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Hip Hop Veteran
Styles P. Reflects on Lengthy Rap Career, “Grindin” and Politics
By Christopher Windham
It’s been more than a decade since Styles P. carved his place in hip-hop as one-third of the hardcore Yonkers, N.Y. rap group The Lox. Typically, rappers are out of the business at this stage in their careers. And even when they’re recording, most aren’t very relevant to today’s hop fans. But with the range demonstrated on his latest output Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman), Styles shows that not only is he still relevant, but growing as well.
“I’m more mature, “says Styles, who was born David Styles. “I gave my heart and soul. I give who I am. I’m a lyricist.”
Super Gangster, Styles’ first release on the independent Koch Records, features the Swizz Beatz produced “Blow My Mind” and the socially-conscious “Cause I’m Black.” Throughout the album, it’s clear that the diversity of Styles’ message is what separates him from other rappers.
“I talk about what I know,” he says. “I go against the grain.”
The Lox, with their rugged street tales and “tell it like it is” approach to lyrics, have gone against the grain musically and professionally. Each member has released solo albums, with Styles now leading the pack with three solo ventures. His 2002 release Gangster and a Gentleman and 2006’s Time Is Money were both critically acclaimed, but failed to live up the commercial success of the earlier Lox projects. (Though Gangster and a Gentleman was certified gold.)
But Styles would be the first to say his projects aren’t solely driven by album sales. With Styles, audiences receive songs made for the streets as evidenced by the harsh realities of inner city life that are portrayed in his lyrics.
He’s a rapper’s rapper, or “Your Favorite Rapper's Favorite Rapper,” as Styles sometimes refers to himself. Other names of use in Styles’ repertoire include “Holiday Styles,” “S.P. The Ghost,” “Paniro,” “G-Host and “The Phantom.”
With his regularity on the mix tape circuit Styles, known to spend long hours in the booth at his D-Block Studios in Yonkers, may be poised to assume another alias: “The hardest-working man in hip-hop.” “I’m a MC,” he says. “I stay in the lab. I’m trying to leave behind a nice little catalog.”
After settling a much publicized dispute with Bad Boy Entertainment head Diddy over publishing rights to earlier Lox recordings, and with greater freedom on Koch, Styles is in a position to offer business advice to aspiring rappers. “Pray to God, watch your surroundings, and make sure you have a back up plan,“ he says.
Styles’ back up portfolio includes a DVD series he produces and a car wash he owes in Yonkers. Styles is also planning to team with Harlem rapper Jim Jones for their spin on the “Best of Both Worlds” format. Styles is mum about the details of the project, except to say “we’re working on something.”
Through his lyrics and community activities, Styles has been vocal on social issues. Styles weighed in on the push to reform mandatory minimum sentencing laws for crack cocaine, which have been criticized for disproportionately affecting blacks and Latinos. “It’s a like a form of modern day slavery,” Styles says. “It’s a way to keep you down.”
As for who has the better chance to win the presidency Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, Styles has a more cynical point of view. “Neither one will win,” he says. “This country’s too prejudice.”
Whether you agree with his views or not, such blunt statements is something hip hop fans have come to accept and love from one of their beloved veterans. 
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