Redman and Method Man have one of the strongest bonds in Hip-Hop. The pair toured together during the mid-1990s, organized by their then-label, Def Jam Records. Out of that orchestrated chemistry, a relationship grew that led to two albums, a theatrical film, and hundreds of concert appearances.

However, Redman’s history with Wu-Tang Clan predates the “How High?” era. In a new The Real Ones interview conducted by Datwon Thomas, Reggie Noble discusses his earlier origins with the Wu, and just how they began. Additionally, Funk Doc declares that he feels like the 11th member of the Clan, coming after the nine founders and later addition, Cappadonna.

After speaking about building a bond with Meth’, Datwon mentions that Wu-Tang Clan treated Redman as their own. “The whole Wu-Tang embraced you because of that partnership with Meth’ to the point where you’re like a member of Wu now.” Reggie clarifies, “Well, let’s get it right: Wu-Tang embraced me back in ’92 when I did the Phat Jam [campaign] with Russell Simmons. Wu-Tang first came out with ‘Protect Ya Neck,’ and when I first seen those guys and heard that song, I lost my mothaf*ckin’ mind. I was like, ‘Yo, these ni**as are incredible!’ Because they reminded me of what I was missing, because of the Hit-Squad breaking up.” In the early 1990s, EPMD’s temporary breakup dissolved the collective, including Red, Das-EFX, K-Solo, and others.