Method Man spent a childhood split between separated parents in Long Island and Staten Island, and in an apparent precursor to his career in hip hop was introduced both to playing drums and to poetry by his father. Not only was Method interested in music, he was also fascinated by comic books and particularly Ghost Rider, a fascination which manifested itself years later in several of his many rap aliases. His pre-hip hop adult life was mostly split between drug dealing and low-paid jobs (including a stint working at the Statue of Liberty, along with future Wu-Tang colleague U-God). After becoming well known on the streets for his rhyming abilities, he joined with 8 friends to form the Wu-Tang Clan in the early 1992.
Since the Wu-Tang Clan's ascendancy to hip hop stardom, Method Man has always been one of the most visible members of the collective. He was one of only two of the group to get a solo song on the group's debut album Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers and he was the first to release a solo album under the Clan's unusual contract which allows its members to release albums under any record label (Method chose to sign with legendary rap label Def Jam). Method Man's solo debut, Tical (1994) was critically acclaimed and extremely popular, entering the American charts at #4 and eventually selling in excess of one million copies.
He soon collaborated with Mary J. Blige and Redman with a series of hit singles, one of which (the Blige duet "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By") won a Grammy, before recording the second Wu-Tang album, Wu-Tang Forever.
His second solo album was Tical 2000: Judgement Day (1998), which was heavily influenced by the apocalypse theories surrounding the forthcoming end of the millennium, and which featured a vast amount of guest appearances, from his fellow Clansmen to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, D'Angelo, Chris Rock, Mobb Deep, Redman and even Donald Trump. The album sold even better than his first, though reviews were mixed and its long running time and the abundance of between-song comedy skits were criticised by many.
Method Man then toured with Jay-Z and recorded Blackout! with Redman, a light-hearted, fun record with an EPMD-evoking emphasis on funky beats and the mischievous wit and cool flows of the two MCs.
In the twenty-first century, Method Man forged a successful career in acting. As well as his 1998 appearance in the film Belly along with fellow rappers Nas and DMX, Method has also appeared in 187 Oz, How High (a stoner film with Redman), The Wire, My Baby's Daddy, Garden State and Soul Plane, while continuing to record with the Wu-Tang Clan. He also co-starred with Redman in his own Fox sitcom called Method & Red, however after only a short time on the air the show was put on hiatus and never returned. Method Man later complained in the press about Fox's influence on the show's style, claiming that "there's been too much compromise on our side and not enough on their side" and bemoaning the network's decision to add a laugh track.
In 2004, Meth released his third album Tical 0: The Prequel, which spawned a successful single in "What's Happenin" with Busta Rhymes, but was poorly received both by critics and fans. There was trouble even before the album's release when Method apparently complained to the press about excessive interference from Def Jam over the album's beats (Meth supposedly desired more input from Wu-Tang leader RZA). On its release, many fans and critics were taken aback by its strong "mainstream" or "commercial" sound, highlighted by the guest appearances of pop-rap stars of the time Missy Elliot, P. Diddy and Ludacris. However, the album sold reasonably well, selling more than any of the other Wu-Tang solo projects released at around the same time. There was good news in early 2005 for fans who were disappointed with The Prequel as Method Man announced that a new RZA-produced album would be released later in the year. The album ultimately never materialized in 2005, though RZA and Meth continue to work on the album and are now aiming for a mid-2006 release date.
