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)
What's Happenin
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What up, fam?
You know Bus-a-Bus had to come see you, God, it's good to see you, God
Good too see you too, God
Let's take the streets for a little ride
Okay, we ridin' high
Yeah, you better light your L, smoke your L, and just kiss the sky
Huh, and if you ever disrespect the Bus' or Meth, bye, dead man, die
Come on
I came to bring the pain, more hard to the brain (Tical)
I'm bustin' that ass again
I burn like acid rain, that ass is lame
These niggas tryna see how I come? Ask your dame
Ain't it evident I'm hittin' it? (Yes) Meth for President
Be in hell with gasoline drawers just for the hell of it
And I ain't delicate, flows hot as kettle get
Now if you ain't fucking with that, you must be celibate
Spazz, just a little, got a sack we can sizzle
Little hash in the middle, where it at? In the middle, yup
Mommy, if you got a fat ass, make it jiggle, yup
Put it in my next video shot by Little X
And M-E-F gon' work 'til their ain't any left
I'm trying to get what I'm worth and not a penny less
Think fast, (come on) bank cash (come on)
Everybody do it with you stank-ass (Come on)
This shit'll make you rob somebody (what)
Grab somebody (what)
Stomp somebody (what!)
Slap somebody (what)
Make you wanna step to the bar and sip Bacardi (what)
Wild out, spaz in the club, we in the party (what)
Brooklyn (come on)
Shaolin (come on)
Queensbridge down to Long Island (come on)
Bronx, nigga (come on)
Manhattan (come on)
To each and every hood, what's happenin'? (Come on)
Yeah, real talk, nigga, come on, Bus'
Ayo, Meth, let me get at these niggas
Yeah
Now watch me back your shit up
I hope your people pull up and pick up and pack your shit up
Homie, it's time to move
While I'm seeing right through you let me relieve you all of your
Figures seating screeching, never believing you niggas (come on)
Go head and babble, you can watch me patiently waiting
Aiming, attacking, instead I'ma let one of my bitches slap you
I invite you and your niggas to try and feel the wrath
Of the unruly unawakening of a sleeping giant
(Very defiant) Once I give you the pressure and then I apply it
And then your breathin' is stopped and totally quiet
Captain of this ship so call me the pilot
I leave you and your crew to collide with me then I
Stomp on a nigga, just like a herd of a thousand cattle
That'll travel over your face and frazzle your shit
Chop you worse than a brick and then we torture you
And then get the reverend, and get to steppin', nigga
This shit'll make you rob somebody (what)
Grab somebody (what)
Stomp somebody (what)
Slap somebody (what)
Make you wanna step to the bar and sip Bacardi (what)
Wild out, spaz in the club, we in the party (what)
Brooklyn (come on)
Shaolin (come on)
Queensbridge down to Long Island (come on)
Bronx, nigga (come on)
Manhattan (come on)
To each and every hood, what's happenin'? (Come on)
That's what truth be, my nigga (yeah, come on)
Niggas, listen, let me talk (let me talk, come on)
Can't you see what I got for you now? (Huh)
Shake your big fat ass in front of me now
To all my high bidders, to all my live niggas
We here to blackout, follow the story now
Just feel my heat, and you know I'm gonna
Just keep the street, but, nigga
Did you know we about to lose it, my nigga?
And you know we gon' get real stupid, my nigga
See the police coming (what)
Fireman coming (what)
Street niggas ready to riot and start dumbing (what)
I love to see it whenever you and your man fronting (what)
Me and Meth'll step to you (quick) and smash something (what)
Now who is he? Dope MC killing these cowards
Wack niggas get pimp slapped, give me some powder
Click-clack, one in your back, now think about it
Get back, running your yap, I can't allow it
Well, yeah, my nigga (set it off)
You know we seeing it through, God
The street be needing niggas like me and you, God (Ayo)
I think what I'm seeing from here we got 'em wildin', yo
Logical, we should've did this shit a long time ago
I got that shit that make rappers shit in they shoes
Nasty MC, I spit flows and spit in they food
Man, don't tempt me, I'm nothing like a curious child
I'm simply a Boy in the Hood with Furious Styles
This shit'll make you rob somebody (what)
Grab somebody (what)
Stomp somebody (what)
Slap somebody (what)
Make you wanna step to the bar and sip Bacardi (what)
Wild out, spaz in the club, we in the party (what)
Brooklyn (come on)
Shaolin (come on)
Queensbridge down to Long Island (come on)
Bronx, nigga (come on)
Manhattan (come on)
To each and every hood, what's happenin'? (Come on)
Every day, every rotation, come with it (yeah, yeah)
Let me talk, come on
Ayo, God
Yeah, lord
Flipmode, Wu-Tang, nigga
Ain't that some shit?
That's some shit
Abso-truthfully, Bus-a-Bus
Meth-Tical
Yeah (yeah)
Ay, let me know when you wanna do that again, God
Shit, we we can do it right now (yeah)
Shoutout to New Jersey
Yeah
The song "What's Happenin'" by Method Man ft. Busta Rhymes is a hard-hitting rap song that celebrates street culture and reaffirms the artists' identities as "real" rappers. The song opens with a dialogue between Method Man and Busta Rhymes, in which they greet each other and express their desire to take "the streets for a little ride". The verses that follow are rapped by Method Man and Busta Rhymes and are full of aggressive, boastful lyrics. Method Man raps that he is "burning like acid rain" and "hunting" for fame whilst busting people's asses. Busta Rhymes talks about his penchant for violence and how he will "smash something" if someone steps up to him or Meth. The chorus of the song is a call to action, urging listeners to rob somebody or slap somebody if they disrespect them. The song ends with the two rappers congratulating each other for the successful collaboration, and expressing their desire to do it again.
Line by Line Meaning
I came to bring the pain, more hard to the brain
I'm here to deliver powerful, thought-provoking lyrics
Tical... I'm bustin' that ass again
My name is Tical and I'm back to dominate the rap scene
I burn like acid rain, that acid slang
My rhymes are intense and acidic, leaving a lasting impact
These niggaz try'nna see how I come ash again
Other rappers are curious to see my comeback and how I excel
Main and evident, I'm huntin', yes, Meth for president
It's clear that I'm the main contender, aiming for the top spot like a presidential candidate
Be in hell with Dazel and George just for the hell of it
I'm so rebellious that I'd willingly join Dazel and George in hell just for the thrill
And I ain't yellow kid, flows hot as kettle get
I refuse to be cowardly, my flows are as intense as boiling water in a kettle
Now if you ain't fuckin' with that, you must be celibate
If you don't appreciate my music, you must be intentionally depriving yourself
Spaz! Just a little, got a sack lookin' fizzle
I'll go a little crazy, causing a commotion and making the situation intense
Little hash in the middle, where it at? In the middle, yup
I have some quality marijuana, right in the middle of the stash
Mommy if you got a fat ass, make it jiggle, yup
Ladies, if you have a voluptuous backside, flaunt it and make it shake
Put it in my next video shot by Little X
I want to feature your attractive appearance in my upcoming music video directed by Little X
And M-E-F gon' work till their ain't any left
Method Man and his crew will continue working tirelessly until their mission is accomplished
I'm tryin' get what I'm worth and not a penny less
I'm determined to receive the compensation and recognition I deserve in the industry
Make you rob somebody (what?) grab somebody (what?)
My music can incite you to engage in criminal activities or physically confront others
Stomp somebody (what?) slap somebody (what?)
I can evoke a desire within you to physically harm or assault someone
Make you wanna step to the bar and sip Bacardi (what?)
My music can influence you to go to a bar and enjoy a drink, specifically Bacardi
Wild out, spaz in the club, we in the party (what?)
I encourage you to let loose, go crazy, and have a wild time in the club or party
Brooklyn (come on!) Shaolin (come on!)
The borough of Brooklyn and the Shaolin (Staten Island) are represented here
Queensbridge down to Long Island (come on!)
I'm acknowledging the neighborhoods of Queensbridge and Long Island
Bronx, nigga (come on!) Manhattan (come on!)
I'm giving a shoutout to the Bronx and Manhattan, other parts of New York City
To each and every hood what's happening? (come on!)
I'm addressing all the neighborhoods and communities, asking them what's going on
See the police coming (what?) Fireman coming (what?)
I'm implying that law enforcement and firefighters are on their way
Street niggaz ready to riot and start dummin' (what?)
The people in the streets are prepared to cause chaos and violence
I love to see it, whenever you and your man frontin' (what?)
I enjoy witnessing confrontations and conflicts between you and your friends
Me and Meth'll step to you, quick! And smash somethin' (what?)
Both Method Man and I will come towards you and quickly engage in physical destruction
Now who is he? Dope M.C. killin' these cowards
I'm asserting my dominance as a skilled rapper, eliminating weaker competitors
Wack niggaz get pimp slapped, give me some powder
I physically and verbally punish untalented rappers, creating a cloud of powdered disrespect
Click-clack, one in your back, now think about it
I threaten to shoot you in the back, urging you to reconsider your actions
Get back, runnin' your gap, I can't allow it
I won't tolerate you running your mouth, so just back off
The streets be needing niggaz like me and you, God
The streets require individuals like us with our unique talents and presence
Aiyo, I think we're up, seen it from here, we got a mile, yo
I believe we're successful and recognized, even from a distance, it's been a long journey
I got that shit that make rappers shit in they shoes
My music is so intimidating and impactful, it can cause fear in other rappers
Nasty M.C., I spit flows and spit in they food
I'm a skilled and filthy rapper, not only with my lyrics but also with my behavior towards my competitors
Man, don't tempt me, I'm nothin' like a curious child
Please don't provoke me, I'm not a naive and innocent individual
I'm simply, a boy in the hood, with furious childs
I'm just a guy from the neighborhood with a group of angry and passionate followers
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Clifford Smith, Trevor Smith, Anand Bakshi, Rahul Dev Burman, C. SMITH, H. JORDAN, R. D. BURMAN, T. SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jaymangaming7139
This is my shit 😂😂😂 Busta killed it
@jameecampbell5723
This song never dies def jam vibes ❤
@elicordero4019
This is a banger.
@JJmylove9354
Hell yeah 🖤
@bigfinessbigless5023
Legendary slapper omg 🎉
@user-me6py1bm7m
i was busting heads on Def jam fight for Ny to this 😂😂😂 especially the bar fights i was like yea ima crack somebody in the head with a bottle . game was so nostalgic
@hervejupille2052
💪
@jimmytrejo1462
Fuck yeah!!!!!
@nickysnaith943
Bangin tune❤
@emmanuelsedano124
Beat is from dum maro dum