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)
Blackout
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I speed backwards down a one-way from cops see that shit?
Believe that shit slaughter, straight to camcorder
I'm too hot for TV, rap draw water
My windpipe's attached to project ballers
You yell, "Turn the heat down"
My voice, DVD 'round sound, so I'm heard round town
And chances of y'all leavin? 'Round nowWait later, will make front page paper
Date raper with juvenile eighth graders
Hit the high school and 187 Caesar
When I bust y'all need to back fo' acres
Doc y'all, and that's my man jabberjaw
The shitlist ready, who next to scratch off?
I'm from the underground, my sound lift
Platform shoes to bitches, fo'-hundred pounds
Get up, stand up, back up, push up
Jump up, act up to make y'all feel it
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Yo' blackout, shoot out, smoked out, move out
Even knock your tooth out, to make y'all feel it
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
And I'm the street-talkin dog-walkin'
Approach me with extreme caution oh now you forcin'
My hand to rock yo' cradle often, I'm hot-scorchin'
But stone cold like Steve Austin
If you smell what tical cookin'
Ain't tryin to see central bookin'
So tell ya goon stop lookin
Know what you did last summer, so I started hookin'You past shooken off an open can of ass-whoopin'
Ain't no tomorrow's in the Method's little shop of horrors
Go ask your father who the father from the hill to harbor
You know tha saga, marijuana blunts and goldschlager
With deadly medley, y'all ain't ready for Shakwon and Reggie
Don't even bother, the radio for back-up alright then
Your man got slapped up, extorted for his ice an
Street life is triflin', body over here"
Don't make me pull a Tyson and bite a nigga ear
Precise an', slicin' jugulars, the cut-throat
Ruggeder, predator, Viking, etcetera
People's champ, niggas be takin' on competitors
Reachin' for the microphone, relax and light a bone
Straight from the catacomb, the children of the corn
That don't got a clue prepare for Desert Storm
Get up, stand up, back up, push up
Jump up, act up to make y'all feel it
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Yo' blackout, shoot out, smoked out, move out
Even knock your tooth out, to make y'all feel it
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
I scored 1.1 on my sat
And still push a whip with a right and left ac'
Gorilla, big dog, if my name get called
I'm behind the brick wall with arsenic jaws
Spit poison, got a gun permit draw
Gun down at sundown you keep score
This trainin course and y'all ain't fit
On my crew tombstone put, "We all ain't shit"
Yo, all you gonnabe, wannabe, when will you learn?
Wanna be Doc' and Meth', gotta wait your turn
I spit a .41 revolver on New Year's Eve
With the mic in my hand I mutilate MC's
The most slept on since RIP Van Wink'
My shit stink with every element from A to zinc
So what you think?
I'ma blackout on just one drink, you must be crazy
A little off the wall, maybe go get a shrink
Get up, stand up, back up, push up
Jump up, act up to make y'all feel it
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Yo' blackout, shoot out, smoked out, move out
Even knock your tooth out, to make y'all feel it
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
In Method Man's song "Blackout," the artist portrays himself as a successful and aggressive individual who is too hot for TV, and his voice is heard around town. The song starts with Funk Doc asking where the weed is before boasting about how he's too fast for the cops, and his killing of juvenile eighth-graders. He's unapologetic about his approach to life, and he's always out for his own benefit, even offering to knock out someone's tooth if necessary. He's confident and secure in his position and doesn't hesitate to take control of any situation.
Method Man's lyrics reveal a lot about his personality, as well as his worldview. He seems to be an advocate of violence and aggression as a means of success and power. He also has a deep-rooted love for weed and alcohol, which he flaunts in his lyrics. The song itself has a funky, upbeat rhythm that matches the upbeat and energetic nature of the lyrics. It features rappers Method Man and Redman trading verses over a sample of Fred Wesley and the New JB's' "Blow Your Head." The song's overall mood is one of triumph, self-assuredness, and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, yo, yo, yo, it's funk doc where da weed at, bitch?
Method Man introduces himself as "funk doc" and asks about the location of weed
I speed backwards down a one-way from cops see that shit?
Method Man admits to reckless driving to evade the police
Believe that shit slaughter, straight to camcorder
Method Man boasts about his ability to showcase his abilities on camera
I'm too hot for TV, rap draw water
Method Man believes he is too talented and captivating for television but still draws in fans with his rap skills
My windpipe's attached to project ballers
Method Man is connected to and represents the struggle of those from the projects
You yell, "Turn the heat down"
"You" (unknown person) asks for the heat to be turned down in response to Method Man's presence
My voice, DVD 'round sound, so I'm heard round town
Method Man's voice is recognized and heard throughout the town like surround sound
And chances of y'all leavin? 'Round now
Method Man thinks that chances of others leaving his presence are low at the moment
Wait later, will make front page paper
Method Man threatens to cause a disturbance that will make front page news
Date raper with juvenile eighth graders
Method Man references a crime involving rape with young teenage girls
Hit the high school and 187 Caesar
Method Man brags about committing a murder (187) at a high school
When I bust y'all need to back fo' acres
Method Man warns others to distance themselves when he becomes aggressive
Doc y'all, and that's my man jabberjaw
Method Man identifies himself and a friend named jabberjaw (who might talk too much)
The shitlist ready, who next to scratch off?
Method Man is ready to eliminate someone else from his list of enemies
I'm from the underground, my sound lift
Method Man hails from the underground and his music has uplifting qualities
Platform shoes to bitches, fo'-hundred pounds
Method Man mentions platform shoes and how they can make women appear taller or heavier
Get up, stand up, back up, push up
Method Man lists actions to assert oneself and make oneself heard
Jump up, act up to make y'all feel it
Method Man encourages others to jump and act in order to prove themselves
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Method Man uses sound effects to emphasize stabbing someone with a weapon
Yo' blackout, shoot out, smoked out, move out
Method Man refers to a violent incident where people need to leave quickly
Even knock your tooth out, to make y'all feel it
Method Man threatens to physically harm someone to prove his point
And I'm the street-talkin dog-walkin'
Method Man is a street-smart guy who moves like a dog walker
Approach me with extreme caution oh now you forcin'
Method Man warns others to approach him with caution or force themselves into trouble
My hand to rock yo' cradle often, I'm hot-scorchin'
Method Man will provide comfort (like a parent's hand) but can also cause harm (hot-scorchin')
But stone cold like Steve Austin
Method Man is cold and unrelenting like wrestler Steve Austin
If you smell what tical cookin'
Method Man references his nickname "Tical" and suggests that something big is about to go down
Ain't tryin to see central bookin'
Method Man wants to avoid being arrested and booked by the central booking system
So tell ya goon stop lookin
Method Man tells someone's henchman to stop staring at him
Know what you did last summer, so I started hookin'
Method Man threatens someone by implying he knows their past and has leverage
You past shooken off an open can of ass-whoopin'
Method Man has already beaten up someone who he now regards as ignorant to his own strength
Ain't no tomorrow's in the Method's little shop of horrors
Method Man jokes about his abilities being so dangerous that no one knows if they'll make it out in one piece
Go ask your father who the father from the hill to harbor
Method Man challenges someone to ask their father about his reputation and reach from the hilltop to the shoreline
You know tha saga, marijuana blunts and goldschlager
Method Man reminds listeners of his history with drugs and alcohol
With deadly medley, y'all ain't ready for Shakwon and Reggie
Method Man warns that the combination of his skills and another person named Shakwon or Reggie is lethal
Don't even bother, the radio for back-up alright then
Method Man mocks anyone who calls for backup or help from the radio
Your man got slapped up, extorted for his ice an'
Method Man brags about extorting someone for their jewelry
Street life is triflin', body over here"
Method Man raps about the harsh realities of street life and violence
Don't make me pull a Tyson and bite a nigga ear
Method Man references boxer Mike Tyson's infamous ear-biting incident to threaten others who may cross him
Precise an', slicin' jugulars, the cut-throat
Method Man speaks of being precise and ruthless like a cut-throat murderer
Ruggeder, predator, Viking, etcetera
Method Man lists off his toughness and aggression, as if giving titles to warrior tribes
People's champ, niggas be takin' on competitors
Method Man believes he is a champion of the people and can take on anyone who tries to compete with him
Reachin' for the microphone, relax and light a bone
Method Man is comfortable and confident in his abilities as he grabs the microphone and smokes marijuana
Straight from the catacomb, the children of the corn
Method Man and his group come from the underground and are like the eerie children seen in horror movies
That don't got a clue prepare for Desert Storm
Method Man warns those who are unaware of him or his group to prepare for a war-like battle
I scored 1.1 on my sat
Method Man references his poor SAT score from high school
And still push a whip with a right and left ac'
Method Man still drives a nice car with good audio despite his poor SAT score
Gorilla, big dog, if my name get called
Method Man describes himself as a strong and powerful person who demands respect
I'm behind the brick wall with arsenic jaws
Method Man is hidden behind a brick wall, waiting to attack with nerve-damaging venom
Spit poison, got a gun permit draw
Method Man can spit venom like a snake and legally carries a gun
Gun down at sundown you keep score
Method Man will shoot people at sunset and keep a tally of his kills
This trainin course and y'all ain't fit
Method Man believes he is trained and more qualified than others to handle rough situations
On my crew tombstone put, "We all ain't shit"
Method Man is self-aware of the negative image his crew and himself may have, and embraces it
Yo, all you gonnabe, wannabe, when will you learn?
Method Man calls out those who constantly try to emulate him and asks when they will realize it's not worth it
Wanna be Doc' and Meth', gotta wait your turn
Method Man believes that those who wish to be like him and his friend need to earn their spot
I spit a .41 revolver on New Year's Eve
Method Man fires a revolver on New Year's Eve as a warning shot or celebration
With the mic in my hand I mutilate MC's
Method Man believes he is a powerful MC and can easily destroy others lyrically
The most slept on since RIP Van Wink'
Method Man has been overlooked and underestimated since the famous sleeping character in literature RIP Van Winkle
My shit stink with every element from A to zinc
Method Man's music is multifaceted and addresses everything from simple to complex subjects
So what you think?
Method Man challenges the listener to think about his claims made in the song
I'ma blackout on just one drink, you must be crazy
Method Man believes that one drink will make him black out, which would be crazy
A little off the wall, maybe go get a shrink
Method Man acknowledges that he might be a little crazy and suggests others should seek help if they think they are, too
Brr, stick 'em, ha-ha-ha stick 'em
Method Man uses sound effects again to emphasize stabbing someone with a weapon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O CAPASSO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mark Morales, Reggie Noble, Darren Robinson, Erick S. Sermon, Clifford M Smith, Terence Thomas Todd, Damon Yul Wimbley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind