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)
Worldwide
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Worldwide, let me see your w's
Show some respect when we come through
Worldwide, let me see your w's
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
These rappers rap backwards, I don't rap with them rap dudes
2Pac backwards, pull that ratchet & cap too
Back to 93 when I still was holding those capsules
I also had a 38, ya'll don't give me no hassle
Keith Kool, G Rap moves, its only natural
When on the road to riches, I hit the horn when I pass you beep beep
Pardon my sneeze. Haters get 'atchew'
Ballers trying to move with the white, now would Shaq do
Go harder in the paint. Slap you like ya barber
Or the 6th man, thinking he a starter when he ain't
I'm a sick man, but smarter than you think
And it's a thin line between the driver & the robber in the bank
See I'm cut like a barber with a shank, cool
Women going swimming with their drinks, pools
Now who hasn't heard her that Meth Man & Uncle Murda
It's like your cousin trying to kill you with your uncles burner
Show some respect when we come through
Worldwide, let me see your w's
Show some respect when we come through
Worldwide, let me see your w's
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
Yeah I'm Uncle Murda from the jects
Yeah I'm disrespectful, but get a lot respect
When I'm waving the tech, you better protect your neck
Got em looking like Inspectah, the way their hitting the deck
I with the METHOD man, its feelin like the 90's back when my tech use to jam
18 putting pressure on these chumps, sending niggas that's in their 30's to go & get my dutch
Cash rules everything around me. I'm cookin a brick
Feelin like the chef, wearing my Cuban linx. I was ODB, creepin with dirty ho's
Bumpin 36 chambers with 36 ho's
Fuck the world, don't ask me for shit
This that Brooklyn, Shaolin Big & Meth shit
This that shit you bump, before you catch a body
NY back on their shit. I hope these niggas copy
Show some respect when we come through
Worldwide, let me see your w's
Show some respect when we come through
Worldwide, let me see your w's
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
The lyrics to "Worldwide" by Method Man featuring Hanz On, Uncle Murda, and Chedda Bang discuss the commanding presence and dominance of the artists as they make their mark in the music industry.
In the first verse, Method Man calls for respect as they enter the scene and demands to see the manifestation of their worldwide recognition through the display of the letter "w." This signifies the Wu-Tang Clan's iconic "W" symbolizing their global influence and success.
The next lines assert their prowess and skill in rap. They criticize other rappers who lack talent, likening them to those who rap backwards. They reference 2Pac's name spelled backward, "cap too," which suggests their readiness to use firearms to eliminate competition if necessary. Method Man takes us back to his earlier days in the '90s when he dealt drugs and carried a .38 caliber pistol for protection, highlighting his street credibility.
Continuing in the verse, Method Man showcases his knowledge and appreciation of Hip Hop history by referencing legendary rappers Keith Kool and G Rap. He asserts that his successes and skills are natural and expected when on the road to wealth. He also warns of the dangers of the pursuit, likening it to a thin line between being a successful artist and resorting to criminal activities such as robbing a bank.
The verse concludes with a metaphorical comparison of his sharpness and aggression to that of a barber with a shank, ready to cut and harm. He also criticizes women who may try to deceive and harm men using their sexuality. The collaboration between Method Man and Uncle Murda is likened to family members plotting against each other, emphasizing the intense nature of their partnership.
Uncle Murda takes over in the second verse, introducing himself as a disrespectful artist from the projects who commands a lot of respect. He draws a comparison to Inspectah Deck from the Wu-Tang Clan, notorious for his lyrical prowess, suggesting that he causes a similar reaction when he performs. He mentions his affiliation with Method Man and the feeling reminiscent of the '90s when they were still using outdated technology like jamming cassette tapes.
Uncle Murda boasts about his impact, claiming to put pressure on younger rappers and having them rely on older associates to acquire marijuana for him. He references the famous line from Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M.," emphasizing the importance of money in his life. He compares himself to the chef of the Wu-Tang Clan, the fictitious persona of Raekwon, who was known for his drug-dealing narrative in their debut album. He also mentions his rebellious nature and involvement with multiple women, paralleling it to Ol' Dirty Bastard's promiscuous lifestyle.
In the final lines, Uncle Murda claims his unique style represents Brooklyn and Shaolin (Staten Island), paying homage to the rich Hip Hop history of these iconic New York City boroughs. He suggests that his music has the power to influence listeners to engage in crimes or violent acts, asserting that New York is once again at the forefront of the rap scene and hoping that others will imitate their success.
"Worldwide" by Method Man featuring Hanz On, Uncle Murda, and Chedda Bang is an anthem for their dominance and influence in the hip-hop community. The lyrics showcase their confidence, experience, and cultural impact, while also paying tribute to the golden era of '90s rap and the Wu-Tang Clan's legacy.
