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)
You
Method Man Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, you got to do some more to get this last dollar
Hotter than lava when you come believe that I'm a follow
Lady Madonna like the drink, but she don't like to swallow
Rockin' that product, honey, stay up in the beauty-polla'
Girl, it would be my honour
Make you my baby-mama
Holler, she hella proper
Sucka for lovin', buggin'
Shockin' them, duckin', buckin'
Suckin' then finga-fuckin'
Then let me show you somethin'
I'll knock that stuffin' off that English muffin
Can't tell me nuthin', uhn uhn
Pushin' yo' panic button in when I'm stuckin'
All of a sudden, baby gun-duckin', BBC!
Oh, girl, you nasty
Yo', I get it on poppin'
Doc, unlockin' yo' doors, clockin' my drawers
Suckin' your mouth with a torn stockin'
Rapped around ya noggin'
I'm creepin' when you parkin'
Shoot out the lights, darkening the area, then hop in
Pick up my bigga nigga, who helped me figured the plottin'
Droppin' the tops, splittin' the dough
Shoppin' in rotten New York, first flockin'
Because I'm heavy like Bo stockin' coat
Watch ya coat from Fo sparkin'
They leave the parking
Niggaz unforgetable can be forgotten
Doc and Meth album enterin' the top ten!
Choppin' it raw, lockin' 'n blockin'
Only raw choppin' his metaphors, so cops can stop watchin'
I put 'em in and cock 'em
Ready to rock 'em, stock 'em
Renevate your apartment when these two things barkin'
My Mackamichi, knockin'
Bougie holes be spottin' on they tampons
I get 'em dripple like leaky faucets
Now who a bitch nigga?
(Now who a snitch nigga?)
Now who the shit nigga?
(Now who the sick nigga?)
Now who you with, nigga?
(With who you with, nigga?)
Who rock shit, nigga?
(Who pop shit, nigga?)
(Come on!) Come on!
I figured it out
Y'all niggaz ain't as big as yo' mouth
My street value, well, it ain't won't even fit in yo' couch
When I bust, titties come out
No matter what city hardcore committee's dumb to fuck out
Sons, ya duck out!
Nuthin' to lose
Poppin' a two up in ya goose
Buckle yo' shoes scuff on my boots, fuckin' with you
Blow my anaconda like Nirvana
Marijuana got bitches on they knees
And they gon' bind us
Gettin' 'em dirty, dirty, with the hersey and the bombin'
Holla the drama
Fire two in ya armor
Ya pigeon betta call ma
The ice is a honour
To in help me lift an arm up
Lebaba with ya momma
Even dirty her donna
My dick is heronomic
Pull out a young Geronimo, BBC!
Oh, girl, you nasty
Itchin' to start the mission
Flippin', so keep yo' distance
Ain't got no pot to piss in?
Ain't got no competition
Listen, I slip the clippin'
Trippin', you get me lippin'
Come, miss, and catch a whippin'
Now kids is actin' different
Ditchin' them double-dippin'
Chickens that keep forgettin'
I ain't the one for trickin'
Or anybody-kickin'
Rippin' these compositions
Scrippin' them paper-written
Hold 'em and hit 'n stickin'
Ballin' like Scottie Pippen
It's hot in Hell's Kitchen
But, still, I'm frost bittin'
Shittin' like 'No he didn't'
Wipin' my ass and splittin'
Chattin' like Joe gettin'
All in the zone, settin' it off like Big Daddy
It ain't no half-steppin'
I keep rappin'
Staten you keep sweatin', frontin', and ass-bettin'
Duckin' my Smith and Wesson
Trashin' the Meth and catchin'
Hell, we leave you restin' in peace, BBC!
Oh, girl, you nasty
Now who a bitch nigga?
(Now who a snitch nigga?)
Now who the shit nigga?
(Now who the sick nigga?)
Now who you with, nigga?
(With who you with, nigga?)
Who rock shit, nigga?
(Who pop shit, nigga?)
(Come on!) Come on!
The lyrics to Method Man & Redman's song Y.O.U paint a picture of a explicit, drug-fueled, and dangerous lifestyle. The use of violent language and sexual innuendos create an image of a "tough guy" persona. The opening line, "Traces of lipstick on my collar," sets the tone for the rest of the song, implying that the rapper has been unfaithful. He goes on to state that the woman he is with will have to do more to get his last dollar, alluding to the idea that she is using him for money. The song closes with a repetition of the phrase "Who a bitch nigga?" suggesting that the rap duo is attempting to establish themselves as alpha males in their community.
