Banks was born in New Carrollton, Maryland and raised in Queens, New York. His mother named Rosa LLoyd of Puerto Rican descent and has a Haitian-American father. His father spent most of Lloyd's childhood in prison, leaving his mother to raise him and his two siblings. Lloyd attended August Martin High School but dropped out at age 16. For his stage name, he took his great, great-grandfather's name Banks, which was passed on by his uncles who also shared it.
G-Unit was founded when childhood friends Lloyd Banks, 50 Cent, and Tony Yayo decided to make a group with each other. They met Young Buck when UTP group came to New York and 50 Cent heard Young Buck rapping. After 50 Cent signed his contract with Aftermath Entertainment they took Young Buck in the group and signed him. Tony Yayo, being an older and more experienced rapper, joined 50 Cent on the Nas Promo Tour, the Cash Money Tour and the Ruff Ryders Tour. As Banks remained at home waiting for 50 and Yayo to return, he started rappin around the neighborhood to further increase his buzz on the streets. He then hooked up with neighborhood producers and made tracks for local mixtapes. Lloyd Banks has a renowned reputation on the mixtape scene. While Banks was making Mixtapes,50 Cent was soon granted his own record label by Dr. Dre and released the album Get Rich or Die Tryin'; Lloyd Banks was featured on the song "Don't Push Me", and the remixed version of "P.I.M.P". Soon after the group had established their own record label, G-Unit Records, G-Unit released their first official group album Beg for Mercy in November 2003, which went on to be certified double platinum.
During August 2005, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and their entourage were traveling in a van, when the vehicle was pulled over after passing through a red light in midtown Manhattan. Officers said they discovered a loaded handgun and another weapon in the van. Prosecutors asked a judge to dismiss the charges after an investigation determined that neither Lloyd Banks nor Young Buck was in possession of the weapons. Felony gun charges against Lloyd Banks and Young Buck were dropped on November 8, 2006.
In the early morning hours of January 9, 2010, in a Kitchener, Ontario hotel, an alleged altercation took place between Banks and a concert promoter over performance fees. Banks, and three of his associates, were later charged with forcible confinement, aggravated assault and robbery, and released on $50,000 bail.
In late January 2010, it was announced that Banks would release a new song, "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" featuring Juelz Santana, from his upcoming third studio album. "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" charted at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lloyd Banks release info via his twitter announcing that the title for his third album has tentatively been called The Hunger for More 2' and will attempt to take him back to his best work. However, the G-Unit label later stated that the title is not set in concrete and still may be altered. The title of the album was confirmed by 50 Cent as H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2) in a interview with MTV News. According to Banks, Interscope is trying to get him back due to the success of the single "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley".
City of Sin
Lloyd Banks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hater close your eyes now, picture me realer
My paper thick, my pitch is swollen
Now pull a hitter, I'm Mitch Holleman
Hit 'em with this explosion
Lethal sleeve my arm Hulk Hogan
Even with all of these hittings
We the million I be proffing
A beetle and they can open
We been that might be hungry
Don't feed a rat for this scum
You dumb chicks don't understand
Fuck you laughing at sun
Your name is Bahama Coat
Been lifting up every tree
Thank heavens for my results
This is for heavy D
This is my brighter side, rocks get of from lad
Come on load it and why came, big boobs in the lac
You niggers fishing fool, you start no pitch in the rule
Tell your mama you ain't shit, put the crop on you's who
Pull that laverish move, a pile of karat sick jewels
I've been 6 and 16, keep a London fuse
[Hook:]
You see don't we say
We sellin', we pay
And know this shit be ok
I get that dough everyday
Grab 'em don't be like betray
Smoking troubles away
Smoking troubles away
I'm here, we got every day
It feels like violence two ways
You niggers nosey as hell
And got they eye on the pay
I never meant what they say
I'm just drinking rozay
And keep my troubles away
Keep my troubles away
(Keep my troubles away)
[Verse:]
I talk that shit yes I do,
You know my wrists got blue
Married to blocks, said I do
Tell us all the bait with my crew
Seventy sort of cannon
It's gotta take a part too
Yellow kush can't fly
Make sure tape 'em out too
Any dealers we making my niggers waiting out too
No ain't no need for no rushing,
Let's get that paper out too
You down in Miami, bitches fuck while they yap
You niggers talk on my s neck, go pick yourself from the block
Mad as fuck I can tell, greenest stuff on some shelf
But if I hit 'em them pussies, I know the suckers would tell
I'm a menace out here, I'm a product of blocks
And the hate throwing out, I kiss a lot of that glock
Nice and short on the hills, call it milf of the will
You keep on holla at choppers you better get you some shell
I'm a problem I promise, taking down in the Thomas
Smoking down in the eile my money growing, empower
[Hook:]
You see don't we say
We sellin', we pay
And know this shit be ok
I get that dough everyday
Grab 'em don't be like betray
Smoking troubles away
Smoking troubles away
I'm here, we got every day
It feels like violence two ways
You niggers nosey as hell
And got they eye on the pay
I never meant what they say
I'm just drinking rozay
And keep my troubles away
Keep my troubles away
(Keep my troubles away)
[Verse:]
I used to dream of this prophecy
Some time they feed on they coppin'
My presence big as a building
I put your team in my pocket
I'ma bong your wife
She takes my semen and swap it
Them vixens come with a vick on em
Like a queen on a topic
I do the semi way hemmy
The time we be at the tropic
We leave a mess and go
Drop it and it green when I pop it
I stick my chest out to the roof
Soon as you catch up and spit it
Two mean men gon' rebel
I'ma grind up your sis
Fuck you hatin ass niggers
And you hatin ass hoes
We ain't in the same bracket
Too good to be in our flows
'Cause I'm so motherfucking high
I can touch the sky
You have just been outshined
By someone that doesn't try
I'm getting red I ain't got to look for led
Lift a tone, 20 kil one' nigga struck as vague
Fly, I have to go last, let us see all you niggers dead
Torn is for the lessons, got my blessings or wine up dead
[Hook:]
You see don't we say
We sellin', we pay
And know this shit be ok
I get that dough everyday
Grab 'em don't be like betray
Smoking troubles away
Smoking troubles away
I'm here, we got every day
It feels like violence two ways
You niggers nosey as hell
And got they eye on the pay
I never meant what they say
I'm just drinking rozay
And keep my troubles away
Keep my troubles away
(Keep my troubles away)
In the song "City of Sin," Lloyd Banks raps about his success and the consequences that come with it. He starts off by telling the haters to picture him as being even more successful, with thicker pockets and swollen ego. He then references the character Mitch Holleman from the popular TV show "The Bernie Mac Show" to embody his explosive personality. Banks reveals his Hulk Hogan-like strength and proclaims his success in the music industry by saying "we the million I be proffing." The song takes on a confrontational tone as the rapper addresses his competition as "dumb chicks" and tells them to feed the rats for their scum. The verse ends with a shoutout to the late Heavy D, giving thanks to his own success.
The hook in the song features Banks' signature repetition of a phrase to create a hypnotic effect. He states that he's selling and paying, and his cash flow is steady enough to keep his troubles at bay. He then dismisses naysayers and focuses on stacking paper while smoking to relax.
In the third verse, Banks again raps about his success, comparing himself to a building, and boasting of putting other rap crews in his pocket. He brags about exploring Miami's nightlife and hooking up with various women, including someone's wife. He suggests that he'll shoot anyone who gets in his way and dismisses anyone who tries to compete with him as being beneath him.
