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)
Wu-Gambinos
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
None, they want guns
I be the first to set off shit, last to run
Wu roll together as one
I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
Scriptures hit the body like sawed-off shotties
Like my hair knotty and my nosepiece snotty
Burn like the deserts of Mugabe, for real
Ain't nothing fraudulent here, we pioneer
Commandeer a new frontier, this be the Wu yeah
Thirty-six chambers of fear, huh you lost it
Information leaking out your faucets, hmm
Time to forfeit your crown and leave the grounds
There's a new sheriff in town holding it down
It's the two holster, shit shot smoker
Wanted dead or alive, bounty on the poster
Wild in the West, a student of my culture
And life is the test, hold up
Let a nigga catch his breath
I'm still paying dues and the last one is death
Back to the essence with that shit you stressing, this rap profession
Now peep Tical, the son of the Shaolin Isle
Bless my style, criminology pays
The last times and days, Johnny fucking Blaze
This goes for niggas who know
Wu will blow like yayo, lay low
Plus cooling in Barbados
Ricans be giving me much shit to touch shit
Stay cool Papa, see you with enough shit
Back at the lab a, crack's bagged up
Yo niggas act up, what blow up their workers if they have to
Señoritas, fucking up a storm buying Gods margaritas
Sucking his dick, up in the whip long
Designed for rhyme crime nigga jail time jiggas
Them niggas up in hype Vigors lighting niggas
Silks Wally wear Figaro chain yeah
Jakes beware of black rap millionaires
Rock Airs, leather goose, bears blowing this year
1-800-GAMBINO niggas, yeah
Wu roll together as one, I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
Solid gold crown is shining, we're blinding like some diamonds
I'm reclining in the sky on a cloud with silver lining
Double breasted, bullet proof vested, well protected
The heart, the rib cage, the chest and solar plexus
Casting stones, cracking two-hundred and six bones
And watch your ass get blown to a sea of fire and brimstone
How dare you approach it with them poems
The overfiend like noah bean green souls with a soldier mean
The grand exquisite imperial wizard or is it
The Rzarector come to pay your ass a visit
Local bio-chemical, universal giant, the black general
Licking shots at Davy Crockett on the bicentennial
Happy Millennium two thousand microchips two shots of penicillin
Goes up your adrenalin son it's time for bouting
It's a model you're resembling the niggas who like following
Trapped inside your projects like a genie inside the bottle and
God stepping forth upon holy down of the track
It's the sound that surrounds and hurts me like I'm under attack
So I decided to bite down on the mic
So the pain of the track won't deny the fact that I'm the master
For what lurks, is an expert that hurts
The individual who tries to visualize under
Cause I strike, like thunder
Niggas couldn't stand my heat, it's unbearable
My wisdom fucks up your respiratorial
Systems are fractured by the killer tactics
Style is ragged and thoughts are mad jagged
Enter the entity, my vicinity
Is three hundred and sixty degrees of humidity
Represent the school of hard knocks and Glocks my
Clan is hostile and got mad moss for blocks so
Feel the force of impact from the iron side of
The gat as I attack the track
From the blind side of the pack, Starks pass the chrome
Watch a nigga get blown out his motherfucking dome-piece
Deceased, laid to rest
Who come to get you
None, they want guns
I be the first to set off shit, last to run
Wu roll together as one
I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
Yo, aiyyo I got to serve them my way, move give me room
Holding up your saloon, clean sweep, like a broom
Full moons make me howl like a wolf out of breath
Sold only new vocal cords you heard Genius on Gef
So step back, to the lab at, high velocity
My teammate, enhance cells more like a pharmacy
Fuck Geraldo, Pablo's plan bro is Bravo
Goodfellas we know, best sellers become novels
The man rocking head bands, silk scarves and jams
Early 80's British Walkers, playboys, mocks and shams
The laser beam vocalist does well at symphonies
Bad days, watch me snatch ice right outta Tiffany's
Remember them kids that came off with eight million
Robbed the Brinks and I labelled in royal pavilions
Them flower heads must have been stupid
Tell me how the fuck black niggas get caught with all that loot kid
There's jet money, underground money
Submarines and rings too bad you fucked up dummies
The song "Wu Gambinos" by Method Man is a lyrical masterpiece that tells the story of the Wu Tang Clan's rise to fame and their struggles along the way. The lyrics are filled with references to the streets, gunplay, and the harsh realities of life. The song starts off with a warning that whoever comes to get them, they will not back down, and they prefer guns. The Wu Tang Clan is a group of fearless individuals who would rather fight than flee. They are united as one and call each other "brother Sun."
The lyrics describe the Wu Tang Clan's pioneering spirit and new frontier. They claim to be the new sheriff in town, holding it down, smoking shit shot, and carrying a bounty on the poster. They are wild in the West, and life is their test, as they hold on to their culture and beliefs. The song's lyrics are filled with references to street slang, crime life, and East Coast hip-hop culture. The song features the familiar Wu-Tang lyrical style that combines gritty lyrics, metaphors, and wordplay.
