Lloyd Banks has channeled his spirit animal to unlock beast mode on All or Nothin’: Live It Up. The DJ Drama-sanctioned mixtape’s subtitle may not be the most appropriate, given the lack of hype tracks and the downbeat production but Banks has succeeded in pumping the heartbeat of New York into a collection of gully music.
The G-Unit Soldier is rejuvenated lyrically, and packs in enough complex wordplay and double entendres to merit several listens to take it all in. Where other rappers would make a straightforward statement, Banks always is looking for a creative way to rhyme. “Money ties without restraint, paper promiscuous/Hollows have you rollin’ on the floor, make you look ticklish,” he spits on tape triumph “Insomniac.” Couplets like these elevate standard fare braggadocio to engaging bars. They also keep fresh a mixtape that is heavy on boasting, whether he’s relishing in his veteran status alongside Prodigy on “Seniorities” or gleefully chasing paper on “Bags of Gold.” It’s clear Banks is tired of being underrated. The line “They say the goals impossible I’ma try/I’ve been grinding too long and it’s time to fly” on “Insomniac” is one of several inspiring declarations. The only major drawback of his ultra-lyricism is that it limits him as a hook writer. The hook on “Land of Opportunity,” for instance, sounds more like a mini-verse than a catchy refrain.
All or Nothin’: Live It Up also finds Banks spending time in the proverbial mirror examining the pockmarks of his past. “Do or Die” examines relationships gone by the wayside, while “Transitions” similarly speaks of friends banished from his circle of trust. A younger Banks may have plastered these songs with disdain, but an older, wiser Christopher Lloyd is more melancholic than angry. It’s not all tattoos and teardrops, though. He is at his most compelling when he’s rhyming about the opposite sex. The man who has released hardcore tracks like “NY, NY” may not be expected to comfortably dwell in the realm of love. Yet, he makes “Miserable” and “Bad Weather” work because he adapts the topic to his style, not the other way around.
Banks taps into the core of the Rotten Apple to back his rhymes. Gloomy basslines and raw, hard-hitting drums from lesser-known yet capable producers such as Tha Jerm, Mr. Authentic and Doe Pesci all provide a minimalistic vibe. A slow tempo and ghostly cries make for a strong opener on “Pledge of Allegiance.” Poignant strings set an elegant tone for “Do or Die.” Yet, the production is almost exclusively subdued. For how re-energized Banks is on the mic, this tape would have done well with some lively cuts to balance out the low-key mood. The songs are mid-tempo at their fastest, creating a cohesive feel which also limits the number of standouts.
Fortunately, Banks includes well-placed features for some much-needed variation. Joe Budden shines with a thoughtful verse on “Transitions,” but “Work Hard” suffers from a bout of Tony Yayo-itis.
It’s quite clear that Banks wants his due — “Parrying my parasites I should have five mics for this one,” he raps on “Holy Water.” While not worthy of the elusive top DX rating, All or Nothin’: Live It Up should leave no doubt of his status as an elite wordsmith. It also proves that the hunger for more still has not been satiated.
Is this really better than cold corner 2?!
Best body of work I’ve heard in a long time!!!
Another garbage Lloyd Banks release. FACT: the only good shit he ever put out was Hunger For More
You must like young thug. bahave him also “picture me stumbling your favorite rappers mumbling”
Insomniac is crazy, he just swims in that flow. Its a shame he really doesn’t go all out to promote his stuff. I think he’s good with his loyal fanbase rather than recruit new skinny-jean wearing, mumbling-listening, colour-dyed hair fans
So many better punch line rappers than Banks though, I never got it. His first album was good but after that I felt like he never said anything that was dope
Anybody calling themselves Mr. 69 has to be a bird. Can’t take their opinion seriously.
And fuck you too
Fuck you
P.L.K
It’s dope
Fuck your ratings
Really? It’s a .2 difference from your rating.
5 out of 5
Not perfect but still too damn good, rappers should take notes.
His career is over. Nobody waiting for G-Unit. And Banks has an awful voice. Stop the gangsta fairytales Banks. You are good for 16 bars and thats it.
haha his rap voice is authentic mate, he has a real grimy NY sound which is perfect or would you rather hear young thug , lil yachty and rich homie quan fuck outta here
It should have a solid 4 at the LEAST. I think it deserves a 4.5. It’s a pleasure just to listen Banks flow on this one. Few rappers in the game can rap at this level. And the production is atmospheric and engaging throughout the album.
3.5!?!!!! What?!!!! 5 all day!!!!!!!!! Classic NY hip hop .. These niggas trippin.. Ain’t heard this type of music in a while
Fuck this droopy face has-been. “On Fire” was a long ass time ago and even that was mediocre at best. Dude’s finished.
5 outta 5 Real Talk?????✌?
1st comment full of typos…..5 outta 5 Real Talk!!! ??????cant deny talent thats been in the game this long?
Anyone who doesn’t have his entire catalogue or didn’t listen to it clearly knows nothing about lyrics. We dnt give a fuck about all that confused 2016 shit. Get the fuck out of here Hating. He is undoubtedly TOP 5. Fuck a record deal, a video bullshit social media, a billboard, Internet and label trash. Fuck Skinny Jeans, skinny sweats and snapbacks! 5 out of 5, 4.5 at the least. Much Respect where it’s due! DETROIT West Warren. (in the bckgrnd)’Listening to that bullshit on his playlist, Clown’….
Top 5? Nah son. Is he better than: Kendrick Lamar, Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Eminem, Elzhi, Ghostface Killah
top 5
eminem
nas
andre 3000
lloyd banks
lupe fiasco
This is 5/5 these people who review artists such as lloyd banks, can not process his lyrics because banks clearly had great hooks and his lyrical ability is incredible. He showed creativity in the delivery of each song and his flow has adapted since earlier stages of his career.
this is the best overall complete project I have heard from banks. he certainly progress since his pass projects. he took time off to craft his skills and came back on top with a classic
V5 is my fav but you are right he keeps getting better just when u think he is already at his best
5 outta 5
Very solid album. Great to hear Banks again!
BANKS!
5 mics for this one
Still on repeat only competititon is Halloween Havoc 3
Ghetto Ghospel
Close to perfection. Everytime u listen u spot a new linke. Banks dropping knowledge on every track.
7/5
nice one
Banks too hard and too real for the insutry man. A genius unnoticed
Close to the edge anyway, push me if you want The 40 a soul snatcher, grab a pussy like TRUMP” @Lloydbanks
My favorite lyricist of all time
Banks is one the best around people sleep on his bars cause of his lazy flow sometimes you gotta rewind to catch everything he spitting but thats the dope thing bout his music. Sometimes you want someone else there to spit the hook on tracks and he doesnt promote/do interviews/shoot videos nearly enough but for that grimey NY lyricism it dont get better than the PLK he’s the best in G-Unit and could go bar for bar with any MC