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)
Buck 50
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who I'm is? We ain't got shit, something got to give
Y'all done flipped y'all wig, blacked out the crib
Die and live for my nigs and my bad-ass kids, freeze
Looking at your ice like geez!
I'm plotting on the mousetrap, about to snatch the cheese
I heard y'all kids is bout that, psychotherapy
You bugging where the couch at? Wu, til they bury me
Now it's cherry pie, if it's not broke, let it be
Ain't nothing nice in, New York
Stick you for your cake and your icing
That tough talk? Don't mean nothing when you're up North
So keep them hands where I can see 'em like you want freedom
You know that saying, if you can't join 'em, beat 'em
And push your way in
We ain't acrobats but we flip on occasion
Pick the pace up, pants sagging pull your waist up
Niggas renting slums usually Jacob, fool!
You're like, "Dude! I don't like your fuckin' attitude
Frontin' on my Clan from the Stat' when we ain't mad at you"
Yo, yo
Starks flipping cheesy face measly paced o'face
Ghostface, jump out the window for a little taste
The joopy look, my main bitches call me lazy
Educated birds say, "Ghost you so crazy!"
"There's no love to be found"
Cappa' slide through with the Ghost
Post up like paint on walls
Drip jewels, big heat
Ruffle inside the bubble goose
It's the Odd Couple
Hollow points follow you home, Staten Island
Playing with the big toys that make noise
Echo in the hall, a scared voice
Niggas start to act choice, but Duncan Hines
Didn't know Betty Crocker had them two nines
Made the club moist, shattered the windows
Dustheads runnin (yo)
The rap kingpin bust the Black Jesus is comin'
Yo
The words you talk, that'll be the words you walk
Body you in the bed where the nurses are
Put your vein out, watch me insert the dart
Til it plagues from Bricks to the Persian Gulf
Light circuits off, thirty-third of my brain is off
That explains why my language off
My gun aim and cough, y'all ain't trained to brawl
Y'all more like in training bras
Wet behind the ear, you're not prepared
For the project flow, with extra stairs
I pass out a vest to wear (bullets, flying)
Yo, the hard wire, starting barn fires
Pulling mad, so you know it's me
And your weed got more seeds than ODB
Can't smoke with ya, watch Ghost tie rope to ya
Def and Wu will open ya
Eat a dick like
Baby shake your shit, girl you're thick like
Getting rich like
"There's no love to be found"
Word it's me y'all
We in two-six's flirting with bitches
Dime plus taking pictures, how you doing baby? My name Ghost
Don't get caught up in my chains, or the way that I speak
Seek intelligence, slickest nigga going since "Grease"
Check out the grays on the side of my waves
I grew those on Riker's Island
Stretched out, balled up in the caves
Pull a boot out on Jimmy Jam, text takes jam
Silky texture, Jordan jumped up like Clyde Drexler
All up in the parrot, nose numb, real as they come
Biggie's Versace's, snow white rabbit
Hands is like photographic magic, funeral love
Moving when we hug, don't make it a habit
Hit the gym for two weeks, come back all chiseled
Elbows unique now, meet the new me
Ghetto fabulous, Ton' Atlas
Zulu Nation in the 80's in front of Macy's
I start my own chapters
Tyco night glow velvet pose, special effects
High-tech armors merc you at the shows
Supercalifragalisticexpialidocious
Dociousaliexpifragalisticcalisuper
Cancun, catch me in the room, eating grouper
Shoe fly shoo, Wally Don Clark crew
Fuck y'all want to do? Crack a brew, smoke an L or two
And flip like
Killing for the whole click is sick like
You and your stank bitch eat a dick like
Baby shake your shit, girl you're thick like
Getting rich like, yeah
"There's no love to be found"
The opening lines of Method Man's verse in Buck 50 ("Who I'm is? The phenom, them niggas can't live…We ain't got shit, something got to give") establish his ID as not only a top-tier rapper but also one who doesn't take any shit from anyone. He's confident and focused on taking his game to the next level, even if he has to do so by illegal means. He's aware of his adversaries' envy and won't hesitate to seize opportunities when they present themselves. His assertive attitude and imposing delivery are reflected in the rest of the verse, where he weaves vivid imagery and clever wordplay to depict the harsh realities of life in New York City. He's constantly aware of the stakes and ready to protect himself and those he loves at all costs.
