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)
Dangerous Ground
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tre pound seven spin around for my brethren the clouds come down
War and peace, I take it to the street
Land shark on my lawn chop the thumbs off a thief
And curse his first born, is this thing on?
Send 'em to the children of the corn we the people
See, niggas through the eye of the needle
My lethal injection, destroyin' evil
Aiming at your brain tissue, do or die
Said the spider to the fly, "Could this one be tasty?"
Like momma apple pie goodness, Johnny Blaze me
On the job like Dick Tracy
Hit the cure for that ill shit like Ben Casey, M.D
Symbolic thrill like god he shocked it
Like a finger in a light socket, too good to be forgotten
In the rotten apple, I kick dirt on your sand castle
Check the flavor all natural
(Beat your feet)
Hot Niks son
(Heat-mizer)
Before you get the main course
(Taste a appetizer)
Submerged in the word
Heavy headed verbal that smack you
Mentally disturb you, attack you
Thirty-six chamb' once again comin at you
Young gun got the body snatch you observe
Wise words you can only see through the third
I fall way beyond the norm on the verb
Shine on mental nourishment, you can dine on
Track yellin' at me "Get your rhyme on, God"
Victory is hard, regardless to whom or what
They all movin targets Allah
Runnin through your house and your block party, with rap shotty
And hot rock the body body, St. Bernards
Couldn't save your entourage, rap lobotomy
Leave ya mentally scarred, numb and possibly
Dumb deaf and blind is it
I kick the spine out the battery backs
Fuckin' with mine keep it movin'
Now everybody just throw your hands in the
What the fuck?
Peace, who this?
Mind detect mind, I P.L.O. your startin' line
Deep Space Nine
Designed for knuckleheads who bust guns and throw signs
Let's converse snatch the tap from your purse
Body-surf on the verse head first
Peep defeat, bitch Street beat you down with the heat
And you spazzed out spittin' out teeth ain't nothing peace
Big boys don't destroy blunted zone pop steroid
50 men convoy, expensive where's the big toy
Rumble through the wasteland right hand's on the silencer
40 caliber city slicker Staten Islander
Synchronized minds combine thoughts that motivate
Don't perpetrate pass the blunt let it circulate
Street politicians on a suicide mission
Crime vision finger itching from a scope-view position
Dangerous ground
Tre' pound seven spin around for my brethren the cloud comes down
Yo, keep your eyes open
Love potion number nine poetry in motion
Knowledge me the seventh sign
Scopin', connivin', infiltrate is most of mine
Play 'em nonchalantly, calmly expose the nine
Push and get shoved what the fuck cus thinkin of
Comin in the club wit that screwface, actin up
Is we men or mice, bad moon risin'
We wild for the night
Kill a schizophrenic nigga twice cuz-o
That's what happened when frontin' on the Shaol' borough
Island of Staten we in here no fear
Assault wit intent
To kill your whole regiment it's real
Startin' wit yo president, duckin' my dart gun
Tear apart son, you don't want it then don't start none
Blaze one with Jonathon, part man part fly
Handle my B-I camouflage like G.I
Fat like Joe, a day in the life
Your money or your life that's the life
Everybody can't afford ice in the struggle
Tryin' to eat right another day another hustle hustle hustle
(Uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh)
Dangerous ground tre' pound seven spin around
For my brethren the clouds come down
War and peace, I take it to the street
Land shark on my lawn chop the thumbs off a thief
Motherfucker
The song Dangerous Grounds by Method Man featuring Street Life is a classic Wu-Tang Clan style of rap that focuses on the danger and grit of urban life. The song starts with a call to all the real motherfucking niggaz to stand up front and witness what’s about to happen, followed by a shout-out to his hometown of Long Island Hempstead, and Shaolin, the name of the Wu-Tang Clan members’ hometown. Method Man then goes on to describe a world of danger where the clouds come down, and war and peace are taken to the streets. He talks about land sharpened on his lawn, and how he chops off a thief’s thumb and curses his firstborn.
The song features a number of other themes related to power, violence, and street culture. Method Man talks about sending “em to the children of the corn,” referencing the Stephen King novel and movie about a fictional town where children are corrupted and take on evil powers. He also talks about his lethal injection, which destroys evil, and how he aims at your brain tissue to do or die.
