Chester P is a UK rapper and a founding member of Task Force, Mud Family and Bury Crew. He is from the United Kingdom and is known for freestyle rapping and battle rap, with a reputation in the British hip-hop scene for his ability in live competition.

Background

Chester P is Joey Coombes, born on 21 March 1976. He grows up in Highbury, North London, where he continues to live with his brother Farma G, his nephew Remus and his mother. He begins rapping at about eight years old and briefly uses the name Angel Face Killer, a reference to his appearance and battling style.

Style and lyrical themes

His lyrics combine street observations from north London with references to mythology, esoterica, astronomy and nature. Over time, his work moves away from battle-focused writing towards more reflective material, a shift associated with the Music From The Corner series, while some tracks still keep battle elements.

Battle rap

Chester P becomes widely known through battling and is described as prolific in that part of the UK hip-hop scene. He is said to have battled Common and won, although he treats the result as less significant than it is sometimes presented. In 2006, after a recording of Wordsmith attacking him appears online, he records a response track called The Bitches, which includes a phone conversation showing Wordsmith backing down. Chester P and Wordsmith end their dispute in early 2007.

Name and influences

The name Chester P comes from Brainstorm, a 1970s British psychedelic comic written by Bryan Talbot.