SCORESWAYZE • A GANGSTER AND A GENTLEMAN
The album that brought me into the world of musicians (timely enough) was Styles P's debut album, A Gangster And A Gentleman. The LOX has always been a huge influence in my life and career, from the Bad Boy days of Money Power & Respect to the Ruff Ryders era. Styles always stood out to me where he would always mix in profound lyricism with the harsh reality of day-to-day life in Yonkers. He released his debut album in the summer of 2002 and I already decided that rapping was a stark way of self-expression the year before. But with my favorite rapper releasing his first body of work, I was more than inspired - I was called upon.
He displayed commercial success in "Good Times,” introspection in the album-titled track, even showing a sense of humor in the “Ass Bag” skit. But the song that drove me into changing the focus in my life was "I'm A Ruff Ryder.” The daunting production from P. Killer Trackz and balls-to-the-wall performance shook me to the core and left me with no choice but to start writing with a purpose. Nineteen years later, I find myself in a grateful situation where I can make money with my passion, discover new skills along the way and most importantly - inspire others like Styles inspired me.