method man
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: K Woods Foundation / Cynamin Jones Consulting
Method Man has been added to the lineup for Ghostface Killah’s Peace & Unity Festival, taking place on Labor Day Weekend.
The veteran rapper Ghostface Killah is set to host the Peace & Unity Festival Saturday (Aug. 31), and his fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man is now going to take part after being announced as a co-host to the event’s jam-packed lineup. The festival, in its second year, is organized by the non-profit K Woods Foundation and will take place at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Staten Island, New York.
The “Judgment Day” rapper will take the stage along with Kid Capri, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Smif-N-Wessun, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Connie Diiamond, Abby Jasmine, Chey, and Freekey Zekey. The concert event will run from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Ghostface Killah closing out the show with some special guests. The festival was created to foster more unity among those living on Staten Island through music. There will be numerous family-friendly activities taking place at the venue along with food vendors. Local talent showcases will also be taking place at the festival.
Part of the proceeds from the festival will go to the K Woods Foundation, created by Kareem “Kay” Woods in 2019 to serve the youth of the Park Hill neighborhood. Since its inception, the foundation has already raised funds toward breaking ground on a new playground and basketball court, with a future goal of building a community center.
“I’m so proud to see the youth in my neighborhood finally get what they deserve. A nice, clean, safe space to play and enjoy their childhood. I am so blessed to have grown up here and be in the position to come home and open up new possibilities for learning and growth for so many kids who don’t have the opportunities I did,” said Woods in a press release for the event. Tickets are still available for the Peace & Unity Festival through the Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s website as well as through Eventbrite.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: JD Barnes / for Cassius
Method Man claimed in an interview that he’s not received any streaming revenue for his music, where he also shared his thoughts on artificial intelligence.
Streaming hasn’t provided any cash to the iconic rapper and actor Method Man, which he revealed in a recent interview. The interview was for the Beyond The Mic series, a collaboration between HOT97 and UBS, and was held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York before he took the stage for the radio station’s Summer Jam event.
The issue of streaming came up about five minutes into the conversation, where UBS Head of Sports & Entertainment Wale Ogunleye asked Method Man what grade he’d give the music industry. “The industry gets an F,” the Wu-Tang Clan member replied. “It took them too long to adjust to streaming to where they’re drowning, and trying to tread water now.”
“I think it goes way deeper than that, especially when it comes to IPs [Intellectual Properties] for artists that came from my era because honestly, I’ve never received a streaming check for my music,” Method Man stated. He didn’t elaborate further on the claim, but continued: “I’m still trying to figure it all out, because there may be someone who can make a perfect mix of the two where — I’m not saying to accept it, but at least make art out of it, and that’s what I’m always for, the creative part.”
The Tical rapper also spoke about the increasing use of artificial intelligence, or A.I., in Hip-Hop. “I’m still trying to figure out A.I., but I have seen some things that have made me raise an eyebrow,” he said, “The Drake diss with the 2Pac and Snoop [Dogg], the fake Kendrick [Lamar].. It’s a lot to it.” Snoop Dogg has been very vocal about the failures of streaming platforms within the past year, revealing that despite getting a billion streams on Spotify with his music, he hasn’t received much from his publishing. More artists such as Metro Boomin have also spoken up about the lack of revenue they’re suffering from with streaming music services.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
This past Sunday night (June 2), Hot 97’s annual Summer Jam concert rocked the house at the USB Arena in Belmont, N.Y. While acts like Sexyy Red and Doja Cat got things lit with their performances, Method Man didn’t feel the energy from the crowd when he took the stage and feels like his Summer Jam days are officially over.
Taking to the stage with his Blackout! running mate, Redman, one of the cuts Meth and Red performed was their classic cut “Da Rockwilder” for the thousands of fans in attendance. Though the OG fans loved what they saw, Method Man felt the new generation of Hip-Hoppers have left his era far in the rearview mirror.
In a post that Hot 97 put on their official Instagram page showcasing his and Redman’s performance, Method Man left a comment that raised many eyebrows as it showed his displeasure with the experience and included a hashtag that hinted he’d never return to Summer Jam again.
“Not our crowd at all.. thanks again, New York and the whole tri-state (that showed up to the event) plus Pete and Ebro I got love for you guys, but never again.. at this point the generation gap is just too wide for me.. #nevercomingback“
Y’all damn kids ruin everything!
Unfortunately, a lot of this year’s Summer Jam attendees were probably newborns or weren’t even conceived yet when Method Man and Redman were flying high off their marijuana-inspired cuts back in the late 90s. So it’s no surprise that they didn’t know they were in the presence of legends when Meth and Red took the stage. The lack of love and energy was enough to convince the Ticallion Stallion to throw the towel in when it comes to these kind of events.
The dynamic rap duo was also at the Roots Picnic, and the energy was much better.
Check out Method Man and Redman at Summer Jam below, and let us know your thoughts on Method Man’s comment in the comments section below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Hot 97 / Hot 97 Summer Jam 2024
It’s that time of the year when Hot 97 announces the lineup for its highly anticipated concert, Summer Jam. Unfortunately, it landed with a thud.
The same concert that gave us JAY-Z famously clowning NaS, the late Prodigy of Mobb Deep on the Summer Jam screen, and even bringing out Michael Jackson for a brief second has seen better days, according to fans.
New Yorkers who look forward to the concert that has the title of being the official start to summer in New York City feel it has officially fallen off after the iconic radio station announced this year’s lineup.
No longer taking place at MetLife Stadium, opting for a traditional venue in UBS Arena, the concert has since been downsized, axing the festival stage that usually featured “smaller acts” before the more prominent names hit the main stage inside MetLife.
This year, opening up Summer Jam 2024 will be Tee Grizzley, 41 (Kyle-Richh, Jenn Carter, and Tata), Davido, Sleepy Hallow, Method Man & Redman, Sexxy Red, Offset, and Doja Cat as the concert’s headliner.
Reactions To The Lineup Are Not Good
Anywhere else, that’s a pretty solid lineup, but this collection of artists is not slapping for New Yorkers. Immediately after the big announcement, they voiced their displeasure, and the critiques were not kind.
“Chris Brown & usher will be worth the money over this trash lineup,” one person wrote in Hot 97’s IG post sharing the flyer showing the lineup.
Another comment read, “Trash ass line up Redman and method Man the dopest ones on this list.”
Ouch.
“Just cancel the whole damn Summer Jam,” another comment read.
Well damn.
We still think there will be people in the UBS Arena on Sunday, June 2, to watch the show; whether the show completely sells out is another story.
More reactions to Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2024 lineup are in the gallery below.
1. Legit question
4. Well, not everyone is upset with the lineup
11. Ummmmmm let’s relax
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: JD Barnes / for Cassius
It seems Hip-Hop runs through the DNA of the Smith family. Method Man’s daughter has made her official debut as a rapper.
The Wu-Tang Clan member might have to make room for another star in the household. Method Man’s daughter Chey (pronounced shy) announced to the world that she is following in her beloved father’s footsteps. Her first effort “Hair and Nails”; a drill song which features the sample from Raekwon’s “Ice Cream”, was released in January. Last week she followed things up with a new song titled “Boujee & Ghetto.”
In an interview with Shaoliiin Entertainment she made it clear she wants to stand on her two feet and not rely on nepotism. “A lot of people would say [that he could just make a call and put me on], but at the end of the day, you got to put in the work,” she explained. “He could do that but he rather see me work for it and really push but he’s gonna support one thousand gajillion trillion percent. But he wants to see the work too.”
This is not the first time a Wu-Tang Clan offspring has picked up the pen and pad. Back in 2019 Old Dirty Bastard, U-God and Method Man’s son formed the 2nd Generation Wu. Additionally, Ghostface Killah’s son SUN GOD has collaborated with his father on several songs. You can check out the teaser to “Boujie & Ghetto” below.
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Jordan The Stallion captured the hearts of millions via his popular TikTok channel where he pokes fun at his mature look despite being in his 20s. In a new clip featuring his signature deadpan humor, Jordan The Stallion was able to obtain an appearance from the legendary Method Man, which got a big reaction on social media.
What we’ve learned about Jordan The Stallion is that his birth name is Jordan Hewlett, and he hails from Riverside, Calif. A former baseball player, Jordan’s rags-to-riches story is one that he’s told in media appearances, and he’s currently sitting at just over 12 million followers on TikTok.
The new clip features Jordan holding his smartphone to film himself speaking in a mirror, a style he’s perfected since starting his page in 2020. After hilariously explaining that outlets have been writing about him, with one calling him the older brother of Method Man, Jordan then brings the Wu-Tang Clan swordsman into the frame, and the pair continue their banter.
What makes this completely hilarious is that Method Man, who turns 53 this year, might have children around the same age as Jordan The Stallion. What should be noted is that M-E-T-H-O-D Man has kept himself in fantastic shape over the years and it looks like Jordan’s been hitting the weights hard as well. And yes, in this particular video, that we’ll share below, we can kind of see the similarities.
Check out the video and the reactions from X, formerly Twitter, below.
—
Photo: TikTok
Source: Hip-Hop Wired / iOne Digital
The Witness To History: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Greatness returns with its latest episode which features top tier MC’s Method Man and Royce Da 5’9″. Repping Staten Island and Detroit, respectively, these two rappers have created thick chapters for themselves in the book of Hip-Hop.
Hip-Hop Wired Director of Content Alvin aqua Blanco held an enlightening conversation with Method Man, which touched on everything from the Wu-Tang Clan, to his acting to the mark Staten Island aka Shaolin has made on the culture. The Morning Hustle’s Kyle Santillian linked up with Royce, who discussed the impact of Detroit on Hip-Hop as well as the dynamic he shared with fellow Motor City native and great friend Eminem.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
RZA revealed the real story of how Method Man got his name in a recent interview, stunning fans tuning in as well as the hosts of the show.
