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)
Killin
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good news Hip Hoppers
The big alert has been called off
It turns out that the early reports were wrong ALL wrong
Now for that clan out there that had such a tough time gettin home
Sorry bout that!
I guess the only thing we can do is play you a song
Yeah do that uh huh uh uh UH
What what what what what what UH
Yea yea yea (if you don't, lay back)
Raider Ruckus (you catch a lazy jack) Carlton Fisk
(Yaknahmean) Huh, one.. two.. (Shaolin What?)
Shoes full of dirt, kickin sand on your works
Something gotta hurt, catch a case off a verse
Live in concert, kids comin out they shirts
I'm hyped now, jumpin in the crowd feet first
Meant it when i said it, lungs Bring the Pain son
without the anesthetic, make em look pathetic
needin help from paramedic, Hot with the Nickle
Bust back, take em wit you
Survival of the Fittest, and the world out to get us
I feel it in my bones, I can feel it
in my testosterone, when it's on
Stat', bring it back, hard rap for you pussy-cat
Cognac off the meat rack, where the pussy at?
Johnny, got these niggaz mad at they mommy
Jumping on my hard salami, say what you like
In the Heat of the Night, I crash individuals
Splash on the mic, air-tight with the lyrical
Chorus: Method
(Nigga run with it, have fun with it
load your gun with it, and be done with it)
Welcome to the Killin' Field, with Johnny Dangerous
Headbanger Boogie niggaz, goin through changes
[Method Man]
It all starts with the pad and pen, my special blend
of herbs and spices on mic divices, murder men
Make em mices, I recommend, somethin that's priceless
For you rap hooligans, claimin you nicest
Call it what you like kid, you can even call
a psychic for all I care, still ain't got a prayer
amongst the righteous, Blazini, cheat death like Houdini
Word to bad bird that fucked nerds in bikinis
Ob-serve, lyrical flows you being served from the gizzard
Pluckin your nerves with nouns and verbs
From the ghettoes to the suburbs, I must be heard
Niggaz get what niggaz deserve
You can put that on my Clan logo, Wu-Tang group for solo
Bloody up my next promo
With the blood of the next bozo, clown ass niggaz be loco
Puffin on lye, cuckoo for cocoa
Chorus
Yo yo, shit be hot in the kettlepot, Twisted Metal
bust shots til the beef settle, forget me not
City nights get a nigga hyped, scar his life
Send him back, now he Poltergeist, ghost!
Tell him, who the number one rap most, huh?
Verbal overdose leave him comatose, huh?
The nigga with the golden throat is out to get you, Hot Nickle
Bust back and take em wit you, eye for eye
Never lie, crossin my heart, hopin you die
Somebody pat the engineer down, I think he wired
I'm off the meat rack, quick to react, my niggaz need that
They need gas, cockin heat back, be out like Freejack
The heat's on, you think one-eight, and Johnny's blamed
Who that nigga, burn biscuit and spit flame
Leave no witness, in the fast lane with shady bitches
that only want me for my riches, I know your steez
Terror Fabulous, caution, biohazardous degrees
from this ravenous, emcees be yappin
Meth be the co-captain, on Def Jams that's closed captioned
for hearing impaired, they get a share, now what's happenin?
Money to share, that's why we're here
and you actin like we can't eat, like y'all eat
Now we scrappin, out in the street, I know your crew's
hardheaded motherfuckers and I'm just like you
Chorus
Welcome to the Killin' Field, with Johnny Dangerous
Headbanger Boogie niggaz, goin through changes
[Method Man]
I been in the ghetto all my life
I swore to take that bitch for better or for worse
YouknowhatI'msayin, that's for life nigga, why'know?
Til death do us part...
The song "Killin' Fields" by Method Man is a track from his debut album, "Tical," which was released in 1994. The lyrics reference a news report about a false "big alert" being called off, leading into the song as a sort of consolation for those who were impacted by the false alarm. Method Man opens the track with a boastful introduction of himself and other Wu-Tang Clan members before launching into the first verse. In his confrontational and aggressive style, Method Man brags about his poetic abilities and makes references to his struggles in the ghetto.
Throughout the song, he uses violent and aggressive language to portray himself as a fearless and skilled rapper. He also critiques the rap industry and proclaims his dedication to his craft. The chorus, sung by Method Man, emphasizes the violent nature of the lyrics as he urges listeners to "load your gun with it" and "be done with it."
