RZA Explains Why Method Man Is Called Method Man

All the members of the Wu-Tang Clan have interesting rap names.

During a chat with Peter Rosenberg, group leader RZA explained that Method Man started as Shakwon, but the streets encouraged a name change.

The story behind the track “Method Man” is 🤯😳

We’re celebrating 30 years of “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” all day today!

For more w/ @RZA & @EBROINTHEAM - Watch the full conversation: https://t.co/SeOXYLCstK pic.twitter.com/rb3IU0wRj6

— HOT 97 (@HOT97) November 9, 2023

"Method Man was Shakwon until he made that song.  You know what I mean? Shakwon the Panty Raider. Then, after he made that song, everybody in the hood called him Method Man," RZA said.  "It was a nickname but it became the name.  It was the concept because meth is weed, right? He’s the king of smoking weed. So he’s the method man. A year later, he’s Method Man. As the song is playing in the hood and everybody is loving it and playing -- he's the method man.

Rosenberg said he never knew that, and many of the Wu-Tang's hardcore fans expressed their surprise in the comments.