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)
Sub Crazy
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get a fat piece of the pie if we want
Motherfuckers gettin' mad high when they want now
I will survive, recognize it be Tical
Word up, our niggas is strapped, ready for war on the ill block
Things just ain't peace no more, fuck it
If you ain't with me then forget me
Creepin' niggas in the dark, triggas with no heart
Rippin' ass apart, I'll be swimmin' with the sharks now
Stay out my water or it's manslaughter
Kid, you oughta start reachin' for that nickle-plated auto-
Matic, my thoughts get sporadic, loaded raps
Bustin' mad shots to ya attic
They say this hazard, this flows a hazard
Straight from Hazard County with a bounty on his head, and it said
"Wanted Dead or Alive," I swear by the whites of they eyes
To never take a dive I will survive
We can all get by if we want now
Get a fat piece of the pie if we want
Motherfuckers gettin' mad high when they want now
I will survive, recognize it be Tical
Shit's gonna happen if niggas start actin'
Like they want problems, you want 'em, you got 'em
Rap contact, is writin' this exactly, the way it should be
Attacked, Killer Beeeees on a swarm
So what my martial law drops bombs like Qur'an
The ism helps to stimulate my pugilism
I bust rhymes like jizm, impregnate the rhythm with the wisdom
Decipher the flow, I be hyper, I bring all the styles
That rekindle like old flames
Saliva, check the wicked flows I deliva
Oops, I mean deliver like the Hudson River
Styles be tight, trite like a thief in the night
I be the sneaky-ass nigga bustin' nuts in yo wife
Blasted, buggin' off Bacardi and acid
Flippin' on the mic, it's a classic
The lyrics to Method Man's song "Sub Crazy" are about survival and the harsh realities of life in the streets. The rapper reflects on the dangers of his environment, which has become increasingly violent and unstable. He describes how people in his neighborhood are getting "mad high" and indulging in risky behaviors, while he remains focused on survival. The title of the song, "Sub Crazy," refers to the state of mind one can enter when living in poverty and crime-ridden neighborhoods.
The chorus reflects the overall theme of the song, which is that people can get what they want if they work hard enough for it. However, as the verses suggest, this is not an easy feat. The rapper talks about how he and his crew are always "strapped" and ready for war, and how he has had to retaliate against those who have tried to harm him. The verses also highlight the rapper's skill as a wordsmith, as he plays around with rhyme schemes and puns.
Overall, "Sub Crazy" is a powerful commentary on the realities of life in the inner city. The rapper's raw and unflinching lyrics capture the desperation and struggle of those who live in poverty and face constant danger.
Line by Line Meaning
We can all get by if we want now
If we put forth some effort, we can all make it through life.
Get a fat piece of the pie if we want
We can achieve financial success if we work hard enough.
Motherfuckers gettin' mad high when they want now
People can easily access and abuse drugs without consequence or judgement.
I will survive, recognize it be Tical
I will persevere and survive despite the obstacles I face.
Word up, our niggas is strapped, ready for war on the ill block
We are prepared to fight and defend ourselves in the dangerous area we inhabit.
Things just ain't peace no more, fuck it
The community has devolved into chaos and there is no use in trying to restore peace.
If you ain't with me then forget me
If you do not support me or my cause, do not bother trying to be my ally.
Niggas try to stick me, retaliation, no hesitation, shifty
People attempt to harm or deceive me, but I will swiftly and decisively respond and defend myself.
Creepin' niggas in the dark, triggas with no heart
There are people who attack or ambush others for no reason or with no remorse.
Rippin' ass apart, I'll be swimmin' with the sharks now
I am so skilled and ruthless that I am able to compete with the most dangerous of individuals.
Stay out my water or it's manslaughter
Do not underestimate me or try to interfere with my affairs, or you may face deadly consequences.
Kid, you oughta start reachin' for that nickle-plated auto-
I advise you to pick up a gun and arm yourself against potential harm.
Matic, my thoughts get sporadic, loaded raps
My mindset can become unpredictable and erratic, reflected in my lyrics.
Bustin' mad shots to ya attic
I will unleash a barrage of bullets aimed at your upper level, leaving nowhere to escape.
