July 25th, 2018

HEINIKEN Greenroom Series

@98 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NYC

A loose group of fortunate fans in the know assembled on a quiet block on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Passers by unaware of what was to be a great night for the genre of rap. STYLES P member of THE LOX who carved out his own lane as your favorite rappers favorite rapper arrives on the scene with the regularity of your best friend pulling up to your stoop. More concerned with where he can park than his actual fame. A great representative of rap from arguably the last great era. He takes time to pose for every picture request and heads inside.

We didn’t get to speak directly to Styles but the sit down interview by TORAE touched on many of the questions that the fans wanted to be answered. We were blessed to hear from a true hip hop veteran who stressed maturity, understanding of the game, his position and responsibility in it and the fire that seems to be missing in others of the day. Hip Hop’s torch still burns hot in STYLES.

The crowd filled the warehouse sized venue as DJ SOUL spun 90’s hits from the greats expertly to keep us occupied but as the crowd grew and the air receded the tension and appetite for the feeling that STYLES P “The Original Ghost” on the mic was about to bubble over.

Almost on cue milliseconds before the question of when P would hit the stage could leave our mouths the music lowered and the show began.

A few upcoming artists bravely hit the stage to submit their dues to the stage. They were met not with a savage crowd only looking for P but an audience who received them with the enthusiasm of new books. An indication of how open Hip Hop fans have become looking for the next voices or the generous flow of Heineken? Only time will tell.

And then what seemed like a bum rush STYLES appeared on the stage from the right. Aside from the SUPREME & OVO caps the vibe was late 90’s. Fashionable but comfortable Tee’s, Jeans a few suits, ladies and that familiar cloud suspended over the atmosphere.

STYLES did not disappoint, hitting every mark on his hits like a prize fighter. A champion of the craft & everyone in the room were in the front row. We left with promise that the hip hop we knew was still alive. The promise of STYLES upcoming release and a confirmation that THE LOX will be returning later this year to perform again and with new work the fans have been waiting for. Stay tuned.