Exclusive Interview: Styles P

June 25th, 2010 | By Big Dom

Interview by The Journalista

Hip-hop should be so honored to have rapper/lyricist/storyteller Styles P in its corner. For years now Styles P [aka The Ghost] has blessed rhyme lovers with his vivid flows and verses. On his latest mixtape, Ghost Dub-Dime, his street-wise lyrics continue taking listeners on a gritty journey through life with its grimey emotions of swag, dirty deals and struggles of day-to-day living.

And now, in extension to his beautiful street rhymes, Styles P has added the title of “Author” to his hustle palette. With a fresh book deal under Random House, his first novel Invincible [accompanied by its equally explosive soundtrack - featuring appearances from Sheek Louch and additional LOX fam] has just landed on store shelves and is the first of many fictional street tales to come from the urban griot.

Has your wordplay and delivery changed or advanced any since your last mixtape Phantom Empire?
I always switch it up. My style paints a picture. It just depends on the day and what my mood is, and what’s going on.

Your first single “That Street Life” seems extremely personal - like you’re letting us into your personal life. Is that accurate?
Yeah. It’s about my swag and being fly. I’m just talking about the real things; some personal issues and the industry. It’s all from a street point of view.

We hear a newcomer by the name of Tyler Woods on a few tracks. How did the two of you start to collaborate ?
That’s my man. He first did a song with Sheek (Louch) and I liked how it sounded. I have him on “That Street Life” and a couple singles on the soundtrack for Invincible.

Yes, the novel Invincible - you’re a fiction writer now!
Yeah, I always wanted to be a writer (of books) and also a director and producer. Being a rapper takes a lot of time and it’s difficult at times, especially along with being a father and other things. But I set my mind to it. If you wanna get around to everything you wanna do in life, you just gotta get busy. I’m fortunate that it’s happening. Invincible is the first book in the series. It’s available in Barnes & Noble stores.

What is Invincible all about?
Well, I’ll just say this; it’s about a good, solid dude trying to live the right life [when] he gets a mystery letter from someone who wants to kill him. I can’t tell you much [more] without giving it away.

Is the art of storytelling with rhymes different from telling a story through novel/book form?
I respect the authors more. It’s much more difficult to write a novel because when you’re rhyming it’s in your head.

What can you share bout the soundtrack to Invincible?
Yeah, it’s crazy. I got Sheek Louch, ‘Kiss, Tyler Woods. It’s 14 tracks and sounds like you’re reading a book.

When are you, Sheek and Jada going to bless us with a new LOX album?
We’re working on the LOX joint [now] and I feel good about that.

‘Invincible: The Book’ and full-length soundtrack by Styles P are available exclusively at stylesp.net. ‘Ghost Dub Dime’ the mixtape is available at e1music.us.