When the great Hip-Hop pairings of our time get brought up, how often are Method Man & Redman mentioned? Since 1995′s bong-blazin’ anthem “How High” to their seminal classic album Blackout!, the Shaolin and Brick City representers have ignited Notable Quotable verses as well as the end of their blunts on a regular basis. Still going strong on the heels of releasing the noteworthy follow-up Blackout 2!, Red & Meth crash TSS to break down old school vs. new school rappers, future endeavors and their favorite THC byproducts.

This is a Smoking Session. What did you expect?

TSS: It’s been a good 10 years since the original Blackout! Do the planets have to align, lunar eclipses, Apocalypse Now-type shit to get y’all in the studio?

Method Man: Nah we been in the studio, y’all know that the work was still there. Red has his solo project, Def Squad, Gilla House and numerous mix CDs he was working on. I had my solo project and the Wu-Tang joint. So we was staying in the loop but the label didn’t come around to the table because they were going through their staff changes at the time — but it’s here now though.

TSS: What was the creation process of Blackout 2! ? Was it a totally different experience or more of the usual routine.

Method Man: It was a casual approach. We went in with our heads clear. We didn’t have any pressure from the label and we went in comfortable. No pressure to do radio songs or none of that. And I actually, honestly LISTENED to the music to and conceptualized from that point on.

TSS: What should fans expect when they pick up Blackout 2!? The first record “A-Yo” got a good response online even if it wasn’t your typical Red & Meth sound.

Redman: I think it ties in with the first record on a different level. I love the video and how it didn’t cost a lot.

Method Man: My thing was: I knew it was a good record but I didn’t think people would receive it as well because like you said, it wasn’t a Red & Meth-type record, ya know? The whole vibe of track and everything was real soulful when usually you get a more party, fun vibe from us. But we made that soulful joint fun all in the same time.

TSS: How important is this album to you at this stage in your careers?

Method Man: Well it’s important to me because I really haven’t been celebrated for my MC skills in a while and it’s good to be looked at in a different light in a kind of a…”I told you so” moment but I’m never the one to say something like that, ya know?

TSS: “City Lights,” with Bun B also got a good response. How did the you get into contact with Bun B?

Method Man: Well, Bun always has been a friend of mine. I actually met Bun B and Pimp C the day that Pac died.

TSS: What was the environment like at that moment?

Method Man: Well, we were all standing and smoking outside of this hotel, and we heard the news come through on the radio. That shit was fucked up. We held a little forum right there. Talked about staying safe in Hip-Hop. But yeah, Bun is hot; I known him for years.

Redman: Bun B’s that nigga! Me and Bun have a relationship where we reach out to each other to do work. When we did that song, we was talking like it felt like Pimp C’s spirit was in the studio. He helped us out with that track. Yeah, pick up that new UGK record.

Method Man: I don’t go for that spirit shit really, but we down with UGK. But you know who does set the tone for the record?  Reggie Noble.

Redman: Maaaan, Meth is professional. Bun is professional. We sent Bun the track and he did his thing and sent it right back. I love people that do it like that. Do it for the love, not the money. Then again, that’s probably why I’m broke (Laughs).