Lloyd Banks
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Lloyd Banks | |
|---|---|
| File:Lloyd banks.jpg | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Queens, New York City |
| Years active | 2002-present (solo) |
Lloyd Banks (born Christopher Lloyd, April 30, 1982 in New Carrollton, Maryland)[1], is a rapper and member of the popular hip-hop group G-Unit. Banks, who is of African-American and Puerto Rican descent, is the youngest member of the group.
Early Years
Lloyd Banks moved to Southside Jamaica, Queens, NY when he was six years old. Growing up in the inner city, Banks looked to escape poverty through writing, especially poetry. He lists Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, and Notorious B.I.G. as his inspirations for becoming an MC.[2]Just short of age 16, Lloyd Banks dropped out of high school. He began to write rhymes full-time, and started to become known around the neighborhood for his appearances on local mixtapes[3] It was at this time when Banks was approached by childhood friends 50 Cent and Tony Yayo with the proposition of forming a group, G-Unit. Both 50 Cent and Tony Yayo were older than Banks, and 50 Cent became a mentor to young Banks.
G-Unit
After the creation of G-Unit, Banks went on to have a strong presence in the mixtape game. He was named the 2003 Mixtape Artist of the Year, and had released a number of mixtapes, mainly with DJ and producer DJ Whoo Kid. His releases include Mo Money In The Bank Parts 1, 2, and 3. He was also featured on 50 Cent multi-platinum success Get Rich or Die Tryin', and was further revealed to the industry with the G-Unit release Beg For Mercy, both in 2003. Lloyd Banks has built his reputation through the streets, and not through such shows as Making the Band, the Lyricist Lounge and 106 and Park's Freestyle Friday's, something he takes much pride in.[4]
Music
His solo debut for G Unit/Interscope Records, The Hunger For More, was released in June 2004. The album included the hit singles "On Fire", "I'm So Fly", and "Karma". The Hunger For More sold over 400,000 copies in its first week, putting him behind only millionaire rap mogul 50 Cent for most sold in the opening week in G-Unit.
In the fall of 2005, The Big Withdraw album leaked on the internet and was Banks most extensive collection of songs since his debut album, featuring 23 records. Although a few of the beats are somewhat mediocre, Banks continues to establish himself as one of rap's top lyrical forces. Because of this, Banks has been forced to reconstruct his sophomore album.
He is scheduled to release a second LP in summer 2006 titled "Gang Green." The album is said to be done at the present time, just awaiting other G-Unit releases.[5]
Reputation
Lloyd Banks notoriety has risen since his 2004 debut, becoming a viable commodity in the industry and as one of rap's top lyricists[6] Banks' reputation is based on his ability as a punch-line rapper, meaning that his verses often contain many one-to-two bar sets of lyrics (often metaphorical or with similes) that are amusing by themselves and can also be lyrically vicious towards other rappers. On the record "I'm So Fly," Banks raps, "Don't confuse me with these suckas/ When I spit, you hear more 'oohs' than a Skip to My Lou move at the Rucker.", an example of his lyrical talent. Banks has continued to remained hungry however and refuses to put out subpar music, saying "I got my drive from 50 ... I know when it's a go. If he doesn't go crazy when I play a song for him, then I scrap that one."[7] The man also known as "The Boy Wonder" is waiting for his second opportunity to show the industry that he is truly one of rap's elite and slide out from 50 Cent's shadow.
Controversy
The Source Magazine alleged that Banks was being cheated out of money and wanted to depart from the group. G-Unit quickly dismissed the story.
The artist was mired in internet controversy after a gay porn movie surfaced, in which an actor who resembles Lloyd Banks receives an ejaculation on his face. This footage spread quickly over the internet, forging rumors that the rapper was gay. G-Unit publicly dismissed the claims, and the real actor who performed in the movie, Ty Lattimore, came forth to set the record straight.
During a video release for Busta Rhymes at which Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo were guests, Yayo had a heated exchange with producer Swizz Beatz. After Yayo and his entourage left abruptly, a shooting had occurred leaving one of Busta Rhymes' bodyguards dead. The New York Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Since the shooting death, all parties have been silent, upholding the street code of not talking. The police believe that the shooter was one of Tony Yayo's entourage members. The "Touch It" Remix video has since been released and contains a tribute to the fallen bodyguard and features many popular hip-hop artists.
Discography
Albums
- 2004: The Hunger For More US #1 (Platinum)[8], (3 Million Worldwide)
- 2006: Gang Green (Summer '06)
Mixtape
- Mo Money In The Bank Part 1
- Mo Money In The Bank Part 2
- Mo Money In The Bank Part 3
- G-Unit Present:Best Of Lloyd Banks
- 2005: The Big Withdrawl
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | US R&B/Hip-Hop | |||
| 2004 | "Southside" | #24 | #13 | The Hunger For More |
| 2004 | "On Fire" | #8 | #4 | The Hunger For More |
| 2004 | "I'm So Fly" | - | #32 | The Hunger For More |
| 2004 | "Karma" | #17 | #9 | The Hunger For More |
| 2006 | "Touch It (Remix)" (Busta Rhymes featuring Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliot, Lloyd Banks, DMX & Papoose) | - | - | The Big Bang |