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".
Gangsta
Lloyd Banks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who said something bout some gangstas? (ahh)
Who said something bout some gangstas?
Whoo Kidd said something bout some gangstas
Ludacris is Disturbin Tha Peace
I20 goddamn it said something
Bout some gangstas
Titti Boi with some mutha fin gangstas
Ludacris is like this check it, yo
I'm not your average every day type of n
I'm anti-shy I satisfy like a Snicker
Kick you in the right spot hit
You with my best shot
Six o'clock meet me by the
Docks on the set spot
Ask me no questions I'll tell you no lies
Cause your nose is so big it
Fit's holes twice your size
I rise to the occasion my grace is amazing
I'll f with ya mind just
Like an Algebra equation
I'm Mafioso so don't go nowhere
Cause I know that you gone
Loco so Coco beware
No pain relief when I'm eatin
Beef without the jerky
Hang tough like tit's and I
Got most of the turkey
Hurt me hurt me then leave me alone
When I'm upset I'm breakin s
Like turbo and Ozone
I'm gonna snap and slap a n in a hurry
It's Cris gettin pissed while
Y'all bes getting blurry gangstas!
Ludacris and we talkin' bout some gangstas
In this song, Lloyd Banks is proclaiming his gangsta status and calling out those who claim to be gangsta but don't live up to it. He starts by acknowledging the violence and danger in his surroundings where guns are fired every day. Despite that, he's not interested in what people are saying about him and does things his own way. He compares himself to LeBron James in basketball and Teflon Don in the gangster world. He values his charm and uses any means necessary to protect it, even if it means resorting to violence.
In the chorus, Banks questions others' gangsta status and mocks them for hiding their chain, getting robbed, and telling on their enemies during a beef. He asserts his reputation as a real gangsta who doesn't back down from a fight and doesn't need to hide his riches or his identity. In the second verse, he boasts about his wealth that allows him to travel in luxury and attract new fans around the world. He uses violent imagery to threaten his enemies and their loved ones. He also objectifies women and brags about his sexual exploits while condemning those who can't afford to keep up with his lavish lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Around here them boys, them don't play
The people in this area are dangerous and violent.
You can hear the sound of gunspray e'ryday
Gunfire is a common occurrence in this neighborhood.
I give two fucks bout what a bird say
I don't care about gossip or rumors.
Playboy Don do t'ings er' way
I do things my own way as a confident and successful person.
I'm rap's LeBron, Teflon Don
I am a successful and iconic figure in the rap world who is also untouchable and invincible.
Baguettes on arm, the next Sean, John
I have expensive jewelry and aspire to be like the famous designer Sean John.
By any means I protect my charm
I will do whatever it takes to protect my success and reputation.
Blade'll bubble you up, like Moet, Chandon
I am violent and dangerous, and will hurt you like champagne bubbles.
I'm only calm, when I'm blowin that chron'
I only feel relaxed and at ease when I'm smoking marijuana.
Gettin them flashbacks like baby hold onnnnn
I sometimes have traumatic memories from my difficult upbringing.
I never thought I'd sweat so long
I never thought I would work this hard or be this successful for so long.
And re-enact the scene of my ghetto song
I often think back to my difficult childhood and use it as inspiration for my music.
Eyes wanderin off, breath all gone
I am feeling overwhelmed and possibly having a panic attack.
Stomach all swoll up, neck all warm
I am feeling sick and possibly experiencing physical symptoms from anxiety or stress.
Head still spinnin off that Seagram and vodka
I am feeling dizzy and possibly drunk from drinking Seagram and vodka.
And you know who shot ya, bitch get the doctor!
If you are hurt or injured, go see a doctor. And you should know by now that I am not to be messed with.
Then why you tuck your chain in when you walk in the club
If you are such a tough gangster, why do you hide your valuable jewelry in public places?
Why you a grown man, still gettin your pockets dug
If you are so successful, why do you let people steal from you and take advantage of you?
Then how come everytime you get into beef you tell
If you are so tough, why do you always resort to telling others or getting help instead of handling conflicts on your own?
Why niggaz know you for that in the street so well
People in the streets recognize you for being weak and cowardly.
Now every now and then, a new kid gotta win
Occasionally, a new person becomes successful in the music industry.
Yeah - but unfortunately for you, I'm him (I'm sorry!)
But I am the successful new artist, and it's unfortunate for anyone who tries to compete with me.
In my new tan trucks with the blue dot end
I am stylish and have expensive shoes with unique designs.
Hoppin out that big truck with the new wide rim
I have a fancy new car with flashy rims that I like to show off.
While you cramped up, on your Jet Blue ride in
While you are cramped on a commercial flight, I am comfortable in my private, luxurious ride.
We air the G-4, let the crew dive in
I travel in luxury and often bring my crew along for the ride.
Before Lloyd Banks tail pop on sale
Before I go out of style or become irrelevant in the music industry.
I feed a nigga a shell like Taco Bell
I am willing to use violence and kill those who cross me.
I'm flyin out to Japan to attract new fans
I am successful enough to travel to new places and expand my fan base.
Let 'em get to know the man with the tattooed hands
I have tattoos on my hands that make me unique and stylish.
Them gem stars'll leave your face all fat
I have a dangerous weapon called a gem star that can leave someone badly injured.
So learn to stash yours in your baseball cap
If you want to protect your valuables, learn to hide them in creative places.
I'm either gettin money out of state or off rap
I make money from touring and from selling my music.
So I'm tryin to figure out what made Ma$e fall back
I'm wondering why Ma$e, another rapper, stepped away from the music industry.
And them niggaz in New York know the man is a monster
People in New York City recognize me as someone not to be messed with.
And I ain't from Atlanta but I A-Town stomp ya muh'fucker
I may not be from Atlanta, but I will still beat you up and stomp on you like they do in A-Town.
It's like everywhere I look and, everywhere I go
Everywhere I go and everything I do, there are people who are jealous or trying to bring me down.
It's a bitch sayin somethin slick, but you can suck my dick
There are women who are talking badly about me, but I don't care and they can go away.
I'm grade A nigga, you don't know who you fuckin with
I am the top tier of people and you should not mess with me.
They run up on your ass, you'll think you drunk your lip
If someone tries to attack you, they will hurt you so badly that you will think you are bleeding from your lips.
Now I got money bags as big as a pumpkin get
I have a lot of money and it is as large as a pumpkin.
And pistol as long as the hand Shaq dunkin with
I have a very long gun that is as large as Shaquille O'Neal's hand when he dunks a basketball.
I ain't the type that's desperate
I am not someone who is desperate or in need of anything.
I'm modelin diamonds now, you can call me +Icin+ Beckford (ow!)
I am wearing expensive and fashionable diamond jewelry like the model Tyson Beckford.
My down bitch holds the metal, she got a Coke bottle figure
My girlfriend or female partner carries my gun and has an attractive physique.
And a ass that's shaped like a bowl of Jell-o
Her butt is very round and appealing, like a bowl of Jell-O.
You ain't even almost rich
You are not even close to being rich or successful like I am.
They fuckin yo' ass, like the models in my porno flicks
You are being taken advantage of or screwed over, just like the models in my pornographic films.
Therefore you can't afford no 6
You cannot afford an expensive car, like a 6 series BMW.
So before you hop your ass on camera get your wardrobe fixed
Before you try to get famous or be on camera, fix your fashion sense and style.
Banks don't house, want no bitch, so if there's five of her
I do not want a girl who is clingy or dependent on me, so if there are five girls like that, I only want one.
Then she probably gon' suck 4 more dicks
If there are five girls like that, four of them are probably going to sleep with other men.
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Corey Andrews, Robert Barnett, Andre Benjamin, Brian Loving, Carlton Mahone, David A Sheats
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charles Tumazos
Lloyd Banks body of work is arguably one of the deepest out there, and the quality is arguably the best. I've been listening to Lloyd Banks regularly over 15 years and I regularly find new tracks that I haven't heard yet. In his prime, he put out more mixtapes then my other favorite MCs combined over their whole career. So yes, there are some certain artists that have some elite tracks that rival banks, but as the chips settle and these MC's start to wind things down, it's clear - Banks was the deepest, he was the best.
There are only 3 honorable mentions for me during this time period that are obvious, in my opinion:
Jadakiss
Styles P
Camron
Those 3 obviously were elite talents and some of my most revered artists, but if you add up my favorite tracks from these 3, their body of work won't even rival Lloyd Banks. Maybe I find 1 or 2 new songs a year from those guys off a mixtape or a freestyle that is really good lost over the years, but off Lloyd Banks I am finding no joke at least 1 new song a month.
The reason this is, is because Banks had the most stamina while these guys were putting 1 new mixtape or a handful of collaborations every year Banks was putting out 3 or 4 mixtapes per year for like 10 years, then he slowed down and now he works at the same right they were working in their prime.
No disrespect obviously they were talented but as the chips settle, it's obvious that Banks was in a league of his own. One common thread between Banks and these other 3 were that they all were very collaboritve artists and made other artists better.
Mrz England
2022 and Iβm still blasting this song
Charles Tumazos
Lloyd Banks body of work is arguably one of the deepest out there, and the quality is arguably the best. I've been listening to Lloyd Banks regularly over 15 years and I regularly find new tracks that I haven't heard yet. In his prime, he put out more mixtapes then my other favorite MCs combined over their whole career. So yes, there are some certain artists that have some elite tracks that rival banks, but as the chips settle and these MC's start to wind things down, it's clear - Banks was the deepest, he was the best.
There are only 3 honorable mentions for me during this time period that are obvious, in my opinion:
Jadakiss
Styles P
Camron
Those 3 obviously were elite talents and some of my most revered artists, but if you add up my favorite tracks from these 3, their body of work won't even rival Lloyd Banks. Maybe I find 1 or 2 new songs a year from those guys off a mixtape or a freestyle that is really good lost over the years, but off Lloyd Banks I am finding no joke at least 1 new song a month.
The reason this is, is because Banks had the most stamina while these guys were putting 1 new mixtape or a handful of collaborations every year Banks was putting out 3 or 4 mixtapes per year for like 10 years, then he slowed down and now he works at the same right they were working in their prime.
No disrespect obviously they were talented but as the chips settle, it's obvious that Banks was in a league of his own. One common thread between Banks and these other 3 were that they all were very collaboritve artists and made other artists better.
Charles Tumazos
@Michael Thomas I mentioned Jadakiss and Styles P on the list. I respect what you are saying, but if in like 10 years Banks is still putting out a couple projects a year i would have to think he might be taking over their spot
DreadXplayZS
@Myah 2020 top 10?u bugging I mean he did at one point but he stopped rapping for years and many rappers surpassed him over the years .
Myah 2020
Banks top 10 rappers of all time π―π
Michael Thomas
You clearly not from tri-state area. The lox was dropping tapes before the dip era and g unit, and continued to do so threw those eras. Also banks best stuff came after him and fifth stopped faking friendship. Cold corners, F.N.O etc. those are tapes btw
Brandon Hamer
Lil wayne not on in the mix for you???!
Nikolas Morales
Classic Banks played this hundreds of times through high school. dope verse with the sonic sega genesis beat to it lol
SoulJAH JustICE
High school for me but around when it came out and then I started bumping it again in 04
Milton Slaughter
Hell yeah bro I played this shit every morning when I woke up for school