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 The Beat
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now, now, now, uh
Professional 2 shit, what?
Staten Island up in this motherfucker (new Method Man)
Mr. Meth rep, rep, rep, rep (Eminem, Royce)
For the cause, Wu-Tang Killa Bees forever, my niggas
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah (uh-huh, we put our drawers in it)
Clue (Clue), come on
Niggas is like, "Oh my God, not you"
Yes, I'm in the flesh like hollow heads through your vest
No contest, M-E-eth Man's obsessed
With sex, drugs and rock and roll, new TECs and calicos (what?)
Word has it we move mathematic on rappers
Who don't add up, you get broke, battered and slapped up
Eight million stories in the nekkid, call your man Method
Straight guerrilla iller nigga, kill a murder record
My verbal shooter does it to ya
The 16-bar Ruger, busting your funky dope maneuvers
But I'm not ya Super Lover Cee, I'm the Super Sperm
Splash it on your skin, rub it in like it's Lubriderm (aha)
Ten out of ten, I'll be the, men of all men I mean the
Creme de la creme a schemer, sipping on 'yac and Zima
True Professional 2 (DJ Clue)
Now that Bush is president, nigga, we all through
Yeah, it's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder
Why I keep on ducking under the bed when I hear thunder (uh)
Cause I ain't crazy, I say shit that's crazy to crazy people
To make 'em believe I'm crazy, so they can relate to me (haha)
And maybe believe in Shady, so they can be evil, baby
I like that, I'm only as crazy as people made me
Believe me, there'd be just as many motherfucking murderers
And heroin users without Marilyn's music (uh-huh)
But I figure, I make my music, I don't care if you use it
To murder somebody, I just wanna be there when you do it
Now the parents are suing 'cause little Darren is screwing
Karen and Susan, 'cause I told him to do it on Clue's new shit
Now it's all ruined, the whole world is fucked up
Cause of me? Two 12-year old girls is knocked up (haha)
My attitude's "fuck it" like Pac's was at one point
Wanna come join? Pick up a Glock and just point
Now everybody's killing everybody and everybody's bloody
And I'm just laughing like it's funny
'Cause I don't really give a shit about no-motherfucking-body
I'm so motherfucking nutty, I don't give a fuck about nothing (come on)
Yo, my wrist is water and freezer mix, this is
Audio Jesus, the repent shit gets big
Keep a sharp-like knife in a pop device
So "Duro you gotta let it bump," I came from a hard knock life
They say this kid be rude, like, "this can't be true"
I'll suck my own dick like if I had a rib removed
Vampire, sun go down, I'm still wilding
Bullets travel through the air in the night like Phil Collins
Rock City baby, knife through your throat 'til you're broke
Rise from the underground like sewer smoke
It's all shifty, I got all of my dogs with me
And they all rich, and still all of their palms itchy
We'll pump, rumble over birds jungle urge
Walking like we talking drunk while we stumble over words
Clue, Duro, Slim, Meth, Five-Nine, hold up, breath
It's just, Mr. Meth and DJ Clue
I ain't crazy, I just do what the beat say do
It's just, Slim Shady and DJ Clue
I ain't evil, I just do what the beat say do
Uh, uh, Royce Five-Nine and DJ Clue
I ain't bad, I just do what the beat say do
DJ Clue, Desert Storm
Come on, man
The lyrics to Method Man's song "What The Beat" depict his obsession with vices such as sex, drugs, and rock and roll, making use of vivid metaphors and similes throughout the verses. He talks about his prowess as a rapper and his ability to bring down anyone who gets in his way. In his verses, he warns his competitors about the consequences of not being able to keep up with his skill level. Eminem and Royce come in with their verses, which are characteristic of Eminem's style that has put him on the map over the years. He employs his usual "crazy" technique, where he aims to connect with his audience, most of whom are considered crazy. Eminem boasts of his influence on people and how he uses it to his advantage, turning them into murderers and heroin users.
Many of the lines in the song are shaped by vivid metaphors and similes, allowing the listener to experience the lyrics in a visual manner. The verses are replete with allusions and pop culture references. Method Man, Eminem, and Royce use their unrelenting flows to create an unforgettable listening experience for their fans. The song has a hard-hitting beat that perfectly complements the lyrics, making it one of the best rap songs of its time.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggas is like, "Oh my God, not you"
People are surprised to see Method Man in person.
Yes, I'm in the flesh like hollow heads through your vest
Method Man is physically present and dangerous like a bullet through a vest.
No contest, M-E-eth Man's obsessed
Method Man is unmatched and dedicated to his craft.
With sex, drugs and rock and roll, new TECs and calicos (what?)
Method Man is interested in typical vices and advanced weaponry.
Word has it we move mathematic on rappers
Method Man and his Wu-Tang Clan are known for their skills in rapping and conflict.
Who don't add up, you get broke, battered and slapped up
Rappers who cannot compete with Method Man will face violence and harm.
