Blackout! (Method Man & Redman album)
Blackout! is a collaborative studio album by American hip hop duo Method Man & Redman, released on September 28, 1999, by Def Jam Recordings. The album serves as the culmination of the duo's established comedic and lyrical chemistry, showcased previously in various appearances and collaborations.
The album is characterized by its blend of East Coast hip hop sensibilities with a focus on hardcore rap and humorous lyrical content. Production was handled by a variety of producers, including Erick Sermon, DJ Scratch, and Rockwilder, contributing to a soundscape that is both gritty and energetic.
Blackout! features guest appearances from artists such as Ja Rule, D'Angelo, and LL Cool J, adding diverse perspectives to the album's overall sound. Key tracks include "Da Rockwilder," noted for its hard-hitting beat and energetic delivery, and "Y.O.U.," which showcases the duo's lyrical prowess and playful banter.
The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Blackout! is considered a classic of the late 1990s hip hop era and is often cited as one of the best collaborative albums in the genre. It solidified Method Man & Redman's status as a dynamic and influential duo within hip hop culture. A sequel album, Blackout! 2, was released in 2009.