Ghostface Killah's verse in Buck 50 is a showcase of his unique style and unparalleled storytelling abilities. He opens with a nod to his flamboyant persona ("Starks flipping cheesy face measly paced o'face / Ghostface, jump out the window for a little taste") before diving into highly detailed descriptions of drug deals gone wrong, rivalries with other rappers, and life on the streets in Staten Island. His verses are filled with references to violence, drug use, and sexual exploits, but he never glorifies them. Instead, he paints an unvarnished picture of his world as a way of inspiring others to empathize with his struggles and push for a better life. His voice rises and falls with the beat, his words cascading over each other in a rush of creativity and raw emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Who I'm is? The phenom, them niggas can't live
I am the remarkable one, those guys can't compete or survive
Who I'm is? We ain't got shit, something got to give
I am who I am, we don't have anything, something needs to change
Y'all done flipped y'all wig, blacked out the crib
You all went crazy, causing chaos and destruction in the house
Die and live for my nigs and my bad-ass kids, freeze
I'm ready to sacrifice and protect my friends and my rebellious children, stop in disbelief
Looking at your ice like geez!
Observing your expensive jewelry in awe and amazement
I'm plotting on the mousetrap, about to snatch the cheese
I'm devising a plan to catch my enemies, ready to take away their rewards and successes
I heard y'all kids is bout that, psychotherapy
I've heard that you guys are involved in rough activities, in need of psychological help
You bugging where the couch at? Wu, til they bury me
You're acting crazy, looking for a couch? I'm staying loyal to Wu-Tang Clan until I die
Never tell a lie, like George with the cherry tree
I never lie, just like George Washington and the cherry tree story
Now it's cherry pie, if it's not broke, let it be
Now it's a delicious reward, if something isn't broken, leave it as it is
Ain't nothing nice in, New York
There's nothing pleasant in New York
Stick you for your cake and your icing
I'll rob you for everything you have, including your wealth and luxuries
That tough talk? Don't mean nothing when you're up North
All that tough talk is meaningless when you're in jail
So keep them hands where I can see 'em like you want freedom
So keep your hands visible, as if you desire freedom
You know that saying, if you can't join 'em, beat 'em
You know the saying, if you can't join a group, defeat them instead
And push your way in
And force your way into the situation
We ain't acrobats but we flip on occasion
We're not acrobats, but we adapt and change sometimes
Pick the pace up, pants sagging pull your waist up
Increase the speed, pull your pants up to properly cover your waist
Niggas renting slums usually Jacob, fool!
People who brag about living in run-down areas usually borrow wealth, fool!
You're like, 'Dude! I don't like your fuckin' attitude
You're saying, 'Hey! I don't appreciate your disrespectful behavior'
Frontin' on my Clan from the Stat' when we ain't mad at you
Acting tough towards my Wu-Tang Clan from Staten Island when we have no issues with you
Starks flipping cheesy face measly paced o'face
Ghostface Killah, with his playful appearance and slow movements, is showing off his skills
Ghostface, jump out the window for a little taste
Ghostface Killah takes risks to experience something exciting
The joopy look, my main bitches call me lazy
The cool appearance, my important women refer to me as lazy
Educated birds say, 'Ghost you so crazy!'
Intelligent women say, 'Ghost, you're so unpredictable!'
'There's no love to be found'
There is no love or affection available
Cappa' slide through with the Ghost
Cappadonna comes over with Ghostface Killah
Post up like paint on walls
Stand firmly and securely, just like paint on walls
Drip jewels, big heat
Wearing expensive jewelry and carrying powerful firearms
Ruffle inside the bubble goose
Move around noisily inside the padded jacket
It's the Odd Couple
We are an unusual duo
Hollow points follow you home, Staten Island
Bullets that expand on impact will pursue you to Staten Island, where I am from
Playing with the big toys that make noise
Engaging in activities with powerful and attention-grabbing weapons
Echo in the hall, a scared voice
Creating a loud reverberation in the hallway, causing fear in someone's voice
Niggas start to act choice, but Duncan Hines
People begin to act tough, but they are soft on the inside like Duncan Hines cake mix
Didn't know Betty Crocker had them two nines
They didn't expect that Betty Crocker (a fictional character) had two handguns
Made the club moist, shattered the windows
Caused excitement in the club, breaking the windows
Dustheads runnin (yo)
Drug addicts panicking
The rap kingpin bust the Black Jesus is comin'
The leader of the rap game, Ghostface Killah, is here and ready to deliver impactful lyrics
The words you talk, that'll be the words you walk
The things you say will determine your actions
Body you in the bed where the nurses are
I will harm you to the point where healthcare professionals will have to attend to you
Put your vein out, watch me insert the dart
Expose your vulnerability and see me attack you precisely
