M-E-T-H-O-D Man! Here he is! Here is the one and only METHOD MAN; who was selected as our first male celebrity highlight due to his talent, New York swag, and, of course, he is easy on the eyes!
So, who is Method Man? Method Man is a rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor, who has been nominated for several awards; winning three NAACP awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Power Book II: Ghost in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 1998 he took home a Grammy for Best Rap Album with his group, Wu-Tang Clan. His accomplishments are a testament to his talent and hard work that he put in with all odds against him growing up in the Park Hill projects of Staten Island, New York, with his mother and two sisters as the middle child. He grew up with divorced parents so he lived with each parent off and on throughout his childhood. And although he and his father hit some rough roads with the understanding that sometimes his father did criminal acts, his father made an impactful contribution by introducing him to poetry and music that would later pave the way for his talented musical and acting career after growing up taking odd jobs and hustling to survive. His struggle did not hold him back nor define him but motivated him to become the successful person that Method Man, born Clifford Smith on March 2, 1971, is today.
True Method Man fans know him from being a part of the successful rap group, Wu Tang Clan, where he got his start and eventually became the breakout star by staying true to himself and group members who he is still friends with. Robert Diggs, AKA RZA
Method Man, a founding member of the group, immediately gained recognition for his slick flow and cutting rhymes. His talent was apparent, and he was a natural on the microphone. Yet more than simply his rhymes contributed to Method Man’s legend status. His mannerisms and demeanor did it. He was a great showman who held the audience’s attention while performing on stage, keeping his eyes fixed on them.
While the Wu-Tang Clan’s first album and well-known tracks helped them sell over a million copies, Method Man also released Tical, an unquestionably successful rap album, as his debut. Having made it to the Billboard charts at Number Four, it is difficult to deny the success of Tical. He also had hit singles from the record including “Bring the Pain” and “I’ll be There for You/You’re All I Need”.
When Robert Diggs, AKA, RZA, and Method Man met, the two hit it off, bonding over their love for hip-hop and their shared desire to make it big. Both rap heads, and ambitious – there was nothing that could stop them. Not their community, and certainly not their upbringing. Of course, RZA brought more like minds into Method Man’s life!
RZA, and his cousins, Gary Grice (AKA GZA), and Russel Jones (AKA Ol’ Dirty Bastard AKA ODB) also had their own unique story when they met Clifford. Given everyone’s stage in life, love for rap, and ambition, it made sense for them to team up. So, they did!
But as expected, more rappers and dreamers joined in the fun. Before long, they teamed with Ghostface, U-God, Raekwon, and Inspectah Deck to record a single, “Protect Ya Neck/After the Laughter” on Wu-Tang Records in 1992. Together, they formed the Wu-Tang Clan, a group of rough-and-tumble rappers who weren’t afraid to spit fire on the mic.
Shaking hands with Success, and Fame.
As someone who once said “Rap is a gimmick, but I’m for the hip-hop, the culture,” it is no surprise that he stood out among the members of the Wu-Tang Clan. He quickly became known for his smooth flow and hard-hitting rhymes. He was a natural on the mic, and his talent was undeniable.
But it wasn’t just his rhymes that made Method Man a legend. As he said, “I am an entertainer, so in whatever form, I entertain…” It was his style and his presence too. He commanded attention on stage, with his eyes locked on the crowd. He was a true showman, and people couldn’t get enough of him.
After the release of their independent song “Protect Ya Neck,” Wu-Tang gained a substantial underground fan base. While it was challenging to find a record company willing to sign the Wu-Tang Clan while also enabling each member to record solo albums with other companies, Loud/RCA eventually consented, and in November 1993 they released their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang theme was loosely adopted for the album, which was divided into Shaolin and Wu-Tang portions. The martial arts movie “Shaolin and Wu-Tang,” which featured numerous temple disciples being disciplined in the Wu-tang manner, gave the Wu-tang Clan its name. The Taoist sacred mountain Wu Dang is where the word “Wu-tang” originated. Their debut album, released by Loud/RCA was well-received by critics and is still recognized as one of the best hip-hop albums of all time.
