Method Man Reflects on Creating “The What” and Dispels the Myth About Biggie’s Writing Process

Method Man recently opened up about his experience creating the iconic track “The What” with The Notorious B.I.G., sharing a behind-the-scenes look at their first encounter and studio session.

Meeting Biggie: A Chance Encounter

In a candid recollection of how “The What” came together, Method Man detailed his first encounters with The Notorious B.I.G. It all started in Atlantic City, where he and his crew crossed paths with Guru from Gang Starr and an old friend, Dan Smalls, who worked for Uptown Records.

First Impressions of Biggie’s Talent

Smalls handed Method Man a CD, telling him to listen to a track called “Party & Bullshit” from the Who’s The Man? soundtrack. Meth was blown away by what he heard, describing Biggie’s skills as “insane.” Later, his friend Raider Ruckus urged him to collaborate with Biggie, handing over a tape of “Me and My Bitch.” Meth recalls being as captivated by Biggie’s storytelling as he would be by a great movie, saying, “You sit there reading the credits because the movie was just so good.”

Meeting at The Muse

The two rappers first met at a show at The Muse, where Biggie, rocking his famous “Juicy” shirt, approached Method Man to propose a collaboration. Without the ease of cell phones, it was Tracy Waples, who got Method Man his Def Jam deal, who ultimately connected the two in the studio.

Dispelling the Myth: Biggie Did Write His Lyrics

Contrary to the popular myth, Method Man revealed that Biggie did write down his lyrics. “He sat there and wrote his verse on paper,” Meth explained, recalling how Biggie even asked him to deliver one of his iconic lines: “I’ve got more Glocks and tecs than you / I make it hot, niggas won’t even stand next to you.”

The Creation of “The What”

As they worked on the track, Method Man crafted his second verse with Biggie in mind, adding, “Stop, look, and listen” as a shoutout to his collaborator. Reflecting on hearing the song on the radio, Meth knew they had created something special, saying, “Niggas feeling that shit? Wait until they hear the rest of the album. They’re going to lose their minds!”