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)
The Motto
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo... aww shhhhhhiiiiiiit!
[Hook: Method Man]
My niggaz, how we do it? You know it like a poet, baby doll
Break through it, you know it like a poet, baby doll
I spit, chew it, you know it like a poet, baby doll
Get in the music, you know it like a poet, baby doll
[Method Man]
If you don't know, you better, ask somebody who I be
On land, air, or sea, I don't need No I.D
Once again, let's get under their skins like I.V.'s
Or Roman numerals fours (IV's) who we doin' the score
I got a shoe in the door, nothin' new anymore
Ya'll got love for me? I got love for you and yours
Tical Part 0, my friend, rappers is fightin'
Like Tyson, when nothin' else work I'll start bitin'
My shit, and his shit, I'm hopin' it end
I live my life like a lotto ticket, hopin' it win
Purple haze got me chokin' again, open again
I'm what's crackin', like your mamma smokin' again
[Chorus: Method Man]
If you see a model, then you might see me follow
Rubbin' her thighs like Aladdin rub the Genie bottle
Back for another swallow, Method, you know my motto:
"Ya'll might just win today, but I'll be back tomorrow"
[Method Man]
Ya'll tryin' to get me started
Who on the short yellow bus tryin' to get retarded?
Kid don't be the artist, formerly known as artist
Jump off a skyscraper, the roof who hit the hardest
Where the bastards at and where they habitats?
I send they asses back to foldin' sweaters at the Gap
I like Nikes, food spicy, I'm a Pisces
That's why women love me and any nigga that's like me
Thoroughbread, I'm with gettin' this dough instead
Need a ho, like I need another hole in the head
Lord help me, I'm crackin' the safe, pocket like 'Face
Mighty Healthy, you know I'm the shit, soon as you smelt me
[Chorus]
[Method Man]
For what it's worth, the early bird sit at the table and eat first
My niggaz need work, mami buggin', rippin' my t-shirt
We can kick it until our feet hurt
Mothers warn your daughters 'bout this tall drink of water
Spoiler, waiter give her anything she order on the menu
Method Man, live at your venue
Smokin' it, jumpin' off the dick, like he mental
Kid, I got a murder rap, and my head is simple
Open up the pussy, put the lead in the pencils
And people sayin' Wu gon' break up, ya'll
We got y'all numbers, it's time ya'll got your wake up calls, and..
[Chorus 2X]
The song "The Motto" by Method Man talks about his reputation and how he's known in the rap industry. In the intro, he sets the tone for the rest of the song by saying "aww shhhhhhiiiiiiit!" which suggests that something exciting is about to happen. He then talks about how people should know who he is and that he doesn't need identification. He compares himself to a lottery ticket, hoping that he'll win big in the industry.
Method Man then talks about his competitiveness with other rappers and how he won't hold back from biting their style. He uses wordplay to say that he's what's "crackin'," which can mean he's popular but can also refer to crack cocaine. He then goes on to talk about his love for women and his tendency to get rich instead of getting a girlfriend. The chorus talks about how he always comes back to the game and how he follows women like Aladdin followed the genie.
In the last verse, Method Man talks about how he's always early to the game and that his team needs work. He then talks about how he's willing to do whatever it takes to get the woman he wants, even if it means putting a "lead in the pencils." He ends the song on a note about how people are saying that the Wu-Tang Clan will break up, but they have everyone's numbers and they're ready to "wake them up."
Line by Line Meaning
My niggaz, how we do it? You know it like a poet, baby doll
My friends, how do we succeed? With finesse and skill like a poet possessing mastery.
Break through it, you know it like a poet, baby doll
Conquer the obstacles with ease, like a poet skillfully maneuvering through language.
I spit, chew it, you know it like a poet, baby doll
I create art with my words, crafting each line with care and precision like a poet.
Get in the music, you know it like a poet, baby doll
Fully immerse yourself in the rhythm, feeling the power of the music like a poet engages their medium.
If you don't know, you better, ask somebody who I be
For those who are unaware of who I am, seek information from those who know me best.
On land, air, or sea, I don't need No I.D
In any situation, I am confidently myself without the need for identification.
Once again, let's get under their skins like I.V.'s
Let's infiltrate and influence those who oppose us, like the way intravenous medicine affects the body.
Or Roman numerals fours (IV's) who we doin' the score
We are tallying our victories like keeping score with Roman numerals, specifically the number four.
