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)
Crooked Letter I
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, show you how to flow again (show you how to flow again)
It's the rap rule again (hehehehe) Yo, yo.
Street, Meth, we ride like A.C. and O.J. (y'all niggaz crazy!)
I runs up on you in broad days, I'm a Loose Link
I carry's the Heaterz, always
Small timers, get left for dead in the hallways
(Me and my Co-D's, about to O.D.) let me proceed
I'm that O.G., you're not in my league (you know my steez)
I put the smackdown, on you killer clown M.C.'s
[Method Man (Streetlife)]
I rock for all my niggaz (I rock for all my niggaz)
That's why I hurt to be here, okay, let me see here
Stat' Land, crooked letter is I, we back, man
Harder than a dick on viagra gettin' a lap dance
Hittin' like a back hand (I slap y'all kids)
As if we in a game of spades, and y'all renig'
John Blaze, not the clothing, 'cause some of that is slum
(Son, I'm already knowin') cut they jeans mad young
[Chorus 2X: Kon Artis]
In the Crooked Letter I, it's do or die
Shit, every man fights to stay alive
In the Crooked Letter I, you should not try
Meth Tical, Streetlife, Killa Bee, why..
[Method Man (Streetlife)]
Stingy with my dough, even stingier with dojia'
(Told y'all) You'll never go broke, long as I yo'ya
Maintain your composure, or party over
For stank bitches, who get it, twisted like yoga
Holla for a dollar, yea, and y'all ain't gotta go home
(But y'all gotta get the fuck outta here)
Who stay "Lo" like Jennifer, won't see me a lot
But when you see Vivica, tell her she a "Fox"
[Streetlife (Method Man)]
We rollin', big truck, sittin' on chrome (twistin' a bone)
Talkin' to a bird on the bat phone
Zonin', out the area, roamin'
The closest you could come to my style, maybe, is clonin'
The omen (I'm warnin' you now!) Niggaz is holdin'
Run up, watch me put one up in your colon
Chizzle town, thugs in the club, like chicks posin'
Lambchop niggaz is sheep in wolf clothing
[Chorus 2X]
[Streetlife (Method Man)]
Beware, danger, shoot off your flares
Warn all your dogs (tell 'em we here)
The Stat' (we don't bust our guns in the air)
Never that, y'all don't come out til the coast is clear
(Who you suppose to fear) Street, I fears no one
You all thumbs, I probably murder you with your gun
When I start lettin' off (niggaz is jettin' off)
You straight chicken broth, we holes in your terrycloth
[Method Man]
Double O, 3, long time no see
Who mind parts seas, and cause blind to see
Some think this industry is just all rhyme and G
Then he make it to the door, and he can't find the key
Don't know what it be, to make y'all follow my lead
Or make this pretty thing on her knees swallow my seed
If rap wasn't rap no more, what would it be
I don't know, I'd be zonin' sometime, must be the weed...
That's that shit
[Chorus to fade]
[Outro: Streetlife (Method Man)]
Yeah, Homicide Housing, Loose Linx
Carlton Fisk, D.C., rest in peace
To the Million Dollar Kid, why
(S.I., N.Y., 10304) Sick eyes, Size 7
Big Nut, what up (Big up to Denaun, good lookin' on the track, nigga
Matter fact, I'mma call Staten Island the tri-borough, now on
'cause we'll "tri" any fuckin' thing) Homicide Housing..
(Fuck y'all)
Method Man's song "Crooked Letter I" is a celebration of being back in the game and showing how to flow again. The lyrics are brimming with confidence as Method Man and Streetlife assert their dominance in the rap world. They compare themselves to A.C. and O.J., riding together and slicing through the competition. They warn all the small timers that they'll be left for dead in the hallways, and that they'll put the smackdown on any MCs who try to step to them.
The chorus repeats the titular phrase, "In the Crooked Letter I," which refers to the Staten Island neighborhood (zip code 10304) where both Method Man and Streetlife grew up. They acknowledge that it's do or die in the Crooked Letter I, and that every man fights to stay alive. They're not to be messed with, and they advise listeners not to try.
Throughout the song, Method Man and Streetlife use wordplay and creative metaphors to showcase their skills. They're stingy with their dough and their dojia (slang for "weed"), and they warn "stank bitches" not to get it twisted like yoga. They drop references to Jennifer Lopez, Vivica A. Fox, and lambchops, and Streetlife warns that niggaz is holdin' and he'll put one up in your colon if you run up. The song is packed with memorable lines and energetic delivery, cementing Method Man's status as a top tier MC.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh! We have returned
Method Man and his crew are back again.
Yeah, show you how to flow again (show you how to flow again)
He promises to deliver a great rap performance.
It's the rap rule again (hehehehe) Yo, yo.
Method Man is bringing back the traditional way of rapping.
Street, Meth, we ride like A.C. and O.J. (y'all niggaz crazy!)
Method Man and his partner rule the streets like A.C. and O.J., and the haters can't handle it.
I runs up on you in broad days, I'm a Loose Link
Method Man approaches his enemies during the day and isn't afraid to show his face.
I carry's the Heaterz, always
Method Man always carries a gun for protection.
Small timers, get left for dead in the hallways
He is ruthless to small time competitors and will leave them behind.
It's that ill breed, move in warp speed, follow my lead
Method Man is as talented as he is rare; and he can carry others to his level.
(Me and my Co-D's, about to O.D.) let me proceed
His crew, which includes Streetlife, are on the brink of greatness with their talent.
I'm that O.G., you're not in my league (you know my steez)
Method Man is experienced and will crush anyone hoping to compete; they know his style.
I put the smackdown, on you killer clown M.C.'s
He shuts down any performer who he thinks is trying to be tough.
