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