The album features Rock's TDE label-mates Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Sir, as well as guest appearances from Dcmbr, Future, Tee Grizzley, J. Cole, Jeremih, and Mozzy.

[10][11] On November 28, 2018, the album was further supported by the single "Shit Real" alongside the music video, Redemption was then updated with this track on all streaming platforms.

[12] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork wrote that Redemption is "about Rock getting a second chance at life, a new opportunity to show his pedigree, and about seeking a sort of absolution.

The album traces his path from hood survivalist to indie darling of modest means to TDE dark horse and crash survivor, in search of even greater heights.

[18] Online hip hop publication HotNewHipHop praised Redemption for "a pretty well-rounded scope of emotions and moods, despite having no discernible thematic throughline.

"[16] Kenan Draughorne of HipHopDX believed that "Redemption shines brightest when the music itself matches Rock’s dynamic performance and infuses enough energy for him to seize the moment.