Since last year’s introduction of the G-G-G-Unit, 50 Cent and his crew have risen to the top with their own brand of New York gangsta rap, with chart topping singles and albums, not to mention a consistent series of “street platinum” mix CD’s, courtesy of affiliate DJ WhooKid. With original G-Unit member Tony Yayo in-and-out of prison, 50′s other right-hand man, Lloyd Banks, is the first new solo artist to emerge from the Unit since Get Rich Or Die Trying, with his debut Hunger For More.

     Many have argued after hearing Lloyd’s mixtape workouts that he is the hottest lyricist in G-Unit, even outshining his mentor, 50 Cent. While this is a matter of opinion, there’s no argument that Banks is rich with witty punch-lines, as he inserts them into virtually every verse. As a matter of fact, Banks outshines many of his peers in his genre, with countless quotables such as “I’ll feed a n***a a shell, like Taco Bell” and “Where I’m from, the little kids ain’t fuckin’ with Santa/ ‘Cause they love Tupac more/ Word to my grandma”. All great verses aside, the question remains – can Banks make a better LP than Get Rich Or Die Trying?

     Rolling with the right label, the right crew, the right guests, and the right producers, Banks’ Hunger For More sounds like an easy recipe for success. As it begins with “Ain’t No Click”, Mobb Deep’s Havoc produces one of his best beats in recent memory, acting as the perfect introduction to Banks, solidifying his spot on the map as the next solo manifestation of G-Unit. It continues with “Playboy”, an obnoxious Ron Browz produced blazer that bangs with hard-hitting, head-nodding ignorance, just as we like it. Banks keeps it real with the hungry up and coming producers later in the album as well. Certified rookie sure shots include the Black Jeruz/Sha “Money XL” Self concoction, “When The Chips Are Down” (featuring another incredible verse from Game, The), as well as the neck-snapping “If You So Gangsta”, assisted by Chad Beat and Sha Money XL, once again.

     It’s not all rookie producers for the rookie emcee though, as Timbaland comes through with the uncharacteristicly non-bouncing “I’m So Fly”, as well as Hi-Tek, who delivers trademark rolling basslines on “I Get High”, which features Snoop Dogg reverting back to classic dreadlock rasta steeze (not heard since The Chronic). However some of the best beats on this album come from someone who is known for his prowess on the mic, rather than behind the boards – Eminem. Em delivers a double dose of heat, first on “Warrior Part 2″, then closing out with the beautifully dark piano driven “Til The End”, both of which employ Nate Dogg on their respective hooks. “Warrior Pt. 2″ acts as the official 2004 Shady/AfterMath/G-Unit posse cut, both with show-stealing verses from Em and 50, as each emcee rhymes about themselves in the third person, with 50 taking (assumed) indirect shots at the Silverback Gorillas.

      However while both Em and 50 steal the show on “Warrior 2″, the same can be said for the rest of the album as well. Unfortunately, with experienced guests like Em, 50, Snoop, and Nate, (not to mention The Game, who seriously could be giving everyone a run for their money), Lloyd almost has a hard time keeping up. While Banks may be a better lyricist than many of the dudes holding a major label recording contract today, the trouble lies in his voice and delivery. Rarely changing his cadence, his grumbly voice and baritone delivery unfortunately wear thin on listeners rather quickly, almost not even giving his lyrical gems the spotlight to shine in. Still, Hunger For More is a good enough album to get you through the summer, however unlike Get Rich Or Die Trying, it may not have enough lasting appeal to be in your deck next summer.