There was once a space and time when we almost didn’t get to hear one of the biggest love songs ever.
On April 25, 1995, “I’ll Be There For You/You’re All I Need to Get By” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige was released, and the intertwining of Hip-Hop and R&B was forever changed. The timeless record peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his highest-charting single to date, according to Billboard.
While there was no escaping the remix in the ’90s, Method Man initially didn’t want the world to hear it. During an interview with “The Breakfast Club,” the legendary rapper and actor recalled being against the song due to how it could potentially alter his image in the industry.
“I was scared of it. I didn’t even want to put the record out because I knew what it would do,” Method Man admitted. “I didn’t want to be put in that R&B light. Remember we had a real problem with that.”
Despite his opposition, Method Man was convinced to change his mind. The switch occurred thanks to the tune of receiving around $50,000 — what he says was equivalent to $100,000 today — he revealed on the show. What’s more, he put the five-figure check straight into his bank account instead of buying a car.
Following the reveal, he continued opening up in regard to how he has maneuvered the business and maintained his wealth. As someone who has created longevity in the game without financial guidance as well as had his own share of losses, the 52-year-old pointed out the reality of how many young artists are steering in the wrong direction by focusing on securing a quick bag rather than financial literacy.
“It’s a very lucrative business,” he said. “I get why a lot of people want to just jump into it and they get their feet wet in it and try to hit big. It’s like a lottery. And it’s a quick way to long problems especially if you hit big.”
“In that same breath though, we’re not paying attention to our own mental health, physical health as well as financial literacy,” he added. “In the midst of that of being taken advantage of and [bad] deals, by the time you realize that you’re in trouble, the people around you already knew it and they’re already gone.”
In addition, Method Man stressed how living a modest lifestyle to this day has helped him keep his finances in check. In an interview with Math Hoffa back in 2021, he detailed the extent of his modesty.
“I don’t even got a car,” he said. “My kids got cars, my wife got a car. But these kids got four, five cars. I still ain’t taking private jets. I think I earned that by now.”
Today, Method Man’s net worth is an estimated $14 million, as previously shared by AfroTech.
