Method Man is a highly versatile MC who has been a constant presence since the late 1980s. Rising to prominence as part of the legendary Staten Island crew The Wu-Tang Clan in the mid-1990s, the rapper (real name Clifford Smith Jr.) is loved for his intricate lyricism, partnership with Redman and his famous stoner comedy How High, a must-watch that will have viewers laughing out loud. Known as one of hip hop’s greats, Method Man is undoubtedly a talent.
With the Staten Island rapper rising to fame during the mid-1990s, his career would not begin officially until his crew released their debut single, ‘Protect Ya Neck’. With this track, the Wu-Tang Clan found a buzz. They would not only maintain this buzz, but they would build a legacy.
With Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) getting released in 1994, the crew would go on to reach extraordinary heights together on Loud Records. However, the ensemble would eventually dissipate after Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s fatal overdose in 2004 and would head in a plethora of different directions individually.
While other members succeeded in their careers, they didn’t necessarily find success in music. Original Clan member RZA did find moderate success in the field of acting. The rapper has featured in many films, including the 2007 film American Gangster alongside Denzel Washington, and has even directed films such as the 2017 film Love, Beats, Rhymes starring Jill Scott, Common and Azealia Banks.
However, irrespective of RZA’s success in Hollywood, it paled compared to Method Man’s success in music. After the Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man paired with Redman to form the duo Method Man and Redman. The duo starred together in the 2001 stoner film How High and, in 2004, even went on to get their own sitcom on the Fox network. Furthermore, the duo’s debut album, Blackout! went platinum upon release.
Method Man has achieved great success as a solo artist but still pays respect to the Wu-Tang Clan in all of his interviews and has toured with them several times despite the fragmented nature of the crew. With such an illustrious career, he, of course, has an extensive catalogue. In a quest to provide the ultimate guide to Method Man, we have whittled down his entire discography to his 15 best and most essential tracks.
Take a listen to our picks below.
The 15 best Method Man tracks:
- ‘Method Man’ ft Raekwon, GZA, RZA & Ghostface Killah – Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, (1993)
- ‘Judgement Day’ – Tical 2000: Judgement Day, (1998)
- ‘Play 4 Keeps’ ft REBEL-INS, Streetlife & Mobb Deep – Tical 2000: Judgement Day, (1998)
- ‘Blackout’ ft Redman – Blackout!, (1999)
- ‘4 Seasons’ ft Redman, LL Cool J & Ja Rule – Blackout!, (1999)
- ‘C.R.E.A.M’ – Wu-Tang Clan, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, (1993)
- ‘Protect Ya Neck’ – Wu-Tang Clan, Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, (1993)
- ‘Gravel Pit’ – Wu-Tang Clan, Legend Of The Wu-Tang,(2004)
- ‘A-YO’ ft Redman – Blackout 2!, (2009)
- ‘Da Rockwilder’ ft Redman – Blackout 2!, (2009)
- ‘How High’ ft Redman – Best Of How High, (2001)
- ‘Bring The Pain’ – Tical, (1994)
- ‘Switch Sides’ ft Jadakiss, Eddy I, 5th Pxwer – Meth Lab Season 3, (2022)
- ‘Y.O.U’ ft Redman – Blackout!, (1999)
- ‘Got To Have It’ – 4:21…The Day After, (2006)