2022 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Times Method Man Had Us Swooning
Clifford Smith Jr., better known by his stage name as Method Man, made his introduction into the entertainment industry in the early 90s as one of the founding members of the Staten Island-based hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Following a successful musical career—during which he shot to stardom as a Wu-Tang member, later pairing up with longtime friend Redman for a series of studio projects—Method took his talents onscreen.
Meth made his onscreen debut in the late 90s with recurring roles in critically acclaimed television shows such as HBO's Oz as Tug Daniels and The Wire as Cheese and later in feature films including Red Tails and Concrete Cowboys. The rapper is currently keeping fans tuned in as the hotshot lawyer Davis MacLean on the hit drama series Power Book II: Ghost. This role earned him the "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series" at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards. As we look back at yet another amazing show honoring Black excellence, check out five times this year’s winner’s onscreen performances had us swooning.
Attorney Davis MacLean — Power Book II: Ghost
Method Man is slick attorney Davis MacLean the legal representation of Tasha St. Patrick and infamous for not needing the truth to win and has several notable series wins on his resumé. Meth’s portray of the hotshot lawyer earned him an NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series".
Sticks — Redtails
Though a small part, the Wu-Tang founding member gives a memorable performance as crewman Corporal “Sticks” in Red Tails, the George Lucas 2012 historical film about the Tuskegee Airmen who found and flew in World War 2. Method Man’s portrayal as the aircraftman is most subtle than what fans are used to, making his screentime even that more eye-catching.
Love Interest — Alicia Key’s “If I Ain’t Got You”
Method Man plays Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys’ love interest in the 2004 music video for her hit single “If I Ain’t Got You.” In the visual, viewers watch as Keys desperately tries to convince Meth to leave the street life behind. The track earned several awards, including the NAACP Image Awards for "Outstanding Music Video and Song".
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Leroy — Concrete Cowboys
Clifford "Method Man" Smith plays Leroy in the Netflix original Concrete Cowboys. The 2020 Western drama is based on the novel Ghetto Cowboy by Greg Neri, which was inspired by the real-life Black horseriding culture in Philadelphia, focusing on the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club. The film also stars Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jharrel Jerome, Byron Bowers, and Lorraine Toussaint.
Host of Drop the Mic
Method Man was the co-host of the musical reality competition series Drop the Mic alongside model Hailey Bieber, with Joshua Silverstein as DJ. Originally a spin-off of a segment initially introduced on The Late Late Show with James Corden; the series found Hollywood stars the worlds of entertainment, music, sports, and pop culture to compete in rap battles.