Aliases
Big John Stud
The Ghost Rider (from the comic Ghost Rider)
Hot Nickelz
Hot Nixon
Iron Lung
John-John
Johnny Blaze (from the comic Ghost Rider)
Johnny Dangerous
John-John Blaizini
Methtical (Meth-tical)
Meth
Mr. Meth
MZA ("The Mizza")
The Panty Raider
Shakwon (5% Nation "righteous name")
Tical
Ticallion Stallion
Albums
1994 Tical (Platinum)
1998 Tical 2000: Judgement Day (Platinum)
1999 Blackout! (with Redman) (Platinum)
2004 Tical 0: The Prequel
2006 4:21 The Day After
2009 Blackout! 2 (with Redman)
Singles and EPs
1994 "Bring The Pain"
1995 "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By" (with Mary J. Blige)
1995 "Release Yo' Delf"
1998 "Break Ups 2 Make Ups"
1998 "Judgement Day"'
1998 "Grand Finale" (with DMX, Nas & Ja Rule)
1999 "Tear It Off" (Method Man & Redman)
1999 "Da Rockwilder" (Method Man & Redman)
1999 "Y.O.U." (Method Man & Redman)
2004 "What's Happenin" (with Busta Rhymes)
2005 "The Show"
Appears On
1993 Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
1994 "The What" (from the The Notorious B.I.G. album Ready to Die)
1995 "Dirty Dancin" (from the Ol' Dirty Bastard album Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version)
1995 "Got The Flava" (from the Showbiz & AG album Goodfellas)
1995 "Wu-Gambinos" & "Ice Cream" (from the Raekwon album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx)
1995 "Living In The World Today", "Shadowboxin" & "Gold" (from the GZA album Liquid Swords)
1995 "The Riddler" (from the Batman Forever Soundtrack)
1996 "Box In Hand" (from the Ghostface Killah album Ironman)
1996 "Box In Hand (Remix)" (Ghostface Killah single)
1996 "Got My Mind Made Up" (from the 2Pac album All Eyez On Me)
1996 "Do What Ya Feel" (from the Redman album Muddy Waters)
1996 "Extortion" (from the Mobb Deep album Hell On Earth)
1996 "Hit 'Em High" (from the Space Jam soundtrack)
1997 Wu-Tang Forever (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
1997 "Milk The Cow", "Supa Ninjaz" & "Dart Throwing" (from the Cappadonna album The Pillage)
1997 "Next Up" & "Collaboration 98" (from the Sunz Of Man album The Last Shall Be First)
1997 "4,3,2,1" (from the LL Cool J album Phenonemon)
1998 "Well All Rite Cha" (from the Redman album Doc's Da Name 2000)
1998 "Pussy Pop" (from the Xzibit album 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz)
1998 "Whatcha Gonna Do" (from the Jayo Felony album Whatcha Gonna Do)
1998 "The Worst" (from the Onyx album Shut 'Em Down)
1999 "Rumble" (from the U-God album The Golden Arms Redemption)
1999 "Am I My Brother's Keeper" (from the Shyheim album Manchild)
1999 "Fuck Them" (from the Raekwon album Immobilarity)
1999 "Left & Right" (from the D'Angelo album Voodoo)
1999 "Stringplay" (from the GZA album Beneath The Surface)
1999 "N 2 Gether Now" (from the Limp Bizkit album Significant Other)
1999 "Half Man Half Amazin" (from the Pete Rock album Soul Survivor)
1999 "Three Amigos (If It's On)" (from the Popa Wu album Visions Of The Tenth Chamber)
1999 "NYC Everything" (from the RZA album Bobby Digital In Stereo)
1999 "Simon Says (Remix)" (from the Pharoahe Monch album Internal Affairs)
2000 "Buck 50" (from the Ghostface Killah album Supreme Clientele)
2000 "Fuhgidabowdit" (from the LL Cool J album G.O.A.T.)
2000 "Rollin' (Urban Assault Vehicle)" (from the Limp Bizkit album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water)
2000 The W (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
2000 "Ghetto Celebrity" (from the album In The Mode by Roni Size & Reprazent
2001 "La Rhumba" & "Glocko Pop" (from the RZA album Digital Bullet)
2001 "Enjoy Da Ride" (from the Redman album Malpractice)
2001 "Dog In Heat" (from the Missy Elliott album Miss E...So Addictive)
2001 "Party & Bullshit" (from the Rush Hour 2 soundtrack)
2001 Iron Flag (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
2001 "Red Meth And Bee" (from the Cypress Hill album Stoned Raiders)
2002 "Flowers" (from the Ghostface Killah album Bulletproof Wallets)
2003 "Respect Mine" (from the Mathematics album Love, Hell Or Right)
2003 "Love @ 1st Sight" (from the Mary J. Blige album Love & Life)
2003 "We Pop (Remix)" (RZA single)
2003 "Bring The Pain" (from the Missy Elliott album This Is Not A Test!)
2003 "Ice Cream Part 2" (from the Raekwon album Lex Diamonds Story)
2003 "Noble Art" (from the IAM album Revoir Un Printemps)
2003 "Rock 'N' Roll" (from the Naughty By Nature album Icons)
2004 "Secret Rivals" (from the Masta Killa album No Said Date)
2004 "The Drummer" (from the Theodore Unit album 718)
2004 Disciples of the 36 Chambers: Chapter 1 (album by the Wu-Tang Clan)
2005 "Head Rush", "John 3:16" & "Spot Lite" (from the Mathematics album The Problem)
2005 "All My Niggas", "Shoot On Sight (S.O S.)" & "Street Education" (from the Streetlife album Street Education)
2005 "High Rollers" (from the Proof album Searching for Jerry Garcia)
2005 "Still On It" (from the Ashanti album Collectables by Ashanti)
2006 "9 Milli Bros." (from the Ghostface Killah album Fishscale)
All I Need
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you keep it real with me, I'll keep it real wit'chu
Loving your whole steeze, it be in there boo
On top of that you got the good power-U (check it out)
Shorty, I'm there for you anytime you need me
For real, girl, it's me in your world, believe me
Nothin' make a man feel better than a woman
There are few things that's forever, my lady
We can make war or make babies
Back when I was nothin'
You made a brother feel like he was something
That's why I'm with you to this day, boo, no frontin'
Even when the skies were gray
You would rub me on my back and say baby it'll be okay
Now that's real to a brother like me, baby
Never ever give my pussy away and keep it tight, aight?
And I'ma walk these dogs so we can live
In a fat ass crib with thousands of kids
Word life, you don't need a ring to be my wife
Just be there for me I'm gon' make sure we
Be livin' in the fucking lap of luxury
I'm realizing that ya didn't have to fuck with me
But ya did, now I'm going all out kid
And I got mad love to give, you my nigga
You're all that I need, I'll be there for you
If you keep it real with me, I'll keep it real wit'chu
Loving your whole steeze, it be in there boo
On top of that you got the good power-U
You're all that I need, I'll be there for you
If you keep it real with me, I'll keep it real wit'chu
Loving your whole steeze, it be in there boo
On top of that you got the good power-U
I got a Love Jones for your body and your skin tone
Five minutes alone I'm already on the bone
Plus I love the fact you got a mind of your own
No need to shop around you got the good shit at home
Even if I'm locked up North you in the world
Rockin' three-fourths of cloth never showin' your stuff off, boo
It be true me for you, that's how it is
I can be your Knower, you can be my Wiz
Then I can be your sun, you can be my earth
Resurrect the God through birth
Best believe
You're all that I need, I'll be there for you
If you keep it real with me, I'll keep it real wit'chu
Loving your whole steeze, it be in there boo
On top of that you got the good power-U
You're all that I need, I'll be there for you
If you keep it real with me, I'll keep it real wit'chu
Loving your whole steeze, it be in there boo
On top of that you got the good power-U
The song "All I Need", featuring Mary J. Blige, was released in 1995 and is considered to be one of the most influential and popular hip-hop love songs of all time. The song's lyrics tell a story of love and loyalty, with Method Man and Mary J. Blige expressing their commitment to one another.
The first verse begins with Method Man promising to always be there for his partner, as long as she remains honest with him. He praises her entire persona and reveals his admiration for her body. The second verse talks about how they have been together even when things weren't going well in his life, and how she's been his rock through it all. He also expresses gratitude for her loyalty and promises to take care of her in return. The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, reiterates the fact that both partners are committed to each other, with Method Man reflecting that a ring isn't necessary for them to be together.
The song's power lies in its honesty and the authenticity of the emotions conveyed. It is a celebration of genuine love and loyalty, and one which recognises the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining a relationship. The lyrics and the performance by the two artists are passionate and sincere.
