Method Man (born Clifford Smith, 2 March 1971 in Hempstead, Long Island, Ne… Read Full Bio ↴Method Man (born Clifford Smith, 2 March 1971 in Hempstead, Long Island, New York) is an American rapper and member of the hip-hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan. He is also well-known for his work both as a solo artist and with frequent collaborator Redman, as well as for recent forays into acting.

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)

Elements
Method Man Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Featuring Star Polite]

[Method Man]

(There...there?)

One more game

Yo uh huh uh huh

Staar

Surround sounder blunt smokin remy downer

Hip hop sizzar slingin my raw in your flounder

You get skidawed undertakin' undergrounders

This lyricist lounge with low that be lounger

Aliens is out of townish fuck applause

niggas clap now with forty pounders and forty fours

Is it all fair in love with war

Young 'uns with guns, acting like they taking yours, uh

Live by the sword, they gonna die by the sword, uh

My vocal cords break the laws that apply to nature

Low and these niggas love to hate ya

Request the henney straight no chaser

Twin towerin' I skyscrape ya

Now gimme yours

[Star]

Trifled disciple, arch rival reppin with weapons that homicidal

Star leaves you marked from the start like tribal scars

(Allah punk) I'm hazardous as a bomb and arms spinnin' like Christ

Recitin' psalms in the streets of Babylon

(Verbs I gather well) ??? data shells

My squad camoflauge your wealth

Like the bible with parabels

With the navigator, spittin razor sharp, breath laser data

That'll tickle you now, but sway you later

[Method Man]

On this one call me Lee Major

Million dollar man, bionic or professor chronic

Still not a player, I just fuck a lot the panty raider

Get shortys mad, they curse you wild on your sky pager

Stankin' ass

[Polite]

Yo Mr. Big Mouth, better duck down or bite the bullet

You niggas got guns but you scared to death to pull it

Bet if I pull my gun I'm gon' squeeze

I'm startin at your head, son, and stoppin' at your knees

I hate your screwmugs, rumble counterfeit thugs

Niggas want mine, bet they come and get it in blood

Fat potential, gave birth to a corrupt mental

Foul thoughts paralyzin temples, it's just that simple

Chorus

[All]

You better come with your best gun

Niggas be holdin', it's all war no fun

Niggas be bowlin', you niggas under pressure now

My squads down for whatever with whoever now

Let's get it on

Best to come with your best gun

Niggas be rollin', it's all war no fun

Niggas be holdin', you niggas under pressure now

My squads down for whatever with whoever now

Let's get it on

[Star]

Arm leg shots to hit the spot like a four fifth glock

We got this hip-hop shilock and all you clique got

Was lip lock, heavy heat, steady street sweepin your peeps

Hawks, machete chops puttin' cease to your petty fleets

This raw rebel got more metal than pop

And rock groups, when my glock shoots the scores settled

A ground attack, I'm bound to clap rounds of rap

Clowns are found flat, face down around the map

Simple minds, cripple smiles, my rhymes are four five

The size oh two nines combine, can't even tickle mine

[Method Man]

I told you once, I told your ass a thousand times, chump

Body in the trunk, stay in line punk,

(Fucking with your mind?)

[Polite]

Yo

You be the actual, sixteen bars, comin' after you

Never go against my team, they might embarrass you

Slit-slang terrorist talk, fully armed

Put your hands up, I'ma put a hole in your paws

Ruin your side show, eyes low, brains fried from hydro

Two choices, bass off or either die slow

We all scholars when it's time to clean a dirty dollar

Attack the boards, it's like a rotweiler

[Method Man]

Niggas comin out they shoes like they Usher

These motherfuckers on the run, and they socks from

The bounty hunter, Iron Lungster, rain and thunder

Here come the lightning now I'm strikin' back at niggas bitin'

Pushin' buttons just to step away from self-destruction

Inch and a half away from touchin' somethin'

Suckin' away from bustin'

y'all brothers laugh now and cry later

I rap from Alpha to Omega, sixty four to Sega

Whoopin' that ass, walk you dogs through the lookin' glass

Been burnin' MC's since cookin' class

Makin' it hot like the summer in the crackspot

With blacktops, my nickle slot, triple bar, hit the jackpot

On each block, I'm the remedy, send them back to me

After detock, shorty got knuckles in the Reebok

Plus we got a problem with the Benz

(What's the problem with the Benz)

She want the six-hundred, but she ain't got the ends

Chorus

[All]

You better come with your best gun

Niggas be holdin', it's all war no fun

Niggas be bowlin', you niggas under pressure now

My squads down for whatever with whoever now

Let's get it on

Overall Meaning

The song "Elements" by Method Man featuring Star and Polite speaks about the harsh reality of life and the importance of being prepared for any situation. The song is predominantly about the violent nature of people in the streets, especially young people who carry guns and are not hesitant to commit crimes. Method Man, who is known for his unique voice and style, sets the tone for the song by rapping about the prevalence of guns, the use of violence to solve problems, and the fact that those who live by the sword will also die by it.

Star, in his verse, talks about his ability to be dangerous and the fact that he is as deadly as a bomb with his arms spinning like Christ. He emphasizes how his skills and training, together with his unwavering commitment to his faith, make him a formidable opponent for anyone. Polite adds to the already menacing tone of the song by stating that he is undeterred by any threat and he is always ready to defend himself and his team. He also emphasizes the need to have the best gun and come prepared, highlighting the importance of being ready for anything.

Overall, "Elements" is a song that encourages people to be strong, prepared, and willing to defend themselves at all times. It highlights the harsh reality of the streets and communicates the need for people to stay alert and ready for whatever comes their way.

Line by Line Meaning

(There...there?)
Expressing confusion and uncertainty about the current situation.

One more game
Requesting another chance or opportunity to prove themselves.

Yo uh huh uh huh
Casual affirmation or agreement.

Staar
Introducing the artist Star.

Surround sounder blunt smokin remy downer
Engaging in recreational activities such as smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.

Hip hop sizzar slingin my raw in your flounder
Promoting and selling their music to the audience.

You get skidawed undertakin' undergrounders
Being underestimated or overlooked in the underground music scene.

This lyricist lounge with low that be lounger
Relaxing and enjoying the low-profile lifestyle of a lyricist.

Aliens is out of townish fuck applause
Rejecting the praise and attention from mainstream or popular artists.

Niggas clap now with forty pounders and forty fours
Showing off their firearms and aggression.

Is it all fair in love with war
Questioning the ethics and fairness of love and conflict.

Young 'uns with guns, acting like they taking yours, uh
Observing the behavior of young individuals who try to intimidate or threaten others with firearms.

Live by the sword, they gonna die by the sword, uh
Emphasizing the consequences of using violence and weapons.

My vocal cords break the laws that apply to nature
Using their powerful voice to defy the nature of traditional music.

Low and these niggas love to hate ya
Expressing the presence of love and hate in the music industry.

Request the henney straight no chaser
Preferring to drink Hennessy without any additional mixers.

Twin towerin' I skyscrape ya
Using their creativity and talent to reach new heights and dominate the industry.

Now gimme yours
Demanding respect and recognition from others.

Trifled disciple, arch rival reppin with weapons that homicidal
Describing themselves as a loyal follower and a strong competitor armed with deadly lyrics.

Star leaves you marked from the start like tribal scars
Leaving a lasting impact on the listeners, similar to the cultural significance of tribal scars.

(Allah punk) I'm hazardous as a bomb and arms spinnin' like Christ
Comparing their dangerous presence and actions to a bomb and the spinning of arms, referencing religious symbols.

Recitin' psalms in the streets of Babylon
Expressing their art and wisdom in a corrupt and chaotic environment.

(Verbs I gather well) ??? data shells
Having a strong command of language and wordplay, with unclear meaning.

My squad camoflauge your wealth
Protecting their team and concealing their true riches and talents.

Like the bible with parabels
Using storytelling and metaphorical language similar to biblical parables.

With the navigator, spittin razor sharp, breath laser data
Utilizing their superior skills and delivering impactful, precise verses.

That'll tickle you now, but sway you later
Imparting a humorous or entertaining message that will eventually have a deeper influence on the listener.

On this one call me Lee Major
Taking on the persona of Lee Major, a renowned and influential figure.

Million dollar man, bionic or professor chronic
Describing their exceptional abilities and wealth.

Still not a player, I just fuck a lot the panty raider
Denying claims of being a player, but admitting to engaging in sexual relationships.

Get shortys mad, they curse you wild on your sky pager
Provoking anger and jealousy from women, leading to aggressive or rude messages on pagers.

Yo Mr. Big Mouth, better duck down or bite the bullet
Warning someone with a big ego to take caution or face severe consequences.

You niggas got guns but you scared to death to pull it
Questioning the authenticity and courage of those who possess firearms but hesitate to use them.

Bet if I pull my gun I'm gon' squeeze
Asserting their readiness and determination to use their firearm.

I'm startin at your head, son, and stoppin' at your knees
Threatening to cause serious harm, possibly by shooting their target from head to knee.

I hate your screwmugs, rumble counterfeit thugs
Expressing disdain for fake or fraudulent individuals who pretend to be tough.

Niggas want mine, bet they come and get it in blood
Challenging those who desire their possessions to confront them in a violent and dangerous manner.

Fat potential, gave birth to a corrupt mental
Having great talent and capabilities, but succumbing to negative influences and behaviors.

Foul thoughts paralyzin temples, it's just that simple
Delving into dark and disturbing thoughts that can immobilize and control one's mind.

