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)
Cradle Rock
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the children come into the light...
[Sample of "Bright Tomorrow"] There will be...
Chorus/Intro: Left Eye and Method Man
When the guns blow your cradle gets rocked
When the earth quakes and the sky starts to fall
Down will come emcees fake shit and all!
Verse One: Method Man
On top I be the show shot
The bomb drop
After shot blow your bumba claat to smithereens
Time stop, flyin' guillotines
Commin for your flock
What you mean you spilled the beans, ay?
Black out and thought I seen pop
Lazer beam glock
what's a bird to a brother with a flock, wha?
They got some nerve
To even try and shit a turd
On John J, flap a nigga gate
With the wordplay
Hot Nik shoot you with the gift
Its your birthday
God hatin' ugly in the worst way
Fuck 'em like the Earth say
From first day I survey the hassle
Death knockin at your door
In the Big Apple
Meth rotton to the core
Shackle, in the sound castle
The doungeon, with vermin
In the form of emcees determined
To step foot on God soil
Not knowin' that these egg heads come hard boiled
And heavy handed
The aliens they just landed
And you in the way
Overthrow these niggas planet
independence Day
Felons, get split melons
Homicide buck niggas get the buck with pelets
Insecticide
Johnny 5 take it worldwide
As long as I pledge aligence to the Dark Side
I'll never die
Who ya know with a flow like this?
Bring em in
What clan you know blow like this?
Bring em in
Take that nigga [that nigga...]
[Sample]
Hook One: Method Man [Left Eye]
The sound of gun birth put the foul in this earth
[foul in this earth]
You can't fake plannin' from the
?Mack Control Theories? [Mack Control Theories]
Murder in the first bring 'em back down to Earth
[back down to Earth]
You niggas don't hear me, prepare for the worst!
[prepare for the worst]
Verse Two: Method Man
Times gon change, nuttin will remain the same
Million dollar broke niggas still fucked up in the game
Make me want to choke niggas shittin' on my name
Tuck your chain I approach nigga Go Against the Grain now
?Hit the standin' brain? now
Die Hard fan call me John John McClain now
Snake vs the Crane Style
Death to the enemy, Wu brother number one
The centipede, trouble some
Send 'em all to Kingdom Come
Sun still shine one
Time for your crooked mind
Drunk off of cheap wine
Son I'm in the street crime
Every word, every line
Got juice very fine
Turn me loose on mankind
Detionate the land mine
Funk gets me goin' now
Never sell, never sold
Live by the code now
Never tell, never told
Darts I throw
Like Clyde with the finger roll
Clut shots an what not
This is where the buck stops
Still can't eat and y'all still can't sleep
I eat up my ?self? as presidential emcee
Wu-Tang killa bee
The bee high facility
In love with the blunt smoke
Even though its killin me
Bad vibes fillin me
With thoughts of conspiricy
White Water scandals with Bill Clinton Hilary
Too hot to handle
Well put together to dismantle
Fucka, you heard me?
[Sample]
Hook Two: Meth
Excuse me as I kiss the sky
Catch me when I fall son I'm too young to die
Me and Lefty, that be the Eye come test me
If you don't know, you never know me
Boost the birdie
[Interlude]
Chorus
Outro: Left Eye
Ayyo, I got 360 degrees of self, that's mind body and spirit
120 degrees a piece
We gon' break it down into simple terms
That's nine nigga nine
Highest level of change
It's too many niggas sittin' on they ass
waitin' for shit to just happen
Shit just don't happen
Gon' fuck around a miss a buck
If you take away the negative, make room for the positve
that's addin' and subtractin' on the real
Niggas betta learn they math
Cause if my calculations serve me
Correct I'ma fuck around and have all this shit
I'm on yo ass nigga
The song "Cradle Rock" by Method Man featuring Left Eye is a powerful and intense track that touches on themes of violence, rebellion, and revolution. The chorus is an adaptation of the popular lullaby "Rock-a-bye Baby" with a new twist, "When the guns blow, your cradle gets rocked." The song opens with the children coming into the light, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a new generation rising up to make change.
Method Man's opening verse is full of vivid, violent imagery, with flying guillotines and laser beam glocks, creating a tone of danger and intensity. He discusses being in the sound castle dungeon with vermin in the form of other emcees determined to step foot on God soil, not knowing that these eggheads come hard-boiled and heavy-handed. He also raps about the aliens that have just landed, and you are in the way, overthrowing them on Independence Day. Throughout the song, there is a strong sense of rebellion and fighting against the establishment.
The hook of the song talks about the sound of gun birth putting the foul in this earth, and murder in the first bringing them back down to earth. Method Man expresses that things will change, and nothing will remain the same, with million-dollar broke individuals still being screwed up in the game. The outro spoken by Left Eye is her declaration of having 360 degrees of self - mind, body, and spirit, adding up to pride, strength, and honor.
