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)
Never Hold Back
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cool, okay, I'mma let ya'll take it on your own right now
Why don't you do me a favor (What?) {What?}
Tell me a joke (why did the chicken cross the road?)
{To get five dollars from her baby daddy!}
Eheheheh (hahahahahah) you got that? {eheheh}
We gon' roll with that right there, aight then
[beat drops]
Gilla House, muthafucka, Gilla House!
Yeah, another Def Jam, where we don't make stars
We just sign 'em, uh-huh, that's what's up, Big Sox
[Method Man]
I'm on the grind... (can't wait to shine)
Fuck that, I pull your blinds, catch you f'ing with mines, no go 'head
I got no time (hate to be wastin' time), muthafucka know the name
And know that I ain't feelin' ya'll lames, like novacaine
Ain't no way you can (stop the train) or the conductor
Of the track, muthafucka, that's E3, my love for the game
(it's just not the same)
Unless it's Gilla House, and Wu-Tang Clan, in the house, cop them thangs
Live together and (pop the chain), know your lane
Fuck cocaine, stick up, bout to blow your brains off the map
The (Flame is back), it's the amazing
J. Blazin' grapes of wrath turn to raisin
What part of the (game is that), we not playin'
Ya'll try'nna raise the price at the door, we not payin'
So watcha (watcha want?) You kids are slum
And son got knuckles in his Air Force One's, come on
[Chorus: Saukrates (E3)]
Niggaz never seen it this raw (but nothing's gonna hold me back)
Keep the heat up by the big dog (but I don't wanna hold you back)
Nigga gotta get this dough (I just wanna live my life)
Nigga gotta get this dough (Live your life)
[Method Man]
Yo, yo, on the air (thought you dead?) But I returned
To give you what you waited four years, now to burn
Hold your head (and know your ledge) your life flash by
Hey, kid, walk straight, master your high
Method Man (Method Man, Man) Whoa, like Black Rob, go
Catch me in the West Wing, I might "Rob Lowe"
Yes, I can (yes, I can can) tap your jaw
And tell whatever chick that I'm with, slap your broad
This is it, (I'm stuck with ya'll) and ya'll stuck with me
In the lap of luxury, where the hell's cut for free
And the kid (can't fuck with ya'll) Til I got a tree
On some new property, at my new pot to pee, have mercy
(Mercy me) Things ain't what they used to
Soon as you get your shot on the top, somebody shoot ya
These rhymes (ain't nursery) Life's a bitch
Then you go to court, and she take half your shit, come on!
[Chorus 2X]
[Outro: Method Man]
My, life, your life, yeah, Mr. Meth, Big John Studd, yo
Ya'll know how I do it, screw it, all day, everyday
You know what I'm sayin'? Stinkin', drinkin' and fightin' crime
Staten Island, stand up, we in the muthafuckin' house
Come on!
In the song, "Never Hold Back," Method Man demonstrates his lyrical prowess and his tough persona as a rapper. The lyrics are filled with references to his past, his money and his proud defiance against those who seek to demean him. Method Man starts the song by asking his listeners to tell him a joke, he then drops the beat and begins his rap verse. The lyrics tell a story about his rise as a rapper and how he overcame obstacles to become successful.
The following lines sum up the gist of the song: "Niggaz never seen it this raw, Keep the heat up by the big dog, Nigga gotta get this dough, Nigga gotta get this dough. Live your life." In these lines, Method Man is encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams and not to let anything hold them back. He also asserts his dominance as the "big dog" in the rap game and his ambition to make money.
Overall, the song is a testament to Method Man's undeniable talent as one of the Wu-Tang Clan's finest lyricists. The way he rhymes his words with a strong, confident flow is a testament to his skill and personality as a rapper.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on the grind... (can't wait to shine)
I'm working hard to achieve success, I can't wait to reach my full potential
Fuck that, I pull your blinds, catch you f'ing with mines, no go 'head
Don't mess with me or my business, I won't hesitate to retaliate
I got no time (hate to be wastin' time), muthafucka know the name
I'm too busy to waste time, and you better know who I am
And know that I ain't feelin' ya'll lames, like novacaine
I don't like any of you mediocre people, you don't excite me
Ain't no way you can (stop the train) or the conductor
You can't stop me or the force driving me forward
Of the track, muthafucka, that's E3, my love for the game
I'm dedicated to my craft and I won't stop until I reach the top
(it's just not the same)
Unless it's with my Gilla House and Wu-Tang Clan crew, nothing else compares
Unless it's Gilla House, and Wu-Tang Clan, in the house, cop them thangs
Only when my crew is around, do things truly happen and we can accomplish whatever we set out to do
Live together and (pop the chain), know your lane
We are united and won't tolerate any fake or disingenuous behavior, do your own thing
Fuck cocaine, stick up, bout to blow your brains off the map
We don't tolerate drugs or violence, but we will protect ourselves and not hesitate to retaliate
The (Flame is back), it's the amazing
I'm back and better than ever, ready to impress and awe
J. Blazin' grapes of wrath turn to raisin
My rhymes are hot and powerful, and can turn even the most challenging situations into something more manageable
What part of the (game is that), we not playin'
We're serious and not messing around, we're not playing games
Ya'll try'nna raise the price at the door, we not payin'
We don't care about the price, we're not going to pay to play
So watcha (watcha want?) You kids are slum
What do you want from us? You guys are inferior and lower-class
And son got knuckles in his Air Force One's, come on
Our crew is tough and ready to fight, don't test us
Niggaz never seen it this raw (but nothing's gonna hold me back)
No one has ever seen or experienced anything like my rhymes, and nothing will hold me back from success
Keep the heat up by the big dog (but I don't wanna hold you back)
Stay strong and powerful, but I don't want to hold you back from your own success
Nigga gotta get this dough (I just wanna live my life)
I have to make money to survive, but ultimately all I want is to live my life
Yo, yo, on the air (thought you dead?) But I returned
I'm back in the game, and better than ever, don't count me out
To give you what you waited four years, now to burn
I've been away for a while but I'm ready to give you new music that will impress and excite
Hold your head (and know your ledge) your life flash by
Stay focused and be mindful of who you are and where you're headed, life goes by quickly
Hey, kid, walk straight, master your high
Stay true to yourself and don't fall victim to drugs or other negative influences
Method Man (Method Man, Man) Whoa, like Black Rob, go
I'm back and ready to take over, my rhymes are intense and powerful
Catch me in the West Wing, I might "Rob Lowe"
I'm a powerful force to be reckoned with, able to take on even the biggest challenges
This is it, (I'm stuck with ya'll) and ya'll stuck with me
We're in this together, we're a team and we won't abandon each other
In the lap of luxury, where the hell's cut for free
We're living the high life and enjoying all the benefits, but nothing is truly free
And the kid (can't fuck with ya'll) Til I got a tree
No one can compete with us until I reach the top, and even then it won't happen overnight
On some new property, at my new pot to pee, have mercy
I'm moving up in the world and enjoying all the new comforts, it's overwhelming
(Mercy me) Things ain't what they used to
Things are changing and life is more complicated and difficult than ever
Soon as you get your shot on the top, somebody shoot ya
As soon as you think you've made it, someone is waiting to knock you down and ruin your success
These rhymes (ain't nursery) Life's a bitch
My rhymes are serious and not meant for kids, life is tough and unforgiving
Then you go to court, and she take half your shit, come on!
Even after you've achieved success, life can still be tough and you can lose everything in an instant
My, life, your life, yeah, Mr. Meth, Big John Studd, yo
We're all living our own lives, but I'm ready to take over and dominate the scene
Ya'll know how I do it, screw it, all day, everyday
I'm constantly working and striving for success, no matter what obstacles come my way
You know what I'm sayin'? Stinkin', drinkin' and fightin' crime
I'm living my own life and not worrying about the rules or regulations, I'm doing what I want
Staten Island, stand up, we in the muthafuckin' house
We're from Staten Island and ready to make our mark on the world, we're here to stay
Come on!
Let's do this!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KARL AMANI WAILOO, CLIFFORD SMITH, ELLIS III HALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind