Method Man Explains The Difference Between Rap Eras

Method Man identified one major difference between rap today and rap during Wu-Tang Clan’s heyday. In an interview with The Breakfast Club, the rap legend spoke on how regional identities have been lost in the decades since he first started. “When you heard records from the West Coast, you know it was from the West Coast. When you heard UGK, we know that was down south,” Method Man explained. While many rappers still flex their hometowns, he sees it as less distinct than previous eras of hip-hop.

Method Man was also quick to clarify that he isn’t criticizing all of modern rap.

“I’m not taking anything away from the music nowadays, you know? Because whatever works, works. And I like some of the sh*t they be doin’ today,” he said. “But back then, we had identities. And everybody was fightin’ for their own identity. Whereas now, it seems like everyone’s fighting for the same identity.” Despite that, he still sees the future of rap looking bright. “that’s going to spark the mind that changes everything, you know?”