Line by Line Meaning
Hater close your eyes now, picture me realer
Ignore any preconceived notions and try to see me in a clearer, more authentic light
My paper thick, my pitch is swollen
I have a lot of money and my sales are soaring
Now pull a hitter, I'm Mitch Holleman
Bring in a skilled player because I am ready to make a big move
Hit 'em with this explosion
Shock them with the force of my success
Lethal sleeve my arm Hulk Hogan
I have a powerful weapon at my disposal
Even with all of these hittings
Despite all of my successes
We the million I be proffing
I am making a lot of money and it is evident
Wanted in, you be cooking
They want to be a part of my success and I am flourishing
A beetle and they can open
Even the smallest opportunity can lead to great success
We been that might be hungry
We have been in tough times before and are familiar with struggle
Don't feed a rat for this scum
Don't waste your time on insignificant people
You dumb chicks don't understand
You foolish women don't comprehend
Fuck you laughing at sun
Stop mocking me
Your name is Bahama Coat
You have a silly name
Been lifting up every tree
I have been searching for success everywhere
Thank heavens for my results
I am grateful for my achievements
This is for heavy D
This is a tribute to Heavy D
This is my brighter side, rocks get of from lad
This is the positive aspect of my life, I am free from negativity
Come on load it and why came, big boobs in the lac
Join me in the car and let's go, there are attractive women there
You niggers fishing fool, you start no pitch in the rule
You are wasting your time and not following the correct approach
Tell your mama you ain't shit, put the crop on you's who
Admit you are a failure and let the successful people take control
Pull that laverish move, a pile of karat sick jewels
Make an extravagant and flashy move with a lot of expensive jewelry
I've been 6 and 16, keep a London fuse
I have been in tough situations before and know how to handle them
You see don't we say
You see what we're saying
We sellin', we pay
We are making lots of sales and getting lots of money
And know this shit be ok
And we know that everything will be alright
I get that dough everyday
I make money every day
Grab 'em don't be like betray
Take what you need without hesitation
Smoking troubles away
Using drugs to cope with problems
I'm here, we got every day
I am present and we have each day to make something of ourselves
It feels like violence two ways
It seems like there is potential for aggression and conflict
You niggers nosey as hell
You are all very curious
And got they eye on the pay
And are focused on the money
I never meant what they say
What they say about me isn't true
I'm just drinking rozay
I am simply enjoying my life
Keep my troubles away
I use alcohol to escape my problems
I talk that shit yes I do,
I talk about my success and wealth
You know my wrists got blue
You know I have expensive jewelry
Married to blocks, said I do
I am devoted to my success in the streets
Tell us all the bait with my crew
Reveal the strategy used by me and my team
Seventy sort of cannon
I have a dangerous and powerful weapon
It's gotta take a part too
It requires teamwork to succeed
Yellow kush can't fly
A certain breed of marijuana doesn't produce the desired effects
Make sure tape 'em out too
Ensure that they don't waste your time
Any dealers we making my niggers waiting out too
We are causing other drug dealers to wait for us
No ain't no need for no rushing,
There's no need to hurry
Let's get that paper out too
Let's make money
You down in Miami, bitches fuck while they yap
In Miami, women have sex and gossip at the same time
You niggers talk on my s neck, go pick yourself from the block
You talk behind my back, go find a new location
Mad as fuck I can tell, greenest stuff on some shelf
You are very angry and jealous of my success
But if I hit 'em them pussies, I know the suckers would tell
If I retaliate, the weak people will snitch
I'm a menace out here, I'm a product of blocks
I am a dangerous person and the result of my environment
And the hate throwing out, I kiss a lot of that glock
I am confronted with a lot of negativity and respond with violence
Nice and short on the hills, call it milf of the will
The hills have a nice view and it reminds me of an attractive older woman
You keep on holla at choppers you better get you some shell
If you keep talking about guns, you should buy some bullets too
I'm a problem I promise, taking down in the Thomas
I am a difficult person to deal with and can bring down anyone who opposes me
Smoking down in the eile my money growing, empower
I am smoking while my money and power increase
I used to dream of this prophecy
I always envisioned this future for myself
Some time they feed on they coppin'
Sometimes they rely on illegal activity for their income
My presence big as a building
I have a large and impressive presence
I put your team in my pocket
I have defeated your team and made them my subordinates
I'ma bong your wife
I will seduce your wife
She takes my semen and swap it
She has sex with me and her partner interchangeably
Them vixens come with a vick on em
Women who are with me have expensive things
Like a queen on a topic
Like royalty, they receive the best treatment
I do the semi way hemmy
I drive a stylish and expensive car
The time we be at the tropic
We will spend time in a tropical location
We leave a mess and go
We make a lot of noise and then leave
Drop it and it green when I pop it
Money appears when I am involved
I stick my chest out to the roof
I'm proud and confident
Soon as you catch up and spit it
As soon as you catch up to me and try to compete
Two mean men gon' rebel
We will fight each other aggressively
I'ma grind up your sis
I will defeat your sister easily
Fuck you hatin ass niggers
I dislike people who are jealous of me
And you hatin ass hoes
And I have the same feeling towards jealous women
We ain't in the same bracket
We are not in the same level of success
Too good to be in our flows
We are too successful to be in your presence
'Cause I'm so motherfucking high
I am very happy and successful
I can touch the sky
I feel invincible
You have just been outshined
You have been surpassed
By someone that doesn't try
By someone who finds it easy to succeed
I'm getting red I ain't got to look for led
I am successful and don't have to look for opportunities
Lift a tone, 20 kil one' nigga struck as vague
The weight of my actions is heavy and intimidating
Fly, I have to go last, let us see all you niggers dead
I am quick and strategic and will outlast my opponents
Torn is for the lessons, got my blessings or wine up dead
My struggles have taught me valuable lessons and made me strong, and I am grateful for them
Contributed by Samantha V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Imane Ibrahim
Hater close your eyes now, picture me rollin
My paper thick, my bitch is swollen
Not cause I hit her, I mean she holdin'
Hit 'em with this explosion
Lift her, slam her, I'm Hulk Hogan
Handing out all these headaches
Need a million ibuprofen
Blondy and brunette pokin'
A beetle and they can open
They weeded and might be holdin'
Don't feel the a raft of the slum
Ain't no jokes in this game
Fuck you laughing at son
The man that's behind my cult
Been lifting up every tree
Thank heavens for my results
This is for heavy D
This is my brighter side, rocks get of the LAD
Carmelo to NYK, Blake Griffin to LAC
You niggas fishing fool, you start no pitch in the rule
I tell your mama you ain't shit, put the clip on YouTube
On that "Ravishing" Rick Rude, a pile of karats sick jewels
I've been sick since 16, they sleepin on they fools
[Hook:]
Come around where we lay
You'll see just what we say
We sin & we pray
And hope that shit be ok
I get that dough everyday
Grab all the weed out the tray
Roll my troubles away
Smoking my troubles away
Out here, we die every day
It feels like violence the way
Them nigga hungry as hell
And got they eye on the pay
I never mind what they say
Pop the fuckin rozay
And drink my troubles away
Drink my troubles away
(Drink my troubles away)
[Verse 2: Young Chris]
I talk that shit, yes I do
You know my wrist is sky blue
Married the block said I do
Time to celebrate with my crew
Seven deep sort of cannon
It's gotta take a part too
Yellow caution the block
Make sure they tape 'em out too
Any dealings we making my niggas waiting out too
No ain't no need for no rushing
Let's count that paper out too
Chillin down in Miami, bitches fuck on the yacht
You niggas stalkin' my instagram pictures up on the block
Mad as fuck I can tell, greenest stuff on some shelf
But if I hit 'em them pussies, I know the suckers would tell
I'm a menace out here, I'm a product of blocks
And the hate don't amount, I gets alot of that guap
Nice resort on the hills, quarter mill for the wheel
You keep on holla at choppers you better get you some sheild
I'm a problem I promise, vacate down in the Thomas
Smoking down in the islands my money growing, empower
[Hook]
[Verse 3: Lloyd Banks]
I used to dream of these profits
Same time they feenin to cop it
My presence big as a building
I put your team in my pocket
I'm a bong your wife
She takes my semen and swap it
Them vixens come with a victor
I'm like a king on that topic
I do this everywhere
In/out the town, the P's and the tropics
We leave a mess and go
Chocolate and whip cream when I popped it
I stick my chest out to the rift
Soon as you catch up, they switch
Chrome and metal burn rubber
I wood grained decked up the 6
Fuck you hatin ass niggas
And you hatin ass hoes
We ain't in the same bracket
So don't debate on our flows
'Cause I'm so motherfucking high
I can touch the sky
You have just been outshined
By someone that doesn't try
I'm getting red I ain't got to lift a leg
Lift a thumb 20k in ones make the strippers beg
Fly, I have to go last, let us see all you niggas dead
Torn is for the lessons, count my blessings before I hit the bed
BigNosePoppa BNP
Man this is real hip hop. It never died, you just gotta look for it.
Jeremiah Clay
Facts
Stubbo242
I remember when I worked at Starbucks heading to work at 445 am bumping this shit. The memories lol
LeonardoPLK
This had everything to be a single in the radio.
Robert Bidochon
incroyable, du vrai hip-hop bien sombre comme on aime
The Reggae Ferret
May be underrated. But Lloyd Banks is Bumpin!
hopeful_elect144_Brasil
Remember when this first came out. Still hittin
DCarroll
Can we all agree Chris came in on this shit like banks owed him bread ! Lol
Andrew Levine
Lack of comments on this masterpiece is inexcusabke
Andrew Levine
*inexcusable