Til it plagues from Bricks to the Persian Gulf
Until my influence spreads from the neighborhoods to the faraway Persian Gulf
Light circuits off, thirty-third of my brain is off
My mental faculties are not fully functional, only one-third of my brain is working
That explains why my language off
That's why my language or speech may be strange or distorted
My gun aim and cough, y'all ain't trained to brawl
I aim my gun and intimidate, you guys aren't prepared for a physical fight
Y'all more like in training bras
You're still inexperienced, just like someone wearing a training bra
Wet behind the ear, you're not prepared
You lack experience, you're not ready
For the project flow, with extra stairs
For the raw and authentic rap style, including additional obstacles
I pass out a vest to wear (bullets, flying)
I distribute protective vests for everyone to wear (because bullets will be flying)
Yo, the hard wire, starting barn fires
Hey, I have a strong and intense presence, setting fires in barns
Pulling mad, so you know it's me
Attracting attention and causing chaos, so you know it's me
And your weed got more seeds than ODB
Your marijuana has more seeds than Ol' Dirty Bastard, a rapper known for his eccentricities
Can't smoke with ya, watch Ghost tie rope to ya
I can't smoke with you, instead, watch me tie a noose around you
Def and Wu will open ya
Def Squad and Wu-Tang Clan will attack and defeat you
Eat a dick like
Disregard or disrespect someone
Baby shake your shit, girl you're thick like
Baby, move your body, girl you have an attractive figure
Getting rich like
Becoming wealthy, just like me
'There's no love to be found'
There is no love or affection available
Word it's me y'all
Yeah, it's me, everyone
We in two-six's flirting with bitches
We're in the year '26, flirting with attractive women
Dime plus taking pictures, how you doing baby? My name Ghost
Beautiful women capturing moments, asking how they're doing, introducing myself as Ghost
Don't get caught up in my chains, or the way that I speak
Don't get fascinated by my expensive chains or my unique manner of speaking
Seek intelligence, slickest nigga going since 'Grease'
Pursue wisdom and knowledge, I'm the smoothest guy around since the movie 'Grease'
Check out the grays on the side of my waves
Notice the grey hair on the side of my wavy hairstyle
I grew those on Riker's Island
I acquired those grey hairs during my time in Riker's Island prison
Stretched out, balled up in the caves
Experienced tough times, physically and mentally confined in prisons
Pull a boot out on Jimmy Jam, text takes jam
Pull out a gun on someone named Jimmy Jam, threatening to cause harm
Silky texture, Jordan jumped up like Clyde Drexler
Smooth and luxurious appearance, just like Michael Jordan jumping high like Clyde Drexler
All up in the parrot, nose numb, real as they come
Deeply involved in the drug scene, numb nose from drug use, genuinely authentic
Biggie's Versace's, snow white rabbit
Wearing clothing similar to Biggie's, Versace brand, feeling powerful like the character of snow white rabbit
Hands is like photographic magic, funeral love
Hands with incredible dexterity and skill, capturing moments like magic, symbolizing love at a funeral
Moving when we hug, don't make it a habit
Swaying and dancing while embracing, but not making it a regular occurrence
Hit the gym for two weeks, come back all chiseled
Work out intensively for two weeks, return with a well-toned physique
Elbows unique now, meet the new me
My elbows are distinct now, introducing my transformed self
Ghetto fabulous, Ton' Atlas
Living luxuriously despite being from the ghetto, like Tony Atlas
Zulu Nation in the 80's in front of Macy's
Belonging to the Zulu Nation hip-hop group in the 80's, gathering in front of Macy's department store
I start my own chapters
I create my own stories and experiences
Tyco night glow velvet pose, special effects
A unique, glowing pose under Tyco night lighting, resembling special effects
High-tech armors merc you at the shows
Advanced protective gear will attack and defeat you during performances
Supercalifragalisticexpialidocious
Expressing something extraordinary or extraordinary in a catchy and fun way
Dociousaliexpifragalisticcalisuper
Incredibly remarkable or extraordinary in a mind-blowing and fantastic way
Cancun, catch me in the room, eating grouper
Find me in Cancun, relaxing in a room, enjoying a meal of grouper fish
Shoe fly shoo, Wally Don Clark crew
Go away, leave us alone, Wally Don Clark's group
Fuck y'all want to do? Crack a brew, smoke an L or two
What do you guys want to do? Open a beer, smoke a joint or two
And flip like
And act crazy or wild
Killing for the whole click is sick like
Committing murder for the entire crew is disturbing and intense
You and your stank bitch eat a dick like
You and your disrespectful partner can go away, disregard your presence
Baby shake your shit, girl you're thick like
Baby, move your body, girl you have an attractive figure
Getting rich like, yeah
Becoming wealthy, just like me, yeah
'There's no love to be found'
There is no love or affection available
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Reggie Noble, Dennis Coles, Robert F. Diggs, Darryl Hill, Clifford Smith, Curtis Mayfield, Robert Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind