The album peaked at number forty-nine on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. In 1992, Redman released his debut album, Whut? Thee Album, which AllMusic noted for blending "reggae and funk influences" with a "terse, though fluid rap style".
In 1990, Redman made his official debut on EPMD's album Business as Usual, appearing on the tracks "Hardcore" and "Brothers on My Jock". Music career Whut? Thee Album & Dare Iz a Darkside (1990–1995) After this, Redman was an official rap artist and began production with Erick Sermon on his first major label album, Whut? Thee Album. He freestyled a song describing himself as a rapper using every letter in the alphabet, from A to Z. In 1990 at an EPMD show in New York, Redman was invited onstage by Erick Sermon where he delivered a rap freestyle that changed his life. While on tour with the group he did everything from carrying the group's bags to coming out on stage and doing rap freestyles. He moved right into my apartment." After moving in with Erick Sermon, Redman went out on tour with EPMD. And within the next two or three months, he moved to Long Island, to my crib. Erick Sermon said when he met Redman for the first time, "I knew there was something spectacular about him. Redman was eventually discovered by Erick Sermon of EPMD while he was a DJ for Lords of the Underground. He freestyled over funk and hip hop instrumental tracks on vinyl records in various parks and house parties around New York and New Jersey. Two years later, at age 18, Redman was a young DJ-MC who went by the name "DJ Kut-Killa". Having no other options, Redman then went back home to live with his mother, Darlene Noble, who eventually kicked him out of her house for selling cocaine. In 1987, Redman was expelled from Montclair State University his freshman year due to poor academic performance at age 16. Raised in Newark, New Jersey, Redman attended Speedway Avenue School and 13th Avenue School before attending West Side High School, an experience he described as "off the hook". 2.5 Mixtapes, Collaborations & Production (2002–2006).2.1 Whut? Thee Album & Dare Iz a Darkside (1990–1995).