Despite the violent content and aggressive tone of "Killin' Fields," the song remains a popular track among Method Man's fans. It has been cited as an influential track in the development of the rap genre and has been sampled in numerous other songs. The song continues to be performed by Method Man and other members of the Wu-Tang Clan in their live performances.
Line by Line Meaning
(News Lady)
A news lady announces that a big alert has been canceled and apologizes for those who had a tough time getting home.
Yea yea yea (if you don't, lay back)
If you can't handle the heat, just step back and relax.
Shoes full of dirt, kickin sand on your works
Method Man is going hard and leaving a trail of destruction behind him.
Something gotta hurt, catch a case off a verse
His bars are so lethal that they can cause harm and even legal troubles for those targeted.
Live in concert, kids comin out they shirts
Crowds go wild for his performances, with fans enthusiastically expressing their love and excitement.
I'm hyped now, jumpin in the crowd feet first
The energy is so high that Method Man jumps into the crowd, fully immersed in the moment.
Meant it when i said it, lungs Bring the Pain son
Method Man's classic song 'Bring the Pain' is the real deal, and he stands by every word he raps.
without the anesthetic, make em look pathetic
His rhymes hit hard and leave other rappers exposed and embarrassed without any protection.
needin help from paramedic, Hot with the Nickle
Method Man's rhymes are so hot that they cause injuries that require medical attention.
Bust back, take em wit you
He brings competition down with him, never backing down from a challenge.
Survival of the Fittest, and the world out to get us
He's in a dog-eat-dog world where only the strongest survive and it feels like the whole world is against him.
I feel it in my bones, I can feel it
Method Man senses the intense competition and high stakes in the rap game.
Cognac off the meat rack, where the pussy at?
Looking for a good time, Method Man asks where the party's at and where the ladies are.
Johnny, got these niggaz mad at they mommy
Method Man's success frustrates other rappers to the point that they'll even vent to their mothers about it.
In the Heat of the Night, I crash individuals
He's on fire and steamrolling over anyone who gets in his way.
Splash on the mic, air-tight with the lyrical
Method Man flows effortlessly and dominates the mic, leaving no room for error.
Welcome to the Killin' Field, with Johnny Dangerous
Method Man sets the tone for the track as a place of destruction and danger.
Headbanger Boogie niggaz, goin through changes
He amps up the energy, inspiring listeners to thrash around with reckless abandon.
It all starts with the pad and pen, my special blend
Everything Method Man creates begins with his writing process, using his specific style, and formula for success.
of herbs and spices on mic divices, murder men
His rhymes are like a lethal mix of herbs and spices, and they are deadly to his competition.
Call it what you like kid, you can even call, a psychic for all I care, still ain't got a prayer
His skills are unmatched, and he cannot be predicted or intimidated, even if you called in supernatural support.
amongst the righteous, Blazini, cheat death like Houdini
Method Man is among the greats of hip hop, and he proves to have a longer career and impact than expected.
Ob-serve, lyrical flows you being served from the gizzard
Method Man serves up his rhymes from the gut, delivering them raw and unfiltered.
From the ghettoes to the suburbs, I must be heard
Method Man's message spreads far and wide, and he demands attention from every corner of society.
Niggaz get what niggaz deserve
He believes in karma and that people reap what they sow.
Bloody up my next promo, With the blood of the next bozo
He'll use the blood of his next victim to announce his upcoming projects.
Puffin on lye, cuckoo for cocoa
He indulges in marijuana and is crazy for the plant.
Yo yo, shit be hot in the kettlepot, Twisted Metal
Things are heating up, such that it feels like a boiling kettle or a game filled with violent chaos.
Verbal overdose leave him comatose
Method Man's rhymes are so strong that they can have a physically debilitating effect on his opponents.
The nigga with the golden throat is out to get you, Hot Nickle
Method Man's voice is like gold but his lyrics are fire, and he'll come after anyone in his path.
Bust back and take em wit you, eye for eye
He's willing to fight fire with fire, retaliating against anyone who tries to take him down.
Now we scrappin, out in the street, I know your crew's
Method Man and his competition are in an all-out war, where only one will win.
I been in the ghetto all my life
Method Man has been through the toughest times and come out on top.
Til death do us part...
He lives and breathes hip hop and will do so until his dying day.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, DERRICK R. L. HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind