Part of legendary U.S. hip hop collective, the Wu-Tang Clan, Clifford Smith, a.k.a Method Man or simply Meth, returned to Budapest’s Petőfi Csarnok on April 1st. We spoke to the king of bling about life in a hip hop haze…
You’re part of the notorious Wu-Tang Clan. You stood out from the start, being one of only two members with a solo track on the debut album. Was a solo career always on the cards?
We always envisioned the group to spread into multiple solo careers. All members always had aspirations. For us, diving into multiple careers was only a way to strengthen us as a group. This structure has been copied by a lot of artists since, but we originated it.
And how does performing and recording solo compare with being part of a group?
Working with the group is always harder to coordinate our schedules. We all have to agree at one point, about lyrics, beats, all and everything. However, going solo, you don’t have such preoccupations. It’s like living amongst family and being independent and alone. You have certain obligations with your family that you might not have by yourself.
Wu-Tang have been hugely successful, worldwide. Have you felt a pressure to reach a similar level of success?
I am a part of Wu-Tang, therefore I have been successful worldwide. I don’t have any pressure, we never had pressure because we always knew what was gonna be, we always had a plan in mind. However, I myself am a Grammy award winner, Hollywood actor and multiplatinum artist; so, i would say my level of success is fairly high, isn’t it?
You joined Wu-Tang in 1992. What were you doing before then?
Just working, man. Worked in The Statue of Liberty and always had stuff to do. Been writing since I was young.
You’ve collaborated with many people. Who’s been the most inspiring or enjoyable to work with?
Mary J Blige was really cool to work with. Really respect and love Mary. I have countless collaborations I’ve enjoyed, man. My favorite must be my man Redman. We’ve done two albums together and have worked with each other for many years.
And who would you still like to collaborate with?
Reggae artists. I love the music, that’s something I still need to work on.
What can we expect from Method Man in the future?
More music, more acting. I’m working on my next album right now, tentatively titled Crystal Meth. We might do another Wu-Tang album soon as well.
Your new album, Wu-massacre, will be released March 30th. What can we look forward to?
Nothing but a raw hip hop, Wu-Tang sounding record. It’s me, Rae and Ghost delivering nothing but the grimiest lyrics over the best beats you’ve heard in years. Real hip hop.