Method Man (Wu-Tang Clan Chapter 3): Dice Games, Dodged Bullets, and Murder in the Street
Sep 12, 2023
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Method Man, former crack dealer turned rapper, shares his journey from winning big in dice games to dodging bullets. He reflects on the competitive drug trade, the success of Wu-Tang Clan's albums, and the tragic death of Ernest Seon. The chapter also explores the dangers faced by the Wu-Tang Clan and the need for protection.
Having trustworthy friends who can potentially save your life is crucial in dangerous situations.
Wu-Tang Clan's success was fueled by their unique style, dedication, and RZA's strategic plan of individual solo deals.
Deep dives
Method Man's Journey into the Wu-Tang Clan
Method Man, also known as Clifford Smith, had a challenging upbringing in Park Hill, Staten Island. He turned to dice games and drug dealing to make money, which led to dangerous encounters and close calls with the police. However, his life took a turn when the RZA, a friend and founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, offered him a spot in the group. Meth joined the hip hop supergroup and embarked on a path that led to great success and enduring hip hop music.
The Importance of Having the Right People
Meth's life was saved on multiple occasions by friends who had his back. One instance involved escaping from a police crackdown in Park Hill where Meth and his fellow Wu-Tang members were targeted. Another time, Meth narrowly avoided becoming a victim of gun violence. These experiences solidified the importance of having trustworthy friends who can potentially save your life.
Wu-Tang Clan's Rise to Success
Despite a slow start, Wu-Tang Clan's debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang 36 Chambers, gained momentum and surpassed the sales of other hip hop albums at the time. The group's unique style and dedication to their craft paid off. RZA's master plan of individual solo deals for the group members and spreading their presence across different record labels helped them saturate the market. Method Man's solo career also took off, adding to the collective success of the Wu-Tang Clan.
As a teenager, Method Man won $800 on a $5 bet in a dice game. He used those winnings to set himself up as a crack dealer on Staten Island. Dealing was dangerous. Meth was chased by drug squads and dragged down the street when a potential buyer stole his product. His life was saved by a friend who pulled him out of the wrong place at the right moment – a moment in which he literally dodged a bullet.