I got a shoe in the door, nothin' new anymore
I have already made progress in a certain endeavor, making it less exciting or new to me.
Ya'll got love for me? I got love for you and yours
If you show me love, I will reciprocate with equal love and respect for you and your loved ones.
Tical Part 0, my friend, rappers is fightin'
This is the beginning of a new era for me, as other rappers are struggling or fighting to maintain their status.
Like Tyson, when nothin' else work I'll start bitin'
Just like Mike Tyson, if necessary, I will resort to violent methods to achieve my goals.
My shit, and his shit, I'm hopin' it end
I hope that the conflicts and issues between me and others come to a peaceful resolution.
I live my life like a lotto ticket, hopin' it win
I approach life with the mindset of a lottery ticket, always hoping that I will win something big.
Purple haze got me chokin' again, open again
The Purple Haze strain of marijuana has made me cough, but also has opened up my mind and senses.
I'm what's crackin', like your mamma smokin' again
I am the catalyst for what is happening, as if your mother smoking again has created chaos.
If you see a model, then you might see me follow
If you see an attractive woman, you may also see me pursuing her.
Rubbin' her thighs like Aladdin rub the Genie bottle
I am sensuously caressing her thighs, like Aladdin rubbing the Genie's lamp for wishes.
Back for another swallow, Method, you know my motto:
I am ready for another round of drinks, as my behavior is in line with my motto or personal philosophy.
"Ya'll might just win today, but I'll be back tomorrow"
You may have temporary success, but I will return stronger and more determined than ever before.
Ya'll tryin' to get me started
You are intentionally provoking me, trying to elicit a reaction from me.
Who on the short yellow bus tryin' to get retarded?
Who is acting foolishly or stupidly, as if on a short yellow school bus?
Kid don't be the artist, formerly known as artist
Don't change your name or identity like Prince did, as it may cause confusion or lack of recognition.
Jump off a skyscraper, the roof who hit the hardest
Go ahead and take a risk, but be prepared for the consequences as they will be harsh.
Where the bastards at and where they habitats?
Where are the people who are causing trouble or problems, and where do they reside?
I send they asses back to foldin' sweaters at the Gap
I will force them back into their mundane or low-paying jobs, like folding clothing at the Gap store.
I like Nikes, food spicy, I'm a Pisces
My preferences include Nike shoes, spicy food, and I was born under the astrological sign of Pisces.
That's why women love me and any nigga that's like me
Women are attracted to me and others like me who share similar qualities or interests.
Thoroughbread, I'm with gettin' this dough instead
I am a purebred or high-quality individual, and I prioritize making money over other pursuits.
Need a ho, like I need another hole in the head
I have no need for a prostitute or promiscuous woman, as it is equivalent to having an unnecessary hole in my head.
Lord help me, I'm crackin' the safe, pocket like 'Face
I may need divine intervention to help me succeed, as I go about cracking safes and carrying large amounts of money like Tony Montana in Scarface.
Mighty Healthy, you know I'm the shit, soon as you smelt me
I am powerful and impressive, like a mighty healthy individual, and my presence is immediately noticeable and impactful.
For what it's worth, the early bird sit at the table and eat first
In life, those who are proactive and take action early on are more likely to succeed and enjoy the spoils.
My niggaz need work, mami buggin', rippin' my t-shirt
My friends need employment and resources, while girls are giving me trouble and tearing my clothing.
We can kick it until our feet hurt
We can hang out and chill together for an extended period of time, even if it causes fatigue or exhaustion.
Mothers warn your daughters 'bout this tall drink of water
Mothers should alert their daughters about a handsome and alluring man, like myself.
Spoiler, waiter give her anything she order on the menu
I am spoiling the woman, instructing the waiter to give her anything she wants or desires from the menu.
Method Man, live at your venue
I am performing live at your concert or show.
Smokin' it, jumpin' off the dick, like he mental
I am smoking marijuana and wildly engaging in sexual activity, as if I am mentally unstable.
Kid, I got a murder rap, and my head is simple
I have been accused of murder and my thoughts are simple or uncomplicated, potentially implying my guilt.
Open up the pussy, put the lead in the pencils
I am engaging in sex acts and using crude language to describe it.
And people sayin' Wu gon' break up, ya'll
There are rumors or speculation about the Wu-Tang Clan breaking up.
We got y'all numbers, it's time ya'll got your wake up calls, and..
We are fully aware of our opponents and their weaknesses, and it is time for them to realize the severity of the situation and make changes accordingly.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind