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)
Even if
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even if I died a thousand deaths
when I reserect, I'll still be Meth
the jams 'ill still be def
We here, me and this mic-phone be here
and ain't tryna hear nothing 'cause we had it
up to here
lyrics have no dress code
Kid I'm so cool you catch colds
at the jump off, it's about to jump off my nigga, speak with tha hand or the gun talk.
Yo, RZA, we got the clan at the front and police at the do' every exit is laced with see-4, 'bout to blow, like TRIAL I'm passed out,
MC's is like bitches in thongs, they assed out
but me the M-E-T-H the O-D, just to real
I can't be touched and can't feel the monatony, take a picture of my nut sack, carbon copy that, and send it through a fax
MOTHER FUCKER!
New and improved Wu-Tang style
Turn it up now, y'all done fucked up now
Spit flames (Five mics)
BK (On site)
Bring the pain (All night)
Off the chain (Damn right)
[Scratching by RZA]
"Mister Method Man for short, Mista' Meth"
"Tical, yep"
"Hmmm"
Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, c'mon!
Even if I died a thousand deaths
When I resurrect, through my first born, my name lives on
My verses is like a third degree to young emcees
Buzzworthy on your MTV, the Killa Bees
y'all Jacob, straight up, break up, schemes and plots
Ace up my sleeve, make up like pots and pots
So this is what it's come to (Huh?)
Makin' shots at them kids who use to punk you (Huh?)
Repititious rap shit, don't get nowhere play ya mouth whip
And niggaz can't smoke wit' dry lips so chapped
Bite my shit, I'm like Kojack to get my flow back
in fo' flat, I track you down like a low jack
Spy 'ersus spy, eye for an I can analize the uncivilized
Make them feel alive
You know right from wrong, so know I'm the bomb
It's okay to beast, see the tracks on my arm
Motherfucker
New and improved Wu-Tang style
Turn it up now, y'all done fucked up now
Spit flames (Five mics)
BK (On site)
Bring the pain (All night)
Off the chain (Damn right)
[Scratching by RZA]
"Just the Method Man we sought, Mister Meth"
"Tical, yep"
"Hmmm"
Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, c'mon!
[Scratching by RZA]
"Just the Method Man we sought, Mister Meth"
"Tical, yep"
"Hmmm" (repeat x2)
Yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, c'mon!
Method Man's song "Even If" speaks about his loyalty and confidence in his craft as an artist. The chorus repeats the phrase "Even if I died a thousand deaths, when I resurrect, I'll still be Meth, the jams will still be def," highlighting his confidence in his ability to rap and create good music. He emphasizes the fact that he is always here, with his microphone, not wanting to hear anything else because he's tired of it all. In the verses, he talks trash about other young emcees who used to punk him, saying that they do not get far with their repetitive rap. Method Man encourages a more creative and conscious approach to rap, as he believes that people who know right from wrong and learn from their mistakes like him are the ones that will stand out from the rest.
The song showcases Method Man's unique rap style with its smooth flow and aggressive delivery. The lyrics also express his strong sense of individualism, indicating that he's willing to stand alone and with his crew in the Wu-Tang Clan against any perceived enemies.
Line by Line Meaning
Even if I died a thousand deaths
No matter what I go through, I will still survive and thrive.
When I resurrect, through my first born, my name lives on
My legacy will continue even after I am gone, through the children I have.
My verses is like a third degree to young emcees
My rhymes are intense and challenging, and they push young rappers to be better.
Buzzworthy on your MTV, the Killa Bees
My music is getting attention on mainstream media and the Wu-Tang Clan is buzzing.
This is what it's come to, makin' shots at them kids who used to punk you
I am now on top and I am calling out those who used to put me down.
Repititious rap shit, don't get nowhere play ya mouth whip
Copying and repeating what others do in rap gets you nowhere, you need to find your own voice.
Bite my shit, I'm like Kojack to get my flow back
If you copy my style, I will catch you and make you regret it. My flow cannot be imitated.
Spy 'ersus spy, eye for an I can analize the uncivilized
I am observant and analytical, and can understand even the most difficult individuals.
You know right from wrong, so know I'm the bomb
You understand that what I'm doing is right and innovative, and I'm ahead of the game.
It's okay to beast, see the tracks on my arm
It's okay to be aggressive and push boundaries, I've shown this through the scars on my arms (possibly from drug abuse/struggles).
Mister Method Man for short, Mista' Meth
I am often referred to by these nicknames, which emphasize my persona and my association with drugs.
New and improved Wu-Tang style
Our music is evolving and getting better.
Turn it up now, y'all done fucked up now
Our music is so good, anyone who doubts us has made a mistake.
Spit flames (Five mics)
Our rhymes are so good, we would receive the highest rating from any review source.
BK (On site)
Brooklyn is where we are from and where our music is grounded.
Bring the pain (All night)
We are going to take on and dominate the rap genre and any challengers who come our way.
Off the chain (Damn right)
Our music is amazing, and we know it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, NYDRIN MUSIC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, COREY WOODS, DENNIS DAVID COLES, GARY E. GRICE, JASON HUNTER, LAMONT HAWKINS, PETER WINSTON FRANCIS, ROBERT F. DIGGS, RUSSELL T. JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dejvi Dean
About 20 years later and still One of the Best beats under us...
gtfkd
💯🔥
Lamonte Johnson
I recorded this off the radio on a cassette tape when I was 10 and NEVER knew what it was called.
darrouken
Every time I hear a track from Meth i've never heard before it makes my day. Thanks Meth, & all Wu members.
Sven Steenssens
Daaaammmmnnn i will never get tired of this track. The beat and his flow... its just perfect 💯
GorionsWard
insane tune, fires me up anytime and everytime, meth definantly nailed it with this one 5/5
Flavio Del Prete
After 12 years i love this amazing track...wu tang clan for ever
Milton Jones
This song has haunted me for years....but I found it! Hell yeah! The grove is dope!
djcas69
Love this beat! Play it all the time!
shova213
Methodman was born to rap. My favourite rapper of all time al round- lyrical, raw and entertaininig.