You better come with your best gun
Advising others to bring their most powerful and effective weapon.

Niggas be holdin', it's all war no fun
Referring to the intense and serious nature of conflicts or rivalries.

Niggas be bowlin', you niggas under pressure now
Highlighting the aggression and dominance of their team, putting opponents in a challenging and stressful situation.

My squads down for whatever with whoever now
Expressing their unwavering camaraderie and willingness to face any challenge with anyone.

Let's get it on
Encouraging action or engagement in a competitive or combative context.

Arm leg shots to hit the spot like a four fifth glock
Referring to precise, effective shots that hit crucial areas like an arm or leg.

We got this hip-hop shilock and all you clique got
Asserting their dominance and superiority in the hip-hop scene compared to other groups.

Was lip lock, heavy heat, steady street sweepin your peeps
Overpowering the competition with intense lyrics and consistent street presence.

Hawks, machete chops puttin' cease to your petty fleets
Utilizing aggressive and violent techniques to put an end to weaker and insignificant opponents.

This raw rebel got more metal than pop
Emphasizing their fierce and rebellious character, with more strength and power than mainstream artists.

And rock groups, when my glock shoots the scores settled
Asserting that their firearm will bring resolution and victory, just like in a musical performance.

A ground attack, I'm bound to clap rounds of rap
Launching a powerful and impactful assault with their lyrics and rap skills.

Clowns are found flat, face down around the map
Humiliating and defeating amateur or inexperienced rappers, leaving them lying defeated in various locations.

Simple minds, cripple smiles, my rhymes are four five
Diminishing the intelligence and creativity of other rappers, elevating their own lyrics to a higher standard.

The size of two nines combine, can't even tickle mine
Boasting about the power and impact of their verses, which surpass the potency of two 9mm firearms combined.

I told you once, I told your ass a thousand times, chump
Warning someone repeatedly and expressing frustration or annoyance at their inability to comprehend the message.

Body in the trunk, stay in line punk
Threatening severe consequences, even death, if someone disobeys or disrespects them.

(Fucking with your mind?)
Challenging and potentially manipulating someone's thoughts or beliefs.

You be the actual, sixteen bars, comin' after you
Referring to themselves as the real deal, following up with a powerful and impactful 16-bar verse.

Never go against my team, they might embarrass you
Warning others not to challenge or oppose their group, as they have the ability to humiliate and defeat them.

Slit-slang terrorist talk, fully armed
Using aggressive and threatening language to intimidate others, emphasizing their readiness for any situation.

Put your hands up, I'ma put a hole in your paws
Demanding surrender by threatening to shoot their target in the hands or paws.

Ruin your side show, eyes low, brains fried from hydro
Destroying someone's reputation or credibility, causing them to appear intoxicated or impaired.

Two choices, bass off or either die slow
Giving their opponents two options: face a humiliating defeat or suffer a slow and painful demise.

We all scholars when it's time to clean a dirty dollar
Demonstrating their intelligence and resourcefulness when it comes to making money or improving their financial situation.

Attack the boards, it's like a rotweiler
Going after opportunities and success with relentless determination and aggression, similar to a powerful dog breed.

Niggas comin out they shoes like they Usher
Describing the excitement and enthusiasm of others, comparable to fans at an Usher concert.

These motherfuckers on the run, and they socks from
Mocking the fear and panic of their enemies, implying that they are even running without shoes, only wearing socks.

The bounty hunter, Iron Lungster, rain and thunder
Identifying themselves as skilled hunters, referencing their strong lungs and ability to bring chaos and destruction like a storm.

Here come the lightning now I'm strikin' back at niggas bitin'
Announcing their powerful and sudden retaliation against those who imitate or copy their style and lyrics.

Pushin' buttons just to step away from self-destruction
Provoking or testing others in order to avoid their own downfall or failure.

Inch and a half away from touchin' somethin'
Being dangerously close to engaging in violent or destructive actions.

Suckin' away from bustin'
Choosing to refrain from violence or aggression.

Y'all brothers laugh now and cry later
Warning others that their current amusement or satisfaction will eventually turn into sorrow or regret.

I rap from Alpha to Omega, sixty four to Sega
Claiming expertise and proficiency in rap from the beginning to the end, and even referencing specific gaming consoles.

Whoopin' that ass, walk you dogs through the lookin' glass
Defeating and dominating their opponents to the point of humiliation, taking them through a metaphorical portal of defeat.

Been burnin' MC's since cookin' class
Establishing their long-standing dominance and superior skills in the art of rap, dating back to their early days.

Makin' it hot like the summer in the crackspot
Creating a vibrant and intense atmosphere, comparable to the heated environment of a drug hotspot.

With blacktops, my nickle slot, triple bar, hit the jackpot
Asserting that their lyrical delivery and style consistently win over audiences, like a winning combination of symbols on a slot machine.