Line by Line Meaning
Show some respect when we come through
Acknowledge and treat us with admiration when we make an entrance
Worldwide, let me see your w's
In every corner of the world, display your hand gestures representing the letter 'w'
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Raise your hand gestures and flip them, expressing curiosity about what's happening
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
Method Man, Uncle Murda, and their crew will eliminate or defeat you
These rappers rap backwards, I don't rap with them rap dudes
Other rappers have inverted priorities, so I choose not to collaborate with them
2Pac backwards, pull that ratchet & cap too
Drawing inspiration from the late 2Pac, I'll use a firearm to harm my enemies
Back to 93 when I still was holding those capsules
Reflecting on the year 1993 when I used to carry drugs in capsule form
I also had a 38, ya'll don't give me no hassle
In addition, I possessed a .38 caliber firearm, and I won't tolerate any trouble from you
Keith Kool, G Rap moves, its only natural
Referencing the influences of Keith Murray and Kool G Rap, as my style is a result of their impact
When on the road to riches, I hit the horn when I pass you beep beep
As I strive for wealth and success, I metaphorically honk my horn to assert my superiority over others
Pardon my sneeze. Haters get 'atchew'
Apologize for my dominance. Haters are affected negatively by my actions
Ballers trying to move with the white, now would Shaq do
Athletes attempting to engage in illegal activities should consider if Shaquille O'Neal would make the same decision
Go harder in the paint. Slap you like ya barber
I will exert more effort and aggression, treating you with a forceful slap like a barber would
Or the 6th man, thinking he a starter when he ain't
Specifically targeting the player who believes he is a starter when, in reality, he is merely a substitute
I'm a sick man, but smarter than you think
Despite having unconventional thoughts, I possess intelligence beyond your expectations
And it's a thin line between the driver & the robber in the bank
Drawing a parallel between the role of the driver and the robber in a bank heist, highlighting the fine distinction between lawful and criminal actions
See I'm cut like a barber with a shank, cool
I possess sharp and precise skills, just like a barber adeptly handling a concealed weapon
Women going swimming with their drinks, pools
Observing women who swim while holding their beverages in pools
Now who hasn't heard her that Meth Man & Uncle Murda
Expressing surprise that anyone would be unfamiliar with the rap duo of Method Man and Uncle Murda
It's like your cousin trying to kill you with your uncles burner
Comparing a dangerous and unexpected situation to a scenario where one's own family member attempts to harm them using another relative's weapon
Yeah I'm Uncle Murda from the jects
I am Uncle Murda, originating from the projects
Yeah I'm disrespectful, but get a lot respect
Although I may exhibit a disrespectful demeanor, I earn significant admiration and recognition
When I'm waving the tech, you better protect your neck
When I brandish my firearm, it is in your best interest to defend yourself and be cautious
Got em looking like Inspectah, the way their hitting the deck
The impact I have on others is reminiscent of Inspectah Deck, causing them to quickly fall to the ground in submission
I with the METHOD man, its feelin like the 90's back when my tech use to jam
Collaborating with Method Man creates a nostalgic atmosphere resembling the 90s, reminding me of moments when my firearm was prone to malfunction
18 putting pressure on these chumps, sending niggas that's in their 30's to go & get my dutch
As an 18-year-old, I intimidate and exert influence over foolish individuals, even employing those in their 30s to fetch cannabis for me
Cash rules everything around me. I'm cookin a brick
Emphasizing the significance of money and its control over my life, while also metaphorically referring to the process of preparing a large quantity of drugs for sale
Feelin like the chef, wearing my Cuban linx. I was ODB, creepin with dirty ho's
Taking pride in my abilities like a skilled chef, donning a luxurious gold chain. Similar to Ol' Dirty Bastard, I engage in secretive activities with promiscuous women
Bumpin 36 chambers with 36 ho's
Listening to the Wu-Tang Clan's album '36 Chambers' while being surrounded by 36 promiscuous women
Fuck the world, don't ask me for shit
Expressing disdain towards the world, I refuse to provide assistance or favors to anyone
This that Brooklyn, Shaolin Big & Meth shit
Representing the unique blend of Brooklyn and Shaolin (Staten Island) styles, combining the influences of The Notorious B.I.G. and Method Man
This that shit you bump, before you catch a body
Referring to the type of music you listen to before engaging in violent actions or committing a murder
NY back on their shit. I hope these niggas copy
New York is reclaiming its dominance and influence in the rap industry. I expect other artists to imitate our style
Throw 'em up, turn em over, what it do, what it do
Raise your hand gestures and flip them, expressing curiosity about what's happening
Meth Man Murda gonna perish you
Method Man, Uncle Murda, and their crew will eliminate or defeat you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CLIFFORD SMITH, CHARLES D. WALKER, LEONARD GRANT, ANTHONY JARROD MESSADO, PASCAL ZUMAQUE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rolandorolly2223
Goosebumps
@bartekd8448
Nobody fucks with Method Man ! His flow and lyrics are untouchable
@hunterarlen18
Great album Meth I'm proud of you
@inevitableexpertise1016
Masterpiece 🔥 ✅️ 🔥
@glenkrisoffersen3959
uncle murda kills it. bigg track!
@peterrobijn967
MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS OF WU TANG SOUND AND THE BEST HAS YET TO COME. hiphop belgium
@ForPetesake552
Don’t even act like Meth loss any of his venom. He still gettin caked up.
@WarCloud20
Bangin.
@TheBrainBeatProduction
This is so dope!
@ROCMASTA1
Meth fah shiguh my nicca! krak!