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)
I Get My Thang In Action
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I black that eye like peas, you better freeze
In your tracks, a wu, tang killer bee's on ya back
I comes for the honey plus the phat money sack
You want it all? yeah I want it all like that
I stab my own moms in the back for a stack
Niggas like, "damn, why you want it like that?" (why is that?)
Cause I'm a dog, and I got no love for the cat (uh)
Where I do my dirt's a little further down the map (is that so?)
A little buck wilding, island called stat'
Where niggas carry gats in they black moon hat
Now I'm mad known for the bones and the rap
And you's an unknown with a faulty contract
Wake up and smell the met, chod motherfucker contact
Villain in the cypher from the foe when head crack
An indian giver and I'm out to take it back
Shaolin island, baby where you at?
A runaway train that be runnin on ya track
That's how it's goin down, yeah, it's goin down like that
I gets my thang in action
To live, to love, to see, to learn
Yo! tell em what's happenin!
(What's happenin?
I'll tell yo' ass what's happenin
Tell em what's happenin
It's goin on out here, brothers ain't got no peers
And they smokin funny, shuddup yo' damn mouth!)
I swing funky rap routines and tap the jaws
Spot ya twenty points and you still can't score
Nuttin, cause you ain't got no points in this game
Kid you frontin, I'm home run hittin', you be buntin'
Fresh out the toilet, I got my shit together
When I'm good, I'm good, when bad, I'm better
You want it? whatever, I'll be the stormy weather
Rain comin' down, so weatherproof you're leather
Jacket, a nigga with a axe couldn't hack it
I spark em like a match
Coming back it's the met, chod, say it loud
I'm the met, chod, man, clap yo' hands, now check it
See me in the mix, rollin fat, bustin' flicks
While my physical brother came through and got me lift
Niggas, that I walk by, give me the eye
The moment is fuckin' me up, killin' my high
Nigga get back, ya pussy cat, I'm fearsome
Basically that, I'm all of that, and then some
While I, was out on tour, goin' beserk
I heard you was at the sandbox and kickin dirt
All on my name but you can't pull my file
You don't know me, and you don't know my style
Comin' out dere like dat dere, yeah
Even grizzly adams couldn't bear
Method Man's "I Get My Thang In Action" is a song that talks about his dominance in the rap game and how he is not afraid to do whatever it takes to come out on top. The opening line of "Niggas wanna test my steez, nigga please, I black that eye like peas, you better freeze" provides a warning to his opponents that he is not to be messed with. He calls himself a "wu, tang killer bee" and says that he comes for both the honey and the money. Method Man has a dog-like loyalty to his own interests and is willing to betray even his mother to come out on top.
Method Man's lyrics also boast of his cold attitude and willingness to do what it takes to succeed. He identifies with the island of Staten Island where gats and black moon hats are the norm. He has become famous for both his rap skills and his ability to fight, making him a force to be reckoned with. He is aware of his status and dominance and warns all others to "wake up and smell the met."
"I Get My Thang In Action" is a song that stands as a warning to his opponents and a celebration of his own abilities. Method Man makes it clear that he will do whatever it takes to come out on top and that he is not to be messed with. If you're in his way, you're going down.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggas wanna test my steez, nigga please
People want to challenge my style and approach, but they should know better than to try.
I black that eye like peas, you better freeze
If someone comes at me, I'll give them a swift punch in the eye to make them stop in their tracks.
In your tracks, a wu, tang killer bee's on ya back
If you cross me, you'll have to face the wrath of the Wu-Tang Killer Bees.
I comes for the honey plus the phat money sack
I'm after two things: money and success, and I'm not afraid to work hard to get them.
You want it all? yeah I want it all like that
I want everything I can get and I won't settle for less.
I stab my own moms in the back for a stack
I'll do anything to get ahead, even if it means betraying my own family for money.
Niggas like, "damn, why you want it like that?" (why is that?)
People are often surprised by my drive and ambition, but it's just who I am.
Cause I'm a dog, and I got no love for the cat (uh)
I'm ruthless and competitive, I'll do anything to come out on top, even if it means hurting others.
Attitude's cold like the north polar cap
My personality is icy and unemotional, I don't let feelings get in the way of my goals.
Where I do my dirt's a little further down the map (is that so?)
I operate in a shady, underground world, away from prying eyes and the law.
A little buck wilding, island called stat'
I'm from Staten Island, where the people are rough and unpredictable.
Where niggas carry gats in they black moon hat
It's a dangerous place where people carry guns in their hats.
Now I'm mad known for the bones and the rap
I've earned recognition for my music and my raw, gritty image.
And you's an unknown with a faulty contract
You're a nobody with a bad deal, while I'm well-known and successful.
Wake up and smell the met, chod motherfucker contact
Pay attention to what I'm saying, I'm the Met (Method Man), and I demand your respect.
Villain in the cypher from the foe when head crack
I'm the enemy in the competition, and I'm known for my killer rhymes and beats.
An indian giver and I'm out to take it back
I'm not afraid to take back what's mine, even if it means taking it from others.
Shaolin island, baby where you at?
I'm from Shaolin (Staten Island) and I'm proud of it.
A runaway train that be runnin on ya track
I'm a powerful force that's always on the move and always making progress.
That's how it's goin down, yeah, it's goin down like that
This is how I do things, there's no stopping me and I always come out on top.
I gets my thang in action
I'm always taking action to get what I want and achieve my goals.
To live, to love, to see, to learn
These are the things I value in life and strive to experience fully.
Yo! tell em what's happenin!
Let people know what's going on, what's going right and what's going wrong.
(What's happenin?
Asking what exactly is going on?
I'll tell yo' ass what's happenin
I'll give you the lowdown and tell you everything you need to know.
It's goin on out here, brothers ain't got no peers
There's a lot happening in this world, but there's no one who can match us (the Wu-Tang Clan).
And they smokin funny, shuddup yo' damn mouth!)
People are doing strange things and acting weird, but you shouldn't say anything to offend them.
I swing funky rap routines and tap the jaws
I have a unique and entertaining style of rapping and it leaves people in awe.
Spot ya twenty points and you still can't score
Even if I give you a head start, you still won't be able to beat me.
Nuttin, cause you ain't got no points in this game
You won't be able to score any points in my game, because you're not good enough.
Kid you frontin, I'm home run hittin', you be buntin'
You're pretending to be good, but I'm the real deal and I always make big hits.
Fresh out the toilet, I got my shit together
I've been through rough times, but I've pulled myself together and I'm ready to take on the world.
When I'm good, I'm good, when bad, I'm better
Even when things aren't going well, I still find a way to be the best and come out on top.
You want it? whatever, I'll be the stormy weather
I'm always up for a challenge and I'm not afraid to face difficult situations head-on.
Rain comin' down, so weatherproof you're leather
Prepare yourself for tough times ahead and make sure you're ready for whatever comes your way.
Jacket, a nigga with a axe couldn't hack it
Even with a weapon, someone wouldn't be able to harm me or break me down.
I spark em like a match
I'm full of energy and intensity, and I light up the atmosphere wherever I go.
Coming back it's the met, chod, say it loud
I'm back and I'm better than ever, and everyone should be talking about it.
See me in the mix, rollin fat, bustin' flicks
Catch me on the scene, living large and having a good time.
While my physical brother came through and got me lift
My actual brother helped me out and gave me a boost to get where I am today.
Niggas, that I walk by, give me the eye
People that I pass on the street give me a look of admiration and respect.
The moment is fuckin' me up, killin' my high
The current situation is making me feel bad and ruining my mood.
Nigga get back, ya pussy cat, I'm fearsome
Back off and don't mess with me, I'm not someone to be messed with.
Basically that, I'm all of that, and then some
I'm everything people think I am (and more).
While I, was out on tour, goin' beserk
During my tours, I was going crazy with energy and excitement.
I heard you was at the sandbox and kickin dirt
I heard you were doing something unimportant while I was out doing something great.
All on my name but you can't pull my file
You're trying to bring me down by spreading rumors, but you can't prove anything.
You don't know me, and you don't know my style
You don't understand who I am and what I do, so don't try to criticize me.
Comin' out dere like dat dere, yeah
I'm coming out with a bang and making a big impression wherever I go.
Even grizzly adams couldn't bear
Even a tough and rugged person like Grizzly Adams couldn't handle my intensity and energy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BleekizKing
I swing funky rap routines and tap the jaws
Spot ya twenty points and you still can't score
Nuttin' 'cause you ain't got no points in this game
Kid you frontin' I'm home run hittin', you be buntin'
Fresh out the toilet, I got my shit together
When I'm good, I'm good, when bad, I'm better
You want it? Whatever I'll be the stormy weather
Rain comin down, so weatherproof your leather
Jacket, a nigga with a axe couldn't hack it
I spark 'em like a match
Coming back it's the met chod, say it loud
I'm the met-chod man clap yo' hands, now check it
Damn Meth
Seeker Un-Dude
Fredrick Martin
K Rino
GZA
Chino XL
Rakim
Nas
MC Ren
Inspectah Deck
The Notorious B.I.G.
Ghostface Killah
RZA
Kool G Rap
Method Man
Raekwon
KRS-ONE
Big L
U-God
Canibus
Redman
LL Cool J
Ice Cube
Mos Def
AZ
Eminem (old only)
Guru
Treach
Tupac Shakur
ODB
Kendrick Lamar
Killah Priest
Q-Tip
Slick Rick
Joey Bada$$
Krayzie Bone
Pusha T
Snoop Dogg
RA The Rugged Man
Prodigy
Treach
Andre 3000
Cappadonna
Havoc
Chuck D
indyvinylz
i just love the vibe, this insane beat creates.. there is something very special about this beat !!! Rza was a beast !!
Shamiq Parker
Super facts well worded!!!!
Gray
Give u an heart condition Heh...
Andrea Breton
This the track u gotta throw on ..on the way to handle business lol
Lo - Hi
@Jeyka EGN On god the drums is what makes it even crazier😭 I love how adventurous it is too me🔥
Travis Curbelo
Basement mosh pit
Amari Davis
One of Method Man's best tracks
Michael Howard
A real classic album !!! This album takes me on a lyrical and musical journey. It brings back a lot of good memories. One of my favorites.
Peter Townsend
True...but only built for Cuban links is fucking epic still have both CDs in the car..and I draw for the chef more often....
dipza3 gboogiet
Amen