1994: Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man dropped his debut solo album Tical on Nov. 15, 1994. Tical was the first solo album from a Wu-Tang member released after the group’s debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993 and many hip-hop heads hail it as a driving force in the East Coast rap Renaissance.
With production handled by RZA (because, c’mon) and features from Wu-Tang soldiers Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and more, Meth delivered 13 dark, rugged track laced with punchlines and bravado. The album was supported by two major singles, “Bring the Pain” and “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By.” “All I Need” was later remixed into “Razor Sharp Mix” by RZA, as well as a mix of the original name by Puff Daddy and Mary J. Blige. “Razor Sharp Mix” went on to win a 1996 Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group/
The album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. By July of 1995, Tical was certified platinum. Now, more than 20 years later, Tical is just as grundgy, witty and sharp as it’s first spin back in ’94.
[via XXL Magazine Online]