I rock for all my niggaz (I rock for all my niggaz)
He is rapping for the listeners who listen to his music.
That's why I hurt to be here, okay, let me see here
Method Man wants to do his best for his fans.
Stat' Land, crooked letter is I, we back, man
Method Man is back in Staten Island and representing the area.
Harder than a dick on viagra gettin' a lap dance
Method Man's performance is going to be amazing and incredible.
Hittin' like a back hand (I slap y'all kids)
His performance will be hitting those listening hard like a backhand slap to kids. It means he's going to rap really good.
As if we in a game of spades, and y'all renig'
His performances are like the game of spades where the other players don't play the right card due to lack of strategy.
John Blaze, not the clothing, 'cause some of that is slum
He is describing his dominance in rap; not talking about the clothing brand named John Blaze because his performance is not cheap.
(Son, I'm already knowin') cut they jeans mad young
He knows what people in the streets are up to and refers to his competition who dress conspicuously young by shortening their jeans.
In the Crooked Letter I, it's do or die
In Staten Island, it's life or death.
Shit, every man fights to stay alive
Everyone is fighting to stay alive in Staten Island.
Meth Tical, Streetlife, Killa Bee, why..
Listing his crew that includes streetlife and Killa Bee.
Stingy with my dough, even stingier with dojia'
Method Man doesn't waste his money even when it comes to the female's attention.
(Told y'all) You'll never go broke, long as I yo'ya
His female companion assured never lost of cash by being with Method Man.
Maintain your composure, or party over
Stay calm or you will be thrown out of the party.
For stank bitches, who get it, twisted like yoga
Women who are stinky and cause problems are compared to yoga being twisted out of shape.
Holla for a dollar, yea, and y'all ain't gotta go home
Holla for a dollar and you don't have to leave yet; the party is still on.
(But y'all gotta get the fuck outta here)
It's time for everyone to leave now.
Who stay "Lo" like Jennifer, won't see me a lot
Like Jennifer Lopez, he is out of the public eye often.
But when you see Vivica, tell her she a "Fox"
If you see Vivica A. Fox, let her know Method Man thinks she is beautiful.
We rollin', big truck, sittin' on chrome (twistin' a bone)
Streetlife and Method Man are riding big trucks with chrome wheels and smoking cannabis.
Talkin' to a bird on the bat phone
Method Man and Streetlife are on their mobile phones chatting to women.
Zonin', out the area, roamin'
They are cruising around the area having a good time.
The closest you could come to my style, maybe, is clonin'
Noone can match Method Man's style except for someone trying to copy it.
The omen (I'm warnin' you now!) Niggaz is holdin'
His crew is getting stronger and the competition needs to be cautious.
Run up, watch me put one up in your colon
Method Man is threatening to kill any enemies who dare come forward.
Chizzle town, thugs in the club, like chicks posin'
They are in a club in Chicago with thugs posing like chicks.
Lambchop niggaz is sheep in wolf clothing
Males who are not strong or masculine is depicted as Lambchop niggas who are trying to fool others by wearing wolfish clothing.
Beware, danger, shoot off your flares
Danger ahead, signal your crew to be alert.
Warn all your dogs (tell 'em we here)
Make sure your crew is aware Method Man is on the scene.
The Stat' (we don't bust our guns in the air)
The Staten Island crew is not known to shoot their guns recklessly.
Never that, y'all don't come out til the coast is clear
Don't come out until the crew says it's clear.
(Who you suppose to fear) Street, I fears no one
Streetlife isn't afraid of anyone and stands his ground.
You all thumbs, I probably murder you with your gun
Streetlife is saying even with a gun in their hand they wouldn't know how to use it, but he would easily take them down.
When I start lettin' off (niggaz is jettin' off)
When Streetlife starts shooting, the competition runs away to save themselves.
You straight chicken broth, we holes in your terrycloth
The enemy is weak like chicken broth, and they put holes in their clothes.
Double O, 3, long time no see
Method Man hasn't seen some of his friends in a long time.
Who mind parts seas, and cause blind to see
Method Man is so talented he can part the seas and blind his foes.
Some think this industry is just all rhyme and G
Some only believe that the music industry is about rhyming and being a gangster.
Then he make it to the door, and he can't find the key
Once he 'makes it' in the music industry, he will have struggles that he never thought he would face.
Don't know what it be, to make y'all follow my lead
He is unsure of what it will take to make other people to follow his lead.
Or make this pretty thing on her knees swallow my seed
He is implying that he could convince a pretty girl to blow him and swallow his bodily fluids.
If rap wasn't rap no more, what would it be
Method Man is questioning what he would do if rap music no longer existed.
I don't know, I'd be zonin' sometime, must be the weed...
He would probably be taking drugs and not caring about anything, implying he doesn't know what he would be doing.
Yeah, Homicide Housing, Loose Linx
Shouting out to all of his friends in the Staten Island neighbourhoods.
Carlton Fisk, D.C., rest in peace
Giving his regards to those who have passed away.
To the Million Dollar Kid, why
Giving a shoutout to his friend who has made a lot of money.
(S.I., N.Y., 10304) Sick eyes, Size 7
Referencing Staten Island neighbourhoods and tagging on some nicknames.
Big Nut, what up (Big up to Denaun, good lookin' on the track, nigga
Talking to his friends, Big Nut and Denaun.
Matter fact, I'mma call Staten Island the tri-borough, now on
'cause we'll "tri" any fuckin' thing)
Kidding around about Staten Island having three regions and how they are willing to do anything.
(Fuck y'all)
Angrily shouting at someone.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL JOSEPH CHAVARRIA, DENAUN M. PORTER, CLIFFORD SMITH, WRITER UNKNOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind