Lloyd Banks' sophomore LP "Rotten Apple" may take on a new experimental side, but it falls plenty short from the mainstream tree of his first album.
Released Oct. 10, "Rotten Apple" consists of 16 tracks, two more than his previous platinum effort, "Hunger for More."
During his "Hunger" heydays in the summer of 2004, Banks' name was scorching hot in the streets due to his affiliation with G Unit and megastar 50 Cent.
However, "Rotten Apple" is a move away from high-profile production, a raw street album that has the vibe of a high quality mix tape. The majority of the tracks sound as if they were made several years ago.
The beats are very simple, yet dark and hard. Fortunately they're not infested with corny keyboarding commonly heard in broadcasted pop-hop put out by the likes of the Ying Yang Twins.
Banks' rhymes have matured as well, but the entertainment value from his mostly creative, often hilarious, ear-catching punch lines have gone away.
The lead single, "Hands Up" has heat, but falls short and sounds similar to "On Fire" from his first album. Both tracks were produced by Eminem and featured 50 Cent.
The best tracks from the album are easily "Get Clapped," a sinister track with Mobb Deep, "Iceman," a bouncy track with Young Buck and "Help," a song aimed at the ladies.
To the modern fan immersed in today's watered down rap, "Rotten Apple" lacks in entertainment value and shrivels in comparison to Banks' first album.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
