Styles P: Time Is Money
“Life Goes On” An Album Review By Nfared
The story of former rap group The Lox is one of the swift rise of a great
group and an even bigger fall. When the dust settled, the three members were
still close, yet pursuing solo efforts. One of the members, Styles P is still on
a musical mission with his sophomore effort “Time Is Money”. He’s alone again
for the first time.

Styles gets a little help from Talib Kweli with “Testify”. While the effort
here can be appreciated, he begins with a familiar sound from a Jadakiss track;
“Why Malcolm get killed by the NOI/…and why did nobody flip when Martin was
killed…” He slightly rebounds on the Lox Reunion track; The Swizz Beatz produced
“Who Want A Problem?” He is his own personal motivation; “Gotta stay fresh
cause I live by my last name/Styles/and they ain’t make em like me in a while…”
and his own personal defense; “…so who ever want a problem I still can stomp you
out.” He moves a bit out of his usual subject matter with the smooth sounding
“Favorite Drug” where he admits; “I ain’t never been one to make no girly songs,
but I be up in this chick til the early morn.” Not exactly creative lyrics, but
hey, it’s his first time. The Lil John produced “Can You Believe It” is the
perfect summertime song as Styles paints the picture, “Fresh white tee/fresh car
wash/summertime hood niggas/look like
stars…” The track is a would be easy listen, but there are the irritatingly
nasal sounds of Akon that are like speed bumps throughout the track. Another
“girly” song, “Kick It Like That” is a little more thoughtful, or humorous
perhaps with, “My love’s like a jungle/jump around like some chimps…” The best
effort of his career though comes with “I’m Black”. He’s factual, “Even though
my skin’s kinda light/that means my ancestors was raped by somebody white…”
observant, “so I like to eat good food and be around black folks” and speaks
from experience, “I’m black/so I like my kids looking real nice/cause I been
poor and I know what it feels like.” Styles speaks to the entire race with the
song, encouraging pride strength, and knowledge.

Needle Meter Styles is testament to that fact that love for the craft will
force an attitude of continuance. Instead of quitting, he kept going. This album
or his first will probably not go down in the history books though, and his
lyrics could use a jump-start in some places, making him an artist that just
might not be for everyone. When he’s good though, he’s good, and when that is
combined with the fact that he refuses to stop regardless of the numbers or the
critics, he ends up being worth the watch and the time.
Three Needles














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