Story // Kane Photographer // Al Santiago
Lloyd Banks is well-known for his many accomplishments. His critically acclaimed premier project propelled him to international fame as an MC. He is a founding member of the platinum encrusted G-Unit brand and he now has a classic tattoo image, created by Chris Garver from Miami Inc., that reps Rotten Apple to the fullest.
Lloyd’s continued international appeal has proven that he is much more than just a run-of-the-mill MC. His album, Hunger for More has gone double platinum world wide and Rotten Apple has been a street banger since its release in October 2006. In fact, Banks made his sophomore project a unique album experience by hand-picking all of the beats featured on Rotten Apple. In an age of corporate-controlled music products; it is a big deal for an MC of Banks’ clout to actually take the time to listen and hand pick all of the songs on his project without regard for marketing schemes or industry politics. Yet, despite all of these accomplishments, Banks manages to keep a level head.
Banks continues to set himself apart from the majority of MCs with his superior lyrical content and his constant attention to the fans shown on his international tours. In addition, he also shows his devotion and loyalty to his fans by blessing them with diverse commercial CDs that explore a broad range of topics for his listeners.
Banks definitely keeps it street on the Rotten Apple but he has also considered exactly how to keep his core group of female listeners loyal to his products. The album is a definitely a musical journey that will keep listeners entertained and interested throughout the voyage. Lloyd keeps it gully with tracks like “Get Clapped” and “NY NY” then the vibe switches on songs like “Help” and “One Night Stand”. So, overall they all meld into one another to create a Picasso for the ears.
We are all well aware of Banks’ love of music, however, not many people know about Banks’ other love….his love of pit bulls...