Line by Line Meaning
You're all that I need, I'll be there for you
I depend on you and will always be available when you need me.
If you keep it real with me, I'll keep it real wit'chu
If you're honest with me, I'll reciprocate by being honest with you.
Loving your whole steeze, it be in there boo
I'm attracted to everything about you and it's all good.
On top of that you got the good power-U (check it out)
In addition, you have a great personality and energy.
Shorty, I'm there for you anytime you need me
I'll always be available for you no matter the circumstances.
For real, girl, it's me in your world, believe me
I'm genuine and committed to you, trust me.
Nothin' make a man feel better than a woman
There's no greater happiness for a man than a good relationship with a woman.
Queen with a crown that be down for whatever
I appreciate your strength and resilience, you're always up for anything.
There are few things that's forever, my lady
Most things in life don't last, but our love has staying power.
We can make war or make babies
We can fight or we can choose to create new life together, the decision is ours.
Back when I was nothin', you made a brother feel like he was something
Before I had success, you still believed in me and made me feel valuable.
That's why I'm with you to this day, boo, no frontin'
That's why I'm still with you, no pretending or putting on a front.
Even when the skies were gray, you would rub me on my back and say baby it'll be okay
Even when things were tough, you provided comfort and reassurance.
Now that's real to a brother like me, baby
That's truly meaningful to me and shows how much you care.
Never ever give my pussy away and keep it tight, aight?
Don't cheat on me and keep our intimate life healthy, alright?
And I'ma walk these dogs so we can live
I'll take care of our responsibilities so we can have a good life together.
In a fat ass crib with thousands of kids
We'll have a big house and a large loving family.
Word life, you don't need a ring to be my wife
I don't need to marry you to consider you my partner for life.
Just be there for me I'm gon' make sure we
Be supportive and committed and I'll make sure we're taken care of.
Be livin' in the fucking lap of luxury
We'll be living very comfortably and with great pleasure.
I'm realizing that ya didn't have to fuck with me
I'm acknowledging that you had a choice and chose to be with me, and I appreciate that.
But ya did, now I'm going all out kid
But you chose me and now I'm fully committed and dedicated.
And I got mad love to give, you my nigga
I have a lot of love to give and you're my partner in crime.
I got a Love Jones for your body and your skin tone
I have a deep attraction and passion for your physical and aesthetic qualities.
Five minutes alone I'm already on the bone
I'm easily aroused by just being near you.
Plus I love the fact you got a mind of your own
I appreciate your intelligence and independence.
No need to shop around you got the good shit at home
I don't need anyone else because everything I need is with you.
Even if I'm locked up North you in the world
Even if I'm physically away, you'll still be in my heart and mind.
Rockin' three-fourths of cloth never showin' your stuff off, boo
You dress modestly, with just enough skin showing, and I respect that.
It be true me for you, that's how it is
I am loyal and dedicated to you, that's just the way it is.
I can be your Knower, you can be my Wiz
I can be your guide and protector, and you can be my partner and support.
Then I can be your sun, you can be my earth
I'll provide warmth and light for you, and you ground and sustain me.
Resurrect the God through birth
Together let's bring forth new life and create something magical.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Clifford Smith, Robert F. Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DreThomasMusic
Mary and Meth sitting on the roof nodding their heads is ICONIC!
@eddiesaninocencio6635
I'd be on the roof smoking a joint in the Bronx.
@insanenative445
1984 baby yo
@stellabellafontay9366
Yesss
@catherinelittle3095
DreThomasMusic this is rapping old but always the best
@alyciajaade4290
Yep...they were bobbin their heads to the beat yall. I👏Still👏Love👏 It. #GrammyWinner1995🏆 #LongLiveTheWu 💖
@TapiwaMunyanyi
Whose bumping to this in 2024 ?
@levarhicks1000
Me ✋
@Iheartdonutslove
Me🎉🎉🎉
@thewrightmissy8700
In 2024 and every year to come!!
This shyt timeless