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)
City Lights
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
I'm rollin' in my ride, my eyes real chinky
Hit 145, 'bout like 12 twinkies
Today a good day, I know don't jinx it
I will keep a Smith, just like J Pinkett
Baby without blinking, I do it my way
I shit on folks, the opposite of arcade
I'm rude pardon me, I'm too hood doc
On your mind all the time, like New ERA
Who am I
That nigga too fly
My mama gave birth on Continental Airlines
I ain't lyin'
I'm back boy, you hit the backboard
I'm all swish make a memo on your blackboard
This class here nigga is for the underground
UGK, Doc and Meth locking the summer down
And I ain't playin' games homie, so get it right
'Cause I get tore I I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
Yo, I dropped in 95, now I'm on 95
South in the dirty been ridin' dirty since dirty died
I guess you dirty my nigga, heard me I'm certified
And when I ride I'm wit Reggie Noble, New Jersey drive
I make it happen homie, I take you back when I was wearing Pony's
And the older niggas be snapping on me
How many rapper know me? I know a cash on
Face is the game I take it, and Holy matrimony
And now can't nothing hold me, I floss with UGK
Some dudes are more like Kobe, I'm more like Rudy Ray
You either in it pimpin' or you just in the way
I love this life that I'm livin', your shit can end today
Two things to know about me, I guess I never change
And keep this money like Southern Cali, it never rain
See, I ain't playin games wit ya, so get it right
And I get tore I I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
For the king of the trill is up in this bitch
Drop the top and I hit the switch
You see my leather seats tuck and stitch
Texas niggas, we getting rich
Fuck a hater man, fuck a snitch
G code nigga we don't love the po po
No more swag man, pass the do do
We keep it super tight like pants in Soho
I'm bout my Doe hoe so don't play wit my bread man
I been tryin' to stop the violence nowadays so instead
I'm poppin' a truck and grabbing that chopper wit' an AK to your head
I'd rather be laying up in the bed wit you baby and making head
Yeah, my Cadillac cold candy painted dripping like Bernadette
My steerlin' wheel is woodgrain I grip it and turn it quick
I'm riding 4s both black and yellow stripes like a Steeler
And as far as rims go, I'm a 84 wheeler
A slab peeler when I mash out in the Caddy
Lean it back up on the leather man and smoking on a fatty
It's UGK 4 Life if you ain't know you'd better get it right
(Why?) I get tore up I I get tore up on the city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
The song “City Lights” by Method Man & Redman is a celebration of urban life and the fun and mischief that can be had in the city under the bright lights. The chorus is a repeated line “I get tore up under city lights”, indicating the high-energy and pleasure felt by the two artists while immersed in the vibrant nightlife of the city. The song speaks about their experiences of driving around the city streets in their cars, bumping music and enjoying the sights and sounds around them. They talk about being flashy with their cars, clothes, and jewelry, but do not care about what others think or say about them. They are simply enjoying their life and the moment.
The verses of the song further elaborates on the carefree spirit of the artists. They speak about their past experiences, older memories, and their love for the underground scene. In the second verse, they talk about their success and how they are financially comfortable but remain true to their roots. The last verse is all about representing Texas and its culture, being gangster but also trying to stay non-violent in their approach.
Line by Line Meaning
I get tore up, I get tore up under city lights
I get intoxicated and party hard in every city, especially under the lights of the city.
Tore up every city, I get tore up under city lights
I party hard and get intoxicated in every city I visit, especially under the city lights.
Tore up under city lights, tore up under city lights
I love to party hard and get wasted under the city lights of every city.
I'm rollin' in my ride, my eyes real chinky
I am driving around in my car with my eyes squinting due to being intoxicated.
Hit 145, 'bout like 12 twinkies
I am driving at 145 miles per hour, which is about the same speed as 12 cream-filled cakes called twinkies.
Today a good day, I know don't jinx it
Today is a good day and I don't want to ruin it by jinxing it with bad thoughts or actions.
I will keep a Smith, just like J Pinkett
I will carry a Smith and Wesson gun for my protection, just like the actress Jada Pinkett-Smith in the movie "Set It Off".
Baby without blinking, I do it my way
I do things my way without hesitation or second-guessing.
I shit on folks, the opposite of arcade
I am better than other people and don't care about their opinions, which is the opposite of the game arcade where everyone can play and have fun.
I'm rude pardon me, I'm too hood doc
I am unapologetically rude because I am from the ghetto and this is just how I am.
On your mind all the time, like New ERA
I am always on people's minds, just like the New Era brand of hats that are ubiquitous in hip-hop culture.
Who am I
I am Method Man & Redman, two famous rappers.
That nigga too fly
I am a very stylish and cool person.
My mama gave birth on Continental Airlines
My mother gave birth to me while on a Continental Airlines flight.
I ain't lyin'
I am not telling a lie.
I'm back boy, you hit the backboard
I have returned and made a big impact, like a basketball player who slams the ball into the backboard.
I'm all swish make a memo on your blackboard
I am doing well and hitting my shots, which means there should be a note on the blackboard about how great I am doing.
This class here nigga is for the underground
This is music for the subculture or people who don't conform to mainstream culture.
UGK, Doc and Meth locking the summer down
UGK (Underground Kingz), Dr. Dre, and Method Man are dominating the summer with their music.
