Styles P, an artist who describes himself as “one of the hardest street-spittin’ MCs,” has dropped his sophomore effort “Time is Money.” After his crew The LOX had a run with Bad Boy Records in 1998, they moved to Ruff Ryder Records, where Styles released his 2002 solo debut “A Gangster and a Gentleman.” That album was a classic in the ‘hood, and though it only went gold, the album’s sales exceeded expectations.
Since then, the rapper also known as “The Ghost” has made many changes in his career. Today, he shares the co-CEO title of D-Block Records with fellow LOX members Jadakiss, Sheek and Louch.
Considering the production and guest spots on Styles’ new album, it is sure to become another classic just like his debut album, only this is a classic for the thugs, club DJ’s and even the ladies.
“Time is Money” opens with “G-Joint,” a street banger featuring D-Block’s own J-Hood. The most exciting point of this album is the re-uniting of the LOX on “Who Want a Problem,” a sure-shot club hit produced by the Ruff Ryders’ house producer Swizz Beats.
The album’s first single “Can You Believe It” was produced by Lil’ Jon and features Akon on the hook, giving the single what the album really needs for Styles to reach mainstream stardom. Havoc of Mobb Deep produced the eerie flute banger “This Is How We Live,” and Mario Winans made the shuffling bass groove for””First in Line.”
Though the production is amazing on this album, what stand out yet even more are the lyrics and guest spots. The artists that join The Ghost on vocals include socially conscious Brooklyn-based rapper Talib Kweli, legendary reggae artist Sizzla, Marsha from Floetry and event the late great R&B singer Gerald LeVert.
Lines such as “Damn right I spit gangsta music, but I still spit poetry like Langston Hughes did” also separate Styles P from the rest of the mainstream hip-hop scene.
“We’re in an industry where lyrics don’t count anymore. The beat and hook count,” he says. “Nobody really cares what you say as long as they can play it in the club. But at the same time, there’re plenty of people who want to hear something.” That’s where Styles P comes in, but don’t take my word for it. Go find out for yourself.
