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)
Da Rockwilder )
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, my God
(Ow) boo
Uh, uh, yo, uh
Microphone checka, swingin' sword lecture
Closin' down the sector, supreme neck protector
Better warn 'em kid, Mr. Meth's a boiling pot
Fo' sheezy, too many wanna be hard, be easy
It's all in together, going all out together
It don't take much to please me
Still homes, I'm never satisfied like the Stones
We don't condone bitin', see them skull and crossbones
Protecting what I'm writing
Don't clash with the Titan who blast with a license
To kill rap recitings
Come on, in the zone with ya nigga from the group home
Tical (fuck your lifestyle)
Put your lights out
Get the shit to crackin', got you fiendin' with your pipes out
Time for some action, surfin' the avenue
Mad at you, where I used to battle crews
Back when Antoinette had that attitude
Cover me I'm going in, walls closing in
Got us bustin' off these pistols
My niggas got issues, again (woo), same song
Armed with the mega bomb
Blow you out the frame, then I'm gone
Yo, I was going too but we roam, cellular phones
Doc, Meth back in the flesh, blood and bones
Don't condone (uh), spent bank loans on homegrown
Suckers break like Turbo and Ozone
When I grab the broom
Moon-walk platoon hawk, my goons bark
Leave you in a blue lagoon lost (true)
Three nines and a glove with Masu, D-Don and The Gov'
Right behind on a bus
Haters don't touch (what?)
Weigh us both up
Now my neighbor doped up
Got the cable hooked up, all channels
Lift my shirt all, mammal
You ship off keys and we ship Grand Pianos
Sawed off shotgun (yeah)
Hand on the pump, sippin' on a forty
Yo, smokin' on a blunt
Bust my gun off
Red and Meth didn't jump
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Yeah, come on, Red and Meth didn't jump
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
The Method Man & Redman's Da Rockwilder is an uptempo, energetic song that showcases the skill and verbal dexterity of the two rappers. The lyrics are a traditional rap braggadocio, in which they claim their dominance over the rap game and their ability to "blow your mind" with their rhymes. The song's title is a reference to the Rockwilder dog breed, which is known for its aggressiveness and strength.
The opening lines of the song, "Oh my God," repeated twice, are an expression of excitement, as if the rappers are getting ready to perform and feeling the adrenaline rush of being on stage. Then, they launch into a declaration of their skills as rappers, with Method Man boasting of being a "swingin' sword lecturer" and "supreme neck protector," while Redman emphasizes his ability to blast rhymes "like a license to kill."
The rest of the song is a series of bravado-driven rhymes, with both rappers riffing on the same themes of toughness, bravado, and weed smoking. They trade verses back and forth, with each one trying to outdo the other in terms of clever rhymes and inventive wordplay.
Overall, Da Rockwilder is a classic example of the swaggering, confident rap music that dominated the late 90s and early 2000s, and it remains a favorite of fans of the genre to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my God
The singer exclaims in excitement or surprise.
Oh, my God
The singer repeats their exclamation of excitement or surprise.
(Ow) boo
The singer makes a brief sound of pain or discomfort.
Uh, uh, yo, uh
The artist prepares to begin the song with a rhythmic introduction.
Microphone checka, swingin' sword lecture
The artist is introducing themselves as a skilled rapper, ready to deliver a powerful message with precise rhymes.
Closin' down the sector, supreme neck protector
The singer is establishing their authority and ability to protect themselves against any threats or opposition.
Better warn 'em kid, Mr. Meth's a boiling pot
The singer warns their opponents that they are about to face an intense and explosive performance from themselves, also known as Mr. Meth.
'Bout to blow his lid from the pressure, too hot for TV
The artist emphasizes that their lyrical talent and intensity is so high that it cannot be contained or broadcasted on television.
Fo' sheezy, too many wanna be hard, be easy
The artist is ridiculing those who are trying too hard to appear tough or intimidating, encouraging them to relax and be themselves.
It's all in together, going all out together
The artist is promoting unity and togetherness, emphasizing that everyone should work together to achieve their goals, no matter how difficult it may seem.
It don't take much to please me
The singer indicates that they are easily satisfied and do not require much to be content.
Still homes, I'm never satisfied like the Stones
The artist reveals that they are still unhappy and restless with their current situation, despite claiming to be easily pleased. They liken themselves to the Rolling Stones, who were known for their discontent and search for satisfaction.
We don't condone bitin', see them skull and crossbones
The singer does not approve of those who copy or plagiarize other artists' work and warns that they may face consequences symbolized by the skull and crossbones.
Protecting what I'm writing
The singer is guarding their artistic creation, possibly from imitators or others who may try to steal their ideas.
Don't clash with the Titan who blast with a license
The singer is warning their opponents not to challenge them - they are a powerful force who can use their lyrical skills to overcome any obstacles with ease.
To kill rap recitings
The artist implies that they are so skilled at rapping that they can destroy others' attempts to perform or create music.
Come on, in the zone with ya nigga from the group home
The artist invites their audience to immerse themselves in the song and join them in the creative 'zone' where they perform. They also reference their own humble origins, having lived in a group home.
Tical (fuck your lifestyle)
The singer is using their signature catchphrase, 'Tical,' which may have personal significance or meaning. They also swear at their opponents, indicating disrespect or contempt for their way of life.
Put your lights out
The singer is threatening their opponents, suggesting that they will defeat or humiliate them in a way that will make them wish they had never started the conflict.
Get the shit to crackin', got you fiendin' with your pipes out
The artist is confident that their performance will be so impressive that their listeners will become addicted to it like drug fiends, expressing their appreciation by holding up their lighters or pipes.