Street Life’s verse in the song adds another layer of danger and violence, describing a wasteland of 50 men convoys and synchronizing minds, combined thoughts that motivate. Overall, the song serves as an anthem for the power and danger of street life, with its hard-hitting lyrics, powerful beats, and relentless imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
Dangerous ground
The situation is precarious and potentially harmful
Tre pound seven spin around for my brethren the clouds come down
I am ready to fight for my allies and bring destruction to those who oppose us
War and peace, I take it to the street
I am willing to engage in conflict or maintain harmony, depending on the situation
Land shark on my lawn chop the thumbs off a thief
I am a vigilant protector, willing to harm those who attempt to steal from me
And curse his first born, is this thing on?
I will go to extreme measures to ensure the punishment of wrongdoers, questioning if anyone is paying attention
Send 'em to the children of the corn we the people
I will send them to a dangerous group who will exact their own form of justice, representing the collective power of the people
See, niggas through the eye of the needle
I have a keen perception and understanding of people's true intentions and character
My lethal injection, destroyin' evil
My words and actions have a powerful impact, capable of eradicating evil forces
Hot Nikkel what, private eye one pistol
I am a skilled investigator, armed with a single firearm for protection
Aiming at your brain tissue, do or die
I am targeting your mind and thoughts, with the outcome being a matter of life or death
Said the spider to the fly, 'Could this one be tasty?'
As a predator, I am contemplating whether you would make a satisfying target
Like momma apple pie goodness, Johnny Blaze me
I am requesting to be embraced and admired like a delicious homemade dessert
On the job like Dick Tracy
I am constantly vigilant and diligent like the fictional detective Dick Tracy
Hit the cure for that ill shit like Ben Casey, M.D
I possess the solution or remedy for the problems and negativity that plague society, similar to the fictional doctor Ben Casey
Symbolic thrill like god he shocked it
I create a thrilling and impactful experience, like a divine force that leaves people amazed
Like a finger in a light socket, too good to be forgotten
I provide an electrifying and unforgettable presence that is hard to ignore
In the rotten apple, I kick dirt on your sand castle
In the corrupt and decaying environment, I undermine your fragile and unstable position
Check the flavor all natural
I possess a genuine and authentic style and essence
(Beat your feet)
(Move your body energetically)
Hot Niks son
I am highly skilled and talented
(Heat-mizer)
(Someone who generates intense heat or energy)
Before you get the main course
Before you experience the full extent of my abilities or intentions
(Taste a appetizer)
(Experience a small preview or sample)
Submerged in the word
Immersed and deeply involved in the art of hip-hop and its culture
Heavy headed verbal that smack you
Powerful and impactful lyrics that strike and affect you
Mentally disturb you, attack you
I have the ability to psychologically unsettle and attack you
Thirty-six chamb' once again comin at you
Bringing forth my unique style and approach, reminiscent of the Wu-Tang Clan's '36 Chambers'
Young gun got the body snatch you observe
A talented and ambitious individual who will surpass and replace you
Wise words you can only see through the third
My lyrics contain profound wisdom that can only be truly understood and appreciated with a deeper level of perception
I fall way beyond the norm on the verb
I surpass and exceed the usual standards and expectations when it comes to rapping
Shine on mental nourishment, you can dine on
My lyrical brilliance provides intellectual nourishment that you can feast upon
Track yellin' at me 'Get your rhyme on, God'
The beat and music are urging me to showcase my rhyming skills
Victory is hard, regardless to whom or what
Achieving success and triumph is challenging, no matter the circumstances
They all movin targets Allah
Everyone is vulnerable and subject to being attacked or affected, as determined by a higher power
Runnin through your house and your block party, with rap shotty
I am energetically moving through both private and public spaces, armed with my powerful rap verses
And hot rock the body body, St. Bernards
I am causing excitement and rocking the crowd, like a lively St. Bernard dog
Couldn't save your entourage, rap lobotomy
Even a rescue dog like a St. Bernard cannot save your group, as my rap verses are like a surgical procedure that alters and affects your mindset
Leave ya mentally scarred, numb and possibly
I will leave you with lasting emotional damage and a sense of desensitization
Dumb deaf and blind is it
You are ignorant, unresponsive, and oblivious to the truth
I kick the spine out the battery backs
I dismantle and weaken the source of power and energy behind those who oppose me
Fuckin' with mine keep it movin'
If you mess with what I care about, it's best for you to move along and not provoke further conflict
Now everybody just throw your hands in the
Now everyone should raise their hands in the air
What the fuck?
Expressing confusion or disbelief
Peace, who this?
Greetings, who is this?
