Last night (April 20), Method Man and Redman proved to be the big dogs of Verzuz, with one of the most anticipated displays since the platform’s creation. The performance was part concert, part competition. Two of Hip-Hop’s closest figures made all who tuned in feel their chemistry as they ran through catalogs spanning work together, solo material, remixes, and breakthrough features. DJ Scratch backed up the Shaolin lyricist and the Brick City spitter with a strong presence.

Moments after Red and Meth finished rocking, What’s The Headline taped a special episode (video and audio embedded below) covering the concert from two of the most beloved artists among the Ambrosia For Heads readership (and staff). We looked at pivotal moments from the two-plus-hour show, such as Redman’s James Brown-inspired performance of “Soopman Luva 3” or Method Man rocking with the RZA-produced album version of “I’ll Be There For You.” The What’s The Headline team scored the battle, with special consideration for some of the overlapping songs and moments.

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Like Verzuz before (including Meth and Red’s appearance for D’Angelo), the evening had surprise guests. Wu-Tang showed up in the form of RZA, Inspectah Deck, and Cappadonna—along with Meth’s longtime right-hand, Streetlife. Redman’s Def Squad and Gilla House families were represented too—including a crisp performance from Keith Murray. However, it was an EPMD, K-Solo, and Redman performance of “Headbanger” together that may have been the biggest surprise. As discussed in the episode, the bonus moment reunites Scratch with EPMD and reunites Funk Doc and the Green-Eyed Bandit together publicly. DJ Kool, Rockwilder, and Lords of the Underground’s DoItAll also appeared, with the Newark, New Jersey MC/producer (who came into the game with Red) using the moment to announce a second campaign for City Councilman, after an exceptional “Funky Child” performance.

The evening included some noteworthy news in between the cuts. Redman assured fans that Muddy Waters Too is still happening and will arrive via Riveting Music/Gilla House/EMPIRE. Last week, Reggie Noble supplied fans with video single “80 BARZ.” Meanwhile, M-E-T-H confirmed that an album with Mobb Deep’s Havoc is arriving soon—as first reported on What’s The Headline almost one year ago. Seemingly to Meth’s surprise, Redman also announced that Blackout! 3 is happening in the wake of quarantine. This will follow the duo’s platinum 1999 LP and its 2009 follow-up, both Def Jam Records releases. Additionally, DJ Scratch confirmed that he is producing a RZA album. The EPMD/Flipmode Squad alum also confirmed to AFH recently that his collaboration with Planet Asia is still a go. The Abbott also nodded to involvement on a potential How High sequel.

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In What’s The Headline, we celebrate Red and Meth’s big night, pay respect to Black Rob, and discuss Nas’ incredible business moves.

Here Is A Rundown of the Discussion:

0:00​ Intro
1:48​ EPMD, K-Solo, Keith Murray, RZA, DJ Kool, Inspectah Deck and other highlights from the night
6:12​ Was this a competition or a joint celebration?
12:20​ The times we’ve interacted with Method Man and Redman personally
18:20​ We score Method Man Verzuz Redman round by round
1:02:20​ The importance of giving Hip-Hop legends their flowers while they are still here
1:03:30​ Verzuz continues to get better and better
1:04:55​ Remembering Black Rob
1:09:42​ Nas scores at least a $40 million payday with Coinbase
1:14:24​ Conway The Machine and Khrysis deliver 2 of the best Rap albums of 2021 so far
1:18:05​ The final scores in Method Man Verzuz Redman

Ambrosia For Heads readers can catch regular discussions about the culture on our What’s The Headline podcast. Additionally, What’s The Headline has recent interviews with Pharoahe Monch, Prince Paul & Don Newkirk, Statik Selektah, Lyric Jones, The LOX, MC Eiht, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, Duckwrth, photographer T. Eric Monroe, and Lord Finesse. All episodes of the show are available wherever you stream your pods.

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#BonusBeat: Ambrosia For Heads’ official playlist, featuring music by Redman and Method as well as new music from Vic Mensa, Alchemist & Armand Hammer, Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin, Phife Dawg, Redman, JAY-Z, Nipsey Hussle, Spillage Village, Dom Kennedy, Statik Selektah, Smino, Saba, AZ, Masego, J.I.D., Rapsody, Tobe Nwigwe, Royce 5’9, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Hit-Boy, Nana, Lyric Jones, Nas, Oddisee, Benny The Butcher, 2 Chainz, REASON, Jack Harlow, and others.