Time for some action, surfin' the avenue
The artist is ready to perform and eager to showcase their talent. 'Surfing the avenue' could be a metaphor for navigating the urban landscape and facing new challenges head-on.
Mad at you, where I used to battle crews
The artist reminisces about past battles and confrontations they have had with other groups, possibly indicating that they have overcome these obstacles in the past and are ready for new challenges.
Back when Antoinette had that attitude
The singer references Antoinette, a female rapper from the 1980s and 1990s known for her lyrical skill and attitude, suggesting that they are from the same era or influenced by her work.
Cover me I'm going in, walls closing in
The artist is preparing to perform and asks for support or backup from their crew. They also convey a sense of urgency and pressure, feeling like the environment or situation is closing in on them.
Got us bustin' off these pistols
The singer and their crew are metaphorically 'firing shots' or delivering a powerful performance, using their 'pistols' or voices to create an impact and leave a lasting impression.
My niggas got issues, again (woo), same song
The singer acknowledges that their crew has their own problems or difficulties, but they will continue to persevere and overcome them through their music. They repeat the phrase 'same song' to emphasize that these issues are ongoing and persistent.
Armed with the mega bomb
The singer is equipped with powerful rhymes or lyrics, using their music as a weapon to make an impact and create change.
Blow you out the frame, then I'm gone
The artist will deliver a performance so powerful that it will leave their opponents speechless or defeated. They will then move on to other challenges and opportunities.
Yo, I was going too but we roam, cellular phones
The artist was originally planning to go out or perform but ended up moving around or traveling with their crew. They communicate with each other using mobile phones.
Doc, Meth back in the flesh, blood and bones
The singer refers to himself and his crewmate, Method Man, as 'Doc' and 'Meth.' They are back in action, delivering a performance that is authentic and tangible.
Don't condone (uh), spent bank loans on homegrown
The singer does not approve of certain behaviors or actions, possibly related to drug use or criminal activity. They also reveal that they have invested a lot of money in high-quality cannabis.
Suckers break like Turbo and Ozone
The artist compares their opponents to characters from the movie 'Breakin',' which features breakdancing and other forms of hip-hop culture. Turbo and Ozone were two skilled breakdancers who defeated their opponents through their talent and creativity.
When I grab the broom
The artist is using a broom as a metaphor for their microphone, indicating that they are ready to perform and take control of the situation.
Moon-walk platoon hawk, my goons bark
The artist references Michael Jackson's moonwalk dance move, indicating that they have their own unique style and moves. Their crew members are ready to support and defend them if necessary, also known as 'goons.'
Leave you in a blue lagoon lost (true)
The singer threatens their opponents, suggesting they will be left feeling disoriented and lost like the characters in the film 'Blue Lagoon.' They emphasize that this is true and will happen.
Three nines and a glove with Masu, D-Don and The Gov'
The artist lists names of their crewmates or associates who are ready to support them. 'Three nines' may refer to guns or ammunition, while the glove could be used for handling or using them safely.
Right behind on a bus
The singer's crew is following them on a bus, possibly indicating that they are on their way to perform or make an appearance somewhere.
Haters don't touch (what?)
The singer is warning their opponents not to mess with them or their crew. They ask a rhetorical question to emphasize their point.
Weigh us both up
The singer challenges their opponents to compare themselves to him and his crew, indicating that they will come up short in comparison.
Now my neighbor doped up
The artist references someone nearby who is under the influence of drugs, possibly indicating a negative or dangerous environment.
Got the cable hooked up, all channels
The artist reveals that they have cable television and access to all channels, possibly indicating that they have become successful or wealthy.
Lift my shirt all, mammal
The singer lifts their shirt to reveal their body, possibly indicating that they are in good shape or proud of their appearance. The word 'mammal' could be a reference to the scientific classification of humans as mammals.
You ship off keys and we ship Grand Pianos
The singer implies that their opponents are involved in illegal drug trafficking, while they themselves are involved in the music industry. They metaphorically compare drug shipments to music shipments, with their 'grand pianos' representing high-quality, valuable productions.
Sawed off shotgun (yeah)
The artist refers to a sawed-off shotgun, a type of firearm that is modified for easier use and concealment. They express excitement or enthusiasm for it.
Hand on the pump, sippin' on a forty
The artist is holding a pump-action shotgun and drinking a 40-ounce bottle of alcohol, possibly indicating a dangerous or reckless lifestyle.
Yo, smokin' on a blunt
The artist reveals that they are smoking cannabis, possibly indicating a connection to hip-hop culture or a rebellious attitude.
Bust my gun off
The singer fires their shotgun, possibly indicating involvement in criminal activity or a dangerous environment.
Red and Meth didn't jump
The artist and their crewmate, Redman and Method Man, did not back down from a challenge or confrontation, indicating their courage and bravery.
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
The singer and their crew are making a playful or musical sound, adding to the rhythm and energy of the song.
Yeah, come on, Red and Meth didn't jump
The singer repeats their previous line, emphasizing their courage and bravery in the face of conflict.
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la
The singer and their crew continue to make a playful or musical sound, adding to the rhythm and energy of the song.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, DELLA MUSIC PUBLISHING, LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bernice Williams, Eugene Dixon, Reggie Noble, Clifford Smith, Dana Stinson, Brett Bouldin, Earl Edwards, Larry E Muggerud, Louis M. Freeze
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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When clothes were loose and rhymes were tight!!!!
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Gen z like what is this crap?