuz’s 4/20 celebration, which took place Tuesday night. Aired live from New York City, on streaming platform Triller, as well as Verzuz’s official Instagram account, the night was a festive, albeit smokey one. With music provided by DJ Scratch, and drinks courtesy of Ciroc, “The Official Spirit of Verzuz,” the MCs tore down the house with a mix of their biggest hits and fan favorites, as well as brought out a few surprise guests to help bring the vibes to a crescendo.
Here are nine of the more memorable moments that took place during Method Man and Redman’s 4/20 Verzuz celebration that kept the viewers on the edge of their seats.
1. Redman’s favorite Method Man Song
For his first solo selection of the night, “Method Man” pulls up “What the Blood Clot,” a standout from the Wu member’s solo debut, Tical, which also happens to be Redman’s favorite song from his Blackout! costar. Later, Redman returns the favor with his performance of “Soopaman Luva 3,” which Meth and Scratch praise as one of the greatest love songs in rap history.
2. The Women Fawning Over Method Man
Since breaking out as a solo star with lady-friendly hits like “I’ll Be There For You / You’re All I Need to Get By,” Meth has been pegged as one of the more physically attractive artists in rap by his legion of female rap fans. Those admirers were in full effect for the Verzuz celebration with Redman, sending flattering emojis and comments fawning over the New Yorker’s chiseled physique and handsome looks.
3. Red and Meth Getting Their Two-Step On
The elite DJ and party rocker that he is, DJ Scratch kept the proceedings flowing by connecting various soul records from the ‘70s and ‘80s that blended Red and Meth’s selections together seamlessly. But, what captured viewers’ attention even more than the ill breakbeats and samples were the two rappers’ nifty dance moves, which they showcased throughout the night, much to the fans’ delight.
4. Redman Showcasing His Ball-Handling Skills
Hailing from New Jersey, which has produced a long list of NBA ballers that includes Shaquille O’Neal and Kyrie Irving, you would think Redman would have some history as a basketball player. However, the rapper, who attempts to show off his ball-handling skills in one hilarious instance during the Verzuz, admits to lacking when it comes to that department. “I’m feeling good, I smoked a fat blunt before the show,” he says while clumsily dribbling a basketball. “I ain’t got no basketballs skills at all,” which was clear.
5. Meth, Red, and DJ Scratch’s Comedic Banter and Bloopers
With a brotherhood that’s been cultivated for upwards of a quarter-century, Method Man, Redman, and DJ Scratch’s chemistry on stage is as hilarious as it is effortless. The trio rag on each other and randomly drop provocative statements without warning, such as Scratch declaring, “I been high as hell since we been rehearsing, prior to launching into ‘1, 2, 1, 2,’” and Red admitting to passing gas unabashedly. Even bloopers like Meth occasionally forgetting his lyrics and Wu affiliate Street Life taking issue with Scratch’s technical difficulties added levity to the stoner-themed celebration.
6. Red and Meth Going Bonkers On Y.O.U.
Priding themselves on their prowess as elite lyricists and live performers, Red and Meth take things up a notch on “Y.O.U.,” one of the iller cuts from their joint album, Blackout!, rhyming acapella over portions of their respective verses, the two veterans exert effortless breath control while delivering their couplets, wowing the public while missing nary a beat in the process.
7. The Hit Squad and New Jersey Forming Like Voltron
Impromptu cameos were aplenty throughout the evening, as Redman’s Hit Squad clan came out in full force to hold their Brick City brethren down. From Keith Murray performing “Get Lifted” to EPMD sending viewers into euphoria with their signature hit “So Wat Cha Sayin’,” New Jersey made their presence felt with additional acts like K-Solo, Do It All of Lords of the Underground, and others gradually coming out of the woodworks to show love to Red and Meth.
8. Backstories Behind Their Partnership And Key Collaborations
For fans wondering what led to Redman and Method Man joining forces, they can thank former Def Jam execs Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles, who struck up the idea to pair the two on a “Month of The Man” promotional tour in 1994. This led to the rising stars striking a bond that has lasted nearly three decades and remains strong. Also, we caught gems about the origin of their 2Pac collaboration, “Mind Made Up,” which was initially supposed to be a Dogg Pound record, and feature a verse from Wu member Inspectah Deck that was cut after it was gifted to Pac, a tidbit which Redman didn’t seem to remember so fondly.
9. RZA and Inspectah Show Wu Love
At one point during Verzuz, Method Man invited surprise guests RZA and Inspectah Deck to help him perform “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta Fuck Wit.” Taking advantage of their quick cameo, RZA announces a forthcoming album produced entirely by DJ Scratch, much to Redman’s, who’s apparently been pining for a DJ Scratch beat for years, chagrin.