AN ASSET TO HIP HOP CULTURE: P. STEW
ARTICLE Julz Mancini
It is one thing to love the hip hop culture and it is another to live it! Some of the biggest influencers initially start off as artists and branch out, working in different areas of the industry. Not only does this add to their value as an asset to the music business, but it also assists others with knowledge, inspiration, and a blueprint. P Stew is a major component in the music industry as he has been an artist, manager, and radio personality, to name a few.
With his first introduction to music being reggae, P Stew stated, “I’m Jamaican. So I remember the sound of reggae first. Then moving to America I remember hearing Run DMC and the Beastie Boys. That is when I instantly fell in love with hip hop.” From that moment on, P Stew knew that hip hop was the route he wanted to take in his career. Being heavily influenced by, not only his family, but BIG, Nas, Pac, The WU, The Roc, and the golden era of hip hop, Stew was adamant about refraining from sitting behind a desk for the remainder of his life. After acquiring experience as an artist, he eventually made his way to the world of radio in DC. His initial entry into radio was with 93.9 WKYS.
During his journey in radio, P Stew developed innovative strategies to maintain connections between local radio and major labels. He created hip hop radio programs and events, one being “The Mixers Meeting” which consisted of a luncheon with DJs and a representative from a major label. These opportunities were eventually extended to the independent music artists. It is evident that P Stew has always been passionate about unique and intimate relationships with the music industry.
Working with Source Magazine was an additional accolade added to the long list of P Stew’s accomplishments. Having the opportunity to work closely with Dave Mays, Benzino, and Tracii McGregor allowed the continuation of a blossoming career. It was in 2001 that P Stew recalls some great memories. “That was a dope experience. Working on Park Ave, smoking weed on the fire escape or in the conference room after 5pm because everyone in the building smoked. That was real live NY hip hop sh*t right there. I saw a lot of young folk that ended up becoming great through that building like DJ Envy.”
Recently in his career, P Stew has been working diligently behind the scenes running lifestyle marketing and promo for different labels such as, Def Jam, Columbia, Atlantic, Capitol, Interscope, and more. Due to the pandemic P Stew’s primary plans of touring and attending events came to a halt. For those who know P Stew, he is well known for being outside as face to face contact and networking are imperative to the thriving business man. As quarantine took over the world, P Stew was hard at work rebuilding a new format for his business. It was during this time that the birth of “The Stew Review” took place. Not only was his show a success, but his merchandise line became a sought after brand as well.
When speaking to P Stew about “The Stew Review” he stated, “My only real goal with it is to stay consistent. I believe consistency is undeniable and if you remain consistent in whatever you do, you will see the fruits of your labor. As long as I can stay consistent and have some impact on the culture, in any way, then I am achieving my goal.” He mentioned that he has enjoyed each guest on his show but if he had to choose his favorite interview it would be the Young Guru/ Tracey Lee episode. He shared that these two gentlemen are rich in hip hop knowledge. Young Guru is Jay Z’s engineer and has always been connected to everything big in hip hop such as Jay, Nas, Beyonce, and Nipsey Hussle. Tracey Lee, signed to the legendary Mark Pitts, had one of the biggest hip hop anthems to date titled, “The Theme (Party Time)” and also has a record with BIG. It is apparent that P Stew has access to major elements within the music industry.
“One Love Mafia” is the title of P Stew’s merchandise. He explained the meaning behind the brand as a marriage between the word love and mafia, “One love is what I have been raised on and how I life my life. But I am aware of the world we live in. That’s where mafia comes in.”
Three important factors when it comes to branding for P Stew are authenticity, passion, and consistency. P Stew stated, “Those three things breed everything else. They breed research, development, professionalism, discipline, and all other qualities needed to build a successful brand.” With his relentless work ethic, Stew plans to remain consistent and grow. He plans to push the culture forward and be a contributor. He plans to be the biggest show to ever hit any platform! As the interview concluded, P Stew shouted out his children, Jared, Siree, Sanea, and Caden!
One thing is certain, P Stew has impeccable work ethic and drive which has allowed him to embed his footprint in the forever evolving music industry. With all of his knowledge and experience within the business, it would be wise for the reader to follow P Stew to acquire knowledge while also being entertained.