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)
Diesel
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So yo yo all I want to do is just tell them cats
On the real, keep your game high man, keep it up
Word up, never stop your goals man, yaknowhatI'msayin?
And, yo son, on the real I'ma get a sneaker just like y'all
[Ol Dirty Bastard]
I need help Because the black man is God
The government is after me And the worst is, black man is the Devil
I need help So this is to bring everything in the
Someone help me please universe within the light
Someone help me! Understanding
They already did 2Pac My children, all six billion humans
Biggie Smalls on the planet Earth
Someone help me! Regardless of who or what, I love you
Someone help me please! Word is bond, I love you
Ahh! I'ma groupie for life, about nine wife
All the babies are mine, save a child life
No more doctors deliverin my babies
Stick in pins killing me slowly
To the President you say I'm a welfare fraud
you motherfucking right! Let's burn this dark house white!
Insecure about my ding-dong, married to Babylon
My queen lookin at me like a pawn!
[Raekwon the Chef]
Splash the worst rehearse a verse Flashdance on the universe
Televise the work Network Shop til your neck hurt
Whattup Dirt, nine diagram phoenix on your sweatshirt
Thirty-thousand went bezerk, it's like clockwork
Rockport Mr. Raw God, hold the fort
Collect thoughts, elect sports, sideswipe, by the white horse
French cut, gleamin in the Benz truck, whattup
Tellin my mens what? Ten times platinum and we ends up
draped out, jumpin out a cake, now throw your tape out
Furniture style, holdin the mic we got it laid out
Mind iodine Einstein remind mine
People swam nine didn't know they own kind wrong time
Denim rap, competition quick, handle that
Suckin the jim hat, pervertin on my raps'll get you slidapped
Mix drink Cuban Link lizink, flip a to zinc
Plus, expensive like a roman mink, now think
[Ol Dirty Bastard]
An ugly thirty-six chamber degree, what, you want to rhyme?
Deep bring 600 ABC through the love white hate line
I'm telling you tornado, 42 billion thought travel
The year 90's parallel, controls to the wakes
I dig woman's stomach swell, my borough is dark
Many lights UFO kites, Benjamin Franklin got it right
Abraham I stuck your cherry tree
Your white head came out my black pussy
I ran Rip Van Winkle on all fours
Mountains twinkle twinkle star, Tarzan in a jar
And then came out Jane Flintstone in my gravel pit
[Method Man]
Kill the chatterin, niggaz bust shots, keep em scatterin
Blood splatterin, on point like a javelin
Fuck battlin, you cats is only good for babblin
Imaginin yourself, as the God space travellin
Round the seven rings of Saturn
Got my sword plus the Abbot in the chamber, nine in the clip
At the gatherin, we left you staggerin, yo it had to been
Hot Nickel, who broke bread, at the Vatican
Stick a pin, in a citizen, mental food, got us diggin in
My compliments to the chef
M-E-TH like amphatimens, yes stick it to the veteran
Blaow blaow! Blown to death, take your medicines
I put the sick in your mu-sick with Osirus
Bound to blow like a bad sinus
[Ol Dirty Bastard]
Stay up at night don't sleep on your morn
Rest in the day because it's sunlight
Reverse thought psychology
[Prince Rakeem]
Child wild adventures walk trillions of square inches
Ten percentage try to drain me of my mental strengthage
Heavy wattage knowledge cleans blood clottage, and retardage
I refine the garbage logic exterminate your cottage
[U-God]
Thirty-six anger, dirty language is the stranger
The mangler, the honor roll singer righteous finger
When we shine-a, we always find a never minor major
Hard to spot we dangerous with our behavior
[Prince Rakeem]
Australian Venezuelaen illegal aliens
Chameleons all catch the feelings we revealing
Killer bee keep your mind at ease, lay back like Adam fuckin Eve
Four thousand years in the garden, puffin trees
[U-God]
I aim slang I maintain, through the main vein
The answer came clever, when we do greatness through trial and error
Mile of terror motormouth, let the odor out
Fumin greater, the temper in my spine huminator
The super grass childish blast sleepy eye stash
The hashish masterpiece, Osirus is the virus
This split second splash, severe drop is near pop
There's fallin teardrops, now is it worth your career?
