Born in Corona, Queens, and raised on Groshon Ave in Yonkers, NY, Styles began rapping with Jadakiss and Sheek in 1994, as they all grew up in the same Yonkers, New York neighborhood. They eventually signed to Bad Boy Records, formed the rap group called "THE LOX" which stands for "Living Off Xperience", and recorded songs with Notorious B.I.G., Sean Combs and Darren Blackburn. In 1998, The Lox released Money, Power & Respect w/ the hit song "Money, Power, Respect" feat. fellow Bad Boy, "Lil Kim" and Ruff Ryder Earl "DMX" Simmons. Soon thereafter, Styles P led the Lox on the now infamous quest to leave Bad Boy Records. When they were finally released, the Lox signed to Interscope. Shortly thereafter, a new Lox album and Jadakiss' solo album Kiss Tha Game Goodbye were released.
Styles released A Gangster and a Gentleman in 2002, as his debut solo album. The album contained the song "The Life", featuring Pharoahe Monch which was originally recorded for Rawkus Records' Soundbombing 3 compilation album. The follow up hit was the song dedicated to marijuana use, "Good Times (I Get High)", one of the most played songs of 2002.
In 2003, Styles P. and Jadakiss appeared on the "Oz Soundtrack" with one of the harder edged songs "Some Niggas" about prison life. On a mixed album with several songs about the lifestyle behind bars, "Some Niggas" was one of the fiercest and most remembered songs on the street from that album.
In 2004, Styles P. released the mixtape Ghost Stories in limited distribution form (NY only) -- the mixtape spread to other cities and onto the internet in the next year. He was featured on the hit song "Locked Up", by R&B artist Akon.
In 2005, Styles P. received local market airplay for his and Jadakiss' remix of Mariah Carey's mega-hit "We Belong Together", and on Miri Ben-Ari's album, The Hip-Hop Violinist; he features on the track "We Gonna Win". He released two stand-alone mixtapes in complete form: Ghost in the Shell in the spring of 2005 and Ghost in the Machine in the Fall.
Styles P. has been featured on many rappers' albums including Ghostface Killah, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Akon's albums. Styles is rumoured to appear on DMX's new album Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later. He will also appear on the title track to The Roots' latest album, Rising Down.
Shoot You Down
Styles P Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Play no more around this town
Play no more around this town
‘Cause I am gonna shoot you down
Half asleep, half up
Mad house, leaning on the fast buck
You know me that’s if I got my mask up
Show money on weed and the clothes out of sacks
No soil in the jungle so we rose from the cracks
Of the sidewalk, why you think we specialized in ply talk?
From the dark side of the force, I’m not the Skywalker
Know I named a pizza shop but nigga get the paws off
Remember misery loves company
Yo homies got yo back but ask yo self, who’s frontin me?
How much is the work worth?
How much getting murk worth?
Sometimes I get high and I wonder if church works
As I changed the first verse and the kirk first
Gonna ask myself – yo, how much is the verse worth?
I know it’s priceless but I still gotta charge a price
Shit is static, go back to the heart of life
[Chorus]
Masked like Bane, Dark Knight like Wayne
Gangstas with night skills is missing from the game
Stand up G, I strive for my son
But the cold ass streets forced me to crater with my guns
Ones is the only thing that matters
I try to keep it real
They just here about swagger
King of New York shit, meet me at the Plaza
You can talk shit and get pluck with the dagger
I’m on it, on one, up one
Probly on the dolo with the Top Gun
Shout to polo niggas with the dutch done
Trinnies on the bamboo, jeps on the raw booze
New to the jail niggas that never wanna go home
You should do the science
If you don’t know math then build your alliance
But will yo man stand in the pan when you fry him?
All of us is living but all of us is dying
Getting money or you trying
[Chorus]
Blow up OZ, meditate and levitate
The time is money nigga so we never wait
We got shit to do, kill you all for principle
Cool and I ain’t listen cuz I thought I was the principle
Custom kidding on the European
You see me, I blow the weed and then I look Korean
But I ain’t from Korea though
Life’s a bitch, money gon burn like gonorrhea though
It’s all truth or it’s all lies
Need a bionic man on a full guy
I’m major like Lee Majors
Cop money for crack as a teenager
[Chorus]
The chorus in “Shoot You Down” by Styles P is essentially a warning to someone not to stay around, suggesting that violence will be the outcome if the warning is not heeded. The use of strong lyrics is not only catchy but sets the tone for the song as a whole. The verses provide insight into the life of Styles and his relationship with the world around him, and how interactions with friends, foes, and business separate his character from others. In the first verse, Styles talks about his life in the madhouse, something that could be interpreted as a metaphor for the tough and unpredictable nature of the streets, and how he keeps his cards close and his mask up to protect himself. He talks about how he is cool under pressure, even when things seem dire, and how he has a natural talent for improvisation, which is necessary when dealing with the challenges of the streets.
The second verse highlights the challenges that come with living in a world of deceit and betrayal. He raps about having to face the reality of the street life, how he had no choice but to put his trust in guns to survive. The lyrics refer to his role in the drug trade and how he is not afraid to use his weapons to defend himself. The message is both a warning to those who would stand in his way and those who would consider taking him down.
Overall, “Shoot You Down” is a hard-hitting, in-your-face song that brings together a range of complex emotions and experiences for the rapper. It’s a warning not to mess with him, but also a reflection on the tough nature of street life and the iron will necessary to survive in such an environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Play no more around this town
Stop messing around and causing trouble in this town because I will take action against you.
‘Cause I am gonna shoot you down
If you continue to cause problems in this town, I will take serious action against you that may even involve the use of a gun.
Half asleep, half up
I am in a daze, partially awake and partially asleep.
Mad house, leaning on the fast buck
I am in a chaotic state of mind, trying to make quick money in a difficult situation.
You know me that’s if I got my mask up
If I am wearing a mask, you would recognize me by my general style and demeanor.
I’m mad cool like the AC on max
I am very cool and collected, like the air conditioning turned up to its maximum setting.
Show money on weed and the clothes out of sacks
I spend my money on marijuana and cheap clothes.
No soil in the jungle so we rose from the cracks
We come from a tough environment with little opportunity, but we are making the best of our situation.
Of the sidewalk, why you think we specialized in ply talk?
We grew up in rough neighborhoods and learned how to navigate difficult situations with strategic language and behavior.
From the dark side of the force, I’m not the Skywalker
I come from a negative environment and do not have the same positive outlook as a character like Luke Skywalker.
Know I named a pizza shop but nigga get the paws off
Just because I have a business, do not assume that I am soft or defenseless.
Remember misery loves company
People who are unhappy themselves often try to bring others down with them.
Yo homies got yo back but ask yo self, who’s frontin me?
Your friends may support you, but it is important to consider who is really looking out for your best interests.
How much is the work worth?
What is the value of the work I am doing?
How much getting murk worth?
Is the risk of violence or harm worth the potential reward?
Sometimes I get high and I wonder if church works
Occasionally when I am under the influence of drugs, I question the effectiveness of religious institutions and teachings.
As I changed the first verse and the kirk first
I revised my first draft and edited the religious references.
Gonna ask myself – yo, how much is the verse worth?
I am considering the monetary value of my music and lyrics.
I know it’s priceless but I still gotta charge a price
While I recognize the inherent value of my artistic work, I still need to earn a living and make money from it.
Shit is static, go back to the heart of life
Life can be difficult and chaotic, but it is important to focus on what really matters in the end.
Masked like Bane, Dark Knight like Wayne
I am wearing a mask and embodying a tough, imposing, Batman-like persona.
Gangstas with night skills is missing from the game
The criminal underworld is lacking in skilled, competent individuals.
Stand up G, I strive for my son
I am a strong, upright individual, and I am motivated to provide for my child.
But the cold ass streets forced me to crater with my guns
The harsh, unforgiving environment of the streets has made me rely on weapons and violence to protect myself and succeed.
Ones is the only thing that matters
Money is the only thing that really matters or has any value.
I try to keep it real
I attempt to stay true to myself and my values, even in difficult circumstances.
They just here about swagger
Others are only interested in my image and superficial qualities.
King of New York shit, meet me at the Plaza
I am a powerful and influential figure in New York City and am inviting others to meet with me at a prestigious location.
You can talk shit and get pluck with the dagger
If you provoke me with your words, I will respond with violence.
I’m on it, on one, up one
I am fully focused and determined, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Probly on the dolo with the Top Gun
I am likely alone, armed, and seeking confrontation.
Shout to polo niggas with the dutch done
I am calling out to others who also smoke marijuana while wearing Polo clothing.
Trinnies on the bamboo, jeps on the raw booze
Other individuals are consuming different types of drugs, such as heroin and alcohol.
New to the jail niggas that never wanna go home
Some individuals who are new to jail may actually prefer to stay there rather than face the difficulties of life outside prison.
You should do the science
You need to do your research and think carefully before making a decision.
If you don’t know math then build your alliance
If you are not intelligent or skilled enough on your own, you should join forces with others who can help you succeed.
But will yo man stand in the pan when you fry him?
Will your supposed friend or ally stick by your side when things get really difficult or dangerous?
All of us is living but all of us is dying
We are all alive and existent, but we are also all moving towards our eventual deaths.
Getting money or you trying
In life, you are either working to earn money or still trying to figure out how to achieve financial success.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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