Redman’s debut album, Whut? Thee Album, dropped in 1992 and introduced hip-hop fans to a unique brand of humor and lyrical dexterity. Among the standout tracks was “A Day of Sooperman Lover,” a hilarious narrative of a working-class superhero juggling mundane jobs with extraordinary antics. This track, a cornerstone of Redman’s early work, owes much of its funky, soulful vibe to a prominent sample: Johnny Guitar Watson’s “Superman Lover.”
The comedic superhero saga, with its tales of rescuing cats and navigating everyday life with a twist of superpowers, was cleverly constructed around a sample from the legendary Johnny Guitar Watson. His 1976 track, “Superman Lover,” from the album Ain’t That A Bitch, provided the silky smooth backdrop for Redman’s storytelling. This sample choice wasn’t arbitrary; it was a nod to hip-hop traditions and personal inspirations. Redman himself has cited EPMD’s “Jane” series and Slick Rick’s narrative prowess in “Children’s Story” as key influences in shaping the “Sooperman Lover” concept.
Redman, in a 2018 interview celebrating the 25th anniversary of Whut? Thee Album, offered insights into the creation of Sooperman Lover. He clarified, “He wasn’t really a hero with powers. He had some. He could fly and stuff but all his powers were ghetto. I wanted him to be a superhero that stepped in his pants one leg at a time like everybody else.” This grounded, relatable superhero persona is central to the charm of the “Sooperman Lover” series, making him an endearing figure despite his fantastical abilities.
The selection of the Johnny Guitar Watson sample was also a personal one. Redman explained, “I was a fan of Johnny Guitar Watson and I think me and Erick Sermon came across the record or I had it. Maybe it was my pops record because I took a couple of his records when I moved. I just thought doing a new Superman Lover would be a great idea.” This connection highlights the importance of sample digging and musical heritage in hip-hop production. Redman also expressed gratitude towards the Watson family for their support, indicating a respectful relationship built on this sample.
“A Day of Sooperman Lover” was just the beginning. Redman expanded the narrative into a series, with five more “Sooperman Lover” tracks appearing on subsequent albums. Fans eagerly anticipate the next installment, “Sooperman Lover 7,” expected to drop with the long-awaited Muddy Waters 2 album. Redman has teased that “Soopaman Luva 7” is substantial and even has an animated video ready, showcasing his continued commitment to this beloved character.
Looking back at “Sooperman Lover 6,” from the 2007 album Red Gone Wild, it’s evident how the series evolved. This track, featuring the late Hurricane G and produced by Erick Sermon, sampled Curtis Mayfield’s “Give Me Your Love,” demonstrating a shift in the sonic backdrop while maintaining the core comedic storytelling. “Sooperman Lover 6” even incorporated a narrative twist inspired by Natural Born Killers, adding layers to the character’s escapades.
Redman described the magic of “Sooperman Lover 6,” stating, “That one reminds me of ‘Super Man Lover 3.’ Melanie Rutherford was killin that on the singing. It was very musical and magical.” He further elaborated on the storyline, “The story behind that is that I wanted to incorporate my sisters Hurricane G and Chia Rose. I wanted to see SML break IN to save someone. This n-gga so ghetto that he still gotta break IN the jail. His powers are limited.” This commentary underscores the consistent humor and self-aware limitations of the Sooperman Lover character throughout the series.
In conclusion, “A Day of Sooperman Lover” is more than just a catchy hip-hop track; it’s a testament to the art of sampling, the influence of musical heroes, and Redman’s unique storytelling ability. The Johnny Guitar Watson “Superman Lover” sample provided the perfect foundation for a character that has resonated with fans for decades, proving the enduring appeal of a relatable, albeit super-powered, everyman. The anticipation for “Sooperman Lover 7” only further solidifies the legacy of this iconic series within Redman’s discography and hip-hop history.
