Method Man Blazes; Redman Flickers Out in Their Dual Show

After establishing commercially and critically successful solo careers and recording together occasionally during the last several years, rappers Method Man and Redman teamed up and released the album “Blackout!” last year. Given the riveting performances the duo turned in on the subsequent Hard Knock Life Tour, it was surprising to see how disjointed and uneven they were during their second show on Tuesday at the House of Blues.

Method Man, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, was stellar throughout the hourlong set, delivering knockout renditions of such songs as “Bring the Pain” and “Dangerous Ground.” The tall, lanky New Yorker was a bundle of energy, diving and running into the audience while delivering his hard-hitting selections. It was easy to see why he’s one of hip-hop’s most charismatic figures.

The problem was with Redman. Stumbling across the stage like a derelict, the New Jersey rapper had to be regularly propped up by his sidekicks throughout the show.

Other than his roof-raising rendition of the hyperactive “Da Goodness” near the end of the set, Redman was utterly ineffective, his usual fiery delivery and blitzkrieg stage antics reduced to a half-hearted string of vocal fumbles and stumbles. Fortunately, Method Man performed a number of selections from his two solo albums, keeping the spotlight on the functional member of team.