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When you talk about street-certified MCs who’ve never compromised their bars or message, one name that always commands respect is Styles P. Known as The Ghost, Styles has spent decades carving out a legacy based on gritty realism, lyrical sharpness, and an unwavering dedication to hip hop culture. Whether standing with The LOX, riding with Ruff Ryders, or dropping jewels as a solo artist, Styles P remains one of the most respected voices in the game.
Born David Styles on November 28, 1974, in Queens, New York, but raised in Yonkers, Styles P came up in a rugged environment that shaped both his worldview and his style. His rhymes reflect the hustle, pain, and survival instincts of street life—not glorified, but told with brutal honesty. From the very beginning, Styles stood out not just for his content, but for his unrelenting delivery and presence on the mic.
Styles P’s rise to prominence began in the late '90s when The LOX signed to Bad Boy Records, thanks to a co-sign from The Notorious B.I.G. Their debut album Money, Power & Respect (1998) showcased Styles' razor-sharp verses alongside Jadakiss and Sheek Louch. While their time on Bad Boy gave them major exposure, it clashed with their hardcore aesthetic, leading them to demand a release from the label—a bold move that eventually led them to Ruff Ryders Entertainment.
Once signed to Ruff Ryders, Styles P thrived. Their second album, We Are The Streets (2000), embraced the crew’s gritty edge and gave fans the raw Yonkers sound they had been waiting for. Alongside labelmates like DMX, Eve, Drag-On, and Swizz Beatz, Styles helped cement Ruff Ryders as a movement, not just a label.
Styles P launched his solo career in 2002 with A Gangster and a Gentleman, led by the now-classic single “Good Times (I Get High)”. The song was a mainstream success, but true to form, Styles didn’t ride the wave of pop appeal. Instead, he dug deeper into street themes, dropping raw and reflective albums like Time Is Money (2006), Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman) (2007), and The Green Ghost Project (2010).
His solo work is filled with introspection, pain, and purpose. Styles often balances tales of the streets with messages of growth, self-awareness, and even health—eventually opening juice bars to promote wellness in Black communities. Few rappers in his lane have evolved while staying so true to their original message.
Styles P’s pen game has earned him appearances on tracks with Nas, The Notorious, B.I.G., DMX, Rick Ross, The Game, Akon, Big Pun, Alicia Keys, and Talib Kweli—to name a few. Whether it’s gritty street tracks or conscious rap, Styles can adapt while never losing his edge. He’s one of the few artists who can body a feature with just a 16-bar verse and still leave a lasting impression.
His chemistry with Jadakiss is second to none—something fans witnessed again during The LOX’s Verzuz battle against Dipset, where Styles was praised for his breath control, stage presence, and sharp lyrical execution. Although Jada was star of the show, Styles more then held his own.That night reminded a whole new generation of what real emceeing looks like.
Styles P isn’t just respected for his lyrical prowess—he’s revered for his consistency, integrity, and activism. While many artists chase trends or fame, Styles has remained grounded. He speaks for the voiceless, gives back to his community, and promotes both mental and physical health—showing a rare balance of street wisdom and conscious leadership.
He’s a rapper’s rapper, an emcee’s emcee. Whether you’ve been rocking with him since Money, Power & Respect or discovered him through a feature, Styles P stands as a pillar of New York hip hop and a model of what it means to evolve without selling out.
As hip hop continues to evolve, Styles P remains a reminder of its roots: bars, authenticity, and respect. He’s never needed gimmicks or chart-toppers to earn his status. With a career now spanning over 25 years, Styles P has earned his spot among the greatest to ever touch the mic.
In every bar, every beat, and every business move, Styles P proves that staying real never goes out of style. Salute to The Ghost—a legend still haunting the game in the best way possible.