The lyrics to Y.O.U are reflective of the artistic expression of the hip-hop genre. The use of violent imagery, sexual metaphors and explicit language is a common feature of rap and hip-hop music. This can be attributed to the origins of the genre as a highly politicized social commentary on the lives of marginalized communities in inner-city America. The lyrics reflect the experiences and values of those communities, and aim to both express the struggles and hardship of their daily lives and inspire those within those communities to seek positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
Traces of lipstick on my collar
Evidence of infidelity is visible on my clothing
Baby, you got to do some more to get this last dollar
In order to receive financial support, you need to put in more effort
Hotter than lava when you come believe that I'm a follow
When you arrive, my passion and desire will intensify
Lady Madonna like the drink, but she don't like to swallow
You possess characteristics of a seductive woman, but refuse to fully indulge
Rockin' that product, honey, stay up in the beauty-polla'
You maintain your appearance and attractiveness by using beauty products
Girl, it would be my honour
I would be pleased and proud to have you
Make you my baby-mama
I want to have a child with you
Holler, she hella proper
She is incredibly skilled and impressive
Fuck with tha dumbin' cousin
Engaging in sexual intercourse with a close friend or relative
Sucka for lovin', buggin'
Being vulnerable and desperate for romantic affection
Shockin' them, duckin', buckin'
Surprising and evading others with my actions and attitude
Suckin' then finga-fuckin'
Engaging in oral sex and manual stimulation
Then let me show you somethin'
Allow me to demonstrate or teach you something
I'll knock that stuffin' off that English muffin
I can satisfy you sexually and remove any inhibitions
Can't tell me nuthin', uhn uhn
I refuse to listen to anyone's opinions or judgments
Pushin' yo' panic button in when I'm stuckin'
I enjoy causing you anxiety and distress when engaging in sexual activities
All of a sudden, baby gun-duckin', BBC!
Suddenly, you are avoiding intimacy and making excuses
Oh, girl, you nasty
You possess a wild and promiscuous nature
Yo', I get it on poppin'
I am ready and eager to engage in sexual activity
Doc, unlockin' yo' doors, clockin' my drawers
I am gaining access to your private spaces and taking note of my personal belongings
Suckin' your mouth with a torn stockin'
Engaging in oral sex while wearing ripped stockings
Rapped around ya noggin'
Wrapped around your head, capturing your attention
I'm creepin' when you parkin'
I am observing and approaching you when you are parking your vehicle
Shoot out the lights, darkening the area, then hop in
I am disabling the lights to create darkness before joining you
Pick up my bigga nigga, who helped me figured the plottin'
I am retrieving my reliable partner who assisted in planning
Droppin' the tops, splittin' the dough
Lowering convertible car roofs and dividing money
Shoppin' in rotten New York, first flockin'
Engaging in shopping sprees in decaying areas of New York City
Because I'm heavy like Bo stockin' coat
Referring to my significant influence and power
Watch ya coat from Fo sparkin'
Be cautious as gunfire may occur from undercover police
They leave the parking
They quickly depart from the parking area
Niggaz unforgetable can be forgotten
People who were once memorable can be easily forgotten
Doc and Meth album enterin' the top ten!
Our collaborative album is achieving high chart rankings
Choppin' it raw, lockin' 'n blockin'
Delivering hard-hitting and uncensored lyrics, dominating the rap scene
Only raw choppin' his metaphors, so cops can stop watchin'
Exclusively delivering raw and unfiltered lyrics to divert law enforcement's attention
I put 'em in and cock 'em
I load my guns and prepare to use them
Ready to rock 'em, stock 'em
Prepared to confront and defeat any adversaries
Renevate your apartment when these two things barkin'
Causing chaos and destruction when my guns are fired
My Mackamichi, knockin'
My powerful firearm, responsible for delivering impactful shots
Bougie holes be spottin' on they tampons
Wealthy and pretentious women notice stains on their feminine hygiene products
I get 'em dripple like leaky faucets
I am able to sexually arouse and excite women to the point of producing excessive fluids
I figured it out
I have come to a realization or solution
Y'all niggaz ain't as big as yo' mouth
You all do not live up to the inflated claims you make
My street value, well, it ain't won't even fit in yo' couch
My worth, in terms of respect and influence in the streets, exceeds the capacity of a typical couch
When I bust, titties come out
When I achieve success or make an impact, women become interested and reveal their breasts
No matter what city hardcore committee's dumb to fuck out
Regardless of the location, the bold and unruly group will cause chaos and commotion
Sons, ya duck out!
Individuals, you should run away or hide in fear
Nuthin' to lose
I have nothing to risk or forfeit
Poppin' a two up in ya goose
Shooting two bullets into your body
Buckle yo' shoes scuff on my boots, fuckin' with you
Prepare yourself for a challenging and intense encounter, engaging with me
Blow my anaconda like Nirvana
Perform oral sex on me until my penis reaches its full potential, comparable to the musical greatness of Nirvana
Marijuana got bitches on they knees
The influence of marijuana results in women being submissive and eager to engage in sexual acts
And they gon' bind us
They will willingly comply and become emotionally attached to us
Gettin' 'em dirty, dirty, with the hersey and the bombin'
Engaging in sexually explicit and adventurous activities with the use of drugs
Holla the drama
Invite and embrace chaotic and dramatic situations
Fire two in ya armor
Shoot bullets into your protective gear or clothing
Ya pigeon betta call ma
You should inform your acquaintances and associates to contact me
The ice is a honour
Wearing expensive jewelry is a symbol of status and respect
To in help me lift an arm up
To assist me in raising my weapon or firearm
Lebaba with ya momma
Engaging in sexual intercourse with your mother
Even dirty her donna
Even if your mother is promiscuous or unclean
My dick is heronomic
My penis possesses extraordinary power and influence
Pull out a young Geronimo, BBC!
I extract a young and daring warrior, emitting power, like the British Broadcasting Corporation
Oh, girl, you nasty
You possess a wild and promiscuous nature
Itchin' to start the mission
Eager and impatient to begin a task or objective
Flippin', so keep yo' distance
Engaging in unpredictable and volatile behavior, urging others to maintain distance
Ain't got no pot to piss in?
Do not have any resources or financial stability
Ain't got no competition
There is no one who can rival or challenge me
Listen, I slip the clippin'
Pay attention, I am loading ammunition into the gun
Trippin', you get me lippin'
If you anger or provoke me, I will respond aggressively
Come, miss, and catch a whippin'
Approach me, and you will experience physical punishment
Now kids is actin' different
Nowadays, younger individuals are behaving in an altered or unusual manner
Ditchin' them double-dippin'
Avoiding individuals who engage in deceitful or disloyal behavior
Chickens that keep forgettin'
Women who continually fail to remember or acknowledge past experiences
I ain't the one for trickin'
I am not interested in engaging in deceptive or manipulative behavior
Or anybody-kickin'
I will not tolerate or accept mistreatment or abuse from anyone
Rippin' these compositions
Creating and delivering powerful and impressive musical verses
Scrippin' them paper-written
Writing and expressing lyrical content on paper
Hold 'em and hit 'n stickin'
Controlling and striking my opponents, leaving a lasting impact
Ballin' like Scottie Pippen
Excelling and succeeding in a manner similar to the basketball player Scottie Pippen
It's hot in Hell's Kitchen
The environment is intense, chaotic, and dangerous
But, still, I'm frost bittin'
Despite the challenging conditions, I remain composed and unaffected
Shittin' like 'No he didn't'
Expressing disbelief or shock, as if defying expectations
Wipin' my ass and splittin'
Disregarding or dismissing something with ease and nonchalance
Chattin' like Joe gettin'
Speaking confidently and assertively, similar to the artist Joe
All in the zone, settin' it off like Big Daddy
Fully focused and in control, initiating action like the rapper Big Daddy Kane
It ain't no half-steppin'
There is no room for hesitation or indecisiveness
I keep rappin'
I continue to deliver lyrics and perform in a skilled manner
Staten you keep sweatin', frontin', and ass-bettin'
The people from Staten Island, New York, continue to struggle, pretend, and engage in risky behavior
Duckin' my Smith and Wesson
Avoiding confrontation or trouble caused by my firearm
Trashin' the Meth and catchin'
Disparaging and criticizing my partner, Method Man, in order to attract attention
Hell, we leave you restin' in peace, BBC!
We will cause your demise and leave you in a state of eternal rest, similar to the British Broadcasting Corporation
Oh, girl, you nasty
You possess a wild and promiscuous nature
Now who a bitch nigga?
Identifying someone who behaves in a cowardly or untrustworthy manner
(Now who a snitch nigga?)
(Identifying someone who provides information to authorities or betrays others)
Now who the shit nigga?
Identifying someone who is exceptional or dominant
(Now who the sick nigga?)
(Identifying someone who is insane or twisted)
Now who you with, nigga?
Asking about the people one associates with
(With who you with, nigga?)
(Questioning the individuals someone aligns themselves with)
Who rock shit, nigga?
Identifying someone who excels in their craft or profession
(Who pop shit, nigga?)
(Identifying someone who talks or boasts in a confrontational manner)
(Come on!) Come on!
Encouraging or urging someone to take action or participate
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, DELLA MUSIC PUBLISHING, LLC
Written by: ERICK S. SERMON, CLIFFORD SMITH, ALI SHAHEED JONES-MUHAMMAD, KAMAAL IBN JOHN FAREED, MALIK IZAAK TAYLOR, REGGIE NOBLE, RONNIE FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nikkifrank6531
Lmao you do know yall wack af right?
Us 80s babies are only cool cuz we got to experience it a lil better
But we aint contribute too much to hip hop
And u niggaz not only aint contdibute but were infants when it was at its height
Never hype yourselves again
@BronxBaby95
Who listening in 2024🎉🎉🎉
@harrysantos3589
Hell yeah
@user-cv9td9tv7j
On it yoo
@ralphk4455
💪
@jasonstewart3860
In 2024
@ComfortZoneComic
Yo
@theehiatusqueenaj
I feel for people who don’t understand how classic this music is.
@KingDevoneoGotBeats
90’s and early 2000s had the best music. Now it’s just a bunch of fruit cakes in the game lol
@togonumber
Miss Jackson is a stunner :)
@goalboy19
@@KingDevoneoGotBeats 😅😅😅 food, fruits, and babes like Rick Ross 😅