When you’re young and reckless, having fun is generally the prime agenda. But as the years roll by, you tend to see the error of your ways and a heightened level of maturity mirrors everything you do. Three years ago, Method Man actually used his ashtray for once and let clarity dominate the course of rhymes to deliver his best joint to date 4:21…The Day After.

Comprehensively speaking of course. Few will argue that the buzz circulating his first release, Tical and most recent offering were created equal. In fact, 4:21′s biggest promotion device was it’s non-promotion all together. In 2006, unless your name was T.I. or you slung ringtones out of your trunk, chances are you help lay the foundation for the mansion of Billboard bricks that debut every Tuesday. Despite boasting big production from RZA, Scott Storch and top shelf cameos from Redman, Fat Joe and several Wu-Tang members, Def Jam put the lid on the album’s celebrity before Meth even finished recording. Nare nadda video and barely a peep of radio play, the biggest exposure came courtesy at the hands of Nick Cannon of all characters when Meth performed “Say” on an episode of MTV’s Wildin’ Out.

But coincidentally, the lyrical strength of the album held up even when the production ranges from great (RZA’s bong-banger “4:21″,) decent (“Konichiwa Bitches“,) to bland (the dry radio attempt “Let’s Ride” featuring Ginuwine). Ever the wordsmith, Johnny Blaze dropped jewels as heard on Havoc’s adrenaline rush “Somebody Done Fucked Up,” with darts like “Man, these fiends know my past work/held a monkey until they back hurt/Money talking/wonder what that’s worth/And MCF, means Cash First shit,/picture the kid/On the beach in Hawaii/minus the grass skirt…” in case you wondering if the well went dry.

Because most of the album’s subject matter did revolve around the relevance of his character opposed to what critics and the media have said about his past work, you’re favorite rap publication may have given the album just a so-so review.

Whatever.

Meth released his most cohesive album without radio play or the backing of his Def Jam. “Fall Back” was the tunnel banger that never happened. But with today’s southern club music takeover, who knows if it would have got spins in the first place. “Presidential MC” was the “wu-banga” everybody screamed for but didn’t know existed. While all the lonely stoners dwell on the memories of yesterday’s high times, Method Man moved forward and made a creative leap simultaneously.

How’s that for Detox?

Download — Method Man – 4:21…The Day After