Want 'More' from hip-hop? Look elsewhere

Loyd Banks is one hard dude. He's shown this on G-Unit's debut album, Beg for Mercy, and he's outdone himself on his first solo album, The Hunger for More. \nYes, he's the G-Unit man with the raspy voice, and while this enhances his hardcore image, it doesn't do much for his hooks. 50 Cent's hooks are catchy, and his lyrics are clear and flamboyant. With Banks, it's difficult to really follow his flows for an extended period of time before drifting away from his monotonous delivery. But you won't miss much when you drift back into his words, since each line usually has something to do with his latest sexual conquest or the last gat he packed. The only thing worse is when he attempts to sing his choruses -- see "On Fire" and "If You So Gangsta." \nHis production just isn't up to snuff with 50 and G-Unit's records either. Timbaland's beats on "I'm So Fly" are the most complex and melodic on the record, and even these aren't anything to write home about. \nBanks suffices as 50's right-hand man. As a solo artist, he hardly holds his own. Yes, we know you are hard, and your whole clique gets shot at. You've already established this. How about trekking into some new territory?