Music Review: Lloyd Banks'  "The Hunger for More"
| Published 09/17/04

Graphic by: Doni Neel

Since Lloyd Banks comes out of 50 Cent's G-Unit camp, I was expecting to thoroughly hate his debut album, "The Hunger for More". I've never been a huge follower of 50 or any of his comrades he brought along with him when he inexplicably was shot five times to stardom with his 2003 debut, "Get Rich or Die Trying". I just don't think he is talented. His "mush mouth" flow resembles a more hardcore version of Mase, and his lyrical content makes Master P seem intelligent.

Lately the whole G-Unit crew's been starting to grow on me. Perhaps it's the fact that it is impossible to turn on the radio or MTV without hearing or seeing them, or maybe their high powered production staff (including Dr. Dre, Eminem, Daz Dillinger and D-12's Kon Artist) is making them sound better than what they really are.

"The Hunger For More" is an entertaining, if not totally, original album. The disc kicks off on just the right note with "Ain¹t no Click" with Banks and recently-paroled G-Unit member Tony Yayo, who helps kill the simple but thumping beat. This is followed by "Playboy," which is good on first listen but can grow annoying once repeated four or five times. The production is the real highlight of most of the album. Eminem provides the most impressive beats on "Till the End" and "On Fire" On "Warrior pt. 2," Lloyd, Eminem, Nate Dogg and 50 Cent drop hot verses over Em¹s intense beat. Other standout tracks are "When the Chips are Down" (featuring newly signed Dr. Dre protégé The Game) "Die One Day," (which uses a sped vocal sample to good effect) and the Dirty South-influenced "Work Magic" (which features Young Buck). The only track that really seems out of place is the overly commercial-sounding "Karma," which seems to have been included just so it could get played on the radio.

If you're a fan of G-Unit, this album will not disappoint.  Even if you're not a fan, you may be surprised with how good the album really is.