They say this hazard, this flows a hazard
My music and lyrics are considered to be dangerous or risky to listen to.
Straight from Hazard County with a bounty on his head, and it said
I come from a perilous place, being targeted by others who want to take me out.
"Wanted Dead or Alive," I swear by the whites of they eyes
I vow to defend myself and survive against those who seek to harm me at all costs.
To never take a dive I will survive
I will never give up or back down from a challenge, assuring my continued survival.
Shit's gonna happen if niggas start actin'
There will be consequences if people begin to cause trouble or provoke others.
Like they want problems, you want 'em, you got 'em
If you are seeking conflict or violence, you will find it with me or other like-minded individuals.
Rap contact, is writin' this exactly, the way it should be
I am writing my verses according to established rap conventions, creating a skilled and authentic product.
Attacked, Killer Beeeees on a swarm
The collective of skilled rappers known as the Killer Bees will attack and dominate any competition.
So what my martial law drops bombs like Qur'an
My rhymes are so powerful they can bring order to chaos, much like martial law or the sacred writings of Islam.
The ism helps to stimulate my pugilism
The philosophical principles I hold help to inspire and enhance my combat-readiness and rap skills.
I bust rhymes like jizm, impregnate the rhythm with the wisdom
My flow and lyrics are so potent and well-crafted as to leave a lasting impact, just like the reproductive act of impregnation.
Decipher the flow, I be hyper, I bring all the styles
Listen carefully to my rhymes to fully grasp their meaning and significance, as I employ a variety of different rap styles.
That rekindle like old flames
My music has the power to evoke strong emotional responses, much like rekindling a romantic relationship from the past.
Saliva, check the wicked flows I deliva
Listen and witness the amazing and impressive way I rap and deliver my lyrics.
Oops, I mean deliver like the Hudson River
I apologize for my potentially crude turn of phrase, but my rapping is still as smooth and unstoppable as the Hudson River.
Styles be tight, trite like a thief in the night
My rapping techniques are impressive and influential, yet sometimes overused or cliche like a common thieving tactic.
I be the sneaky-ass nigga bustin' nuts in yo wife
I am the skillful and underhanded rapper who produces impressive results, much like a man who sneaks around to impregnate another's wife.
Blasted, buggin' off Bacardi and acid
I am in an altered state, under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Flippin' on the mic, it's a classic
I am executing expert-level rapping techniques and delivering a classic performance on the microphone.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Break Freak
What a lot of people can't comprehend is just how fucking raw this riddim is! Strictly underground style, no niceness or gimmicky hooks about this beat, just heavy rawness. The whole album was wicked, but this has always been the best track on it for me. You be swimming with the sharks now!
Clark Gray
I kno G...believe it
ForeverBoxing369
Word!
Break Freak
@Dameon Keller
Lol!
Dameon Keller
what a lot of people can't comprehend is that bacardi and coke on halucinogenics tastes like grape juice and leads to good things. always lol
Dylan Smith
Method Man definitely told RZA to turn the bass up on his album. This beat is sick!
S P
Pas mal
RA SunGod7
@jose hernandez alot the original beats to Tical got destroyed in the flood that happened at Rza's house. He had to redo alot of songs over for the album as he mentioned on the Wu- Tang Clan episode of "Drink Champs".
jose hernandez
CRAZY thing is that METHOD MAN IS VERY CLEAR TO THE FACT THAT HE WASN'T A BIG FAN OF THIS ALBUM...WHICH WHEN I HEARD...MADE ME THINK OF THE REST OF HIS CATALOG AND THE HUGE CHANGE IN SOUND BETWEEN THE FIRST TWO ALBUMS...DEFINITELY WENT POP ON THE SECOND ONE...BUT YEAH...I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF TICAL FROM THE RELEASE DATE WAY BACK WHEN...AND COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT HE WASN'T HAPPY WITH THE OVERALL SOUND...STILL HAVE TROUBLE WITH THAT..LOL..PEACE!!
DaOldSchoolRapLova96
This is just the definition of pure late fall and winter hiphop. I mean this is just a principle. Dah Shinin by Smif n Wessun, This, Hell on Earth by Mobb deep & Muddy Waters are crazy at that time of the year. Two of my fav seasons...easily.