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)
America
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is MC sharper image
I'm standing here with my dog technology
And we are here to uplift you mind
and upgrade your systems
so come on down everyone that wants to get some
plug in and boot, and boot
I've come to eat grub and slap ass
And show my whole entire black ass
why'all know the saying he who laughs last laughs loudest
Bang the loudest, can't a coward do a thing 'bout it
What the bu-ba claat like "aye caramba"
Here's my name and number, lets "La Rumba"
Doc, it makes me wonder; how many heads has Heather Hunter's
How many different conclusions to come to
And my sixteen bars meth, hittin' too hard
With a total disregard for whole entourage
Rap phenom, slap your ass, snap your thong to my theme song
And hope you don't get clap upon
Who that kid, as dirty as that Ol' Dirty Bastard
Who that kid, who pack a tool belt and dirty belt and dirty ratchet
Set your tape recorder, lock down your daughter
Soon as a touch the rap game, out of order
Do I get brollic
Gimme that car ill show you how to flip mileage
Gimme that mic, ill short it with a quick wattage
Skip college for the big wallet
The ape with a fire escape from the weight of a hit product
My draft is cold like miller beer
When you hear it, you see more stars than tigger's cheer
The red nigga here, and its out of control
Something like when Ron Gold' went out with Nicole
I'll bring it back to the streets where the crooks belong
And if it ain't come back raw, you cooked it wrong
Gangsta bomb, hold your nose
At the show, ill be shittin' out my mouth like my colon closed
Me and meth, 100 proof, in case why'all a biter
And ovaries, feel these great ball of fire
(Doc, where the lighter) I'm hemming them up
Coffee grind them and put them in a vanilla dutch
Believe that, the brothers in the house now be that
Believe that, lets turn the mother out now, be that
Beback , that what it all about now ,be that
We not playin' (knowwhatinsayn' sonsayin)
Believe that, the brothers in the house now be that
Believe that, lets turn the mother out now, be that
Beback , that what it all about now ,be that
Fuck with the meth(knowwhatinsayn' sonsayin)
I'm looking at you killers like you stole something, fuck ya life
Trust my niggaz, sometimes for I trust my wife
Fuck it, I'm nice, why'all don't be rushing the mic
With your guns in your left hand
Not bustin' it right
Ain't no I in the team
Ain't no eyen' my cream
I'm a semi-auto, clean
Rapid-fire machine
Cocky, six foot three with knock knees
Attract hood rats for blocks cause I got cheese
yo, dude I carry cheese, but I don't flaunt it
when the towel it thrown it, you know there's grown men that spoke on it
We both want it, the Trackmasters
Puncturing holes in the beat when a vocal tone poke on it
Barbaric, my caddie truck beyond average
with the same size wheels that on a horse carriage
up in the air , spot my dudes
Rollin' over shit like B. Rhymes on mountain dew
[Chorus: x 2]
In Method Man's song America's Most, he starts off by introducing himself alongside his dog, Technology. He then proceeds to rap about not caring about anything except eating and having a good time, showing off his skills and power, and asking his audience to pay attention to his performance. He talks about hitting hard without regard for his "entourage," being a "rap phenom," and holding nothing back. He brags about his skills with the microphone, claiming that he can "short it with a quick wattage," and discusses his company, his money, and his power. He notes that he's a "semi-auto, clean / Rapid-fire machine," calling attention to both his size and his speed, and he makes a point of discussing his "caddie truck beyond average." Throughout the song, there's a sense of energy, confidence, and swagger that suggests Method Man feels he's at the top of his game and is ready to take on anyone who challenges him.
There are a number of references in this song that speak to Method Man's background, interests, and style. For example, he mentions Ol' Dirty Bastard, who was a member of his group, Wu-Tang Clan, and who passed away in 2004 at age 35. He also says "La Rumba," which is a dance club in Colombia that's known for its lively atmosphere and high-energy music. Additionally, he calls himself "MC sharper image," which is a reference to the Sharper Image chain of electronics stores that were popular during the 1980s and early 1990s. Finally, he name-drops Heather Hunter, who is an adult film actress and rapper with whom Method Man worked on several projects.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, welcome
The singer is welcoming the listeners to the song.
This is MC sharper image
The singer is referring to themselves as a high-caliber MC.
I'm standing here with my dog technology
The singer is accompanied by advanced technology which they intend to use to elevate the listeners.
And we are here to uplift you mind and upgrade your systems
The artist aims to inspire and upgrade the minds of the audience.
so come on down everyone that wants to get some
The line invites everyone desiring change to join in.
plug in and boot, and boot
The line instructs the listeners to get started with the process of upgrading.
Yo, Yo, I couldn't give a rat's ass
The singer doesn't care about other people's opinions.
I've come to eat grub and slap ass
The artist's goal is pleasure and indulgence.
And show my whole entire black ass
The artist intends to be unapologetically themselves.
why'all know the saying he who laughs last laughs loudest
The artist wants to prevail over their enemies in the end.
Bang the loudest, can't a coward do a thing 'bout it
The singer's words are powerful and confident, rendering others powerless.
What the bu-ba claat like 'aye caramba'
The line is an exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
Here's my name and number, lets 'La Rumba'
The singer has revealed their identity and proposes a good time.
Doc, it makes me wonder; how many heads has Heather Hunter's
The singer is curious about the number of people Heather Hunter has slept with.
How many different conclusions to come to
The line is rhetorical and implies that there are multiple paths to take in life.
And my sixteen bars meth, hittin' too hard
The artist's music is impactful and leaves its mark.
With a total disregard for whole entourage
The artist does not care about the others in their group.
Rap phenom, slap your ass, snap your thong to my theme song
The singer's music is sexual in nature and meant to be danced to.
And hope you don't get clap upon
The singer wants the audience to enjoy the music and avoid contracting an STD.
Who that kid, as dirty as that Ol' Dirty Bastard
The artist is being compared to the rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard in their level of stardom and dirtiness.
Who that kid, who pack a tool belt and dirty belt and dirty ratchet
The artist is prepared for any situation with their tools and weapon.
Set your tape recorder, lock down your daughter
The artist wants the audience to record their music and ensure the safety of their family members.
Soon as a touch the rap game, out of order
The singer causes chaos whenever they enter the rap industry.
Do I get brollic
The artist is questioning if they are strong or tough enough.
Gimme that car ill show you how to flip mileage
The singer promises to teach someone how to increase the value of their car.
Gimme that mic, ill short it with a quick wattage
The singer will enhance the microphone's sound quality.
Skip college for the big wallet
The singer is willing to forego higher education for financial gain.
The ape with a fire escape from the weight of a hit product
The artist has grown too successful and high-profile and must flee for protection.
My draft is cold like miller beer
The artist's work is strong and crisp like a cold beer.
When you hear it, you see more stars than tigger's cheer
The singer's music is so good it will cause the listener to see stars like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh.
The red nigga here, and its out of control
The singer is the 'red nigga' (a blood gang member) and the situation is uncontrollable.
Something like when Ron Gold' went out with Nicole
The line is a reference to the infamous O.J. Simpson trial and the chaos that ensued.
I'll bring it back to the streets where the crooks belong
The artist wants to bring their music back to its roots and where the rougher crowd can appreciate it.
And if it ain't come back raw, you cooked it wrong
The artist believes that if their music does not gain the desired response, it is the listener's fault.
Gangsta bomb, hold your nose
The singer's music is so hard it can be likened to a bomb and should be experienced with caution.
At the show, ill be shittin' out my mouth like my colon closed
The artist will impress and stun the audience with their music and performance.
Me and meth, 100 proof, in case why'all a biter
The singer and Method Man are the real deal and not to be copied.
And ovaries, feel these great ball of fire
The singer is confident of their potency and intensity in their music.
(Doc, where the lighter) I'm hemming them up
The singer needs a lighter and is ready to handle business.
Coffee grind them and put them in a vanilla dutch
The artist will make quick work of their competition and smoke them like a cigar.
Believe that, the brothers in the house now be that
The artist is assuring everyone that they are present and will make an impact.
Believe that, lets turn the mother out now, be that
The singer wants everyone to get rowdy and have a good time.
Beback , that what it all about now ,be that
The line is an affirmation of the previous invitation to have a good time.
Fuck with the meth(knowwhatinsayn' sonsayin)
The artist is reminding their listeners to not underestimate them.
I'm looking at you killers like you stole something, fuck ya life
The artist is sizing up their audience and issuing a warning to those who may cause problems.
Trust my niggaz, sometimes for I trust my wife
The artist trusts their friends more than their spouse at times.
Fuck it, I'm nice, why'all don't be rushing the mic
The singer is skilled and wants others to take their time and not rush when performing.
With your guns in your left hand, Not bustin' it right
The line warns against people who carry weapons but don't use them correctly.
Ain't no I in the team
The line emphasizes the importance of teamwork and that everyone needs to contribute.
Ain't no eyen' my cream
The singer's financial dominance is not to be questioned.
I'm a semi-auto, clean
The singer is quick and efficient like a semi-automatic weapon.
Rapid-fire machine
The artist's flow is fast and powerful like a machine gun.
Cocky, six foot three with knock knees
The artist is tall and confident but has a physical flaw (knock knees).
Attract hood rats for blocks cause I got cheese
The singer has money and therefore attracts women in the poor areas of town.
yo, dude I carry cheese, but I don't flaunt it
The singer has money but is not flashy with it.
when the towel it thrown it, you know there's grown men that spoke on it
When a competition heats up, some grown men may become petty and trash talk.
We both want it, the Trackmasters
The artist and the Trackmasters both have the same desire (likely success or dominance in the music industry).
Puncturing holes in the beat when a vocal tone poke on it
The artist and their partner will create their own style and leave a lasting impact on the music they touch.
Barbaric, my caddie truck beyond average
The singer's truck is powerful, wild, and above average.
with the same size wheels that on a horse carriage
The artist's truck has large, impressive wheels.
up in the air , spot my dudes
The singer is surveying the area for friends and allies.
Rollin' over shit like B. Rhymes on mountain dew
The singer is moving quickly and recklessly, like rapper Busta Rhymes on a caffeine high.
[Chorus: x 2]
The chorus is an invitation to join in the fun and turn up the volume.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RAYMOND GRANT, RICHARD GRANT, CLIFFORD SMITH, REGGIE NOBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@polorican5023
Meth & Red always went hard on their tracks. Respect due.
@RobbieDofficial
Almost half a million views! Thanks guys, it just motivated me more to upload more old school hits haha, keep listenin to the real shit hip hop heads!
@jersonquiros4461
Che 👃
@kerial1761
@Jerson Quirós a
@derrick3913
The best duo of all time
@therealuth7455
Beats, rhymes, spits, atmosphere... all aces... Been on my playlist since release :) 420
@caseyclaycomb7385
best rap duo ever!
@scottfree3529
still one of my favorites of all time. bars
@Shadow-eq9fz
"Game day punk! And you're about to take one for the team!"
@uktthe_king_fish5769
Who got next man, I'm just getting started!