Album Review: Lloyd Banks - "H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More)"

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterFour long years have passed since the last time a new album came from Lloyd Banks. Following a weak effort in 2006 with Rotten Apple, Banks had to prove himself. It was after his album release that the G-Unit movement began to fall off.Because the Banks release signaled the end of a big moneymaker, Interscope Records never gave him a solid release

50 Cent officially leaves Interscope Records

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterWhen 50 Cent signed to Interscope Records, in 2002, he signed a very complex deal. The rapper was signed three labels at the same time. The deal also included Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment. Following the release of Get Rich or Die Tryin', 50 Cent created G-Unit Records.In 2004, 50 Cent also signed to G-Unit Records and released his second

Hot Rod talks G Note Records

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRecently, 50 Cent was back in the news as the launch of G Note Records was made public. Not only did 50 Cent announce a new record label, but he also announced the first artist. Initially, Hot Rod was signed to G-Unit Records as a hardcore rapper. But, on the new label, G Note, he is more pop.Hot Rod recently discussed the new label and his career.

50 Cent continues G-Unit expansion with G Note Records

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterThe struggles of G-Unit have been obvious over the past four years. Despite his label falling apart, 50 Cent has still been focused on expanding. After his album sales began to decline, 50 Cent lost his control over Interscope Records. Upset, he left the label for a new deal with EMI Records.Under this new deal, 50 Cent retains full creative control

50 Cent almost done with New Album

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterLast summer, 50 Cent surprised fans when he said he may search for independent distribution for G-Unit Records. At the time 50 had told his artists, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, to begin working on new albums. He felt hot music coming from the label would lead to them landing secure distribution.For most of the summer, it appeared G-Unit was headed to a

50 Cent puts "Black Magic" on ice

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterLast year, 50 Cent announced plans to release his fifth studio album. In 2007, 50 Cent grew angry with Interscope Records and vowed to leave the label following his fourth album. His last album with Interscope, Before I Self Destruct, did not do as well as 50 Cent had hoped.Despite not having a deal for G-Unit Records, 50 Cent advised his artists to

Lloyd Banks to broadcast making of "The Hunger for More 2" online

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterLloyd Banks has been credited for bringing G-Unit back from the brink this spring. He rejuvenated the label with his hit single, "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley." The interest in the song led to the people wanting to hear a full album. More than anything, the people had a hunger for more.Six years ago, Banks entered the game and he had the same hunger. This

Havoc talks Mobb Deep leaving G-Unit

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterBy 2005, 50 Cent had reached the peak of his career. His "Piggy Bank" diss record gained all kinds of attention. The song was directed at his primary rival, Ja Rule, and his collaborators, Nas, Jadakiss, and Fat Joe and also included a slight diss towards Mobb Deep. A few months later, the Mobb Deep duo of Havoc and Prodigy shocked the world.Months

Cadillac Tah responds to Prodigy via Facebook!

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterEver since he got out of prison, Prodigy has had plenty to say about both his friends and foes. Recently, his comments about Capone has led to the rapper feuding with P. Along the way, Prodigy has diffused a possible beef with 50 Cent and has ignited one with Cadillac Tah, a former member of Murder Inc.In his tell-all book, Prodigy addresses the Ja

Mobb Deep performing together for First Time since 2008

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterProdigy has been making his rounds and telling his experiences like he never has before. Not only is Prodigy boosting his own solo career, but he is focused on rebuilding Mobb Deep. In the three years he has been in prison, Havoc has been the lone representative for the duo.In 2009, 50 Cent revealed Mobb Deep was no longer a part of G-Unit Records.

Prodigy remembers Saigon feud

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterSince getting out of prison, Prodigy has focused on rebuilding burned bridges. When he signed with G-Unit Records, Prodigy had to take on several of 50 Cent's feuds. But, within four years, he and Havoc were dropped from the label.Back on the independent circuit, Prodigy has reconnected with former ally, Nas. Already, Mobb Deep and Nas have a new song

Mobb Deep prepares first Post-G-Unit release

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterWhen 50 Cent signed Mobb Deep to G-Unit Records, it was an obvious power play. Despite all of the moves 50 Cent had made, not many people took him serious as a businessman. It took him adding an established artist to establish himself.Signing Mobb Deep was a major power play on 50 Cent's part, but it eventually backfired. G-Unit Records was too big to

Mobb Deep considers G-Unit return

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterIn 2005, 50 Cent released his diss record, "Piggy Bank." He left no rock unturned in the scathing diss song. "Piggy Bank" included disses to Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Nas, and 50 made fun of Jay-Z's "Takeover" diss towards Mobb Deep.Prodigy, of Mobb Deep, was spotted with Game, right after he released his first G-Unit diss. This had all the makings

Prodigy has Nas collaborations Stashed Away

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterUpon getting out of prison, Prodigy made his rounds to several websites. He confirmed being off G-Unit Records, but denied any issues with 50 Cent. When Mobb Deep first joined G-Unit, they also joined the feud with Nas.Recently, Prodigy revealed Mobb Deep already had issues with Nas. When Nas made peace with Jay-Z, they were a little upset. This led

Sha Money XL talks Lloyd Banks and EMI Records

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterSha Money XL ran the day-to-day operations for G-Unit Records from 2003 until his 2008 departure. Following his stint with G-Unit, Sha Money was hired by Def Jam. When his former label was searching for a new home, Sha tried to convince 50 Cent to move G-Unit over to Def Jam Records.Despite coming very close, 50 Cent ultimately decided he would move

Sha Money XL says Game needs 50 Cent

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterG-Unit's rise to the top was carefully orchestrated by Sha Money XL. He was with the label from the inception until 2007. After leaving his job as president of G-Unit Records, Sha Money XL accepted a job with Def Jam.Last summer, 50 Cent was in heavy talks with Def Jam about moving G-Unit over. Sha Money XL was heavily involved in this deal, helping

50 Cent disses Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterOver the course of his career, 50 Cent has built a persona as a jokester and a bully. For 50, he has had no issues calling out the biggest celebrities and even members of his own crew. G-Unit had become a major force by 2005 and Game was the biggest star, outside of 50, himself.But, as Game became more and more distant, 50 Cent called him out and the

40 Glocc ft. Spider Loc - "On the Block"

G-Unit West's 40 Glocc and Spider Loc team up for another underground classic.

Lloyd Banks wants a Hangover

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterCurrently, Lloyd Banks is promoting the latest single from his comeback album, Hunger for More 2 (H.F.M.). The album has helped revive G-Unit Records. Most importantly, it has helped establish Lloyd Banks in the mainstream without the help of 50 Cent.Following four successful singles, Banks is preparing for the release of his fifth single, "So