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)
Dangerus MCees
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, ya'll already know the muthafucking business, nigga
Agh, let's go, yo check it
Yo, you can, find me up inside a whore
Making her legs go up like Ferrari doors
Gilla House get 'Chips A'Hoy', don't sniff the boy
But I'm naughty like Tommy Boy
Superman ended up in a wheelchair
I'm fresh like Bel-Air, I paid my dues
And you trying to be cool up in Sunday school
Can't move when I flow, bet a nigga gonna copy
Take it home, study it, then he gon' profit
In the rap game, every nigga gonna gossip
Even Herbie Hancock know Red rock it
Yo, Red, stop it, time is up
Only nigga that's fly on the rhyme is us
'cause, no one can stop me
Da-da-na, da-da-na, like Rocky
[Chorus: x2]
Aiyo, this how it sound when them boys underground
Nigga, check our style, we some (Dangerous M.C.'s)
(Game over, forget 'em, forget 'em, forgot 'em)
(Game over, forget 'em, forget 'em, forget 'em) (Dangerous MC's)
Yo, back when chef mami used to sell plates, we used to sell base
I learned to wipe my nose and wipe the prints off the shell case
Don't want no jail case, freedom miles standing at hell's gate
It's hot, and the devil's my cell mate
The game's addictive, I can't stop, it's like I'm chasing that first high
Like Betty Crocker baking that first pie
The beef we serving is stir fried, swerving all through your urban
Hurting, every gate and corner, you working, I'm
The bottom line, the school of hard knocks turn into Columbine
And my set is throwing up dollar signs
Some get gwop, some get pop, me?
I got a ziplock of bubble gum, just for selling Chris Rock
Nobody move, nobody shot, Meth, I'm in the body shop
Where you rummy, rolling your body drops
I'm trynna stand on my own two, get signed to a major
Be a franchise player and get my own shoe
[Chorus: x2]
In the song "Dangerus MCees" by Method Man, the rapper starts by boasting about his sexual skills, talking about how he can make a woman's legs go up like Ferrari doors. He references his crew, the Gilla House, and warns people not to mess with them or their product. Despite this, he still has a playful and mischievous attitude, comparing himself to the character Tommy Boy and making references to old video game consoles like Atari. Method Man reflects on his career and reputation, saying that he's paid his dues and no one can stop him. He boasts about his flow, saying that other rappers try to copy him and make a profit off of his style. He even references the great jazz musician Herbie Hancock, saying that even he recognizes Method Man's talent.
In the second verse, Method Man reflects on his past involvement with selling drugs and the dangerous lifestyle it brought him. He knows he's lucky to not have ended up in jail or dead, and acknowledges the addictive nature of the game. He compares the feeling of chasing success in the rap industry to the feeling of chasing that first high with drugs. Despite the risks, he's still determined to succeed, and even makes a reference to fellow comedian and actor Chris Rock. Method Man and his crew navigate the streets of their urban environment, constantly on the lookout for danger, but still chasing their dreams of success.
Overall, "Dangerus MCees" is a classic rap song that showcases Method Man's lyrical skill and confident attitude. It's a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Yessir, Red and Meth in the muthafucking building, nigga
Method Man and Redman are present and ready to perform.
Yeah, yeah, ya'll already know the muthafucking business, nigga
The audience is aware of the music that Method Man and Redman produce.
Agh, let's go, yo check it
Introduction to the verse.
Yo, you can, find me up inside a whore
Method Man can often be located inside of a sexual partner.
Making her legs go up like Ferrari doors
Method Man has the ability to create a sexual atmosphere that is orgasmic.
Gilla House get 'Chips A'Hoy', don't sniff the boy
The crew known as Gilla House enjoys snacks and does not condone drug use.
But I'm naughty like Tommy Boy
Method Man can misbehave, similarly to the character Tommy Boy.
Go back like Atari cords, still here, shit
Method Man has been involved in the music industry for a long period of time, dating back to the Atari game console era.
Superman ended up in a wheelchair
Even the superhero, Superman, can fall to become limited and in need of assistance.
I'm fresh like Bel-Air, I paid my dues
Method Man has earned his success and is still thriving.
And you trying to be cool up in Sunday school
People want to be recognized as cool even in religious environments.
Can't move when I flow, bet a nigga gonna copy
Method Man's unique flow cannot be imitated.
Take it home, study it, then he gon' profit
Others try to emulate Method Man's style for personal gain.
In the rap game, every nigga gonna gossip
Rap music has a tendency for its artists to gossip about one another.
Even Herbie Hancock know Red rock it
Herbie Hancock, a jazz legend, acknowledges Redman's talent.
Yo, Red, stop it, time is up
Redman's time to rap has come to an end.
Only nigga that's fly on the rhyme is us
Method Man and Redman are the best lyricists.
'cause, no one can stop me
Method Man cannot be deterred.
Da-da-na, da-da-na, like Rocky
Similar to the theme music from Rocky, Method Man will continue to fight and succeed.
[Chorus: x2]
Repetition of the chorus.
Aiyo, this how it sound when them boys underground
Method Man and Redman rap in an underground style.
Nigga, check our style, we some (Dangerous M.C.'s)
Their style is dangerous in terms of lyrics and flow.
(Game over, forget 'em, forget 'em, forgot 'em)
Their competition is insignificant.
(Dangerous MC's)
Redman and Method Man are skilled MCs.
Yo, back when chef mami used to sell plates, we used to sell base
In the past, Method Man and Redman were involved in drug sales.
I learned to wipe my nose and wipe the prints off the shell case
Method Man knows how to remove evidence from the scene of a crime.
Don't want no jail case, freedom miles standing at hell's gate
Method Man does not intend to be incarcerated, and wants to be free.
It's hot, and the devil's my cell mate
If Method Man were imprisoned, he would be in hell.
The game's addictive, I can't stop, it's like I'm chasing that first high
Method Man cannot stop rapping and performing, despite the addictive nature of the music industry.
Like Betty Crocker baking that first pie
Method Man is referring to his early success in the music industry, similar to Betty Crocker's success with their first pie.
The beef we serving is stir fried, swerving all through your urban
Method Man and Redman are causing chaos in urban areas, stirring up trouble.
Hurting, every gate and corner, you working, I'm
Method Man is causing disruption in every part of town, while others are working.
The bottom line, the school of hard knocks turn into Columbine
Method Man is alluding to his struggles in life affecting others similar to the mass shooting at Columbine High School.
And my set is throwing up dollar signs
Method Man's associates are making a lot of money.
Some get gwop, some get pop, me?
Other rappers get money or shot, but Method Man remains safe.
I got a ziplock of bubble gum, just for selling Chris Rock
Method Man has bubble gum to entice children, in a joke that refers to comedian Chris Rock's role in the movie 'New Jack City.'
Nobody move, nobody shot, Meth, I'm in the body shop
Method Man is busy getting massages.
Where you rummy, rolling your body drops
Redman is asking where the audience is partying.
I'm trynna stand on my own two, get signed to a major
Method Man is striving for independence while also aiming to achieve a major record label deal.
Be a franchise player and get my own shoe
Method Man wants to have his own shoe line as an endorsement.
[Chorus: x2]
Repetition of the chorus.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, DELLA MUSIC PUBLISHING, LLC
Written by: REGGIE NOBLE, ERICK S. SERMON, CLIFFORD SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind