Method Man (born Clifford Smith on March 2, 1971) is a Grammy-winning rapper and actor who is one of the breakout members of Staten Island’s Wu-Tang Clan. On their seminal 1993 debut album Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, Mr. Mef made his name known with his namesake solo track among other standout appearances throughout the album. He was also the first member of the group to release a solo album after the Wu crew debut when he put out Tical in 1994.

In 1996, Method Man won a Grammy with Mary J. Blige in the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category for their collaboration “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need.” Meth has gone on to release several solo albums while continuing to contribute to Wu-Tang projects, and he also released two collaborative albums with his partner-in-rhyme Redman in 1999 (Blackout!) and 2009 (Blackout! 2).

He parlayed his success in the music business into television and film roles. He has appeared in The Wire, Belly, The Breaks, The Deuce, Luke Cage, and he’s the host of the rap battle TV show Drop the Mic. He also starred alongside Redman in their short-lived FOX sitcom Method & Red and the movie How High, which is named after their 1995 collaboration. He has also been featured in multiple Def Jam fighting video games, including Def Jam Vendetta and Def Jam Fight For NY.