The Wild Story Behind Redman’s Legendary ‘MTV Cribs’ Episode

Back in the ’80s, celebrity opulence and grandeur were celebrated on the show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Hosted by Robin Leach, the series guided viewers through the lavish homes, vacations, and over-the-top lifestyles of the world’s wealthiest stars. In the ’90s, MTV took that format and ran with it, creating their own version known as Cribs.

Twenty-five years ago, when Cribs debuted in September 2000, music fans were invited inside the sprawling homes of 50 Cent, Beyoncé, and Shaquille O’Neal as the celebrities themselves played tour guide through their abundant abodes. Mariah Carey flaunted a closet bigger than most apartments, while Usher showed off a living room lined with Versace wallpaper. Like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous before it, Cribs offered viewers a rare peek behind the velvet rope, a voyeuristic thrill ride through fame, fortune, and unapologetic excess.

In Season 2 Episode 5, Cribs gifted the world “Hip Hop: Part 2,” better known as the “De La Casa Episode,” featuring rapper Redman (a.k.a. Reginald “Reggie” Noble). Viewers were taken on a full tour of his two-bedroom Staten Island townhouse in what can only be described as a chaotic fever dream of reality television, gleefully subverting every expectation.