Lloyd Banks Talks G-Unity And Indie Success

Blue Hefner says his low sales in 2006 created the hunger for more, and now he's ready to spread the wealth for the holidays.

Lloyd Banks says his theme of The Hunger For More isn’t just a convenient sequel he chose to link his first and third albums, but also a mindset created by tough love from his mentor, 50 Cent. When Banks was dropped by Interscope following the lackluster sales of his sophomore effort, The Rotten Apple, he says a quote from 50 stuck with him.

“When you win, we all win together. When you lose, you lose by yourself,” Fif told Banks. While the quote didn’t offer much in the way of sympathy, Banks says he’s thankful for it in hindsight.

“But it's the truth. (50 Cent) is supportive, but to a certain extent,” Banks explained to the Associated Press. “He couldn't overextend himself. I was confused at the time. But it's what I needed. I became more hungry.” And so, the theme of a hunger for more was resurrected. And while Banks’ figurative hunger paid off with a gold single and another major distribution deal for his third album, the Queens native hasn’t forgotten about impoverished families who literally have a hunger for more during the holiday season.

Along with the G-Unity Foundation, Banks gave out dozens of Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need. Lloyd Banks also handed out a few scholarships to college-bound students in Queens. When asked for his motivation, Banks was quick and direct with his response.

“I remember when I was a little kid and never really had anybody to come and talk to me…not that I would listen to at least.”
-Rashad Phillips