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)
Maaad Crew
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(America's) most (wanted), police pin it up
(Alize an Henny), thug passion brother what
Potent it get a girl pregnant off a finger ah
Doc the code name, merging both lanes off the lot
(We can die) Yeah I'm taking full blame
I'm hard headed, cap fitted for ryhmes
I touch up your shape up when Doc spit on the iron
(Trying to live my brother)
How you live my brother?
(Real civilized brother)
I'm non-fragile when I walk the streets
I rock with Force MDs not a force
Chin check is in effect, catch wreck
(Put him in a yoke, snap his neck)
Mr. M-E-F
(The bigheads is at it again)
Bone shattering, beat battering men
Scattering like roaches
Bless 'em with the over dosage of black flag
(Say goodbye you got no class)
Ship sinking fast
(Bon voyage)
See you at the bottom when I spot um
Grab him by the throat and say aaahuuumm I got 'em
What's up my brother?
What's up my brother?
What's up my sis?
What's up now sis?
I got what you need
You got what I need?
Got the mad mad crew up in the house
What's up my brother?
What's up my brother?
What's up my sis?
What's up now sis?
I got what you need
You got what I need?
Got the mad mad crew up in the house
Yo dog it's my fault, Doc shock with volts
Until deaf mutes can talk, cripple kids can walk
My style will show guns what it is to spark
It'll clear the park twenty miles apart
Doc is like bad weather reports by Al Rourke
If you're not from the tri-boro, story settled
I pack gaudy metal for those who act fool
Big fish in the water and we hard to harpoon
I'm like open wounds pour the iodide in
Messing with us is like Saving Private Ryan
You acting out of line now you lying, dying
Wash my evil hands in the fire hydrant
Yeah girl, my kahuna's hooked up in the harness
Flying through hard knock life and still touring
My ropes pop in Chicago I hit the floor then
Got up and woke up with a bird in the morning
Ayo we mo' phat than down south trash, and you know that
With format to blow the welcome of your door mat
Toes tap now to hellafied sound
Wipe your town off the road map, baby mess around
I propose that you go and get your crew
And get the bozack too, Def squad Wu
Are just slaves to the rhythm
Clinton is the Pres I still voted for Shirley Chisholm
Poisonous venom, my philosophy get busy-ism
The most beautiful, I get up in 'em
Menace as usual, play your corner
Slinging the ghetto pharmaceuticals, the Methadonna
OD on Flinstone chewables and mary mary mary
So dont ever say I didn't warn ya
And I dont wanna be the one to sik the dogs on ya
I'm still ghetto, I rhyme ghetto, my peoples ghetto
Pants are saggy, teeth yellow
Now thats what I call grimy, a million crazy kids behind me
Killa Hills 10304 is where you'll find me
If you're looking baby I'm right here
(C'mon down!)
What's up my brother?
What's up my brother?
What's up my sis?
What's up now sis?
I got what you need
You got what I need?
Got the mad mad crew up in the house
What's up my brother?
What's up my brother?
What's up my sis?
What's up now sis?
I got what you need
You got what I need?
Got the mad mad crew up in the house
In Method Man & Redman's song "Maaad Crew," the duo boasts about their success and the power they hold in the rap game. The opening lines reference their drug-dealing past, stating that they push weight with ice cubes in a cup. The lyrics also reference their criminal notoriety, with police pinning up their mugshots as America's most wanted. The song continues to describe their thuggish behavior and ability to impregnate a girl with just a finger.
Redman takes the lead in the second verse, showcasing his lyrical skill and talent for wordplay. He references his style as bad weather reports, promoting his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. He also mentions his affinity for weapons, stating that he carries gaudy metal for those who act foolish. In the bridge, the duo invites their listeners to join their "mad mad crew," emphasizing their loyalty and family-like bond with their fans.
Overall, the song "Maaad Crew" is a braggadocious anthem that showcases Method Man & Redman's confidence and skill in the rap game. The lyrics reflect their tough exterior and their unapologetic approach to their lives and careers.
Line by Line Meaning
We push weight with ice cubes in a cup
We deal drugs and mix them in drinks
(America's) most (wanted), police pin it up
We are notorious criminals and the police are after us
(Alize an Henny), thug passion brother what
We enjoy drinking and partying, and we are tough guys
Potent it get a girl pregnant off a finger ah
Our drugs are extremely strong and can have unexpected consequences
Doc the code name, merging both lanes off the lot
My nickname is Doc and I can do anything, even merge lanes while driving
(We can die) Yeah I'm taking full blame
I am willing to take the blame for our actions, even if it means risking our lives
I'm hard headed, cap fitted for ryhmes
I am stubborn and wear a baseball cap while rapping
I touch up your shape up when Doc spit on the iron
I can improve your hairstyle by spitting on a hot comb
What it is my brother?
What's up, my friend?
(Trying to live my brother)
I'm just trying to survive
How you live my brother?
How's life treating you?
(Real civilized brother)
I'm doing pretty well, thanks for asking
I'm non-fragile when I walk the streets
I am tough and confident when I am out in public
I rock with Force MDs not a force
I prefer listening to the R&B group Force MDs rather than being forceful
Chin check is in effect, catch wreck
I am ready to fight and cause damage to my opponents
(Put him in a yoke, snap his neck)
I will attack and defeat my enemies by any means necessary
Mr. M-E-F
My nickname is M-E-F
(The bigheads is at it again)
We are causing trouble and being our usual selves
Bone shattering, beat battering men
We are tough and can defeat anyone who tries to challenge us
Scattering like roaches
Our opponents are running away in fear
Bless 'em with the over dosage of black flag
We are causing harm to our enemies with our powerful drugs
(Say goodbye you got no class)
We are insulting and belittling our enemies
Ship sinking fast
Our enemies are losing and failing quickly
(Bon voyage)
We are saying goodbye to our enemies as they fail
See you at the bottom when I spot um
We are confident in our abilities and expect our enemies to fail
Grab him by the throat and say aaahuuumm I got 'em
We will take control of our enemies and defeat them
Yo dog it's my fault, Doc shock with volts
I am taking responsibility for our actions, and Doc is doing something dangerous with electricity
Until deaf mutes can talk, cripple kids can walk
Our actions are so powerful that they can perform miracles
My style will show guns what it is to spark
My unique style will impress and intimidate even those with weapons
It'll clear the park twenty miles apart
My performance will be so impactful that its effects will be felt twenty miles away
Doc is like bad weather reports by Al Rourke
Doc's presence is like a bad weather forecast made by Al Rourke
If you're not from the tri-boro, story settled
If you're not familiar with our neighborhood, don't even try to question us
I pack gaudy metal for those who act fool
I carry a flashy gun for those who try to act tough
Big fish in the water and we hard to harpoon
We are powerful and difficult to defeat
I'm like open wounds pour the iodide in
My rhymes are painful and intense, like pouring iodide into an open wound
Messing with us is like Saving Private Ryan
Getting involved with us and our actions is like taking part in the violence of war
You acting out of line now you lying, dying
If you cross us, you will suffer the consequences and possibly even die
Wash my evil hands in the fire hydrant
I will cleanse myself of any guilt or wrongdoing in a symbolic way
Yeah girl, my kahuna's hooked up in the harness
I have a lot of confidence and swagger, and my genitals are well-equipped
Flying through hard knock life and still touring
Despite facing difficulties and challenges, we remain successful and continue to perform
My ropes pop in Chicago I hit the floor then
Even when facing unexpected problems, we have the ability to recover and keep going
Got up and woke up with a bird in the morning
Even after a long night of partying, I am still able to wake up early and take on the day
Ayo we mo' phat than down south trash, and you know that
We are better and cooler than the trashy music of the southern United States
With format to blow the welcome of your door mat
We have a unique and impressive style that will impress anyone who meets us
Toes tap now to hellafied sound
Our music is so good that people can't help but dance to it
Wipe your town off the road map, baby mess around
We are so powerful and influential that we can make any town or city our own
I propose that you go and get your crew
I suggest that you gather your friends and allies
And get the bozack too, Def squad Wu
You should also get your weapons and prepare for battle against us and our allies
Are just slaves to the rhythm
We are controlled by our love for music and our desire to create it
Clinton is the Pres I still voted for Shirley Chisholm
Even though Bill Clinton is the President, I still support and appreciate the work of Shirley Chisholm
Poisonous venom, my philosophy get busy-ism
My words are like poison, and my philosophy is to always stay active and productive
The most beautiful, I get up in 'em
I am charming and attractive, and I have a lot of sexual partners
Menace as usual, play your corner
I am always causing trouble and intimidating others
Slinging the ghetto pharmaceuticals, the Methadonna
I am selling drugs and using them myself
OD on Flinstone chewables and mary mary mary
I am taking drugs and possibly even overdosing on them
So dont ever say I didn't warn ya
Don't say I didn't tell you about the dangers of getting involved with me and my activities
And I dont wanna be the one to sik the dogs on ya
I don't want to have to take violent actions against you
I'm still ghetto, I rhyme ghetto, my peoples ghetto
I come from a poor, urban background, and my music reflects that
Pants are saggy, teeth yellow
I dress and look like a typical, stereotypical ghetto resident
Now thats what I call grimy, a million crazy kids behind me
I am part of a large group of unruly, reckless young people
Killa Hills 10304 is where you'll find me
My neighborhood is where I live and can be found
If you're looking baby I'm right here
If you're trying to find me, I am easily accessible and not hiding
Got the mad mad crew up in the house
I have a large group of friends and allies with me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE MUSIC GOES ROUND, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID RICHARD MATTHEWS, REGGIE NOBLE, ERICK S. SERMON, CLIFFORD M SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind