Styles P "Master of Ceremonies"

Styles P, known as a Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentlemen), returns as the Master of Ceremonies in his (second) most recent record, and without further ado techno-organ and synth let you know “How I Fly,” or Ben Stiller, Jim Carrey, Avery Storm, Mike Epps let you know how he be. I digress, because the verses in the next song are really strong, and “N**** we don't play~! We handle problems the worst way/We'll get you shot, stabbed, robbed on your birthday/N**** you ain't got no business 'round here in the first place,” so it’s true what P and Lloyd Banks say; that they may have a sense of humor, but “We Don’t Play.” It does not matter whether “I’m a G” or not because the hard knock life soul, featuring the vocals of Rell in the next song, hits right in the heart like a bullet. Even though I don’t “Ryde on Da Regular,” I can try and empathize; I am regular, but I don’t smoke. I would like to introduce Pastor P to introduce our next song; if you do not mind. Aja’s vocals and the tinkly piano are just enough to make you cry, but the verses make you think; the intro-verse is something I can relate to and “society judge a man for the way, that he live in it/Either you gettin money or deal with imprisonment/No in betweens - I'm gettin green/ Spots in the world where, they don't know what dinner mean.” The verses may also make you cry too, but despite the truths, you must try and “Keep The Faith,” and change the world; even though it’s changing, just make sure it’s in the right direction. This one is for the “Children,” and it doesn’t look like the future is too bright; not just because they “Imitate whack rappers and the video dames.”  Pharoahe Monch’s final sung verses are so true, but I’m still not sure whose verses are more poignant.  OK, let’s now take a few minutes to think of the bright side of things and enjoy this bouncing piano, these horn flourishes and verses by Sheek Louch, and some snark in the face. This may be called “Street S---,” but the quality is not made for the toilet; the verses don’t seem to pack as much of a punch, but the song is strong nonetheless. How was that? Everybody feel good? Well, you might even feel better after this next one. Beat heavy, scratched samples of Statik Selektah in the chorus, light horns, and piano that reminds me of Eriatarka; even if your “Feelings Gone” you can probably still appreciate this one, and feel good. I hope I don’t sound “Harsh,” but I think Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes may have stolen the show on this project presentation, but P still proclaims “BIG is the only rapper I don't think that I'm better than.” Don’t get me wrong it was a good song; I will sit down now. I thought you said “It’s OK” if others talk about you, and you’re gonna shoot me, I’m sorry. The latter has a lot working for it such as the beat, alien distortion ( it’s alien, and that can be what they call distortion), asking you to call the M.I.B.; very virile verses from P and Jadakiss, and a haunted synth that may have you call guys like this (Ghostbusters!). This next song may be the most radio-ready, a hit single it could be, but please “Don’t Turn Away” just because the chorus has Pharell singing; it lacks the poignancy of the majority of the tracks on here, but is still one to listen and stay. While I did like the previous song, it is important to finish an album like this with one that is not as strong (stronger, really). It wasn’t a bad song, it just detracts from the focus of the majority of the record, which was very cohesive, and the final song returned to those vibrant verses that are a little bit angry, kinda cheeky, and returns the Sheek-y. Overall, the album was much better than I first thought filled with many great tracks; I will say no favorites because they were all worth multiple listens!