Method Man
Biography
Clifford Smith, 1 April 1971, Staten Island, New York, USA. Smith rose to acclaim as one of the leading members of Staten Island's hip-hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan. Adopting the Method Man moniker, his smoky, flowing vocals were a prominent feature of 1993's landmark debut Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). His own Tical set, released the following year, was the first in a glut of Wu-Tang Clan solo product. Produced by associate RZA, the album's drug-infused atmosphere was perfectly complemented by Method Man's laid-back delivery. The album debuted at US number 4 in December, while the single "Bring The Pain" broke into the national Top 50 the same month. The following year Method Man was involved in two highly successful collaborations. His Grammy-winning duet with Mary J. Blige on "I'll Be There For You"/"You're All I Need To Get By" was a US number 3 hit in June, and was followed by the "How High' single with Redman, which reached number 13 in September. Following further work with the Wu-Tang Clan, and a screen appearance in Hype Williams" Belly, Method Man released his sophomore effort, Tical 2000: Judgement Day. The highly inventive production work provided a perfect backdrop for Method Man's fluid delivery, hitting a peak on the millennium inspired title track. Odd cameos from Donald Trump and Janet Jackson featured alongside the usual Wu-Tang guest slots. Debuting at US number 2 in December, Tical 2000: Judgement Day was kept off the top of the charts by the new Garth Brooks album. The rapper then joined forces with Redman to record the following year's Blackout!
