Method Man, real name Clifford Smith, is a New York City-based rapper, producer and actor who rose to fame as a member of the Staten Island-based rap group, the Wu-Tang Clan.
Method Man has once again teamed up with rapper/actor Redman and they are releasing their first album in 10 years. Blackout 2 is the second album from the rap duo and has a May 19, 2009 release date.Official Site: Blackout 2 release date
Fast Facts:
- Genre: Rap, Hip-hop
- Name: Clifford Smith
- Born: April 1, 1971
- Origin: Staten Island, New York
- Record label: Def Jam
- Albums: 5
- Nicknames: Johnny Blaze, Tical O, Hott Nikkels
- Won 1996 Grammy with Mary J. Blige for [Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need"
- Arrested for possession of marijuana in May 2007NY Daily News: Phew-Tang Clan! Posse guy in dope-filled car bust (May 19, 2007)
- He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle under the influenceNY Daily News: Phew-Tang Clan! Posse guy in dope-filled car bust (May 19, 2007)
Owing Back Taxes
In March 2009, it was reported Method Man owed over $52,000 in unpaid state income tax. As a result, his 2008 Lincoln Navigator was seized from his Long Island home by state tax officials.The Boom Box: Method Man Blames Marijuana for Financial Troubles (March 27, 2009)
Background
Born Clifford Smith in Long Island, New York, Method Man moved to Staten Island in his late teens, and met the rappers who would later form the Wu-Tang Clan. Method Man became one of the most visible members of the group, occasionally singing solo, and recording a Grammy-winning song with Mary J. Blige in 1996.
Acting
Method Man branched out into acting in the late 2000s, most recently he was featured in the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award-winner, The Wackness. Method Man often performs with fellow rapper Redman, with whom he was featured in the 2001 movie How High. In 2004, he starred with Redman in the short-lived FOX TV series, Method & Red. Method Man has also appeared as Cheese in HBO's critically acclaimed series, The Wire and in the films Garden State and Belly.