The RZA was a guest on the EBROINTHEAM show on HOT97, co-hosted by Ebro and Peter Rosenberg last Thursday (November 9), and Rosenberg played a snippet from the hit “Method Man” off of the Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). It prompted him to ask, “Why did Method Man get his own song on the album? And again, did you have a hunch that this one would go off?” The RZA replied, “Method Man was Shakwon until he made that song — Shakwon the Panty Raider. Then, after he made that song, everybody in the hood called him Method Man.”
Rosenberg and co-host Laura Stylez were both surprised. Ebro then asked, “So Method Man was just the chorus, it wasn’t his name or the concept?” “It was the concept because meth is weed. He’s the king of smoking weed. So he’s the method man. A year later, he’s Method Man,” RZA responded. When asked if the streets were the major weight behind the decision, he said it was the Clan’s decision ultimately. “It was a conscious decision by us as a crew, but the streets did push it.”
The revelation caused a shockwave among the hosts. “That makes so much sense! Now that I think about it,” Rosenberg said before continuing: “See, RZA, this is something that to you is so built-in that it’s a nothing burger, whereas to us, it makes so much sense! It was always a little weird that there’s one song on the album named after a member. We thought it was named after the member, but that’s not what it was; it was the name of a song that then became the name of a member!”
Method Man himself talked about the name change in his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, specifically citing legendary funk artist Bootsy Collins along with John Legend, Masta Ace, and Hall & Oates as inspirations for the song.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Al Pereira / Getty
Method Man has lent the New York Jets some powerful aid in the form of starring in a new video before they start the National Football League regular season.
On Friday (September 8th), the iconic Wu-Tang Clan member shared a video through his Instagram account entitled, entitled “What’s Past Is Prologue”. It begins with the rapper and actor overlooking Met Life Stadium, which the team calls home. “This here is where we write the story,” he begins. “For city, for land, for nation. Not bound by ancestral borders — just loyalty to these colors,” he says while decked out in the green and white gear of the team.
The montage captures various people wearing Jets gear, as Method Man continues: “This team — and this team’s been through it, man. Long days. Cold nights. Hardships and heartbreak. But you know what? We learn from it. We learned that the greatest heights conquered often begin in the greatest debts.” The last sentence is punctuated by cut scenes showing Sauce Gardner being drafted and the One World Trade Center building breaking the clouds in an overhead shot. “And the past need not define what we would will ourselves to become. It was a hard road to get here. Yeah. But you know what? The journey that’s easy never matters. Sacrifice is the price for greatness.”
Shots of the new Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the team’s training camp along with other players are seen as Method Man’s narration concludes: “So, to the ones coming for us, I say bring it. We want all the smoke. Give us your titles, your strongest — your players yearning to be champions — ’cause we trained for this. We bled for this. We met the worst and came out the other side to now — to this moment — our time.” He finishes with a grin: “What’s past is prologue. The story begins now,” as the video ends.
The new video was captioned “JetLifestadium stand up .. the journey that’s easy never matters.. the 2023 season is here… J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets… #jetlifestadium.” It’s another step in the relationship the Power: Book II actor has been forming with the team, having been invited by the team to one of their training camps this summer.
HipHopWired Radio
Our staff has picked their favorite stations, take a listen…
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Audible / Broadway Video
A new scripted audio series from Audible covers the adventures of three friends trying to find happiness while launching a legal marijuana company.
Audible announced the launch of a new audio comedy series created in collaboration with media powerhouse Broadway Video, which is entitled Ye We Cannabis. The series boasts a bevy of talented comedic actors, fronted by Sam Richardson, best known for his role as Richard Splett on HBO’s Veep series and his Emmy-nominated performance as billionaire Edwin Akufo on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso along with Wu-Tang Clan MC and veteran actor Method Man, and Punkie Johnson from Saturday Night Live along with Langston Kerman who has appeared in HBO’s Insecure and Amazon’s The Boys.
Yes We Cannabis follows a pharmacist named George (Richardson) who is unsatisfied with his work and life in Florida, prompting him to quit his job and take off for California with the goal of creating a legal cannabis company along with his friends Brandy (Johnson) and Marcus (Kerman). The 10-episode series captures the highs, lows, and other highs of trying to make the company a reality while encountering hectic situations in dating, family, and dealing with shady people all in the vein of living while Black in America.
The series will feature a slew of notable guest voices, which include Tichina Arnold, Tim Meadows, Rachel Dratch, and Chris Parnell. In addition to Meadows and Dratch, there are other Saturday Night Live veterans in the mix such as Heidi Gardner who joins other comedians like Richard Kind, Laci Mosley, and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes to round out the cast.
Yes We Cannabis is directed by Rochée Jeffrey, who also created and wrote the show with George K. Burns. Both also serve as executive producers along with Britta von Schoeler for Broadway Video, with Ian Stearns filling the role for Audible. Producers for the series are Olutoye Adegboro, Gabriella Mezzacappa, Eddie Michaels, and Austin Breslow for Broadway Video. Yes We Cannabis will make its exclusive debut on Audible on Thursday (August 24th).
HipHopWired Radio
Our staff has picked their favorite stations, take a listen…