Redman Reflects on Receiving a $250,000 Publishing Check for Christina Aguilera’s ‘Dirrty’

Redman couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the first six-figure publishing check for hopping on Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty” in 2002.

The New Jersey rapper was blown away by the astonishing sum and revealed to Red Bull Spiral earlier this week that it was actually for more than $250,000, and it ended up being one of his favorite collaborations in his career.

“Christina is like one of my favorite collabs because I did a song called ‘Let’s Get Dirty’ featuring DJ Kool— what up, Uncle Kool?” he explained of the collab’s inspiration. “And she liked that, so he made an R&B-pop version of that record. So I got on the record and after that, that s–t took off. We was everywhere, bro. She brought me on tour.”

Redman appreciated having the opportunity to hit the road with Xtina and seeing how a pop icon moved in the industry.

“That album [Stripped] was one of her biggest albums. We was everywhere and I got to actually see how a pop artist shakes and moves through this industry, and it’s another level than hip-hop. And plus my publishing check,” he continued. “Oh my God! My publishing check, n—a? I couldn’t believe I got that much money for one verse. It was like over $250K, my first check.”

“Dirrty” served as the lead single from Aguilera’s 2002 album, Stripped, which also included hits such as “Beautiful” and “Fighter.” Dave LaChapelle hopped behind the camera to direct the “Dirrty” video, and the platinum-certified hit was nominated for best pop collaboration with vocals at the 2003 Grammy Awards.

The track ended up peaking at No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Stripped debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.