With a distinctive, husky voice and charismatic repertoire, Method Man is easily one of the greatest rappers of our time. Since his 1993 debut with the rambunctious rap collective, Wu-Tang Clan, Meth set the hip-hop world on its ear with his grimy yet smooth flow. From collaborating with two hip-hop giants, The Notorious B.I.G and 2Pac, to penning one of the greatest hip-hop love songs of all time, “All I Need”, Johnny Blaze’s catalog ain’t nothing to f*ck with.
As today marks, the Ticallion Stallion’s 44th birthday it’s only right that we bring you a refresher course on the ten times Meth out-shined your favorite rapper, whether it was in his rhymes or on the big screen. So, get your mind right and prepare to learn the Method behind the madness.
1. Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers
As the youngest member of the Wu, Method Man was seemingly the underdog among his talented label mates. But when it came to the rap collective’s debut, 36 Chambers, Meth put his lyrical abilities on full display. From his charismatic wordplay on “Protect Ya Neck” to his distinctive crooning on “C.R.E.A.M.” there was no doubt that Meth had a bright future ahead of him. Reluctantly or not, a star was born and the words of Mr. Meth were forever ingrained in our minds.
2. YO! MTV Raps, “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man” (Live Performance)
Fresh off the debut of their first album, the Wu-Tang Clan appeared on YO! MTV Raps to perform one of their most notable tracks “M.E.T.H.O.D. Man.” Having a lone solo on the album gave Meth free range to fully unload his frantic and sometimes disconnected style. Throughout the performance, the clansmen big him up and add their own twist to Meth’s off kilter rhymes.
3. Tical
After becoming a fan favorite following his standout performance on 36 Chambers, Meth dropped his solo debut to much anticipation. Serving as both the title track and name of the album, “Tical” was an anthem for cannabis enthusiasts everywhere. The RZA produced track would also later become Meth’s staple catchphrase and euphemism for the loudest of the loud.
4. Bring The Pain
This dark and brooding RZA production served as the first single for Tical. Wasting no time when it came to introductions, Meth let it be known that he was prepared “to bring the pain, hardcore to the brain.” The next 3:30 are mind blowing for sure, especially when Meth breaks down the hook: “Is it real son, is it really real son?”
5. You’re All I Need ft. Mary J Blige
Mary and Meth’s collaboration on this revisited Marvin Gaye ballad turned the music world upside down, opening new doors for the sound of hip-hop. Meth’s gritty yet heartfelt lyrics infused with the soulful vocals of Blige made “You’re All I Need” an instant success and even earned Meth a Grammy. With multiple versions (The Puff Daddy Mix, The Razor Sharp Mix, etc.) to follow this 90’s track would go on to become a classic and set the standard for future Rap/R&B duets.
6. Guest verse on “The What”
As the only guest feature on Biggie Smalls’ Ready to Die album there was no question that Meth was a force to be reckoned with. From the gate, we’re reminded just how brass and unfiltered the Staten Island lyricist is. With rhymes like “I’m not a gentle-man, I’m a Method Man”, what else could one really expect?
7. How High ft. Red Man
Early on in his career, Meth found kinship outside of the Wu-Tang in fellow weed aficionado Red Man. In 1995, the pair decided to collaborate on a track for the hip-hop documentary, The Show. Channeling his inner Jimi Hendrix, Meth opens the track with “Excuse me while I kiss the sky” proving once again to be the wittiest in the game.
8. Da Rockwilder
The success of the “How High” collabo among others prompted Meth and Red to do what was a no-brainer and join forces for a full length LP. In 1999, the two released the album Blackout, with this as the lead single, produced by The Rockwilder himself. Shorter in length than the average single, the dynamic duo maximized the usage of that time, creating one of the more memorable one-two punches to date.
9. How High (The Movie)
Joining forces once again, Meth and Red Man took their favorite, daily activity to the big screen. Starring as Silas P. Silas, Meth is a Harvard bound stoner looking to fraternize. This 2001 flick is filled with plenty of quotable one liners and is needless to say a cult classic enjoyed by chronic indulgers virtually everywhere.
10. Rap City Freestyle (2001)
Way back when Big Tigg was reigning king of Rap City artists blessed “tha basement” with a freestyle. Not one to turn down a chance to flex his skills, Meth’s 2001 Rap City freestyle is a highlight of the show’s overall success. Opening the track with his many aliases (“AKA Alicia Keys boyfriend in the video”) Meth stepped up to the plate to unleash his inner ninja. Reminding emcees once again that he’s got the rap game in a choke hold.
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