The lyrics to "Diesel" by Wu-Tang Clan features several members of the group including Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, RZA, and U-God. The song features introspective and deep lyrics about black identity, self-improvement, societal struggles, and philosophical ideas masked in a metaphorical language. In the beginning, Raekwon urges people to keep their game high, never stop their goals, and to keep pushing hard. Meanwhile, Ol' Dirty Bastard raises some existential concerns about his own existence, saying he needs help as the black man is God, and the government is after him because the black man is also the devil. He wonders if someone could help achieve understanding and bring everything in the universe within the light.
Later, Method Man raps about his sword and the Abbot in the chamber and his skill in killing and scattering enemies. He boasts about his mental strength, and his intent to stick it to the veteran. Meanwhile, Prince Rakeem (also known as RZA) and U-God talk about their philosophical ideas, sharing their perspectives and beliefs about illegal aliens and the importance of creativity and innovation. Overall, the song is a testament to the Wu-Tang Clan's unique blend of insightful lyrics, cultural consciousness, and musical creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
So yo yo all I want to do is just tell them cats
I want to give a message to all the people listening
On the real, keep your game high man, keep it up
Stay true to yourself and keep striving for success
Word up, never stop your goals man, yaknowhatI'msayin?
Keep going after what you want and don't give up
(For real baby)
I mean it sincerely
And, yo son, on the real I'ma get a sneaker just like y'all
I want to have a shoe design like my peers
I need help Because the black man is God
I am in distress because I know that black people are divine
The government is after me And the worst is, black man is the Devil
The authorities are out to get me and they believe that black people are evil
I need help So this is to bring everything in the
I am reaching out for assistance in order to bring order to the situation
Someone help me please universe within the light
I am asking for someone to guide me through a positive path
Understanding They already did 2Pac
I want people to have a better understanding of the past deeds done to rappers like 2Pac
My children, all six billion humans Biggie Smalls on the planet Earth
We are all connected and Biggie Smalls' legacy still remains in the present day
Regardless of who or what, I love you Someone help me please!
I have love for everyone and I need assistance from someone
Word is bond, I love you
I am telling the truth when I say I have love for you
Ahh! I'ma groupie for life, about nine wife
I will always admire and follow what other famous people are doing
All the babies are mine, save a child life
I consider every child to be my own and I want to protect them
No more doctors deliverin my babies
I will not trust medical professionals to birth my children anymore
Stick in pins killing me slowly
I am being hurt, possibly through voodoo or other forms of torture
To the President you say I'm a welfare fraud you motherfucking right!
I am being accused of fraudulently taking government assistance and I attest that I am doing so rightfully
Let's burn this dark house white!
Let's destroy the oppressive system that is built against black people
Insecure about my ding-dong, married to Babylon
I doubt my own sexuality and I feel like I am married to a society that is built around oppression
My queen lookin at me like a pawn!
My partner views me as a mere pawn in the game of life
Splash the worst rehearse a verse Flashdance on the universe
I will perform my worst and still be amazing, I will conquer the world
Televise the work Network Shop til your neck hurt Whattup Dirt
Broadcast my craft on television and shop until I have nothing left to give
nine diagram phoenix on your sweatshirt Thirty-thousand went bezerk
The 9-pointed diagram and phoenix on your clothing caused a frenzy among 30,000 people
it's like clockwork Rockport Mr. Raw God, hold the fort
Things happen predictably and we should hold ourselves with a sense of authority
Collect thoughts, elect sports, sideswipe, by the white horse
Think deeply, choose wisely, and avoid obstacles that may hinder your progress
French cut, gleamin in the Benz truck, whattup
I have a stylish haircut and I am driving a fancy car
Tellin my mens what? Ten times platinum and we ends up
Boasting to my friends that we will end up with 10 times platinum certification
draped out, jumpin out a cake, now throw your tape out
Wearing expensive clothing and surprising people with my presence, making them throw away their old content
Furniture style, holdin the mic we got it laid out
We have everything set up comfortably and perfectly for our performance
Mind iodine Einstein remind mine
My mind is sharp and powerful, like that of Albert Einstein's
People swam nine didn't know they own kind wrong time
Many people did not realize their identity and made misjudgments in life
Denim rap, competition quick, handle that
I am a skilled rapper who can easily compete with others
Suckin the jim hat, pervertin on my raps'll get you slidapped
If you try to sexually objectify my lyrics you will receive a punishment
Mix drink Cuban Link lizink, flip a to zinc Plus, expensive like a roman mink, now think
I will mix together drinks and wear expensive clothing and have you consider why you cannot do the same
An ugly thirty-six chamber degree, what, you want to rhyme?