From this point on, Wu-Tang’s notoriety and respect grew. The collaborations continued to come in after that. Method Man wanted to push the limits of hip-hop, mix it up, and create something fresh. He wasn’t content to just stay in his lane. He collaborated with Mary J. Blige, the Queen of R&B/Hip-Hop Soul, on the famous song “All I Need,” which became a crossover hit and classic. He joined forces with Notorious B.I.G. for “The What”! He also made magic with Boys II Men, DMX, LL COOL J, Nas, Redman, and more; proving that he could hold his own with anyone in the game.
Method Man has used a variety of names over the years, including Johnny Blaze, Iron Lung, and Tical. Each name has aided in his artistic achievement and represents a distinct facet of his personality and musical style.
Today, his contributions to the world of hip-hop have been immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists
While he’s come a long way from his days in Staten Island, he’s never forgotten where he came from or failed to acknowledge his fans. He once said “We just want to see where we stand at right now with our fans” showing that he’s a rare breed. One of those rappers that genuinely desires to give their fans the best. Are you a fan? Then you are lucky!
An Actor too
This wouldn’t come as a surprise to the people who have followed Method Man’s journey since the beginning. But for the people who do not know, you might want to check out movies like How High or OZ, a popular TV show. Why should you check? Well, you get to see Method Man in action. What this tells us is that he is a versatile man. Guess he was on to something when he said “I am a rapper trying to be an actor”.
Method Man’s awards truly speak to his success as a rapper. He has won one Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. His first Grammy was in 1996 for the song “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” with Mary J. Blige. This award reflects his ability to collaborate with other artists and produce award-winning music.
He has also been recognized by the NAACP Image Awards, receiving a total of three awards from the organization, all for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Power Book II: Ghost. These awards were confirmation that he was more than a rapper trying to be an actor, he is now a true actor.
One Woman, Many Admirers
“I am the same as everybody else. But at the end of the day, take me seriously, not lightly.” Whatever he meant when he said it, women certainly take him seriously as their object of desire. But does he like this completely? Not really. In fact, during an interview at the BET Awards on the BET blue carpet, he made a statement that raised some eyebrows.
When asked about his relationship with women, he responded, “It becomes a pain in the ass sometimes.” This statement left many wondering what he meant by it and whether he was being serious or joking.
Similarly, in a candid interview with Essence Digital Cover, Method Man expressed his bewilderment at the sex symbol label the world was trying to give him, stating, “I don’t get that shit. I hit the gym for my peace of mind – I do it to battle insomnia, not to become a sex symbol.”
Despite being signaled as one of the hottest men on the planet, the Wu-Tang Clan member recently admitted to being baffled by his sex symbol status. Nevertheless, the women haven’t stopped! News Flash! He’s tall, dark, and handsome, with a voice that could make anyone weak in the knees. But he is also very married!
Method Man has always been very vocal about his love for his wife, Tamika Smith, whom he married in 2001, and with whom he shares three kids. He’s often said that he wouldn’t be where he is today without her love and support. He’s a proud family man, and his commitment to his wife and children is admirable.
Wrapping up!
Despite his sizzling sex appeal, Method Man’s passions have always been his music, acting, and family. He has consistently delivered electrifying performances both on stage and in front of the camera, showcasing his immense depth as an artist. From his breakout role in the cult classic film, How High, to his critically acclaimed albums, Method Man has proven time and again that he is a master of his craft.
Method Man’s humility and dedication to his art have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike, making him a beloved figure in the hip-hop community. While he may not understand his status as a sex symbol, it’s clear that his talent, charm, and undeniable charisma will continue to capture hearts for years to come.
Awakening Your Roots Blog 