Mind detect mind, I P.L.O. your startin' line
My mind can perceive and understand the intentions and motivations of others, I will disrupt your plans
Deep Space Nine
Referring to the science fiction television series, suggesting a journey through a deeper level of consciousness
Designed for knuckleheads who bust guns and throw signs
My message and lyrics are intended for those involved in violence and gang culture
Let's converse snatch the tap from your purse
Let's have a conversation that exposes your hidden motives or secrets
Body-surf on the verse head first
I will ride and flow smoothly along with the music, fully immersed in the rhythm and lyrics
Peep defeat, bitch Street beat you down with the heat
Witness the inevitable loss, as I overpower and defeat my opponents with my fiery and intense lyrics
And you spazzed out spittin' out teeth ain't nothing peace
You are losing control and becoming agitated, resulting in a loss of teeth, no peace can be found in such chaos
Big boys don't destroy blunted zone pop steroid
Mature individuals don't rely on drugs and artificial enhancements to achieve success and power
50 men convoy, expensive where's the big toy
I am accompanied by a large group of powerful allies, searching for wealth and material possessions
Rumble through the wasteland right hand's on the silencer
I navigate and dominate in the desolate and chaotic environment, keeping my weapon silent
40 caliber city slicker Staten Islander
I am a skilled and street-savvy individual from Staten Island, armed with a .40 caliber firearm
Synchronized minds combine thoughts that motivate
When our minds work together in harmony, we generate ideas and perspectives that inspire and drive us
Don't perpetrate pass the blunt let it circulate
Do not pretend or fake, instead pass the marijuana joint and let it circulate among us
Street politicians on a suicide mission
Individuals involved in the street culture and politics, who are taking dangerous risks with their lives
Crime vision finger itching from a scope-view position
Having a keen focus and desire to engage in criminal activities from a distant and strategic perspective
Yo, keep your eyes open
Hey, remain watchful and alert
Love potion number nine poetry in motion
My lyrical style and delivery have a captivating and enchanting effect on the listener
Knowledge me the seventh sign
Recognize and understand the profound wisdom and significance I possess, representing the seventh sign of the zodiac
Scopin', connivin', infiltrate is most of mine
Analyzing, plotting, and secretly entering various situations are activities that dominate my actions
Play 'em nonchalantly, calmly expose the nine
I execute my plans with a relaxed and casual demeanor, calmly revealing the hidden weapon
Push and get shoved what the fuck cus thinkin of
Engage in a conflict and expect to face the consequences, as I do not tolerate disrespect or foolishness
Comin in the club wit that screwface, actin up
Entering the club with a hostile expression and causing trouble or disruption
Is we men or mice, bad moon risin'
Are we courageous and strong individuals, or are we timid and weak, as indicated by the ominous presence of a bad moon
We wild for the night
We are uninhibited and unrestrained, ready to enjoy and embrace the night
Kill a schizophrenic nigga twice cus-o
I have the ability to defeat and overcome even the most unpredictable and challenging opponents
That's what happened when frontin' on the Shaol' borough
Those who underestimate or oppose the power of the Shaolin borough, particularly Staten Island, will face consequences and defeat
Island of Staten we in here no fear
I proudly represent Staten Island and its community, displaying strength and bravery without any fear
Assault wit intent
I am prepared to attack with a clear purpose and determination
To kill your whole regiment it's real
I have the capacity and intention to take out your entire group or organization, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation
Startin' wit yo president, duckin' my dart gun
I will initiate my actions by targeting your leader, while ensuring my own safety by evading any counterattacks
Tear apart son, you don't want it then don't start none
I will utterly destroy you, so if you don't want to face the consequences, it's best for you to avoid any conflict
Blaze one with Jonathon, part man part fly
Smoke marijuana with Jonathon, representing a combination of human and fly characteristics
Handle my B-I camouflage like G.I
I effectively conceal and navigate my true intentions and identity, similar to how a soldier camouflages with their surroundings
Fat like Joe, a day in the life
I live a life full of luxury and excess, similar to the rapper Fat Joe
Your money or your life that's the life
I am willing to take your money or bring harm to your life if necessary, as that is the reality of my lifestyle
Everybody can't afford ice in the struggle
Not everyone can afford expensive jewelry or material possessions during times of hardship and difficulty
Tryin' to eat right another day another hustle hustle hustle
I am constantly striving to survive and make a living, facing new challenges and hustles each day
(Uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh)
(Expressing agreement or affirmation)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Clifford Smith, Derrick R. L. Harris, Patrick Charles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind