Method Man has classic hits galore, but the rapper revealed a shocking truth during a Hot 97 interview—he hasn’t seen any streaming royalties. Despite having over three million monthly listeners on Spotify, the Wu-Tang Clan legend is still waiting for a check.
When asked about the growing influence of AI in music, Method Man expressed his reservations. He referenced Drake’s use of AI to recreate Tupac’s voice on ‘Taylor Made Freestyle’ but quickly shifted the conversation to older industry issues.
The financial woes of 1990s artists, including himself, took center stage. ‘Honestly, I’ve never gotten a streaming check for any of my music,’ Method Man admitted. ‘I’m still trying to figure it all out.’ Despite his long-standing career, the streaming world remains a maze for him.
In 2018, Method Man addressed Wu-Tang Clan’s unique financial structure on Howard Stern’s show. According to him, the group does not split earnings evenly. Some members earn more based on a tiered system, especially for albums and tours. ‘You can look at it as you have some individuals who make a certain amount as an individual,’ he explained. ‘But when they’re with the group they’re makin’ three, four times the amount that they would make.’
Attempting to turn the tide, Method Man partnered with Intercept Music in 2022 to launch a platform aimed at protecting independent artists. The platform promises to give artists monthly revenue payments, emphasizing artistic freedom in today’s economy. Method Man became the spokesperson for this initiative, which aims to rectify royalty issues for independent artists.
Despite ongoing efforts to remedy the situation, the financial inconsistencies in the music industry, particularly regarding streaming royalties, continue to impact major artists like Method Man. His candid revelations shed light on the complexities and unfairness many artists still face.
The struggle for fair compensation in the music industry is far from over. Method Man’s experience underscores the urgent need for transparency and equity in streaming royalties. Here’s hoping that change is on the horizon for all artists.
