Get ready to laugh! During a live interview at REVOLT WORLD in Atlanta, Method Man had N.O.R.E. and the audience cracking up when he shared his very first rap name.
The iconic moment happened during the Wu-Tang Clan legend’s appearance on Drink Champs. In a clip shared on Instagram, Method Man was asked about his first stage name, and the answer was unexpected.
With a grin, he replied, “Oh, you playing with me! I think it was, like, Papa Smurf or some shit like that.” This had N.O.R.E. and everyone watching laughing out loud. Method Man added, “I was big on the Smurfs. Big time.”
When pressed about any other names he went by before Method Man, he playfully dodged the question, saying, “I don’t wanna talk about this no more.”
The story behind his famous name was revealed last year by RZA. Speaking to Peter Rosenberg on Hot 97, RZA explained that Method Man, born Clifford Smith, was known as Shakwon the Panty Raider before recording the song “Method Man” for Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album.
“Method Man was Shakwon until he made that song,” RZA said. “Then, after he made that song, everybody in the hood called him Method Man.”
Method Man adopted the name thanks to the song’s popularity and because ‘meth’ referred to weed, highlighting his love for smoking.
RZA elaborated, “It was a conscious decision by us as a crew, but the streets did push it.” The revelation surprised many fans who were unaware of how Method Man got his name.
Fans reacted with amazement on social media. One user on X exclaimed, “This is crazy!!!” while another added, “Wow!!! Bet millions of fans never knew this.” Even Rosenberg was taken aback, noting how it made perfect sense in retrospect.
Method Man’s name evolution from Shakwon to Papa Smurf to the iconic Method Man is a story that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
From Papa Smurf to Shakwon to Method Man, this rap legend’s journey to finding the perfect stage name has been nothing short of entertaining. His story continues to amuse and surprise fans, keeping his legacy as vibrant as ever.
