History of Method Man in Timeline
Method Man, born Clifford Smith, Jr., is a prominent figure in hip hop. As a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and one half of the duo Method Man & Redman, his musical influence is undeniable. His talent extends beyond music, evident in his successful acting career, including his role in "Power Book II: Ghost." His accolades include a Grammy Award for his collaboration with Mary J. Blige.
March 2, 1971: Birth of Clifford Smith, Jr.
Clifford Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Method Man, was born on March 2, 1971. He would go on to become an influential American rapper, record producer, and actor.
1979: Stage Name Inspiration
Method Man took his stage name from the 1979 film 'Method Man'.
1992: Beginning of Relationship with Tamika Smith
Method Man's relationship with Tamika Smith commenced in 1992.
1994: Release of Solo Debut Album Tical
In 1994, Method Man released his solo debut album 'Tical', which was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, entering the American charts at #4 and selling over one million copies.
1995: Appearance in "The Show" Documentary
In 1995, Method Man appeared in the documentary "The Show," featuring a notable scene where he gets into an argument with fellow Wu-Tang Clan members U-God and Ghostface Killah while on a train in Japan. The argument revolved around issues like camera time, radio interviews, and clothing mishaps.
1995: Feature on Batman Forever Soundtrack
In 1995, Method Man appeared on the Batman Forever soundtrack with his track 'The Riddler', produced by RZA.
1996: Feature on Tupac Shakur's Album
In 1996, Method Man was featured on Tupac Shakur's album 'All Eyez on Me' on the song 'Got My Mind Made Up'.
1996: Grammy Award Win
In 1996, Method Man won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for 'I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By', featuring Mary J. Blige.
1996: Release of Hit 'Em High from Space Jam Soundtrack
In 1996, Method Man, alongside LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, B-Real, and Coolio, released the song 'Hit 'Em High' from the Space Jam Soundtrack.
June 3, 1997: Release of Wu-Tang Forever
On June 3, 1997, the Wu-Tang Clan released their Grammy-nominated multiplatinum double CD 'Wu-Tang Forever', which has sold over 6 million copies worldwide.
1997: Film Appearance in 187
In 1997, Method Man appeared in the film '187'.
1997: Cameo in "Cop Land" and Appearance in "Wonderland"
Method Man had a brief but impactful role as a fleeing criminal in the film "Cop Land" (1997). He also appeared as a patient in a mental hospital in the TV drama "Wonderland".
1997: Collaboration with Texas
In 1997, Method Man collaborated with the Scottish rock band Texas on a remix of their single 'Say What You Want'.
1998: Film Appearance in Belly
In 1998, Method Man appeared in the film 'Belly'.
1998: Release of Tical 2000: Judgement Day
In 1998, Method Man released his second solo album 'Tical 2000: Judgement Day', which was influenced by apocalypse theories. The album featured many guest appearances and earned Platinum certifications in both the U.S. and Canada.
1998: Release of Say What You Want (All Day, Every Day)
In 1998, the collaboration between Texas, Method Man, and RZA on the remix 'Say What You Want (All Day, Every Day)' was released and later included in Texas' Greatest Hits album.
1998: Debut in "Belly"
Method Man made his acting debut in the film "Belly", alongside fellow rappers Nas and DMX, marking his entry into the film industry.
1999: Feature on Limp Bizkit's N 2 Gether Now
In 1999, Method Man featured on Limp Bizkit's song 'N 2 Gether Now' from their album 'Significant Other'.
November 21, 2000: Release of The W
On November 21, 2000, the Wu-Tang Clan released 'The W', which received both critical and commercial success.
2000: Release of Know Your Role
In 2000, Method Man performed 'Know Your Role' for the album 'WWF Aggression', a song themed around wrestler Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
December 18, 2001: Release of Iron Flag
On December 18, 2001, the Wu-Tang Clan released 'Iron Flag'. While it received some success, it did not match the acclaim of its predecessor 'The W'.
2001: Marriage to Tamika Smith
After dating since 1992, Method Man and Tamika Smith married in 2001.
2001: Film Appearance in How High
In 2001, Method Man appeared in the film 'How High'.
2003: Criticism of Wu-Tang Clan Management
In 2003, Method Man criticized Wu-Tang Clan managers Oli 'Power' Grant and Mitchell 'Divine' Diggs for taking something major from him without intending to return it.
2003: Music Video Appearances
Method Man made appearances in two music videos in 2003, playing the role of Alicia Keys' boyfriend in "If I Ain't Got You" and an undercover cop in Beanie Sigel's "Feel It in the Air".
2004: Starring Role in "Method & Red" and Criticism of Fox Network
In 2004, Method Man took on a starring role in "Method & Red," a sitcom that aired on Fox. However, the show was short-lived, going on hiatus after a brief run and ultimately getting canceled. Method Man voiced his dissatisfaction with Fox's influence on the show, specifically citing creative compromises and the network's decision to incorporate a laugh track.
2004: Film Appearance in Garden State
In 2004, Method Man appeared in the film 'Garden State'.
2004: Release of Tical 0: The Prequel
In 2004, Method Man released his third solo album 'Tical 0: The Prequel', which featured the hit single 'What's Happenin'' with Busta Rhymes. The album sold well and was certified gold by the RIAA.
2004: Owed Taxes From 2004-2007
It was discovered that he had failed to file New York state income tax returns from 2004 to 2007, resulting in a debt of almost $33,000 in back taxes.
2005: Film Appearance in Venom
In 2005, Method Man appeared in the film 'Venom'.
2005: Cameo Appearance in "Venom"
Method Man had a brief role as a deputy in the horror film "Venom", released in 2005.
August 2006: Release of 4:21: The Day After
In August 2006, Method Man released his fourth album '4:21: The Day After'. Despite being one of his strongest solo efforts, the album did not perform well commercially due to lack of singles or videos.
2006: Criticism of Diddy's Decisions on "Duets: The Final Chapter"
During a concert in 2006, Method Man expressed criticism towards Diddy's choices regarding "Duets: The Final Chapter," a posthumous album by The Notorious B.I.G. He contended that Biggie would not have collaborated with some of the featured artists on the album.
2006: Public Feud with Wendy Williams
In 2006, Method Man became embroiled in a public dispute with television talk show host Wendy Williams on the online show "The Breakdown." The conflict stemmed from Williams' on-air disclosure of Method Man's wife's cancer diagnosis, information he had intended to keep private. He expressed his anger and disappointment, stating that the revelation had caused significant distress within his family.
2006: Appearance on "Yo Momma"
In 2006, Method Man made a guest appearance on the pilot episode of MTV's reality show "Yo Momma."
2006: Appearance in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
Method Man appeared as Drops, a wealthy Las Vegas party promoter, in the "Poppin' Tags" episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in 2006.
March 27, 2007: Confirmation of How High Sequel
On March 27, 2007, Redman confirmed on BET's Rap City: Tha Bassment that a sequel to 'How High' was being written.
April 10, 2007: Redman Hints at Second Collaborative Album
In an interview with The Onion A.V. Club on April 10, 2007, Redman suggested that he and Method Man would be working on a second collaborative album, with plans to begin work later that year.
May 2007: Leaked Single 'New York New York'
In early May 2007, Method Man's camp leaked the street single 'New York New York', which became a popular track on the internet.
May 17, 2007: Arrest for Marijuana Possession
On May 17, 2007, Method Man was arrested in New York City for marijuana possession. His SUV was pulled over for an expired inspection sticker, and police officers discovered marijuana in plain view. He reached a plea deal where he would perform community service, including educating youth on the dangers of drugs through rap.
December 4, 2007: Guest Appearance in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
Method Man made a guest appearance as a prominent antagonist in the "Snitch" episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," which aired on December 4, 2007.
2007: Appearance in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
Method Man reprised his role as Drops in the "Big Shots" episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", which aired in 2007.
2007: Owed Taxes From 2004-2007
It was discovered that he had failed to file New York state income tax returns from 2004 to 2007, resulting in a debt of almost $33,000 in back taxes.
December 9, 2008: "Blackout! 2" Initial Release Date
December 9, 2008, was the planned release date for the album "Blackout! 2", a collaboration between Method Man and Redman.
2008: Film Appearance in The Wackness
In 2008, Method Man appeared in the film 'The Wackness'.
2008: Appearances in "The Wackness" and "Meet the Spartans"
Method Man made appearances in two films in 2008: "The Wackness" and "Meet the Spartans", expanding his acting repertoire.
2008: Appearance in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
Method Man made his final appearance as Drops in the "Drops Out" episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in 2008.
April 2009: "City Lights" Release
The single "City Lights", produced by Nasty Kutt, was released in April 2009 as a precursor to the album "Blackout! 2".
May 19, 2009: "Blackout! 2" Release Pushed Back
The release date for "Blackout! 2" was delayed and moved to May 19, 2009.
October 5, 2009: Arrest for Tax Evasion
Method Man was arrested on October 5, 2009, at his residence in Staten Island due to allegations of income tax violations.
2009: Scheduled Release of "The Crystal Method"
Method Man's fifth studio album, initially titled "The Crystal Method," was scheduled for release in 2009, as indicated in the liner notes of "Blackout! 2".
June 28, 2010: Pleading Guilty to Tax Evasion
On June 28, 2010, Method Man entered a guilty plea for tax evasion. He received a sentence of conditional discharge and was obligated to pay a fine amounting to $106,000.
December 23, 2010: Method Man Announces Album Release
During a concert on December 23, 2010, Method Man informed the audience to anticipate the release of his album in March 2011.
March 2011: Anticipated Release of Method Man's Album
March 2011 was the anticipated release date for Method Man's album, which was later postponed.
April 2011: Method Man Discusses Image and Family
In an interview in April 2011, Method Man addressed his public image, stating that he is mindful of how his image might impact his children and their education, leading him to be more discreet about his cannabis use.
October 5, 2011: "World Gone Sour (The Lost Kids)" Release
Method Man released a new single titled "World Gone Sour (The Lost Kids)" on iTunes on October 5, 2011.
2011: Role in "The Sitter"
Method Man had a minor role in the comedy film "The Sitter", starring Jonah Hill, which was released in 2011.
2011: Lead Role in "The Mortician"
Method Man took on a lead role in the film "The Mortician", released in 2011.
July 2012: Confirmation and Production Details of "Crystal Meth"
Method Man confirmed in July 2012 that his album "Crystal Meth" would be released in 2013 and would feature production from RZA, Erick Sermon, Rockwilder, and potentially Diggilo and Tyler, The Creator.
2012: Film Appearance in Red Tails
In 2012, Method Man appeared in the film 'Red Tails'.
2012: Role in "Red Tails"
Method Man portrayed the character "Sticks" in the George Lucas-produced film "Red Tails", a historical drama about the Tuskegee Airmen, released in 2012.
2013: Work on "Crystal Meth" and Wu-Tang Clan Album
Throughout 2013, Method Man dedicated time to working on his album "Crystal Meth" and contributing to the Wu-Tang Clan's sixth studio album, "A Better Tomorrow". He also toured with Redman during this period.
January 1, 2014: Method Man Announces Upcoming Projects
Method Man revealed on January 1, 2014, that he would be releasing a mixtape titled "The Meth Lab" in March and his album "Crystal Meth" in August, both through Tommy Boy Entertainment.
March 2014: Planned Release of "The Meth Lab"
March 2014 was the initial target date for the release of Method Man's mixtape, "The Meth Lab".
August 2014: Planned Release of "Crystal Meth"
August 2014 was the planned release date for Method Man's album "Crystal Meth", which was later postponed.
2014: Film Appearance in The Cobbler
In 2014, Method Man appeared in the film 'The Cobbler'.
2014: Voice Role in "Chozen"
Method Man provided the voice for Phantasm, the main antagonist in the FX animated comedy series "Chozen," in 2014.
August 21, 2015: "The Meth Lab" Release
Method Man released "The Meth Lab" as a mixtape album under Tommy Boy on August 21, 2015.
2015: Lead Role in "#Lucky Number"
Method Man had a starring role in the film "#Lucky Number", which premiered in 2015.
August 2016: Anticipated Release of "Crystal Meth"
August 2016 was the anticipated release month for "Crystal Meth," but the album remained unreleased as of 2024.
2016: Film Appearance in Keanu
In 2016, Method Man appeared in the film 'Keanu'.
2016: Various Acting Roles
Method Man appeared as himself in the television shows "Difficult People" and "Luke Cage", had a role in the film "Paterson", and portrayed "Cheddar" in the film "Keanu", all in 2016.
2017: Co-Host of "Drop the Mic"
Method Man became the co-host, alongside Hailey Baldwin, of the celebrity battle rap show "Drop the Mic" in 2017.
2017: Host of "Drop the Mic"
Method Man became the host of the TBS series "Drop the Mic" in 2017.
2019: Collaboration with Blue Meth
Method Man collaborated with South London rapper Blue Meth on the track "Winnebago" in 2019. The accompanying music video was directed by Nick Donnelly.
2019: Voice Role in "Marvels" and Appearance in "Shaft"
Method Man lent his voice to the character Ben Urich in the scripted podcast "Marvels" and appeared as Freddie P in the film "Shaft", both in 2019.
2020: Recurring Role in "Teenage Bounty Hunters"
Method Man joined the cast of the Netflix series "Teenage Bounty Hunters" in 2020, portraying the recurring character Terrance Coin.
2020: Role in "Vampires vs. the Bronx"
Method Man played the character Father Jackson in the Netflix film "Vampires vs. the Bronx," released in 2020.
2020: Appearance in "Concrete Cowboy"
Method Man starred in the film adaptation of the book "Ghetto Cowboy," titled "Concrete Cowboy," in 2020.
February 2021: Host of "Marvel/Method" Podcast
In February 2021, Method Man launched his role as the host of "Marvel/Method," a podcast series created in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment and Sirius XM. The podcast features Method Man engaging in conversations with celebrity guests, delving into topics such as Marvel comics, music, and culture.
2021: Appearance in "Godfather of Harlem"
Method Man appeared as Samuel Christian in the second season of the MGM+ series "Godfather of Harlem" in 2021.
2022: Producer and Host of "The Wire At 20" Podcast
In 2022, Method Man took on the roles of producer and host for "The Wire At 20," a podcast commemorating the 20th anniversary of the acclaimed HBO series "The Wire."
2024: "Crystal Meth" Remains Unreleased
As of 2024, "Crystal Meth" has yet to be released to the public.