Lloyd Banks "The Hunger For More"

Lloyd Banks - The Hunger For More
(G-Unit/Interscope Records)

- reviewed by Chris G.

Lloyd Banks spent the past 10 months on mixtape after mixtape. The plan was to follow 50's formula of keeping a street buzz while the official joint gets worked out. During that time the sub par G-Unit album was released, followed by more mixtapes, which resulted in G-Unit burnout.
Still willing to listen to a Lloyd Banks album, my anticipation suffered a severe drop when "On Fire" popped as the first single. It's an alright song, that has only grown on me through having it repeatedly drilled into my head. After listening to a year's worth of mixtape freestyles it did nothing to elevate his game.

The album does a better job of showing off his freestyle flow. The thing about Banks is he's so punchline heavy, that the choruses sometimes get in the way. Better to just fast forward and get to the verses.. "Banks is cooler than the other side of the pillow."

As a complete package it doesn't define him as 50 accomplished with his debut.. but musically it does have a cohesive, upbeat sound. Beat work on "I Get High" is so tight you could keep the intro rolling for 5 minutes before getting to the rhymes. When Banks does begin and Snoop chimes in at the end, it's damn near perfect. That's an ear drum killer fa sho' more..

- reviewed by Chris G.

"I'm So Fly" is anchored by a 50 sung chorus and Banks devouring his bars like the punchline champ. "Karma" comes close to being the "Smile" sequel.. and even closer to being fast-forwarded were it not for the singer on the hook. Whoever it is, his voice manages to hold your attention. "South Side Story" is the closest you'll get to a Bank's narrative. You won't be on the edge of your seat, but it's good background listening. And I can't forget "If You So Gangsta," a ferocious track that's built for Lloyd Bank's flow.

There were close to 500 thousand of these CDs sold in the first week. Which means the CD is aptly titled. If.. um.. when Young Buck does similar numbers, 50 can rest easy until next year. By then, that's what people will really hunger for.

back to the ratings..

Track By Track

-- Degrees --	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
1. Ain't No Click
2. Playboy
3. Warrior
4. On Fire
5. I Get High
6. I'm So Fly
7. Work Magic
8. If You So Gangsta
9. Warrior Part 2
10. Karma
11. When The Chips..
12. Til The End
13. Die One Day
14. South Side Story
15. Just Another Day

The Industry Says

The Source - 3.5 mics "Overall what the album lacks is a cohesive charisma. Still, Banks debut is definitely a solid offering, giving supporters much of what they have come to expect from him."

XXL - XL "The only problem is Hunger For More doesn't stretch far from the multi-platinum blueprint 50 laid down last year. Hopefully, now that Banks has removed his training wheels, he'll learn to ride down his own path."

Vibe - 3.5 out of 5 discs "While he excels in clever jousting, Banks lacks range and storytelling ability."

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