And I ain't playin' games homie, so get it right
I am serious and not messing around, so people better understand my intentions and actions.
'Cause I get tore I I get tore up under city lights
I love to party hard and get intoxicated in every city I visit, especially under the city lights.
Yo, I dropped in 95, now I'm on 95
I started my career in 1995 and now I am still relevant and popular in hip-hop music.
South in the dirty been ridin' dirty since dirty died
I am from the southern USA where things can be tough, and I have been living a tough life since rapper DJ Screw (nicknamed Dirty) died.
I guess you dirty my nigga, heard me I'm certified
You can consider me dirty or tough, my friend, and I am officially certified in my music and career.
And when I ride I'm wit Reggie Noble, New Jersey drive
When I am driving around I am accompanied by rapper Reggie Noble (Redman) and we are listening to the soundtrack of the movie "New Jersey Drive" which depicts car culture in the state.
I make it happen homie, I take you back when I was wearing Pony's
I am very successful in my career and can take you back to when I was wearing shoes from the brand Pony, which was popular in hip-hop culture.
And the older niggas be snapping on me
Older rappers used to criticize me for my style or skills, but I have proven them wrong and become a success.
How many rapper know me? I know a cash on
Many rappers are familiar with me and my work, while I also understand how to make money and succeed financially.
Face is the game I take it, and Holy matrimony
Being in the public eye (my face is literally part of my brand) is part of my job, and I am committed to my partner in marriage.
And now can't nothing hold me, I floss with UGK
There is nothing that can stop me from succeeding and I am connected with the legendary group UGK (Underground Kingz) in my success.
Some dudes are more like Kobe, I'm more like Rudy Ray
Some people are like the highly-skilled athlete Kobe Bryant, but I am more like Rudy Ray Moore, who was known for his comedic talents that weren't necessarily athletic.
You either in it pimpin' or you just in the way
You are either succeeding and making money (as a pimp might do) or you are just in the way and irrelevant.
I love this life that I'm livin', your shit can end today
I love my life and everything I have worked for, but it can all end suddenly and unexpectedly so I appreciate it while I have it.
Two things to know about me, I guess I never change
I am a consistent person and don't change who I am or my values.
And keep this money like Southern Cali, it never rain
I am good at keeping and managing my money, just like how Southern California has consistent good weather with little to no rain.
I get tore up I I get tore up under city lights
I love to party hard and get intoxicated in every city I visit, especially under the city lights.
For the king of the trill is up in this bitch
I am the ruler of the "trill" or authentic style of hip-hop and I am present in this location.
Drop the top and I hit the switch
I lower the top on my car and activate the hydraulic system ("hit the switch") for show.
You see my leather seats tuck and stitch
My car has leather seats that are well-made and stylish with good stitching.
Texas niggas, we getting rich
People from Texas, especially African-American people, are becoming wealthy through hard work and success.
Fuck a hater man, fuck a snitch
I don't care about people who hate or report on me to the authorities.
G code nigga we don't love the po po
I follow the "G code" or a certain set of principles in hip-hop culture, which means I don't cooperate or like the police.
No more swag man, pass the do do
I don't care about people's style or appearance ("swag"), I just want them to pass me the marijuana ("do do").
We keep it super tight like pants in Soho
We keep things very close and private, like the tight pants worn in the trendy Soho neighborhood of New York City.
I'm bout my Doe hoe so don't play wit my bread man
I am serious about my money, so don't try to mess with it or play games with me.
I been tryin' to stop the violence nowadays so instead
I am trying to promote non-violence in my music and life nowadays, so instead of violence I focus on other activities.
I'm poppin' a truck and grabbing that chopper wit' an AK to your head
I grab a shotgun ('that chopper') and an AK-47 rifle to protect myself and attack others if necessary.
I'd rather be laying up in the bed wit you baby and making head
I would prefer to be spending time in bed with my partner and enjoying sex or oral sex.
Yeah, my Cadillac cold candy painted dripping like Bernadette
My Cadillac car is painted with a cold, candy-like paint color that appears to be dripping like the character Bernadette in the movie "Boyz n the Hood".
My steerlin' wheel is woodgrain I grip it and turn it quick
The steering wheel in my car is covered in woodgrain material that I grip tightly and can turn quickly.
I'm riding 4s both black and yellow stripes like a Steeler
My car has 4 wheels with both black and yellow stripes, similar to the NFL team Pittsburgh Steelers.
And as far as rims go, I'm a 84 wheeler
I have many (84) impressive car rims to show off my wealth and style.
A slab peeler when I mash out in the Caddy
I am peeling out in my Cadillac car ("slab") when I drive around in it.
Lean it back up on the leather man and smoking on a fatty
I am leaning back in my car seat made of leather and smoking a marijuana cigarette ("fatty").
It's UGK 4 Life if you ain't know you'd better get it right
UGK (Underground Kingz) is forever, and people should understand their legacy and influence in hip-hop music.
(Why?) I get tore up I I get tore up under city lights
I love to party hard and get intoxicated in every city I visit, especially under the city lights.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher Barriere, Chad Butler, Bernard Freeman, Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley, O'kelly Isley, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley, Christopher Jasper, William Larsen, Reggie Noble, Clifford Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind