Styles P, the inimitable voice gracing some of the hardest tracks from The LOX, is appreciated by true fans and hip-hop scholars for his solo work that zigzags between the opulent gangsta personas and introspective bars. This Yonkers emcee, born David Styles, has been a pillar of East Coast hip-hop, releasing a robust discography that bleeds raw lyricism and unparalleled grit. His sixteen-year solo career has seen the release of a myriad mixtapes like ‘Ghost in the Shell’ and albums like ‘Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman),’ each adding to the depth and variety of his narrative.
So let’s get into it, from ‘The Ghost Dub-Dime Mixtape’ to ‘Wreckage Manner,’ here are Styles P albums ranked.
30. Phantom Gangster Chronicles – Vol. 1
Released: 2008
Label: eOne Music
1″, Styles P’s rock-hard fourth studio album. Dropped on November 11, 2008, your boy Poobs, aka Styles P, roars in like a lion, serving up raw verses with the ease of a seasoned vet, displaying his lyrical dexterity over stone-cold beats. The album ain’t about backpack-rap, nah, it’s a testament to his street credibility, echoing gritty narratives from the corner of the block. Tracks like “Holiday” and “Da ’80s” punch through with a raw, unfiltered energy, as Styles lays down his signature combo of menacing bars and cerebral wordplay.
29. A Gangster And A Gentleman
Released: 2002
Label: Ruff Ryders Records • Features: Swizz Beatz, P.K., Angie Stone, “Lil Mo”, Jadakiss, Sheek, J-Hood, Eve, M.O.P., Cross, Pharoahe Monch
The LOX member weaved dichotomous narratives throughout, painting vivid pictures of life in the concrete jungle. On one side, you got the gangster; hard-hitting tracks like “I’m a Gangsta” and “Nobody Believes Me” solidified Styles as a concrete spinner of street tales, serving up unapologetic grit and hustle. But flip the coin, and there’s the gentleman, as he went introspective on cuts like “Black Magic” and the haunting “My Brother”. The album showcased an artist able to navigate the rough streets and the introspective spaces with equal skill. It’s here the ‘Ghost’ moniker started to make sense; Styles P was everywhere and nowhere, telling stories from the shadows.
28. Ghost Kill
Released: 2017
Label: 916% ENTERTAINMENT • Features: Nino Man
Staying true to the essence of New York hip-hop, this project is sprinkled with raw bars and menacing beats that capture the city’s energy. Flashes of the old school are visible in the classic punchlines and hard-hitting delivery. Throughout the project, Styles gives a nod to the golden era, showing that he hasn’t lost touch with his roots. In tracks like “Ghost Wars” and “Ghost a Minute”, he exhibits his prowess in story-telling, a craft he has mastered over the years.
27. The Ghost Dub-Dime Mixtape
Released: 2010
Label: eOne Music • Features: Tre Williams, Jimi Kendrix, Tyler Woods
Known for his gritty storylines and raw portrayals of street life, the Yonkers word-slinger didn’t disappoint with this album. Riding the wave of the mixtape revolution, P showcased his uncanny ability to deliver heat over a hodgepodge of instrumentals. Tracks like “Ghost Gaga” and “Don’t Say Anything” displayed P’s unique blend of bravado and authenticity, further solidifying his nickname, “The Ghost.” But it’s on cuts like “I’m Just Trying to Get Rich,” where P delves into the trappings of street life with brutal honesty, that the album truly shines.
26. The Phantom Menace
Released: 2008
Label: Styles P
Styles P’s gritty narrative style is at the forefront, with tracks that delve into the realities of street life, personal struggles, and the quest for respect in a cutthroat industry. His delivery is sharp and direct, with a no-nonsense approach that his fans have come to expect and admire. The production on “The Phantom Menace” complements Styles P’s aggressive and straightforward lyrical style, featuring hard-hitting beats and a dark, atmospheric backdrop that adds to the overall intensity of the album.
25. Ghost Stories
Released: 2004
Label: Styles P
Styles P deftly balances hardcore rap elements with introspective musings, creating a tapestry of songs that resonate on multiple levels. The production complements his storytelling, with beats that are both hard-hitting and soulful, creating an atmospheric backdrop for his potent lyrics.
24. The Seven
Released: 2017
Label: Javotti Media/3D • Features: Talib Kweli, Sheek Louch, Jadakiss, Niko Is, Common, Vic Orena, Rapsody, Chris Rivers
Styles P, the rugged street poet from Yonkers, combined forces with Brooklyn’s conscious lyricist, Talib Kweli, to create a body of work that merges tales from the hood with intellectual social commentaries, thus embodying hip-hop’s dual nature. The album’s standout tracks “Nine Point Five” and “Let It Burn” pair Kweli’s intricate wordplay with P’s direct and often brutal honesty, lending their distinctive voices to the ongoing discourse around social issues.
23. Float
Released: 2013
Label: High Times Records • Features: Scram Jones, N.O.R.E., Sheek Louch, Jadakiss, Raekwon, Bullpen
This album, released on High Times Records, solidifies P’s rep as one of the hardest spitters out the East Coast. “Float” is crafted distinctively, showcasing Scram Jones’ ability to construct boom-bap symphonies that perfectly compliment P’s ruthless verses. Tracks like “Hater Love” and “I Need Weed” pack a punch with P delivering emotion-laden lyrics that depict the reality of the streets, while still embodying a vibe perfect for a blunt cruise down any city block. Even though it might not have impacted the charts like some others, this project is pure fire, gritty and full of heart.
22. A Wise Guy and a Wise Guy
Released: 2015
Label: The Phantom Entertainment • Features: Jadakiss, Sofi Green, Tyler Woods, Snype Life, Sheek Louch, Whispers, Chris Rivers, Dyce Payne, Fortes, King Buudha, Dave East, Nino Man, “LVBs”, Chary Ary, Plf
This album is a testament to Styles’ unyielding audacity to stay authentic in an ever-evolving genre. It’s got that grimy, raw vibe that echoes the streets of Yonkers, the birthplace of D-Block. The album is stacked with 20 tracks, an intimidating proposition in the age of short, snappy playlists. But with features from fellow LOX members Jadakiss and Sheek Louch, buzzing names like Dave East, and industry veterans like Chris Rivers (Big Pun’s son), Styles P held it down. He flexed his gritty narrative skills on tracks like “Other Side” and “My Party”, while also getting introspective on joints like “Ghetto”. The beats range from hard-knocking east coast boom bap to more melody-driven productions. “A Wise Guy and a Wise Guy” showcases Styles P’s versatility and firmly situates him among the leading stalwarts of East Coast rap.
21. The World’s Most Hardest MC Project
Released: 2012
Label: eOne Music • Features: Sheek Louch, Bucky, Large Amount, Snyp, A.P.
With grime lodged in its teeth, this album stands as a testament to P’s knack for raw, gritty lyricism. The LOX member leans into his strengths, flexing lyrical muscles with the hard-hitting “I Know” and the introspective “Araab Styles” which marry his street-honed narratives with grimy, East Coast beats. P’s no-nonsense verses paint vivid pictures of the struggle and hustle, reminding us this ain’t no playground; it’s survival. The album, however, isn’t just a rough ride through Yonkers’ back streets; it’s laced with moments of wisdom, P’s rhymes illuminating life’s hard truths. Despite its intimidating title, what this project does most deftly is lay bare the human heart beating beneath the hardened MC exterior, strengthening Styles P’s claim to hip-hop royalty. It’s unyielding, it’s uncompromising, it’s unmistakably Styles P.
20. Independence
Released: 2007
Label: Siccness.net • Features: Bossman Hog, I-Rocc, G. Dep, Turf Talk, Mitchy Slick, Scarface, Killa Klump, B-Legit, Slo-O, Papoose, Lupe Fiasco
P’s frustration and defiance are palpable throughout the mixtape, hence the fitting title. Right from the jump, joints like “That Street Life” and “Bang Out” showcase Styles’ raw lyrical dexterity, his voice seething with an authentic grit born of hard-knock experiences. You won’t find commercial-sounding hooks here, nah, the album is a beacon of hardcore hip-hop, unfiltered and uncompromising. The no-nonsense lyrics delivered over ominous production create a soundscape that’s as real as it gets. And in true Ghost fashion, he balances street tales with introspective musings on tracks like “Hood Life.” Even though it flew under the mainstream radar, “Independence” serves as a testament to Styles P’s dedication to preserving the essence of East Coast hip-hop. It’s a gritty, street-rooted album that demands respect and attention from the hip-hop purists out there. It’s more than just music; it’s a statement.
19. Ghost Who Sat by the Door
Released: 2006
Label: Styles P
The title, lifted from the classic novel and film about the infiltration of the CIA by the first black operative, showcases Styles P’s willingness to tread into metaphorical and politically charged territory. He spews venom on the mic, spinning tales of hood politics, street warfare, and the harsh realities of inner-city life. This mixtape features collaborations with his LOX cohorts Jadakiss and Sheek Louch, true to the marrow D-Block style, but it’s Styles P’s solo cuts that steal the show. Tracks like “The Lion Sleeps” and “Damned If I Do” are street sonnets, combining poignant storytelling with hard-hitting bars. With this release, Styles P further asserted his dominance as one of the fiercest lyricists in hip-hop, unafraid to weave complex narratives around stark realities.
18. Phantom Empire
Released: 2009
Label: Styles P
Displaying a never-before-seen versatility, the Yonkers lyricist juggles roles as prophet of Ghetto America and rap entrepreneur with ease, applying a fine balance of street wisdom and business acumen. Laced with raw narratives of hustle and survival, the album’s standout tracks “Murda Mommy” and “Death Wish” showcase Styles P’s incredible storytelling prowess and his enduring commitment to the streets that raised him. Yet the album doesn’t shy away from incorporating diverse influences, fusing Styles P’s hard-boiled street narratives with unexpected sonic elements. The album proved that Styles P wasn’t just a hardcore thug character, but a complex artist capable of navigating the intricate layers of both Ghetto America and the music industry itself. “Phantom Empire” if nothing else, highlighted Styles P’s indomitable spirit, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
17. Phantom and The Ghost
Released: 2014
Label: Phantom Entertainment LLC
The album is named in honor of his dual identity – ‘the Ghost’ from his LOX days and the ‘Phantom’ moniker from his solo career. Rolling out a staggering 14 tracks, it’s a marathon listen that glistens with impeccable lyrics and vivid storytelling. Imbued with mindfulness and metaphor, P’s lyrics leap off the beats, hitting listeners like a one-two punch. Take “Deeper Self,” a philosophical musing on identity, or the brooding, introspective flow of “World Tour.” Putting up a striking balance between street wisdom and spiritual guidance, it creates a vivid contrast that defines Styles’ creative journey. A commercial success, it peaked at number 74 on the Billboard 200 charts, demonstrating that Styles P’s substance-over-style approach still had significant pull. Phantom and The Ghost is a war diary from the streets, an album soaked in authenticity, painting pictures word by word. It’s haunting in the best way possible, absorbing listeners into the mind and life of Styles P.
16. Ingenuity
Released: 2022
Label: Get@Em Recordz • Features: Snyp Life, Royal Flush, Lil Fame, Jadakiss, Billy Danze, Steele, Kartel, Ruste Juxx, Rockness, Trigga Da Gambla, Sheek Louch, Teflon, TEK, I-Fresh, Termanology, Dyce Payne, Nikki Ariel
This album by Snyp Life featuring Jadakiss and Styles P, stands as a remarkable convergence of rap royalty, showcasing the seamless blend of distinct styles and lyrical mastery. This collaboration brings together the gritty street narratives and clever wordplay that have become synonymous with Jadakiss and Styles P, enhanced by the fresh energy and perspective of Snyp Life. The album resonates with the authentic essence of hip-hop, grounded in the experiences and realities of its creators.
15. Wreckage Manner
Released: 2021
Label: Entertainment One Music • Features: Havoc
Styles P, an illustrious vagabond of East Coast rap, upholds his legacy of raw lyrics and classic boom-bap beats while fearlessly exploring new sonic territories with this release. The album brings together an eclectic mix of established and emerging artists, including Ms. Jones, Dyce Payne, and ItsTheReal, casting a fresh, illuminating light on his ability to branch out and collaborate. Devoid of superstition, but ripe with introspection, Styles P uses tracks like “Stop Watch” and “Lavish Habits” to illustrate the tumultuous journey of street life. The album serves as a reflection point, a 2021 time capsule of a veteran rapper who continues to evolve, refusing to rest on his laurels while still proudly carrying the torch for gritty, thought-provoking hip-hop. His words, soaked in pure, unadulterated authenticity, reaffirm Styles P as an enduring pillar in the temple of rap gods.
14. Phantom Ghost Menace
Released: 2010
Label: IMG
Styles P continues to uphold his reputation as a stalwart of the genre. In this album, he expertly blends street wisdom with philosophical musings, delivering a raw and introspective experience that resonates with his audience. The production on “Phantom Ghost Menace” strikes a balance between classic hip-hop beats and modern sonic elements, creating a backdrop that complements Styles P’s gritty yet reflective style. His ability to convey complex emotions and scenarios through his rhymes is evident, as he touches on themes of survival, legacy, and personal evolution. Each track serves as a reminder of his skill as a lyricist and his significance in the landscape of hip-hop.
13. PRESENCE
Released: 2019
Label: The Phantom Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE • Features: Butta, Conway the Machine, Benny The Butcher, Xander Goodheart, Iman Nunez, Chris Rivers, Cris Streetz
The Ghost as he’s affectionately known, served up a plate of thought-provoking lyrics over gritty beats, aligning himself once again with the essence of New York street rap. The joint “Brand New” saw P kick game old-school style, rhyming with finesse and raw honesty that’s scarce in today’s hip-hop landscape. In “Blam, Blam, Blam,” he linked with fellow LOX member, Sheek Louch, reminding us of their golden era in Yonkers. Styles’ storytelling ability shone in “Blood, Sweat & Tears,” painting vivid imagery of his hustle and grind. Though it didn’t top the charts or earn platinum plaques, “Presence” was a victory lap for hip-hop heads yearning for that authentic East Coast sound. This album reinforced why Styles P is, without a doubt, one of the respected MCs in the game.
12. S.P. The GOAT: Ghost of All Time
Released: 2019
Label: The Phantom Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE • Features: Whispers, Sheek Louch, Jadakiss, Nino Man, D-Block Europe, Lil Fame, Cris Streetz
The album released in the Spring of 2019, is another jewel in Styles P’s genre-defining hip-hop crown. From its gritty anthems like “Brand New” to deeply introspective tracks like “The Professionals,” this record represents P’s fluidity and versatility as an artist – he’s the street soldier, philosopher, and storyteller all in one. Collaborations with heavy-hitters like Whispers and Sheek Louch highlight the record, reinforcing the vigor of P’s broad sonic landscape. Meanwhile, his lyrical prowess is on full display with “Raw Dreams,” an atmospheric track gushing with metaphoric brilliance and encoded street wisdom.
11. Master Of Ceremonies
Released: 2011
Label: eOne Music • Features: Avery Storm, Lloyd Banks, Rell, Aja, Pharoahe Monch, Sheek Louch, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Pharrell
This project is like a fresh graffiti piece on a concrete canvas, reflecting Styles P’s lyrical prowess and storytelling aptitude. This album, peppered with collaborations with figures like Rick Ross and Pharrell Williams, strikes the perfect balance between the raw, uncut feel of the streets and the more polished edge of mainstream hip-hop. Styles P spits bars tighter than a hustler’s fist clutching dollar bills, delivering thought-provoking punchlines and narratives reflecting his life experiences.
10. Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman)
Released: 2007
Label: eOne Music • Features: Swizz Beatz, Ray J, Bully, The Alchemist, Akon, Max B, Raw Buck, Ghostface Killah, Beanie Sigel, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Black Thought
Styles P was schooling cats, proving he wasn’t just any emcee, but a Don of the mic. The album title alone spoke volumes – the dichotomy of a street-hardened ‘Super Gangster’ with the nuance of an ‘Extraordinary Gentleman’. S.P.’s gritty lyricism aligned with soul-infused beats made for a heady mix, ya dig? He pulled no punches with joints like “Star of the State” featuring Ghostface Killah, showcasing the raw authenticity that’s unmistakably New York. “Da 80’s” served a chilling narrative on the crack epidemic that wrecked communities, reminding us how Styles P could blend social commentary with his hard-hitting bars.
9. Styles David: Ghost Your Enthusiasm
Released: 2020
Label: The Phantom Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE • Features: ItsTheReal, Whispers, Jadakiss, Snyp Life, Cassandra the Goddess, Dyce Payne, Sheek Louch
Unveiled to the world in May 2020, this 15-track opus telegraphs P’s lyrical dexterity seamlessly meshed with the fierce rawness that’s defined his two-decade reign. Standout joints like “Hundred” exemplify the album’s profound introspection and street knowledge, dropping rugged punchlines and existential wisdom that make you nod both to the beat and the thought. Big numbers like “Truth Be Told” and “Time” further delineate P’s lyrical empire, rich with narratives of survival, resilience, and the relentless grind of the game.
8. Dime Bag
Released: 2018
Label: Phantom Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE
The album’s grittiness is like a scene straight outta a Spike Lee joint, painting vivid pictures of hood life, while maintaining an unmistakable East Coast sonic identity. P’s lyrical game on this 10-track project is like Jordan in ’96, never missing a step or fumbling a bar. Tracks like “Couple Dollars” and “Money Change You” leave you feeling like you’ve just taken a midnight stroll through the grimy side streets of Yonkers. Yet, the production, steeped in ’90s aesthetics, feels slightly archaic compared to more contemporary hip-hop canvases, missing that innovative edge to push the envelope.
7. Ghost in the Shell
Released: 2018
Label: Styles P
The album was raw, uncut, and every bit as potent as we’ve come to expect from the Yonkers legend. Styles P took us on a ride through the grimy streets of NY, with tracks like “Couple Dollars” serving as grim portraits of street life. He made it clear he’s still a beast on the mic, spitting pure flames on tracks like “Ghost Wars”. His bars were wise and often introspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of his experiences growing up in a tough environment. The Ghost’s lyrical prowess shone through on tracks like “Wait Your Turn B”, demonstrating a level of depth and complexity rarely seen in the genre today.
6. G-Host
Released: 2018
Label: The Phantom Entertainment • Features: Dyce Payne, Whispers, Jacob Berger, Khardier Da God, Cris Streetz, Kody, Kay Rosewood, Oswin Benjamin, Nino Man, Boog Jones
Raw, gritty, and deliriously unapologetic, the album sees Styles unleash his unique brand of powerful lyricism across a stunning 16 tracks. Firing off with the explosive “Bubble Up and Double Up”, you get a sense that P is flexing his veteran muscles, navigating the East Coast rap landscape with an effortless cool that’s rare in today’s scene. On “Heat of the Night”, his haunting introspection seeps into the eerie beat, creating a mélange of paranoia and desperation, a reflection of the street’s bitter realities. Collaborations with Whispers, Nino Man, and Oswin Benjamin amplify the album’s sonic diversity, while the gripping narratives on “Morning Mourning” and “Welfare” showcase P’s ability to depict life’s hardships with brutal authenticity.
5. Vibes
Released: 2017
Label: Bern One Entertainment • Features: Berner, B-Real, ScHoolboy Q, Dyce Payne, Dave East, Joe Ski, Cozmo, Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Scarface, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch
The album features an impressive assortment of guests like Nino Man and Whispers, all contributing to the project’s diverse sound. Yet, P’s unfaltering lyrical prowess is the album’s true crowning jewel. On tracks like “Bring Dem Ghost” and “Ghost Element”, he employs his signature wordplay, imbued with the grit and rawness of the Yonkers streets he hails from. The beats, laced with soulful samples, make you feel like you’re kicking back on a summer day, reminiscing about the days of boom-bap and the heart of the golden age of hip hop. But it must be noted that P’s penchant for lyrical virtuosity often overshadows the need for catchier, more memorable hooks, a subtle reminder that he’s still a student in the school of hip-hop, albeit a senior one.
4. The Ghost In The Machine
Released: 2010
Label: Supa Music • Features: Bully, Straw, Snipe
This album takes listeners on a journey through the complex psyche of Styles P, blending his street-savvy narratives with introspective musings. Known for his role in the iconic group The Lox, Styles P uses this solo venture to delve deeper into his personal experiences and viewpoints, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his life and thoughts with features from Bully, Straw and Snipe.
3. Beloved
Released: 2018
Label: Def Jam Recordings • Features: Dave East, Dyce Payne, Jazzy Amra, Tish Hyman, The LOX
Slated as a love-hate letter to the unforgiving streets of New York, the album opens with the mellow yet sobering “Beloved”. Drawing from their shared experiences of the concrete jungle, East and P’s synergy is seamless, their chemistry salient in the way they trade bars and weave narratives. On “Its Lit”, P delivers his verses with equal parts virulence and vulnerability, his gruff tones resonating with the gritty beats in a captivating dance. The introspective “For All My Niggas”, the heartfelt tribute to fallen soldiers, is a stark reminder of the street’s steep price. Guest appearances from Tish Hyman on “Beloved” and Dyce Payne on “Thoughts in the Car” add a layer of musical diversity to the project.
2. Penultimate: A Calm Wolf Is Still A Wolf
Released: 2023
Label: Phantom Entertainment LLC / EMPIRE • Features: Bucky, Brady Watt
Throughout the album, Styles P navigates themes of survival, growth, and the realities of street life with a sense of maturity that comes from years in the industry. His lyrical prowess is on full display, blending hard-hitting bars with introspective insights. The production complements his style perfectly, with beats that are both soulful and intense, mirroring the duality of calmness and ferocity.
1. Ghosting
Released: 2021
Label: SHR Records / EMPIRE • Features: ItsTheReal, Yemi Sauce, Mrs Farma, Dyce Payne, Tony Moxberg, Lavish Life
It’s raw rap, no chaser – a distillation of SP’s two decades-long career. This is a testament of his longevity in the ever-evolving hip-hop scene, always staying true to his lane without compromising for trends or radio hits. The lyrical prowess and hard-hitting bars are intact, proving that even after all this time, Styles hasn’t lost a step. His persistent dedication to crafting conscientious street narratives and his refusal to bend to industry pressures is mad commendable. But, we gotta keep it real, despite the vivid street tales, there’s a sense of redundancy, a feeling of ‘heard it before.’ Still, “Ghosting” holds its own, providing a familiar space for those who enjoy SP’s style of hip-hop – gritty, honest, and undiluted.
