Spring Break
Rap artist remembers roots in new solo album
SCOTT REID
Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Variety
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Styles P is in an uncertain place.
As one-third of 1990s New York hip-hop trio The LOX (with Jadakiss and Sheek Louch), he made millions and achieved fame.
Grade: B
Verdict: An unexpected head-nodder.Now, as a solo artist releasing his second album, "Time Is Money," he finds himself attempting to gain credibility in a rap world that has eased away from thoughtful, authentic East Coast rap in favor of the Dirty South's club hit of the week.
For all of its street introspection on a long life of poverty and crime, though, "Time Is Money" has its fair share of danceable tracks.
For every "Testify" (featuring Talib Kweli) that declares, "Damn right I make gangster music/But I still spit poetry like Langston Hughes did," there is a "Kick It Like That" (featuring Jagged Edge) that boasts of plenty of girls, gunplay and new gear.
Styles possesses a vivid lyrical talent that takes the listener to see first-hand the inequalities and injustices that still hold true in the inner cities. On "Leave A Message," he does just that to all of the people and experiences in his life, good or bad.
"I'm Black" recalls a time when Black Panthers were a visible force in America and even references the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown ("Say it loud!").
"Time Is Money" is full of fantastic production by many of rap's best producers, including Havoc, Hi-Tek and Lil' Jon.
The brevity of "Time Is Money" is also refreshing in a time when rap acts use every second afforded a CD - for shout-outs, advertisements, pasta recipes, horoscopes, whatever suits the mood.
With none of these present, Styles P delivers a soulful, insightful rap album in a time when rap fans are not often presented with striking artistry but mere "trap" triviality.
As one-third of 1990s New York hip-hop trio The LOX (with Jadakiss and Sheek Louch), he made millions and achieved fame.
TIME IS MONEY
Grade: B
Verdict: An unexpected head-nodder.
For all of its street introspection on a long life of poverty and crime, though, "Time Is Money" has its fair share of danceable tracks.
For every "Testify" (featuring Talib Kweli) that declares, "Damn right I make gangster music/But I still spit poetry like Langston Hughes did," there is a "Kick It Like That" (featuring Jagged Edge) that boasts of plenty of girls, gunplay and new gear.
Styles possesses a vivid lyrical talent that takes the listener to see first-hand the inequalities and injustices that still hold true in the inner cities. On "Leave A Message," he does just that to all of the people and experiences in his life, good or bad.
"I'm Black" recalls a time when Black Panthers were a visible force in America and even references the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown ("Say it loud!").
"Time Is Money" is full of fantastic production by many of rap's best producers, including Havoc, Hi-Tek and Lil' Jon.
The brevity of "Time Is Money" is also refreshing in a time when rap acts use every second afforded a CD - for shout-outs, advertisements, pasta recipes, horoscopes, whatever suits the mood.
With none of these present, Styles P delivers a soulful, insightful rap album in a time when rap fans are not often presented with striking artistry but mere "trap" triviality.
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