Overall, the song transcends simply being a hip-hop song. It could be interpreted as a call to action to make change, to rise up against societal norms and expectations, and to create a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
All the children come into the light...
Everyone is drawn to the spotlight and fame.
Rock a bye baby from the rooftop
Dangerous situations can cause destruction and chaos.
When the guns blow your cradle gets rocked
Violence and conflict can shake one's sense of security.
When the earth quakes and the sky starts to fall
Catastrophic events can shake up the world and cause panic.
Down will come emcees fake shit and all!
False personalities and pretense will be exposed and destroyed.
On top I be the show shot
I am the main attraction and the best in my field.
The bomb drop
I deliver impactful and explosive performances.
After shot blow your bumba claat to smithereens
My lyrics and delivery are so powerful that they demolish and destroy everything in their path.
Time stop, flyin' guillotines
I bring a unique and deadly style that interrupts the norm and catches everyone's attention.
Commin for your flock
I am coming for my competition and those who follow them.
What you mean you spilled the beans, ay?
Why did you reveal important information or secrets?
Black out and thought I seen pop
I lost consciousness momentarily and thought I saw a gunshot.
Lazer beam glock
My words have precision and power, like a laser-guided gun.
what's a bird to a brother with a flock, wha?
What can a weak opponent do against me and my loyal supporters?
They got some nerve
They are audacious and bold.
To even try and shit a turd
To attempt something futile or nonsensical.
On John J, flap a nigga gate
I will disrupt and challenge any rapper who thinks they can compete with me.
With the wordplay
I use clever and skillful use of words in my rhymes.
Hot Nik shoot you with the gift
I will impress and entertain with my exceptional talent.
Its your birthday
I am celebrating my success and dominance.
God hatin' ugly in the worst way
There are people who resent and despise my skill and success.
Fuck 'em like the Earth say
I will disregard and have no respect for those who oppose me.
From first day I survey the hassle
Since the beginning, I have observed and faced challenges.
Death knockin at your door
The possibility of failure and defeat is imminent.
In the Big Apple
Referring to New York City, where there is intense competition and talent.
Meth rotten to the core
I have a gritty and raw style that is authentic and powerful.
Shackle, in the sound castle
I am trapped and confined within the music industry's constraints and limitations.
The dungeon, with vermin
Referring to the music industry as a place filled with untrustworthy individuals.
In the form of emcees determined
These individuals are rappers who are motivated to succeed but lack authenticity.
To step foot on God soil
To enter the realm of true talent and musical excellence.
Not knowin' that these egg heads come hard boiled
Unaware that I am a strong and formidable opponent.
And heavy handed
I deliver powerful and impactful performances.
The aliens they just landed
Referring to myself and others who possess exceptional talent and skills that are out of this world.
And you in the way
You are in the path of my success and dominance.
Overthrow these niggas planet
To take over and surpass the accomplishments of other rappers.
Independence Day
A reference to the movie where aliens invade Earth, symbolizing my rise to power and success.
Felons, get split melons
Criminals and enemies will suffer severe consequences and defeat.
Homicide buck niggas get the buck with pelets
To aggressively attack and defeat my adversaries.
Insecticide
I eliminate weak rappers and pests from the rap game.
Johnny 5 take it worldwide
I will spread my music and influence globally.
As long as I pledge aligence to the Dark Side
As long as I commit myself to the world of rap and its darker elements.
I'll never die
My impact and legacy will live on forever.
Who ya know with a flow like this?
Who else possesses a unique and exceptional rap style like mine?
Bring em in
Challenge and invite other rappers to compare themselves to me.
What clan you know blow like this?
Which rap group has the same level of impact and success as my clan?
Bring em in
Challenge and invite other rap groups to compare themselves.
Take that nigga [that nigga...]
Defeat and overpower any rapper who tries to challenge me.
The sound of gun birth put the foul in this earth
The presence of violence and weapons taints and pollutes the world.
You can't fake plannin' from the ?Mack Control Theories?
True success and strategy cannot be faked or replicated easily.
Murder in the first bring 'em back down to Earth
To eliminate and defeat those who have risen to prominence.
You niggas don't hear me, prepare for the worst!
Others may not understand or recognize my talent, but they should be prepared for the consequences of underestimating me.
Times gon change, nuttin will remain the same
The world will evolve and transform, leaving nothing unaffected or unchanged.
Million dollar broke niggas still fucked up in the game
Even those who seemingly have wealth and success can still struggle and fail in the rap industry.
Make me want to choke niggas shittin' on my name
I feel anger and frustration towards those who disrespect or criticize me.
Tuck your chain I approach nigga Go Against the Grain now
You should feel threatened and intimidated as I confront and challenge you for going against the established norms and expectations.
?Hit the standin' brain? now
To strike and defeat someone so powerfully that their mind is left in disarray.
Die Hard fan call me John John McClain now
I have dedicated and loyal fans who consider me as a hero or savior.
Snake vs the Crane Style
My style and abilities are unmatched and formidable, likened to a battle between two legendary martial art techniques.
Death to the enemy, Wu brother number one
I am the dominant and most skilled member of the Wu-Tang Clan, capable of eliminating any opposition.
The centipede, trouble some
I am a relentless and troublesome force, always causing chaos and disturbance.
Send 'em all to Kingdom Come
Defeat and eliminate my enemies completely.
Sun still shine one
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I will continue to be successful and shine.
Time for your crooked mind
It is time for your corrupted and deceitful thoughts to be exposed and challenged.
Drunk off of cheap wine
Intoxicated by my own success, even if it is not the highest quality.
Son I'm in the street crime
I am deeply involved in the hustle and dangers of the streets.
Every word, every line
Every lyric and verse I deliver is intentional and meaningful.
Got juice very fine
I possess excellent skills and talent.
Turn me loose on mankind
Allow me to unleash my skills and abilities on the world.
Detonate the land mine
To cause a sudden explosion or disruption that affects and damages many.
Funk gets me goin' now
The music and rhythm energize and inspire me.
Never sell, never sold
I remain authentic and true to myself, never compromising my integrity.
Live by the code now
I follow a set of principles and rules in my life and artistry.
Never tell, never told
I keep my secrets and personal life private, never revealing or sharing them with others.
Darts I throw
I deliver precise and damaging attacks through my words and lyrics.
Like Clyde with the finger roll
My style and finesse in delivering rhymes is smooth and impressive, like the iconic basketball player Clyde Drexler.
Clut shots an what not
I make critical and significant shots or moves in any situation.
This is where the buck stops
This is the point at which I prove my dominance and stop any further challenges.
Still can't eat and y'all still can't sleep
My success and talent continue to haunt and bother my critics and competition, preventing them from finding peace or rest.
I eat up my ?self? as presidential emcee
I consume opportunities and rise to the top as a leading rapper in a presidential-like manner.
Wu-Tang killa bee
I am a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, representing and embodying their powerful presence and impact.
The bee high facility
My skills and abilities are unmatched and superior.
In love with the blunt smoke
I have a strong affinity and enjoyment for smoking marijuana.
Even though its killin me
Despite the negative health effects, I continue to indulge in my vices.
Bad vibes fillin me
I am surrounded by negative energy and influences.
With thoughts of conspiracy
I am constantly feeling suspicious and wary of hidden agendas and plots against me.
White Water scandals with Bill Clinton Hilary
Referencing controversial political scandals involving Bill Clinton and Hilary Clinton.
Too hot to handle
I am too powerful and influential to be ignored or dismissed.
Well put together to dismantle
I am well-prepared and equipped to break down and destroy any opposition.
Fucka, you heard me?
Listen closely and understand what I am saying.
Excuse me as I kiss the sky
I apologize for my audacity and confidence as I reach the highest levels of success.
Catch me when I fall son I'm too young to die
Support and protect me as I face challenges and setbacks, because I still have much more to accomplish.
Me and Lefty, that be the Eye come test me
Join forces with Left Eye as we both challenge and prove our greatness.
If you don't know, you never know me
If you are not familiar with my talent and impact, you will never understand or appreciate who I am.
Boost the birdie
Increase and amplify my presence and influence.
Ayyo, I got 360 degrees of self, that's mind body and spirit
I possess a complete and encompassing understanding and connection to myself.
120 degrees a piece
Each aspect of my being, mind, body, and spirit, is fully developed and balanced at 120 degrees each.
We gon' break it down into simple terms
I will explain it in a straightforward and understandable way.
That's nine nigga nine
The number nine is significant and represents the highest level of change and transformation.
Highest level of change
The ultimate state of transformation and growth.
It's too many niggas sittin' on they ass
Many people are complacent and waiting for success to come to them without putting in the necessary effort.
waitin' for shit to just happen
Expecting success and opportunities to come without actively working for them.
Shit just don't happen
Success and progress require action and effort, they don't come easily or by chance.
Gon' fuck around and miss a buck
You will likely miss out on opportunities and financial gains if you don't take action and seize them.
If you take away the negative, make room for the positve
Removing negativity from your life allows space for positive things and growth.
that's addin' and subtractin' on the real
This is a true and practical way of achieving progress and improvement.
Niggas betta learn they math
People need to understand and apply basic principles and strategies in their lives.
Cause if my calculations serve me
Based on my analysis and understanding of the situation.
Correct I'ma fuck around and have all this shit
I will likely achieve great success and accumulate wealth and power.
I'm on yo ass nigga
I am closely watching and pursuing you, ready to take over or defeat you.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DORSEY, CLIFFORD SMITH, LISA LOPEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind