Styles P has been around for a long time now, and while it’s not innovative it’s generally far enough removed from the commercially minded – the odd pop collaboration aside – to remain listenable. It was the mid 90s when Styles initially found fame as one third of Bad Boy’s The Lox. After a very public split with the label, Styles and fellow members Jadakiss and Sheek Louch released a series of successful solo albums, as well as renaming themselves D Block. ‘Super Gangster Extraordinary Gentleman’ is actually the third solo foray for Styles, and for mine it’s his most enjoyable to date.

It’s no surprise that years of establishing yourself with some of rap’s biggest names will enable you to access the best producers and artists for collabs. Of course, this is exactly what Styles has done. The beats here are kind of mainstream-US skewed, layered with sounds that work on the charts. This is noticeable particularly on the upbeat number from Swizz Beatz, lead single ‘Blow Your Mind’. It’s also apparent on the Hi Tek produced, Ray J featuring, ‘Let’s Go’, as well as the Akon produced/featuring ‘Got My Eyes On You’. This album excels, however, in the places where Styles gets grittier. Vinny Idol lays down some really nice work on a couple of tracks, while Pete Rock laces Styles with, arguably, the album’s best beat on ‘Gangster, Gangster’.

Lyrically there is nothing particularly new here, but there is definite growth from the artist with a far broader range of topics covered. There’s somewhat cheesy stories of love, respect for the old skool on ‘DA 80s’, and closer ‘Cause I’m Black’ is a really solid number highlighting the plights of modern day African Americans, featuring Black Thought. Again, though, the release really gels when things get nasty. ‘Shoot N****s’ is tight, ‘Star Of The State’ featuring Ghostface is better, while Beanie Siegel squashes a beef and unites with Styles on the standout ‘U Ain’t Ready 4 Me’. The album’s outstanding highlight, though, is ‘Gangster, Gangster’, with Jadakiss and Sheek appearing. The chemistry between the trio, uniting with super tight production, demands replay.

It’s mainstream US hip hop produced with underground ideals, and it’s as good an album of its genre that I’ve heard in recent years.