I am a member of this unappealing collective, would you like to compete or join?
Deep bring 600 ABC through the love white hate line
I am able to bring deep emotions to my music and connect with people across racial lines
I'm telling you tornado, 42 billion thought travel The year 90's parallel, controls to the wakes
My thoughts are so powerful that they can cause a natural disaster, and my ideas from the 90s are still relevant today
I dig woman's stomach swell, my borough is dark Many lights UFO kites, Benjamin Franklin got it right
I appreciate women and their ability to give birth, my neighborhood is dangerous yet mysterious, and UFO sightings are real
Abraham I stuck your cherry tree Your white head came out my black pussy
I have sexual power over and have caused discomfort to white figures in power
I ran Rip Van Winkle on all fours Mountains twinkle twinkle star, Tarzan in a jar
I have undergone a transformation on all fours and see the beauty of nature, I am like Tarzan in captivity
And then came out Jane Flintstone in my gravel pit
Another woman appeared and entangled herself with me
Kill the chatterin, niggaz bust shots, keep em scatterin Blood splatterin, on point like a javelin
Stop talking and start shooting, make the enemy run away and fire until there is blood everywhere
Fuck battlin, you cats is only good for babblin Imaginin yourself, as the God space travellin Round the seven rings of Saturn
I don't want to compete with you, you are only good for talking and not actual action, you pretend to be something greater than yourself as you travel through space in your imagination
Got my sword plus the Abbot in the chamber, nine in the clip At the gatherin, we left you staggerin, yo it had to been
I have my weapon and partner with me, ready to fight, at our meeting we defeated our enemy and they were in a state of shock
Hot Nickel, who broke bread, at the Vatican Stick a pin, in a citizen, mental food, got us diggin in
An important meeting occurred at the Vatican, then we moved on to something deeper and more meaningful with the mental stimulation of our discussion
My compliments to the chef M-E-TH like amphatimens, yes stick it to the veteran
I admire the person who cooked the food, and my rhymes are addictive like amphetamines, and I am proving myself to be better than other rappers
Blaow blaow! Blown to death, take your medicines I put the sick in your mu-sick with Osirus
I have the power to kill with my lyrics, and I make the sick part of the music industry with my stage name of Osirus
Bound to blow like a bad sinus
I am destined to succeed like a poorly functioning sinus
Stay up at night don't sleep on your morn Rest in the day because it's sunlight Reverse thought psychology
Stay up and work hard, save rest for when the sun is shining and try to challenge conventional thinking
Child wild adventures walk trillions of square inches Ten percentage try to drain me of my mental strengthage Heavy wattage knowledge cleans blood clottage, and retardage I refine the garbage logic exterminate your cottage
I have wild experiences and thoughts, some people try to bring me down, I enlighten others with my knowledge and discard foolish ideas
Thirty-six anger, dirty language is the stranger The mangler, the honor roll singer righteous finger
I have a lot of anger and use profanity, although I am still a person of integrity
When we shine-a, we always find a never minor major Hard to spot we dangerous with our behavior
When we exceed expectations, it's always a huge success, and we are hard to find because we are prone to danger
Australian Venezuelaen illegal aliens Chameleons all catch the feelings we revealing Killer bee keep your mind at ease, lay back like Adam fuckin Eve Four thousand years in the garden, puffin trees
People of mixed nationalities are not accepted, people change their opinions based on others, violent people should keep calm, humans should relax like the biblical figures Adam and Eve and enjoy nature
I aim slang I maintain, through the main vein The answer came clever, when we do greatness through trial and error Mile of terror motormouth, let the odor out Fumin greater, the temper in my spine huminator
I am focused on being a top performer and maintaining it, I realize that success requires experimenting until things work out, I distance myself from unpleasant things and control my anger
The super grass childish blast sleepy eye stash The hashish masterpiece, Osirus is the virus This split second splash, severe drop is near pop There's fallin teardrops, now is it worth your career?
I have powerful weed and I am a top performer, my stage name is associated with a virus, and I am seconds away from complete success but it may cause emotional pain
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS, DENNIS DAVID COLES, GARY E. GRICE, JASON HUNTER, LAMONT HAWKINS, ROBERT F. DIGGS, RUSSELL T. JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind