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)
Pimpin
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Real lyrics, well here we go, I'm a tell you a little story
That's right, watch this shit, nigga, here we go, y'all, your ass
Yeah, we write for days, hot shit, uh-huh
Dope, drugs, sex, murder, King James version
Aiyo, needle was left hanging, in the arm of a pimp
He walk with a limp, had bitches on the payroll
Drove a '68 Caddy with the fur on the door
The other macks ain't have jack on him, not even Goldie
Slowly, he would rise, kept his runners with the police
Jim Brown was his man, his brother was Muslim, they tried to convert him
And turn righteous, but the streets got the good of him
Big hats with gorgeous stones, honey designed the slacks
With two attempts on his bottom bitch, her name was Precious
Silky skin, priceless pussy, she took karate
Her bubble ass got Pretty Chipp rich
You can smell her perfume on every street corner
A sexy motherfucka with the mean face on her
Precious, sported bulletproof dresses, defending caring sex
Thirteen smith, this boo that study her lessons
She was the key to Pretty Chipp riches, bitches is fortune slang
Control the south side, her name rings
Lookout for the black cherry pussy extortion
Any other hoes get pregnant, bet they get an abortion
Back at the pub, at the Alice spot, bumping the sounds of Curtis
Playing Live in the jukebox, this broad named Cookie
In the purse, fifty thou' in cash
Passed off to Chipp, told him count it fast, another 10 in my bloomers
Fuck the rumors, it's lies, baby, you my daddy
Bitches never saw me jumping out of Dirt Dog's cabby
I'm a loyal bitch, and chicks can't stand me, pimps
They know I'm ill, that's why they never put hands on me
From Fillmore Slim to Goldie, Pretty Toney
Frank War told me, C.C. get that money
My potentials, credentials, my mouth stay hot
Like Chinese mushrooms, wasabi with spicy lentils
The other day I brought a little gat, where I keep near my lower back
Cause these niggas don't know how to act
At the Apollo, Ray Charles told me
Bitch just get in the car, cuz I want you to swallow
I jumped in, and his bodyguards follow
He was quick, I spit the nut on his '74 wallos
He wanted to invite me to Chicago, I said 'nah, daddy'
He pushed me out and lit up a Marlboro
(Nah, papi) Cause I'm from New York
He taught me the talks, he taught me the walk
Cause I'm Chipp's bitch, we dine and resort
Only nigga ever taught me, don't put swine on my fork
And that's the truth, rest in peace, papi
This Cookie, I still got another tall Goose for you daddy
I'm a stick in the grave for you, baby
Fuck them other pimps, they ain't got shit on you, daddy
The song "Pimpin'" by Method Man tells the story of a criminal underworld filled with drugs, violence, and sexual exploitation. The song’s opening lines reveal the intent of the song to deliver genuine and unfiltered lyrics about this dark world. The lyrics then proceed to narrate the story of a pimp who drives a 1968 Caddy, has a limp, and owns a stable of prostitutes. He gives presents to the poor and is often disgraced amongst other pimps. This pimp's most precious asset is a woman named Precious who is skilled in karate and whose "bubble ass" brings him great wealth. He uses her as his "bottom bitch" to gain the fortune and control the south side. The song builds on its cast of characters, including Jim Brown, the Muslim brother of the main pimp, whose attempts to convert him get lost in the temptations of the street.
Method Man's lyrics paint a vivid picture of this dark world, using powerful literary devices like alliteration, end rhymes, metaphors, and similes. The lyrics also shed light on the pervasive misogyny of the pimps, with women treated solely as items of exchange and disposable bodies. As the song progresses, the main pimp's relationship with Precious gets threatened, and he becomes paranoid about his rivals trying to take control. Finally, the song reaches its climax when another pimp tells Method Man's female character, Cookie, to get in his car, to which she responds with a sexual advance, and the pimp threatens her with violence. The song portrays the grim reality of exploitation and drug culture and is a grim reflection of the anti-social elements in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, them niggas talking bout y'all always want some lyrics, right?
Some people keep talking about wanting real lyrics, well Method Man is going to give them a little story.
Real lyrics, well here we go, I'm a tell you a little story
Method Man is going to provide some raw lyrics and story-telling.
That's right, watch this shit, nigga, here we go, y'all, your ass
Method Man is starting a narrative and wants listeners to pay attention.
Yeah, we write for days, hot shit, uh-huh
Method Man writes constantly and produces some excellent music.
Dope, drugs, sex, murder, King James version
Method Man is indicating that his music covers all types of topics, including drugs, sex, and murder.
Aiyo, needle was left hanging, in the arm of a pimp
Method Man starts by talking about a pimp who has a needle hanging from his arm.
He walk with a limp, had bitches on the payroll
The pimp walks with a limp and has many women working for him.
He gave the seeds candy and his family was poor
The pimp offers candy to children and is also poor.
Drove a '68 Caddy with the fur on the door
The pimp drives a 1968 Cadillac with fur on the door.
The other macks ain't have jack on him, not even Goldie
This pimp is better than the others, even surpassing the character Goldie.
Slowly, he would rise, kept his runners with the police
This pimp rises in the ranks and keeps his 'runners' close to the police.
Jim Brown was his man, his brother was Muslim, they tried to convert him
The pimp's friend Jim Brown and his own brother try to convert him to Islam.
And turn righteous, but the streets got the good of him
Despite this, the pimp is pulled more towards the streets and a life of crime.
Big hats with gorgeous stones, honey designed the slacks
This pimp wears flashy clothing, with embellishments and bespoke trousers.
With two attempts on his bottom bitch, her name was Precious
Somebody tries to kill the pimp's chosen woman, Precious, twice.
Silky skin, priceless pussy, she took karate
Precious has beautiful skin and expensive genitalia, and is skilled in martial arts.
Her bubble ass got Pretty Chipp rich
Precious is responsible for some of the pimp's success and wealth.
You can smell her perfume on every street corner
Precious' fragrance is well known on every corner of the street.
A sexy motherfucka with the mean face on her
Precious is alluring but also has a tough appearance.
Precious, sported bulletproof dresses, defending caring sex
Precious wears bulletproof dresses to protect herself from harm and offers affectionate sex.
Thirteen smith, this boo that study her lessons
One of Precious' acquaintances studies their teachings together.
She was the key to Pretty Chipp riches, bitches is fortune slang
Precious is instrumental in the pimp's fortune, a common theme in the world of pimps.
Control the south side, her name rings
Precious is controlling the southern portion of the city, and her name is widely known.
Lookout for the black cherry pussy extortion
People are instructed to stay careful for the dangerous 'black cherry pussy' and its con artists.
Any other hoes get pregnant, bet they get an abortion
The pimp makes it clear that any other women who may get pregnant will have to have an abortion.
Back at the pub, at the Alice spot, bumping the sounds of Curtis
Another location is introduced where people listen to music from Curtis Mayfield.
Playing Live in the jukebox, this broad named Cookie
A woman named Cookie is present and the jukebox is playing live music.
In the purse, fifty thou' in cash
There's a large sum of cash in the purse.
Passed off to Chipp, told him count it fast, another 10 in my bloomers
The cash is passed off to the pimp, who is instructed to count it quickly. There's another 10 in her garment.
Fuck the rumors, it's lies, baby, you my daddy
Cookie reassures the pimp that rumors are false and he is still her priority.
Bitches never saw me jumping out of Dirt Dog's cabby
Nobody has ever seen Cookie exit a cab driven by Dirt Dog, who may be a rival.
I'm a loyal bitch, and chicks can't stand me, pimps
Cookie is devoted to her pimp, and other women resent her because of it, including other pimps.
They know I'm ill, that's why they never put hands on me
Rival pimps know that Cookie poses a threat and won't attack her out of fear.
From Fillmore Slim to Goldie, Pretty Toney
Method Man references some notable pimps who came before the current pimp.
Frank War told me, C.C. get that money
Cookie was instructed by Frank War to get the money.
My potentials, credentials, my mouth stay hot
Cookie is proud of her abilities and achievements.
Like Chinese mushrooms, wasabi with spicy lentils
Cookie's words are strong and pack a punch, like spicy mushrooms and lentils.
The other day I brought a little gat, where I keep near my lower back
Cookie has recently acquired a gun and keeps it hidden under her clothing.
Cause these niggas don't know how to act
Cookie carries the weapon for protection.
At the Apollo, Ray Charles told me
Cookie tells a story about meeting Ray Charles at the Apollo Theater.
Bitch just get in the car, cuz I want you to swallow
Charles invites Cookie into his car, asking her to perform oral sex on him.
I jumped in, and his bodyguards follow
Cookie agrees and is followed into the car by Charles' bodyguards.
He was quick, I spit the nut on his '74 wallos
Charles ejaculates quickly and Cookie spits out his semen on his 1974 Cadillac's interior.
He wanted to invite me to Chicago, I said 'nah, daddy'
Charles invites Cookie to Chicago, but she declines.
He pushed me out and lit up a Marlboro
Charles kicks Cookie out of the car and lights up a Marlboro cigarette.
(Nah, papi) Cause I'm from New York
Cookie refuses Charles' invite because she's from New York.
He taught me the talks, he taught me the walk
Despite declining the invite, Charles taught Cookie some valuable life lessons.
Cause I'm Chipp's bitch, we dine and resort
Cookie is loyal to Chipp and often attends luxurious dinners and resorts with him.
Only nigga ever taught me, don't put swine on my fork
Chipp has taught Cookie some important lessons about eating, such as not eating pork.
And that's the truth, rest in peace, papi
Cookie ends the story and pays tribute to Charles, who has since passed away.
This Cookie, I still got another tall Goose for you daddy
Cookie still has a drink for Charles and pours it out in his honor.
I'm a stick in the grave for you, baby
Cookie is deeply dedicated to Charles and is saying that she'll be committed to him even after death.
Fuck them other pimps, they ain't got shit on you, daddy
Cookie ends by expressing her loyalty to Charles and disrespecting all other pimps who can't compare to him.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: DENNIS COLES, EMILE HAYNIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind