Styles P sat down with Hynaken and ESSO on BagFuel to talk about his career, his competitive approach to rap, and what it was like sharing the studio with two legends: The Notorious B.I.G. and DMX.
The veteran MC described himself as passionate and straightforward, explaining that his competitive drive has always been central to his artistry. While he respects fellow rappers, he made it clear that he never entered hip-hop to be friends with everyone, but to push himself against the best.
When asked about studio moments that left a lasting impression, Styles P recalled working during Life After Death. Recording with both Biggie and DMX left distinct impressions. Biggie’s sessions, he said, carried a laid-back, luxurious atmosphere, while DMX’s approach was darker, rowdier, and relentless. He pointed to DMX’s habit of always having verses ready, describing him as prepared for any moment in the booth.
Styles also reflected on authenticity in rap, likening certain performances to a spiritual experience. To him, the power of an artist’s words comes from lived experience, something he described as the “hip-hop holy ghost.”
Calling the 1990s the “golden era,” Styles P compared the energy of New York hip-hop at that time to the wildness of “cowboy days.” Though hard to fully describe, he noted that future generations would look back on the period as both formative and unforgettable.
In the latter part of the interview, Styles spoke about growth and evolution. For him, being “gangster” no longer means carrying weapons or glorifying the streets. Instead, he ties it to responsibility, especially when guiding the next generation. He credited his focus on health and wellness with shifting his perspective, saying it allowed him to move forward with a lighter mindset.
