Lloyd Banks Hip-hop artist Country: USA

Biography of Lloyd Banks

Lloyd Banks, a hip-hop artist known for his distinctive appearance, with protruding ears, arched eyebrows, a flattened boxer's nose, and a thin line of mustache outlining his lips, is a self-made success. He embraces the gangster stereotypes, portraying himself as a lucky villain.

Born to a young mother who was still in school, Lloyd Banks did not have the most privileged upbringing. While his mother tried her best to raise him, his father was frequently in and out of prison. At the age of 11, he started rapping and smoking marijuana, which became the fruits of his acceleration.

By the age of 17, Lloyd Banks decided to leave formal education, believing that the streets of his neighborhood in Queens had a more positive impact on his development as a rapper. It was in this neighborhood that he lived near Tony Yayo and just down the street from 50 Cent. Through Tony, he became acquainted with 50 Cent and joined G-Unit, the most successful hip-hop group to date.

Being the youngest member of G-Unit, Lloyd Banks had to wait until he was older to join 50 Cent and Yayo on tour with Nas and the Cash Money/Ruff Ryders Tour. However, he was not idle during this time and actively participated in local mixtapes to build his name. His style was influenced by artists such as Snoop Dogg, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, and Mobb Deep, resulting in a combination of brutal lyrics and a cool flow.

In 2003, Lloyd Banks made his mark on the multi-platinum album "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" by recording a verse in the track "Don't Push Me" alongside 50 Cent and Eminem. Later that year, he became one of the main members of G-Unit on their album "Beg For Mercy," which sold millions of copies.

Lloyd Banks' journey out of 50 Cent's shadow continued with the release of his solo album "The Hunger for More" in 2004. The album immediately topped the charts and remained there for four consecutive weeks, despite competition from artists like Usher, Jadakiss, and The Roots. The hot hits "On Fire" and "Warrior, Pt.2" ensured his dominance.

"The Hunger for More" featured a minimal number of guest appearances, as Lloyd Banks believed that it was necessary to gain respect from the streets. However, collaborators on the album included Young Buck, 50 Cent, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Game, and Tony Yayo.

Although Lloyd Banks has faced unwanted attention from the police due to his association with 50 Cent, he has managed to stay out of legal trouble. His two gunshot wounds were not related to criminal activities but were a result of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Despite this, Lloyd Banks enjoys writing and smoking, considering it a regular pastime.

At the age of 22, Lloyd Banks has earned the respect of hip-hop fans as a member of G-Unit, a group that sets the tone in American rap. His colleagues, including Young Buck, Game, and 50 Cent, have planned upcoming album releases, and Lloyd Banks promises to make his mark in the industry.