Method Man Speaks On The "Changing Of The Guard In Hip Hop"

BYErika Marie30.2K Views
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Method Man
The Wu-Tang icon explained his transition from artist to actor and spoke on the "so-called gatekeepers" not having "much use for a 44-year-old rapper."

Television audiences have been seeing much more from Method Man in recent years and he has been impressing at every step. The Wu-Tang Clan icon certainly isn't the first rapper to shift his career focus to acting, but he is quickly climbing the ranks to be one of the most successful. Those who have been diehard fans of Meth have wanted him to return with new music at every corner, but in an interview for his Essence cover story, the Rap icon revealed that things haven't been easy behind the scenes.

“The higher-ups, the so-called gatekeepers didn’t have much use for a 50-year-old rapper,” Method Man said, referring to the shift that the music industry has gone through. “I guess my background turned some people off. Some people aren’t willing to give you a chance, especially when you’ve already had one and you kind of squandered it.”

Frederick M. Brown / Stringer / Getty Images

“There was a changing of the guard in hip-hop. I was cool with that. I had to evolve with the business and if that meant acting, so be it. I was going to throw all my eggs in one basket," he added. When asked about his ongoing reputation as a Rap sex symbol, Meth admitted that he doesn't "understand that sh*t" and being viewed in such a way was never his goal.

“People like attention. I’m the same as everybody else. But at the end of the day, take me seriously, not lightly.” Check out more from the Power star's Essence spread below.




About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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