Eight million stories in the nekkid, call your man Method
Method Man is available to tell stories and share his perspective.
Straight guerrilla iller nigga, kill a murder record
Method Man has a wild and violent style of rapping, and can defeat other rappers.
My verbal shooter does it to ya
Method Man's rap style is effective and powerful.
The 16-bar Ruger, busting your funky dope maneuvers
Method Man's rap is like a strong gun, defeating opponents with ease.
But I'm not ya Super Lover Cee, I'm the Super Sperm
Method Man is not a romantic rapper, but rather boasts of his sexual prowess.
Splash it on your skin, rub it in like it's Lubriderm (aha)
Method Man is explicit about his sexual activity and desires.
Ten out of ten, I'll be the, men of all men I mean the
Method Man is the best of the best.
Creme de la creme a schemer, sipping on 'yac and Zima
Method Man enjoys the finest things in life, and is clever in his actions.
Yeah, it's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder
Life is tough and chaotic, and Method Man reflects on this.
Cause I ain't crazy, I say shit that's crazy to crazy people
Method Man is not insane, but he speaks in a way that connects with people who are.
To make 'em believe I'm crazy, so they can relate to me (haha)
Method Man creates a persona to connect with his audience.
And maybe believe in Shady, so they can be evil, baby
Eminem hopes that his fans will relate to his controversial ideas and actions.
Now the parents are suing 'cause little Darren is screwing
Eminem is notorious for his lyrics that are graphic and controversial.
Karen and Susan, 'cause I told him to do it on Clue's new shit
Eminem references a specific scenario in which his song may have influenced someone's behavior.
Now it's all ruined, the whole world is fucked up
Eminem reflects on the negative impacts of his music and fame.
Cause of me? Two 12-year old girls is knocked up (haha)
Eminem finds humor in the idea that his music is blamed for societal issues.
My attitude's "fuck it" like Pac's was at one point
Eminem's attitude is rebellious and carefree, much like Tupac's was in the past.
Wanna come join? Pick up a Glock and just point
Eminem invites others to join him in his controversial and dangerous behavior.
Now everybody's killing everybody and everybody's bloody
Eminem reflects on the violence and chaos that exists in the world.
And I'm just laughing like it's funny
Eminem doesn't take these issues seriously and finds humor in them.
Cause I don't really give a shit about no-motherfucking-body
Eminem is selfish and doesn't care about others.
I'm so motherfucking nutty, I don't give a fuck about nothing (come on)
Eminem is crazy and doesn't care about anything.
Yo, my wrist is water and freezer mix, this is
Method Man's jewelry is expensive and high-quality.
Audio Jesus, the repent shit gets big
Method Man can make great rap music and has influence like Jesus.
Keep a sharp-like knife in a pop device
Method Man has a sharp rap style and references an explosive in his lyrics.
So "Duro you gotta let it bump," I came from a hard knock life
Method Man is confident that his rap will sound good and speaks on his difficult upbringing.
They say this kid be rude, like, "this can't be true"
People don't believe that Method Man is as tough and aggressive as he seems.
I'll suck my own dick like if I had a rib removed
Method Man is explicit and controversial in his rap.
Vampire, sun go down, I'm still wilding
Method Man is a night owl and likes to stay up late, with a potentially dangerous lifestyle.
Bullets travel through the air in the night like Phil Collins
Guns are often used in night-time violence, like Collins' music playing in the background.
Rock City baby, knife through your throat 'til you're broke
Method Man is from a rough neighborhood and is physically violent.
Rise from the underground like sewer smoke
Method Man's rap comes from a gritty, underground place.
It's all shifty, I got all of my dogs with me
Method Man is sneaky and has his crew with him.
And they all rich, and still all of their palms itchy
Method Man and his friends are wealthy, but still want more.
We'll pump, rumble over birds jungle urge
Method Man and his crew are aggressive and dominant, like animals in the jungle.
Walking like we talking drunk while we stumble over words
Method Man and his friends are comfortable with their swagger and may be under the influence of alcohol.
It's just, Mr. Meth and DJ Clue
Method Man and DJ Clue are working together on this track.
I ain't crazy, I just do what the beat say do
Method Man doesn't see himself as insane, but follows the rhythm of the song.
It's just, Slim Shady and DJ Clue
Eminem and DJ Clue are working together on this track.
I ain't evil, I just do what the beat say do
Eminem doesn't see himself as wicked, but follows the rhythm of the song.
Uh, uh, Royce Five-Nine and DJ Clue
Royce Five-Nine and DJ Clue are working together on this track.
I ain't bad, I just do what the beat say do
Royce Five-Nine doesn't see himself as a villain, but follows the rhythm of the song.
DJ Clue, Desert Storm
DJ Clue is associated with the music production group Desert Storm.
Come on, man
Method Man is encouraging the listener to get into the song with enthusiasm.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ryan Montgomery, Clifford Smith, Marshall B III Mathers, Ernesto David Jr Shaw, Kenneth Ifill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind