Regardless of any current trend in Hip-Hop, Styles P continues to remain one of the street's most provocatively blunt and respected lyricists over time. His career and personal life has seen many changes since 1998. He went from being a Bad Boy to being a Ruff Ryder, from getting jiggy to getting high, from enjoying the freedom of independent artist to facing time incarcerated. Styles has definitely stood the test of time and is gearing up for the coming holiday season.
After four years since his debut solo album A Gangster and a Gentleman, Styles will be releasing his highly-anticipated sophomore LP Time is Money on December 19th. And this time around, he is taking a new approach to his project- by not approaching it at all. Time was created both for himself and for loyal fans, leaving The Ghost to abandon the mainstream and investing his time in enjoying life. While taking a break from traveling the world and enjoying freedom, Styles reflected to AllHipHop about the Kramer incident, the n-word, politics and Hip-Hop. Here are his two cents: feel free to keep the change.
AllHipHop.com: What did you think of the Kramer incident?
Styles P: Wow. Somebody should have beat the s**t out of him! Somebody should have hung his ass and put a fork up his f**kin' ass! F**kin' devil.
AllHipHop.com: Immediately following, there has been the N-word controversy. The Black Community has chastised [Michael Richards] for the word while we use the word amongst each other. Even in rap music, we use the word frequently. There's an undeniable double standard…
Styles P: That's totally f**king insane to say. When somebody from the hood is calling you ["n***a"], there is no emotional attachment. He's not trying to degrade you or disgrace you or anything- he's saying it out of love. So when someone other then that calls you that, it takes it to another level. I think from us using it with each other it's kinda turning a negative into a positive. For them to still use it, it's a negative-negative. When we use it, it's a loving and endearing term. No matter where the word came from, it's [about] the context of what we use it now. The word came from somewhere but the word hot originally meant something was hot, but hot means something is cool now. It's alright to switch those words around, but it's not correct to switch ["n***a"] around.
AllHipHop.com: Last month we've had an extremely vocal midterm election. If you were given the chance to vote, would have voted?
Styles P: Do you really think it would count? I just watched a National Geographic [Channel] special on the voting machines. I seen how they switched the whole s**t around. Not just on paper, inside the computer. To tell you the truth, honestly, I wouldn't [vote]. Whoever is running…when it was Bush versus Kerry, what would have been the use? They're all in the same secret society, anyway. There's another government besides the government. I don't think it's ever what the people want. Let me ask you something, you ever think there'd be a woman president?
AllHipHop.com: I think Hillary [Rodham] has a strong chance. I also wouldn't count out the Illinois Senator, Barak Obama.
Styles P: I think if either one of 'em would win, they'd get killed. [Barak] definitely wouldn't stand a chance- he's Black. [Editor's note: Barak Obama is of multi-racial ethnicity] He might as well hang it up. I think the closest Black person that could have won would have been Colin Powell. You've seen what he did- he gracefully bowed out.
AllHipHop.com: Speaking of being Black, "I'm Black" wasn't as accepted as much it could have been. Both mainstream and by fans. How do you feel about that?
Styles P: It's f**ked up. You try to help the hood, drop a little jewel. I think the state of mind in Hip-Hop, and the world itself, is f**ked up. I'm Black, I just been in jail, I'm an entertainer – so I see what's going on. I tried to drop a jewel for the young boys on what it is. Usually, I try to sneak the jewels in; that time, I was just trying to be blatantly out right with it. Nah, but I still think it's something that needs to be done… years down the line, it might kick in and be useful. You have to use sneak techniques. If you don't- its not gonna work. They showed me that firsthand.
AllHipHop.com: The response was definitely surprising considering the success of [Jadakiss's] "Why"…
Styles P: Hip-Hop has its ups and downs. You ask me, it's definitely at its downtime. The music ain't great right now, man. There's a lot of boosting stars without the work to back it up. This is an industry now with one hit [and] you're it. Back in the days- from KRS-One's days all the way to Wu days and B.I.G days- you had to be really spitting or you were nowhere. Back in the days, if you made songs that were too big or too pop you were a crossover. All that s**t's over. You might get a bunch of good music, but you'll never get to hear it. You gotta go search for that s**t. If you don't do that, you can forget about it.
AllHipHop.com: We recently lost the great Gerald Levert, who appears on your album. How was it working with him?
Styles P: I actually didn't do the song with him. I had met Levert a couple of times and Scott Storch hooked it up. [Storch] called me when he was in the studio. The song's crazy though. God bless him.
Monday 11 December 2006
Tuesday 5 December 2006
[Interview] Styles P Interview with Format magazine
Within the hip-hop industry either you are conscious, or you aren't. It's very black and white, with little room for gray area unless you are a Pharrell or Kanye West. As much as Styles P is a quote un quote, hardcore rapper, he can also be very quote un quote, conscious. Dealing with loss of his brother, brushes with death himself, his album, and constantly getting pushed around due to other artists, it's a wonder that Styles P has yet to call it quits or jump off a cliff.
Paniero understands that music is a business. He also understands that his music speaks for itself and it speaks to people. With an album release of December 19th and a clothing line in the works with a concept he calls and "fly and rugged," P has learned to take life one day at a time.
Appearing very introverted, P knows hip-hop is, in his own words is "F'd up right now," and if hip-hop is a microcosm of society, well you get the rest. In the midst of all these dealings, whether conscious or hardcore, Styles P is his name and it is what it is.
Format: It's been a while since the passing of your brother, how are you coping with that on a daily basis?
Styles: Everybody in the world is going to die but I'm definitely going to see him again.
Format: What's the biggest thing you took away from the whole Diddy-BadBoy situation?
Styles: It's a business.
Format: Can you elaborate on that?
Styles: I mean coming in as a young boy you have to stay on top of your shit, you have to know where your money is going, you have to know all kinds of shit, you just ain't a rapper anymore.
Format: Why do you feel you always run into problems when it's time to release your album?
Styles: Politics, politics it's a business man.
Format: So do you think hip-hop is more about the politics and financial and less about the art?
Styles: I think hip-hop is fucked up right now, and it's definitely about more politics (coughs). It's a big business and a big industry and big politics.
Format: Where do you think that stems from?
Styles: Money, there is money to be made and that is very huge.
Format: You were recently quoted in a magazine as saying you were doing Gangsta Grillz Mixtape because you needed love from the South as well. How do you feel about the South's movement?
Styles: It's good. It's a cycle and they stick together with it, so its unity. I mean, they were bound to come out on top, when you have a bunch of people sticking together doing what they do.
Format: Lyrically, who do you think are some of the illest artists out there?
Styles: Black Thought, Siegel, Fab, umm, I'm high right now.
Format: Yeah you're over there coughing a little bit. So what can we expect from this album Time is Money?
Styles: Straight dope good lyrics and good songs.
Format: What kinds of issues are you talking about on the album? You're labeled as a conscious artist. Do you have a problem with that term?
Styles: I have a lot of labels (laughs), I don't know which one I am the most, I'm still trying to figure out myself.
Format: So it's also a process for you?
Styles: Yeah man I do a little of everything, I go off of feeling. However I feel for the day that's how it comes out. If I want to be conscious, I'm going to be conscious, if I'm going to be hardcore, I'm going to be hardcore.
Format: Where would you say you are right now compared to when you got released from prison?
Styles: More mature, more level headed. I used act then think. Now I think then act. Anytime I've been in [prison] it can switch my view you know.
Format: Who do you have on production for this album?
Styles: Me, Scott Storch, Havoc, Ruff Ryders, Lil' Jon and a couple others.
Format: Do you feel that hip-hop has let you down when it comes to dealing with the business side of it?
Styles: Yes and no. It depends on what day you ask me, some days I feel like yeah and some days I have to appreciate shit. There are homeless people and starving people so, it depends on how humble I am that day. Humble days I'm alright and some days I'm not.
Format: What has been one of your most humbling experiences?
Styles: Jail, shit jail, and a couple of brushes with death here and there. That makes you real humble.
Format: Do you feel like hip-hop could do more than what it's doing for the community, do you feel like its' fallen short?
Styles: Yeah of course listen to the music. I think people look at the industry and hip-hop as one entity and they are two separate entities. Hip-hop is art, culture, music, how you dress, walk, talk, kick it with your boys, where you live, what you get into, and how things are culturally motivated. Industry is a good beat, good hit radio single, marketing big promotion, and they are totally different worlds.
Format: Last week we lost some big voices in 60 Minutes reporter Ed Bradley and singer Gerald Levert, who I heard is on your album. What was going on in your mind when you heard of his passing?
Styles: It's sad and it's fucked up, but the reality is that shit happens everyday everywhere. So, you send your prayers to that person and wish for the best, but really he is in a better place than we are. You're just sad because you're a human and you're trained to be sad. Death is supposed to be a celebration of life because he is with the Big Guy upstairs you know. It's sad that we can't hear his voice and see his talent anymore.
Format: What is the biggest misconception people have about Styles P?
Styles: There are so many different views of me I don't really know (laughs). Some people think of me as a conscious artist, some people look at me as the hardest artist, so I don't know. It depends on how people view me, but I'm 180/180 man.
Format: What is the one thing you want people or the hip-hop community to know about Styles P?
Styles: Oh they do, and that's that I'm the hardest rapper and I put in the hardest work. I want them to know, they know.
Format: Any tour dates expected or promotional concerts?
Styles: After this album drops I'll probably do some things with Akon, I'll do the big places with him and the nasty hole in the wall places by myself. I'll do a whole bunch of shit a little bit of everything.
Paniero understands that music is a business. He also understands that his music speaks for itself and it speaks to people. With an album release of December 19th and a clothing line in the works with a concept he calls and "fly and rugged," P has learned to take life one day at a time.
Appearing very introverted, P knows hip-hop is, in his own words is "F'd up right now," and if hip-hop is a microcosm of society, well you get the rest. In the midst of all these dealings, whether conscious or hardcore, Styles P is his name and it is what it is.
Format: It's been a while since the passing of your brother, how are you coping with that on a daily basis?
Styles: Everybody in the world is going to die but I'm definitely going to see him again.
Format: What's the biggest thing you took away from the whole Diddy-BadBoy situation?
Styles: It's a business.
Format: Can you elaborate on that?
Styles: I mean coming in as a young boy you have to stay on top of your shit, you have to know where your money is going, you have to know all kinds of shit, you just ain't a rapper anymore.
Format: Why do you feel you always run into problems when it's time to release your album?
Styles: Politics, politics it's a business man.
Format: So do you think hip-hop is more about the politics and financial and less about the art?
Styles: I think hip-hop is fucked up right now, and it's definitely about more politics (coughs). It's a big business and a big industry and big politics.
Format: Where do you think that stems from?
Styles: Money, there is money to be made and that is very huge.
Format: You were recently quoted in a magazine as saying you were doing Gangsta Grillz Mixtape because you needed love from the South as well. How do you feel about the South's movement?
Styles: It's good. It's a cycle and they stick together with it, so its unity. I mean, they were bound to come out on top, when you have a bunch of people sticking together doing what they do.
Format: Lyrically, who do you think are some of the illest artists out there?
Styles: Black Thought, Siegel, Fab, umm, I'm high right now.
Format: Yeah you're over there coughing a little bit. So what can we expect from this album Time is Money?
Styles: Straight dope good lyrics and good songs.
Format: What kinds of issues are you talking about on the album? You're labeled as a conscious artist. Do you have a problem with that term?
Styles: I have a lot of labels (laughs), I don't know which one I am the most, I'm still trying to figure out myself.
Format: So it's also a process for you?
Styles: Yeah man I do a little of everything, I go off of feeling. However I feel for the day that's how it comes out. If I want to be conscious, I'm going to be conscious, if I'm going to be hardcore, I'm going to be hardcore.
Format: Where would you say you are right now compared to when you got released from prison?
Styles: More mature, more level headed. I used act then think. Now I think then act. Anytime I've been in [prison] it can switch my view you know.
Format: Who do you have on production for this album?
Styles: Me, Scott Storch, Havoc, Ruff Ryders, Lil' Jon and a couple others.
Format: Do you feel that hip-hop has let you down when it comes to dealing with the business side of it?
Styles: Yes and no. It depends on what day you ask me, some days I feel like yeah and some days I have to appreciate shit. There are homeless people and starving people so, it depends on how humble I am that day. Humble days I'm alright and some days I'm not.
Format: What has been one of your most humbling experiences?
Styles: Jail, shit jail, and a couple of brushes with death here and there. That makes you real humble.
Format: Do you feel like hip-hop could do more than what it's doing for the community, do you feel like its' fallen short?
Styles: Yeah of course listen to the music. I think people look at the industry and hip-hop as one entity and they are two separate entities. Hip-hop is art, culture, music, how you dress, walk, talk, kick it with your boys, where you live, what you get into, and how things are culturally motivated. Industry is a good beat, good hit radio single, marketing big promotion, and they are totally different worlds.
Format: Last week we lost some big voices in 60 Minutes reporter Ed Bradley and singer Gerald Levert, who I heard is on your album. What was going on in your mind when you heard of his passing?
Styles: It's sad and it's fucked up, but the reality is that shit happens everyday everywhere. So, you send your prayers to that person and wish for the best, but really he is in a better place than we are. You're just sad because you're a human and you're trained to be sad. Death is supposed to be a celebration of life because he is with the Big Guy upstairs you know. It's sad that we can't hear his voice and see his talent anymore.
Format: What is the biggest misconception people have about Styles P?
Styles: There are so many different views of me I don't really know (laughs). Some people think of me as a conscious artist, some people look at me as the hardest artist, so I don't know. It depends on how people view me, but I'm 180/180 man.
Format: What is the one thing you want people or the hip-hop community to know about Styles P?
Styles: Oh they do, and that's that I'm the hardest rapper and I put in the hardest work. I want them to know, they know.
Format: Any tour dates expected or promotional concerts?
Styles: After this album drops I'll probably do some things with Akon, I'll do the big places with him and the nasty hole in the wall places by myself. I'll do a whole bunch of shit a little bit of everything.
Wednesday 29 November 2006
[NEWS] First Time Is Money Review [Check it out!]
The first review of S.P.s sophomore album! Check it out!
November 28, 2006source: www.RapReviews.com
Styles P :: Time is Money :: Ruff Ryders/Interscope Records as reviewed by Steve 'Flash' Juon
Not that anybody's ever going to waste the time making an
award and presenting it to him considering it's such a limited category, but if there WAS an award for "most improved rapper in The LOX" Styles P would win it hands down. Four years
ago I wasn't really a fan of his style at all, in fact to me he was the weak link in the crew, but through cameo appearances and mixtape freestyles he has improved dramatically. You've got to give credit where it's due - while Styles may never hang on the level of Rakim or Ras Kass, he's certainly not going to make you regret listening to him spit. The long-delayed follow-up solo album "Time is Money" is Styles bringing those improved skills to fruition on hardcore and thought provoking tracks like "I'm Black":"(I'm Black) So I go a heart full of braveryDo for my peoples that went through slavery(I'm Black) So you know I'm young in the sports/Nintey percent chance I get hung in the court (I'm Black) Don't you be scared of me mister/Cause you
don't really seem to be scared of my sister(I'm Black) And I can ride first class too/Or buy an exotic car and like murk past you (I'm Black) And I don't need a tan in the winter/Mind strong and powerful now a cypher can't enter(I'm Black) And I don't need jewelry to shine/Look at my skin color it's like the
jewelry is blind"
Ironically Styles charted with this song a long time ago, which means Ruff Ryders and Interscope left a lot of money on the table by not capitalizing on the track's popularity. In fact it's safe to say there have been a dozen remixes both official and unofficial of "I'm Black" in the interim. Fortunately if there's one thing Styles P has always been good at it's coming up
with singles that will please both hardcore LOX fans and commercial radio, and "All My Life" featuring Akon is certainly no exception to the rule:
"I'm a man so I shed tears/For my homies in the jail and my dead peers/Lot of blood dropped, they call these the red years/Dope sold, coke sold, so the feds here/Lot of gangsters in my town like they bred there/Outside all night cause it's bread
there/Want to beef well get a vest, get head gear/This the town where you get down or drown, nobody tread here/I swear to God that I'm tellin the truth/Was a felon when I fell in the the booth/They want me to fail, I got a feelin that they scared of the truth/Yo 'Kon, turn me up so I can give 'em the proof"I wish I could tell you more about who produced and designed these tracks (though obviously Akon did the above as well as providing guest vocals) but this advance from Interscope is so far in advance it doesn't even have cover artwork or liner notes. In fact the names of the tracks are printed directly on the CD, along with a warning that this shit's been watermarked so I'd better not let any of my friends copy it or the label is going to put a legal foot up my ass. It's hard to resist the temptation though since there's a lot of good shit to hear on "Time is Money" from the triumphant opening "Gee Joint" through the hard as hell macking anthem "First in Line" with Mario Winans to the surprisingly deep collabo' "Testify" with Talib Kweli. Styles rolls with Kweli now? It ain't no joke - he can hang with him on the track and it's a hot one destined to burn up mixtapes with or without my help bootlegging it. The same can be said for "Kick it Like That" featuring Jagged Edge or the "Who Want a Problem" remix featuring his comrades in The LOX that closes out this CD. If time really is money, it's time for Interscope to stop sitting on their hands and put "Time is Money" in stores. Every day they spend not putting this out costs both them and Styles P in the long run - it's too hot for them to not drop.
Music Vibes: 8 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 8 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 8 of 10
November 28, 2006source: www.RapReviews.com
Tuesday 28 November 2006
[Interview] Styles P Interview with Insomniac Magazine
Another new interview with The Ghost. Heres a couple excerpts:
To read the full interview click Here
Angel: So what is the biggest misconception about Styles P?
Styles: It depends on how you view me. Some people view me as… like, I don’t know. Some people look at me as the hardest rapper out, and then when I do interviews with some people or whatever, they look to expect something conscious out of me. So, I think if you viewing me as an all-gangsta then I got conscious with me. And if you’re viewing me as all-conscious then you should know I got gangsta with me. I would say that.Angel: So how does a guy so gully keep it real in a music industry that’s so fake?
Styles: I just try to be me… that’s all I can remain to do is just be me. And just deal with the ups and downs; and know that it comes with the game and it comes with the territory. It’s nothing I can stop… it’s nothing I can do to end it. Just be me, do what I do.
To read the full interview click Here
[NEWS] Vote for Styles P to win at The 10th Annual Mixtapes Awards
The Ghost is nominated in two categories:
Click on the link below and get ya vote on.
http://www.themixtapeawardsonline.com/ballot_final.php
R.I.P. Justo
Best Hip Hop Mixtape - Ghost In The Shell
Best East Coast Mixtape Artist
Click on the link below and get ya vote on.
http://www.themixtapeawardsonline.com/ballot_final.php
R.I.P. Justo
Thursday 23 November 2006
Saturday 18 November 2006
[UPDATE] Official Word from Styles P: Time Is Money Is dropping Dec. 19th
Styles P myspace blog message (NOV.17TH)
Spread the word, go out cop the album. support S.P and D-Block!
TIME IS MONEY - RELEASE DATE!! Current mood: ecstatic
Sorry for all the delays people,this is Styles P in the FLESH!!!MY official release date is DEC.19th!!!!This is it,NO MORE DELAYS!!!Hold ya man DOWN....YYEEAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Spread the word, go out cop the album. support S.P and D-Block!
Friday 17 November 2006
[Interview] The Ghost Is Back - Yoraps.com
New Styles interview by yoraps.com
Friday - November 17, 2006
The last few years haven't been easy for LOX member, Styles P. He's had to
endure the B.S. that comes with being in the rap game. He's been sitting on his sophomore album "Time is Money" for close to two years. In that time he's had his run-ins with Diddy (we all remember the "Let The Lox Go" campaign) and
some guy named Curtis.Now with all the nonsense behind him, his time is now. Or in his case, time is finally money. Promoting his album hard, we caught up with the "Ghost" in between his travels. With 10 years in the game you know he had a lot to say. Where else could you get it from, but here. Check out what the
"hardest out" is saying...The album, "Time is Money". We've been hearing about it forever. Now it's finally dropping. Talk about finally having the album come out and having that monkey off your back.
Man, you don't even know. It's been real frustrating. It's been a
bunch of bullshit going on with it, but it's finally here. It's just a
relief. I think that would be the best word to describe it, a relief.You've seemed to fall in "the consequences of the game"
category. Explain how that happens to someone of your status. I don't even know. I wish I knew then I could answer a lot of people. I don't think I've ever since this happen to anybody else. All I can say is that I think somebody tried to blackball me. I think I was too powerful and strong so somebody tried to screw
me up. That's the only conclusion I can come out with.What are some differences we might see in this album that we might not have seen in "Gangster and a Gentleman"?
Growth and maturity. Also more range. "I'm Black" and "Can You Believe It". Those are songs that you definitely wouldn't have seen on the first album. I'm stepping out the box a little bit.
"Can You Believe It" definitely opened eyes. How did that come about?
It was just me wanting to show that I could go outside the box. And it came out good. The fans were feeling it so I'm glad I was able to give it to them. It ain't about nothing negative. The main
thing it did was open up my range. Now I can step out and shoot a little farther.The relationship between you and Akon. The two of you together seem to put out good things. From "Locked Up" to "Can You Believe It" and even "Watch Out" on DJ Khaled's album. What's it like messing with Akon?
Akon is a cool dude. He's humble. We hung out a lot and did a lot of shit together as far as shows and what not. When we be in the studio together we just do things and it just come out good. He's real cool to work with.
Right before the album drops, you're putting out some mixtapes. Let people in on that hustle?
I got a joint coming out with DJ Drama, I got something with Big Mike and I got a DJ Clue, "Time Is Money" mixtape dropping. I'm dropping tapes. Mixtapes are me. That's what I do. I'm not worrying about what people might think. Mixtapes is me.
How would these match up to the "Ghost In The Shell" mixtape?
It's the same shit. I'm bringing you the same heat. Same crack pack as before. Same crack pack just different baking soda.Besides D-Block.
Who else is on the album?
Talib Kweli, Gerald Levert (R.I.P.), Jagged Edge and a group called Flipsyde. I don't know what to classify them as. Maybe a rock/rap group.
Gerald Levert? Are we getting a softer side of the Ghost?
Nah, it's the total opposite. That's why I wanted it like that. I know everybody was going to think that it was some kind of
love ballad shit. It's on some O.G. shit for real.You've been in the game for over 10 years now. People have seen you grow from a young wild dude to an entrepreneur sort of speak. What's been the biggest thing you've learned?
Just stay positive and watch you surroundings. Study the business. That's the most important thing. Know your shit.Besides all the B.S. that goes on in hip hop, what was a good time for you?
when you won't get hit with some B.S. A good time though comes when you put out good music. Good music brings
good times.Slowly, you've stepped your game up. Have you seen that in yourself?
Definitely. As time goes on you want to advance. I always look at it, if somebody counts me out I'm going to go out and work harder. The harder you work the better results you get. If you keep practicing and stay true to your craft you're going to get better. If a nigga shooting 1,000 jumpers a day, eventually he's gonna be better than a nigga shooting 100
jumpers a day.
By Marlon Guild
Monday 13 November 2006
[Interview] The Time Is Near
Interscope has to be the most strategically organized label in Hip-Hop, period. They encourage consumers to literally become crack fiends for their artist's albums. Pushing projects back and back again, never reduces attention, it just heightens anticipation. But for one artist his album has been put back so many times that even he himself admits to a feeling of being 'blackballed.'
Regardless of how he feels and how damaging this prolonged agony of sitting idle with a completed project ready to go for over a year has been, Styles P's Time is Money has Hip-Hop fans ravenous. With a top notch team of producers including, Hi-Tek, Scott Storch, Akon and the timeless presence of Dame Grease all hopping on board to reiterate why Styles P is still that dude, it is guaranteed this album will fly off the shelves when it finally hits them.
Holding Styles P back isn't going to stop him; it may have played with his mind for a minute and had him doubting the business ethics of his secondary home, but this of course isn't the first time someone else has had control over this Yonkers hard knock. But after the 'long time coming' resolution with P Diddy came into effect late last year and a scheduled drop for Time is Money in December,it looks like his patience and perseverance will be the victors.
Here he talks about what has kept him up, what brought him up and just what he has been up to whilst time has inevitably marched on.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So what excuses have they given you for putting the album back so many times?
Styles P: I don't even know the reasons, it is just industry politics. I think I was black-balled if you ask me.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What sort of damage does this treatment have on your character?
Styles P: It's either going to make you or break you and it can be very frustrating, but you just have to have patience and perseverance.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Has the track listing changed or has it stayed the same as I know when we spoke last year you were really happy with what you had?
Styles P: Not, not really, not too much. I mean I love what I have.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So while you have been waiting for this album to see the shelves what have you been up to? Preparing your next five albums right?
Styles P: Yeah (laughs). I mean I just keep working; you can't let it make you not work. You know if I didn't work, it would make my situation worse; so I just keep doing the mixtapes. I stay in the studio; that's basically all I can do.
Hip-HopCrack.com: I know you had a listening session recently for it, how was it finally seeing other people's reactions to it?
Styles P: It was good; I mean I am just really thirsty to see how people are going to respond to it. It's going to take you on a real ride, it's 13 tracks and has Sheek, Kiss, Talib Kweli, Gerald Levert, Jagged Edge, Marsha from Floetry and a group called Flypside on there.
Hip-HopCrack.com: You get so much love from the streets and from Hip-Hop fans, I watched you rock a crowd at S.O.Bs last month. How hard has it been to keep your fans onboard throughout all this bullshit?
Styles P: I really say they have been what has kept me on board instead of me keeping them onboard. They have been waiting for it and waiting for it and they know it is coming. So there has been a lot of support from them and that was also what kept me going as they could understand. Of course I am always putting out the mixtapes, I am always about. You know if I ain't frying up the airwaves I am still being heard on the bottom, you know the underground.
Hip-HopCrack.com: When you look at what other projects that are dropping around the same time yours is scheduled to drop, are you pleased with the timing?
Styles P: I mean I won't say that I am ecstatic; you know I won't lie to you and say I feel great about it. I do however feel great about getting my music out and you know my fans being able to get it, but I definitely could have had a better set up and a better impact.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What is your situation with Interscope now?
Styles P: I am just working on the Lox things and fixing up some paperwork for that, figuring what to do with the Lox. Then when that drops, D Block of course and J Hood, the D Block Compilation; just want to get all the paperwork for that right and get everything situated.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Last time we spoke, we talked about a book you were working on, how is that coming?
Styles P: Somewhat, I mean I get thrown off sometime but I am still working on it.
Hip-HopCrack.com: You see recently a lot of rappers getting involved in television. Is that something you envision for you?
Styles P: Yeah definitely so, I think I would be more involved in production and direction, I would like to direct. I would take the long way out, I mean I would like to do some acting, but definitely would want to be a 'behind the scenes' man.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Why is that?
Styles P: It is just my character.
Hip-HopCrack.com: You are good at keeping low key, when you see this situation you are in.
Styles P: I try to keep it cool. I have been through a lot in my life and no matter what I don't want to be in a situation like my last album, you know as far as being incarcerated and being taken away from my family, my wife and my kids, not be at home and just be able to breathe fresh air.
Hip-HopCrack.com: How do you think Styles P would have reacted to this had it happened ten years ago?
Styles P: I would have spazzed (laughing). Even four years ago, even right before I came out of jail I would have spazzed.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So what has calmed you down?
Styles P: Jail and life in general. Suffering, you know it means a lot man. This sucks going through this, it really sucks, but jail, man that is being taken away from your family.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Obviously your family has been a big encouragement.
Styles P: Yeah I mean that is the most important thing to me. Everything else falls after that. You know I try to do things to see us alright. But see that's the part that really frustrates you, as going through this you have to watch your family suffer, but my wife keeps me humble. There are a lot of people in a worse situation. You know we have a place to live, three beautiful children; we can travel and have nice things. My family definitely keeps me strong.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What lessons have you learned?
Styles P: Patience, perseverance and sacrifice.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What do you feel you sacrificed?
Styles P: A lot, everything, I have almost thrown my career out of the window somewhat; that's how I feel on some days when I can't do something. But I guess being here is more important than that, that's just how I feel.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Almost every legendary name in New York Hip-Hop has dropped an album or is going to drop an album this year. When do you think we are going to see some new blood step up in NYC?
Styles P: They are here.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So why aren't they the ones putting out albums?
Styles P: I don't know what to say no more as the industry has changed so much; what I figure isn't what they think they need. As they think that all they need is a catchy hook and a nice beat (laughing,) you know what I am saying? They think with just that, they are in; they can just say ABC on a track and get away with it.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Does it bother you, this so called decline in Hip-Hop?
Styles P: Yeah definitely so. As a fan and music wise definitely so, but to take something good out of it you do see a lot of dudes making money. Money should encourage the game to step up, but there are a lot of things that play a part in this. It's not just the rappers; it's the rappers, the record labels, the radio, it's the parents in the way they educate their kids. It's a lot of shit. a lot of new rappers probably never read, or read when they was coming up. But everything is a cycle though.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Are you going out on the road promoting the album?
Styles P: I'm actually about to start tomorrow and I am going to damn near every state. I am going to be out on the road a while. It's not really something I enjoy anymore to tell you the truth.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Miss the family?
Styles P: Yeah it screws with my wife's schedule, it screws my schedule up, but then I do enjoy performing, I love the performance part, but the traveling shit is irritating.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Do you feel that you have to do an extensive tour right now?
Styles P: Yeah I feel that I have to go for myself because the music is coming out. You know I gotta do what I gotta do and do what is in my fullest capabilities and in my power so I know I gave 110% as that's all you can do. Because at least then I can say I did give 110% and did everything I could.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So when can we expect to hear anything from The Lox, I mean that's long over due too?
Styles P: I would say first or second quarter. Everybody is working you know, J Hood is coming out with Tales from the Hood; we got the D Block compilation coming out. Then we are working with our other artists too.
Hip-HopCrack.com: How do you find your artists?
Styles P: I know most of them, you know I met them through someone or I heard something from them. I guess you could say through life's natural circle.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So what excuses have they given you for putting the album back so many times?
Styles P: I don't even know the reasons, it is just industry politics. I think I was black-balled if you ask me.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What sort of damage does this treatment have on your character?
Styles P: It's either going to make you or break you and it can be very frustrating, but you just have to have patience and perseverance.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Has the track listing changed or has it stayed the same as I know when we spoke last year you were really happy with what you had?
Styles P: Not, not really, not too much. I mean I love what I have.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So while you have been waiting for this album to see the shelves what have you been up to? Preparing your next five albums right?
Styles P: Yeah (laughs). I mean I just keep working; you can't let it make you not work. You know if I didn't work, it would make my situation worse; so I just keep doing the mixtapes. I stay in the studio; that's basically all I can do.
Hip-HopCrack.com: I know you had a listening session recently for it, how was it finally seeing other people's reactions to it?
Styles P: It was good; I mean I am just really thirsty to see how people are going to respond to it. It's going to take you on a real ride, it's 13 tracks and has Sheek, Kiss, Talib Kweli, Gerald Levert, Jagged Edge, Marsha from Floetry and a group called Flypside on there.
Hip-HopCrack.com: You get so much love from the streets and from Hip-Hop fans, I watched you rock a crowd at S.O.Bs last month. How hard has it been to keep your fans onboard throughout all this bullshit?
Styles P: I really say they have been what has kept me on board instead of me keeping them onboard. They have been waiting for it and waiting for it and they know it is coming. So there has been a lot of support from them and that was also what kept me going as they could understand. Of course I am always putting out the mixtapes, I am always about. You know if I ain't frying up the airwaves I am still being heard on the bottom, you know the underground.
Hip-HopCrack.com: When you look at what other projects that are dropping around the same time yours is scheduled to drop, are you pleased with the timing?
Styles P: I mean I won't say that I am ecstatic; you know I won't lie to you and say I feel great about it. I do however feel great about getting my music out and you know my fans being able to get it, but I definitely could have had a better set up and a better impact.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What is your situation with Interscope now?
Styles P: I am just working on the Lox things and fixing up some paperwork for that, figuring what to do with the Lox. Then when that drops, D Block of course and J Hood, the D Block Compilation; just want to get all the paperwork for that right and get everything situated.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Last time we spoke, we talked about a book you were working on, how is that coming?
Styles P: Somewhat, I mean I get thrown off sometime but I am still working on it.
Hip-HopCrack.com: You see recently a lot of rappers getting involved in television. Is that something you envision for you?
Styles P: Yeah definitely so, I think I would be more involved in production and direction, I would like to direct. I would take the long way out, I mean I would like to do some acting, but definitely would want to be a 'behind the scenes' man.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Why is that?
Styles P: It is just my character.
Hip-HopCrack.com: You are good at keeping low key, when you see this situation you are in.
Styles P: I try to keep it cool. I have been through a lot in my life and no matter what I don't want to be in a situation like my last album, you know as far as being incarcerated and being taken away from my family, my wife and my kids, not be at home and just be able to breathe fresh air.
Hip-HopCrack.com: How do you think Styles P would have reacted to this had it happened ten years ago?
Styles P: I would have spazzed (laughing). Even four years ago, even right before I came out of jail I would have spazzed.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So what has calmed you down?
Styles P: Jail and life in general. Suffering, you know it means a lot man. This sucks going through this, it really sucks, but jail, man that is being taken away from your family.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Obviously your family has been a big encouragement.
Styles P: Yeah I mean that is the most important thing to me. Everything else falls after that. You know I try to do things to see us alright. But see that's the part that really frustrates you, as going through this you have to watch your family suffer, but my wife keeps me humble. There are a lot of people in a worse situation. You know we have a place to live, three beautiful children; we can travel and have nice things. My family definitely keeps me strong.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What lessons have you learned?
Styles P: Patience, perseverance and sacrifice.
Hip-HopCrack.com: What do you feel you sacrificed?
Styles P: A lot, everything, I have almost thrown my career out of the window somewhat; that's how I feel on some days when I can't do something. But I guess being here is more important than that, that's just how I feel.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Almost every legendary name in New York Hip-Hop has dropped an album or is going to drop an album this year. When do you think we are going to see some new blood step up in NYC?
Styles P: They are here.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So why aren't they the ones putting out albums?
Styles P: I don't know what to say no more as the industry has changed so much; what I figure isn't what they think they need. As they think that all they need is a catchy hook and a nice beat (laughing,) you know what I am saying? They think with just that, they are in; they can just say ABC on a track and get away with it.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Does it bother you, this so called decline in Hip-Hop?
Styles P: Yeah definitely so. As a fan and music wise definitely so, but to take something good out of it you do see a lot of dudes making money. Money should encourage the game to step up, but there are a lot of things that play a part in this. It's not just the rappers; it's the rappers, the record labels, the radio, it's the parents in the way they educate their kids. It's a lot of shit. a lot of new rappers probably never read, or read when they was coming up. But everything is a cycle though.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Are you going out on the road promoting the album?
Styles P: I'm actually about to start tomorrow and I am going to damn near every state. I am going to be out on the road a while. It's not really something I enjoy anymore to tell you the truth.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Miss the family?
Styles P: Yeah it screws with my wife's schedule, it screws my schedule up, but then I do enjoy performing, I love the performance part, but the traveling shit is irritating.
Hip-HopCrack.com: Do you feel that you have to do an extensive tour right now?
Styles P: Yeah I feel that I have to go for myself because the music is coming out. You know I gotta do what I gotta do and do what is in my fullest capabilities and in my power so I know I gave 110% as that's all you can do. Because at least then I can say I did give 110% and did everything I could.
Hip-HopCrack.com: So when can we expect to hear anything from The Lox, I mean that's long over due too?
Styles P: I would say first or second quarter. Everybody is working you know, J Hood is coming out with Tales from the Hood; we got the D Block compilation coming out. Then we are working with our other artists too.
Hip-HopCrack.com: How do you find your artists?
Styles P: I know most of them, you know I met them through someone or I heard something from them. I guess you could say through life's natural circle.
Thursday 9 November 2006
[INFO] Big Mike & Supa Mario Presents...ST.Raw "It Is What It Is Vol. 1" NOV. 14TH!
Make sure y'all go pick this up November 14th. Executive producer Vinny Idol
Friday 3 November 2006
[NEWS] New Time Is Money release date DEC. 19th!!
Lets hope this date sticks this time!
SOHH reports:
SOHH reports:
After seeing his release date pushed back numerous times, D-Block enforcer Styles P is finally gearing up to release his long awaited sophomore LP, Time Is Money.The disc, which is now scheduled to hit shelves on December 19, will be the follow-up to 2002's A Gangster and a Gentleman. The record was originally slated to drop last year and has since received numerous shaky release dates with none of them delivering the Yonkers-bred MC's new material. The album's supposed lead single, "I'm Black" received a fair amount of radio play last
year, as did the single "Can You Believe It" featuring Akon, which a video was also shot for. The release boasts guest appearances by Gerald Levert, Akon, Jagged Edge, J-Hood, Mario Winans, Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius, Rashad, Talib
Kweli and The Lox. The album's production will be handled by hit makers Scott Storch and Swizz Beatz among others.
Time Is Money will hit shelves on December 19 on Interscope Records.
Monday 30 October 2006
[INFO] Time Is Money delayed further!
According to Supa Mario, it doesnt look like Time Is Money will be coming out on Nov. 14th after all due to more issues at the label. SMH!
Shouts to Supa
Shouts to Supa
[Interview] Smoking Sessions with Styles P
Holiday talks more Time Is Money with TSS & about his come up in the game & upcoming mixtapes. Heres a few choice excerpts:
Read the full interview Here.
TSS: You’ve been in the game a good decade. How long
have you been doing this rap thing?
STYLES P: Oh, you ain’t just talking about industry-wise? You mean when I had “it“?
TSS: Yeah. At what point did you know you were really nice?
STYLES P: I would say around 7th grade, probably.
TSS: For real, that early? And this is coming up in Yonkers, right?
STYLES P: Yonkers is a town with a lot of MCs. So, it was like everybody was rapping, you know what I mean? And if your name was popping and good enough to be out there you had to
have something, because it was so many people. Before I was in the group, it was just Kiss and Sheek rapping. I was on the other side of town. So, it was them, you had DMX, you had me, then you had a bunch of other Yonkers people. A good 20 to 25 MCs. The older people used to fuck with me and always ask me to rhyme and give me a couple of dollars to rhyme or do whatever. So I knew I had something.
Read the full interview Here.
Tuesday 3 October 2006
[Interview] Styles Talks Time Is Money, Hell Rell Disses [Vibe]
By: John Kennedy
October 2, 2006
After more than a year of delays, Styles P of The Lox is finally set to release his second solo album, Time is Money, which he says is "more mature and well-rounded" than its predecessor.
A quick glance at Time is Money's guestlist illustrates Styles' artistic growth since his 2002 solo debut, A Gangster and a Gentleman. Cameos include his D-Block brethren (Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and J-Hood), Sizzla, Jagged Edge, Talib Kweli, Gerald Levert, and even hip hop/rock group Flipsyde.
"I love their shit," Styles told Vibe.com of fellow Interscope act Flipsyde. "[Interscope chairman] Jimmy [Iovine] wanted me to meet them; he thought we might sound good together."
He says the album has seen few changes since its initial postponement from summer 2005. Leaked singles like "Can You Believe It," "Favorite Drug" and the radio-neglected "I'm Black" all remain on the album.
"I wanted to shoot [the "I'm Black" video] but I knew [TV networks] wouldn't play it," Styles says. "But I still might just give it a shot and stick it on a DVD."
To some, Styles' current single, the Neo Da Matrix-produced "Who Want A Problem," may seem to be a retort to Dipset's Hell Rell, who has recently thrown lyrical jabs in Styles direction via mixtape freestyles. But while Rell contends for the title of "hardest in the streets" – a distinction long associated with Styles – the Yonkers lyricist says a back-and-forth war of words between the two is unlikely.
"He didn't scar me," Styles says of his Harlem competitor. "He didn't make me mad."
"The young boy has to work hard," he continues. "I made my position. My title was given to me… I feel good; I started something. I gave these young boys something to strive for."
After Time is Money, Styles says D-Block fans can look forward to Jadakiss' next album, Kiss My Ass, rookie J-Hood's Tales From The Hood, and The Lox's long-awaited group album, Live, Suffer, Celebrate, to all drop next year.
Time is Money hits stores Nov. 14 and will feature production by Hi-Tek, Scott Storch, Lil' Jon, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Neo Da Matrix, and Vinny Idol.
October 2, 2006
After more than a year of delays, Styles P of The Lox is finally set to release his second solo album, Time is Money, which he says is "more mature and well-rounded" than its predecessor.
A quick glance at Time is Money's guestlist illustrates Styles' artistic growth since his 2002 solo debut, A Gangster and a Gentleman. Cameos include his D-Block brethren (Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and J-Hood), Sizzla, Jagged Edge, Talib Kweli, Gerald Levert, and even hip hop/rock group Flipsyde.
"I love their shit," Styles told Vibe.com of fellow Interscope act Flipsyde. "[Interscope chairman] Jimmy [Iovine] wanted me to meet them; he thought we might sound good together."
He says the album has seen few changes since its initial postponement from summer 2005. Leaked singles like "Can You Believe It," "Favorite Drug" and the radio-neglected "I'm Black" all remain on the album.
"I wanted to shoot [the "I'm Black" video] but I knew [TV networks] wouldn't play it," Styles says. "But I still might just give it a shot and stick it on a DVD."
To some, Styles' current single, the Neo Da Matrix-produced "Who Want A Problem," may seem to be a retort to Dipset's Hell Rell, who has recently thrown lyrical jabs in Styles direction via mixtape freestyles. But while Rell contends for the title of "hardest in the streets" – a distinction long associated with Styles – the Yonkers lyricist says a back-and-forth war of words between the two is unlikely.
"He didn't scar me," Styles says of his Harlem competitor. "He didn't make me mad."
"The young boy has to work hard," he continues. "I made my position. My title was given to me… I feel good; I started something. I gave these young boys something to strive for."
After Time is Money, Styles says D-Block fans can look forward to Jadakiss' next album, Kiss My Ass, rookie J-Hood's Tales From The Hood, and The Lox's long-awaited group album, Live, Suffer, Celebrate, to all drop next year.
Time is Money hits stores Nov. 14 and will feature production by Hi-Tek, Scott Storch, Lil' Jon, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Neo Da Matrix, and Vinny Idol.
Friday 22 September 2006
[INFO] Time Is Money finally coming [MTV News]
Peace to Jadakiss. We ran into him at Nas' birthday party last week (see "Usher, Kanye, Diddy, Nick Cannon, Kelis Kick It Old-School At Nas' Big Birthday Bash") and he told us he has some real fire coming — and that the LOX are about to make a major power move. Meanwhile, Styles P. finally has a release date for Time Is Money. It's coming on November 14 and he's about to shoot a video for the remix of "Who Want a Problem."
"I got my partners on the remix," Styles said. "So I'm gonna go with that one. I probably added a couple of more songs to the album [from the version that was supposed to come out last year] and took some songs off. I been working on the album for years. When I found a big, big song, I put it on there. I got, like, three albums done. Most likely I'm going to let some songs go [to the underground] and keep some in the stash.
"I just want to get it out, man," the Ghost added. "I'll push the album from there. I just want the opportunity. I know it's a lot of loyal and dedicated fans who have been waiting." SP also has two mixtapes coming before the LP drops. "I'mma put one out, 'cause I need some love in the South, so I'm gonna do a DJ Drama Gangsta Grillz, then I'm gonna do one with DJ Clue."
The LOX's label, D-Block, is continuing to build up as well. J-Hood is going to finally deliver his solo LP soon and the LOX have also added a pop/R&B singer to the fold as well as a reggae artist and, of course, a string of new MCs. "We're just working," he says. "Hood is coming soon. We just want to get our sh-- right with the radio. We just made four to six new songs, but we need that radio buzz to be extreme."
"I got my partners on the remix," Styles said. "So I'm gonna go with that one. I probably added a couple of more songs to the album [from the version that was supposed to come out last year] and took some songs off. I been working on the album for years. When I found a big, big song, I put it on there. I got, like, three albums done. Most likely I'm going to let some songs go [to the underground] and keep some in the stash.
"I just want to get it out, man," the Ghost added. "I'll push the album from there. I just want the opportunity. I know it's a lot of loyal and dedicated fans who have been waiting." SP also has two mixtapes coming before the LP drops. "I'mma put one out, 'cause I need some love in the South, so I'm gonna do a DJ Drama Gangsta Grillz, then I'm gonna do one with DJ Clue."
The LOX's label, D-Block, is continuing to build up as well. J-Hood is going to finally deliver his solo LP soon and the LOX have also added a pop/R&B singer to the fold as well as a reggae artist and, of course, a string of new MCs. "We're just working," he says. "Hood is coming soon. We just want to get our sh-- right with the radio. We just made four to six new songs, but we need that radio buzz to be extreme."
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