Meth then proceeds to describe his rhyming style and his prowess as a rapper. He talks about his time paying dues, and how the last one is death. Meth then reminds listeners that everything he raps about is part of the rap profession. He goes on to describe himself as the son of the Shaolin Isle, blessed with his style of criminology pays. The last times and days are what he speaks of, as he describes himself as Johnny fucking Blaze. The song ends with a warning to those who try to approach them with their poems, and Meth is ready to bite down on the mic and show why he is the master.
Line by Line Meaning
Who come to get you
No one is coming to save you
None, they want guns
No one wants peace, they just want violence
I be the first to set off shit, last to run
I start trouble but I never back down
Wu roll together as one
We stick together as a unified group
I call my brother Sun cause he shine like one
I refer to my friend as 'Sun' because he radiates positivity
Scriptures hit the body like sawed-off shotties
My words have a major impact like a powerful weapon
Like my hair knotty and my nosepiece snotty
I embrace my natural, untamed appearance
Fuck a nigga hottie, that whole pussy probably
I have no interest in pursuing meaningless relationships
Burn like the deserts of Mugabe, for real
My presence is fiery and intense, just like a desert
Ain't nothing fraudulent here, we pioneer
We are authentic and innovative in everything we do
Commandeer a new frontier, this be the Wu yeah
We are taking control and paving the way for a new era
Thirty-six chambers of fear, huh you lost it
We have faced countless challenges and obstacles
Information leaking out your faucets, hmm
Your secrets and weaknesses are becoming known
Time to forfeit your crown and leave the grounds
It's time for you to step down and accept defeat
There's a new sheriff in town holding it down
I am the new dominant force, asserting my control
It's the two holster, shit shot smoker
I am armed and dangerous, ready to fire
Wanted dead or alive, bounty on the poster
I am on the run, seen as a threat
Wild in the West, a student of my culture
I am rebellious and deeply connected to my roots
And life is the test, hold up
Life is challenging, but I stay strong
Let a nigga catch his breath
Allow me a moment to rest and recuperate
I'm still paying dues and the last one is death
I am continually facing obstacles and consequences
Back to the essence with that shit you stressing, this rap profession
I return to the core of hip-hop, ignoring the unnecessary issues
Now peep Tical, the son of the Shaolin Isle
Now observe my unique style, influenced by Shaolin martial arts
Bless my style, criminology pays
My unique style is praised and rewarded in the criminal world
The last times and days, Johnny fucking Blaze
In these chaotic times, I am the one who stands out
This goes for niggas who know
This message is for those who understand
Wu will blow like yayo, lay low
Wu-Tang Clan's success will explode, but stay humble
Plus cooling in Barbados
We are relaxing and enjoying our success in Barbados
Ricans be giving me much shit to touch shit
Puerto Ricans are providing me with valuable opportunities
Stay cool Papa, see you with enough shit
Stay calm and collected, I will handle everything
Back at the lab a, crack's bagged up
In the recording studio, we are creating addictive music
Yo niggas act up, what blow up their workers if they have to
If my enemies cause trouble, I will retaliate by harming their associates
Señoritas, fucking up a storm buying Gods margaritas
Women are indulging in excessive pleasures, spending money lavishly
Sucking his dick, up in the whip long
Engaging in sexual acts while driving in a luxurious car
Designed for rhyme crime nigga jail time jiggas
We are skilled in creating criminal-themed lyrics, resembling those who have been incarcerated
Them niggas up in hype Vigors lighting niggas
Those individuals are highly skilled and energetic, causing harm to others
Silks Wally wear Figaro chain yeah
We wear luxurious clothing and expensive jewelry
Jakes beware of black rap millionaires
Law enforcement should be cautious of wealthy black rappers
Rock Airs, leather goose, bears blowing this year
We wear expensive clothing and accessories, making a big impact
1-800-GAMBINO niggas, yeah
We are the powerful Gambino gang, ready to take action
Solid gold crown is shining, we're blinding like some diamonds
Our leadership is strong and dazzling, attracting attention
I'm reclining in the sky on a cloud with silver lining
I am relaxed and content, enjoying the positive aspects of life
Double breasted, bullet proof vested, well protected
I am well-prepared and shielded from harm
The heart, the rib cage, the chest and solar plexus
I am strong and formidable, both physically and emotionally
Casting stones, cracking two-hundred and six bones
I am inflicting harm and causing pain to others
And watch your ass get blown to a sea of fire and brimstone
You will face severe consequences and destruction
How dare you approach it with them poems
You should not underestimate my skills with your weak rhymes
The overfiend like noah bean green souls with a soldier mean
I possess immense power and aggression, like a ruthless soldier
The grand exquisite imperial wizard or is it
I am a superior and influential figure, worthy of respect
The Rzarector come to pay your ass a visit
I am here to challenge and confront you
Local bio-chemical, universal giant, the black general
I am a powerful force, both on a small and universal scale
Licking shots at Davy Crockett on the bicentennial
I am openly challenging and disrespecting figures of authority
Happy Millennium two thousand microchips two shots of penicillin
I am celebrating the new millennium with advanced technology and powerful medication
Goes up your adrenalin son it's time for bouting
I am raising your excitement and energy levels
It's a model you're resembling the niggas who like following
You are imitating and resembling those who are followers
Trapped inside your projects like a genie inside the bottle and
You are stuck in your limited surroundings, unable to escape
God stepping forth upon holy down of the track
I am making a powerful and impactful entrance into the music industry
It's the sound that surrounds and hurts me like I'm under attack
The music resonates with me deeply, affecting me emotionally
So I decided to bite down on the mic
I am fully committed and focused on my music career
So the pain of the track won't deny the fact that I'm the master
I am determined to overcome any challenges and prove my skills
For what lurks, is an expert that hurts
I possess advanced skills that can cause harm
The individual who tries to visualize under
Those who attempt to compete with me will fail
Cause I strike, like thunder
I attack with incredible force and intensity
Niggas couldn't stand my heat, it's unbearable
Others cannot handle or withstand my intensity
My wisdom fucks up your respiratorial
My knowledge and wisdom are overwhelming and suffocating to you
Systems are fractured by the killer tactics
I am disrupting and damaging established systems with my destructive methods
Style is ragged and thoughts are mad jagged
My style is raw and unrefined, and my thoughts are chaotic
Enter the entity, my vicinity
I bring a powerful presence wherever I go
Is three hundred and sixty degrees of humidity
My aura and impact are all-encompassing and intense
Represent the school of hard knocks and Glocks my
I embody the tough street life and are heavily armed
Clan is hostile and got mad moss for blocks so
My group is aggressive and armed, owning the neighborhood
Feel the force of impact from the iron side of
Experience the powerful effects of my intense verses
The gat as I attack the track
I attack the instrumental with my intense delivery
From the blind side of the pack, Starks pass the chrome
I am unexpectedly delivering my powerful lyrics, catching others off guard
Watch a nigga get blown out his motherfucking dome-piece
Witness the destruction and defeat of my enemies
Deceased, laid to rest
They are dead and buried
Yo, aiyyo I got to serve them my way, move give me room
I need space to express my unique style and dominate the scene
Holding up your saloon, clean sweep, like a broom
I am taking over and clearing out the competition
Full moons make me howl like a wolf out of breath
I am deeply affected and driven by the energy of the full moon
Sold only new vocal cords you heard Genius on Gef
I possess incredible vocal abilities, as showcased on my previous song
So step back, to the lab at, high velocity
Step aside and witness my rapid and intense creative process
My teammate, enhance cells more like a pharmacy
My collaborator enhances my skills to a level comparable to a medical drug
Fuck Geraldo, Pablo's plan bro is Bravo
I disregard Geraldo Rivera, as my plan is superior and impressive
Goodfellas we know, best sellers become novels
We are part of the criminal underworld, our stories becoming popular fiction
The man rocking head bands, silk scarves and jams
I have a unique fashion sense, wearing headbands, silk scarves, and stylish clothes
Early 80's British Walkers, playboys, mocks and shams
I reminisce about the 1980s fashion trends, wearing expensive shoes and stylish attire
The laser beam vocalist does well at symphonies
My intense and precise vocals are impressive, even in a classical setting
Bad days, watch me snatch ice right outta Tiffany's
Even on my worst days, I can still steal valuable jewelry
Remember them kids that came off with eight million
Remember those individuals who stole a large sum of money
Robbed the Brinks and I labelled in royal pavilions
I participated in the robbery and enjoyed the luxury of my ill-gotten gains
Them flower heads must have been stupid
Those individuals must have been foolish to get caught
Tell me how the fuck black niggas get caught with all that loot kid
Explain how people of color were implicated in the crime, despite their wealth
There's jet money, underground money
We have vast amounts of hidden and illegal wealth
Submarines and rings too bad you fucked up dummies
We possess advanced and luxurious items, unlike those who failed
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: COREY WOODS, ROBERT F. DIGGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cameron William Boyle
Everybody killed it.
But RZA's verse was fucking intense.
WHALEDOGS9111
Cameron William Boyle Word RZA kill it.
sukka 1P57
RZA's lyricism was insane but his flow....meh.
Chris Hawthorne
RZA probably the most overrated member
Cheka
Cameron William Boyle . And hard to understand.
Danny Neiba
the illest thing about the Wu is that you hear them joking around, dissing one another before and after their tracks, but when it comes time to lace the beat they are all on point.The first verse in this track by Meth sets the tone "Scriptures hit the body like sawed-off shotty". WOW!!! The best rap album ever IMO
Sam Kirschenheiter
It reminds me of the scene in Predator where they're fuckin around on the helicopter listening to Little Richard but as soon as it's killing time the music's off and it's dead silence. You're spot on man Wu forever and ever and ever and ever...
slevinator12
you got to give so many props to RZA for his verse man, he killed it hard
Pizza Reviews On The Go!
He’s a genius
Volteezy
I never get tired of this song. That beat is awesome.