War Report

It's interesting how an experience or succession of similar experiences can shape the mind. I think rappers would make an interesting case study to this end. That is, if anyone cared enough about the culture to perform one. Most would consider Lloyd Banks and his G Unit constituents as the poster boys for violent, misogynistic, and otherwise "ignorant" "gangsta rap". However, I would suggest further analysis before jumping to broad and unwarranted assumptions about a group of men, or in this particular case a man, who is just as complicated, insightful, and introspective as any other artist or human being for that matter.

To most tourist New York City is known as the "Big Apple", however, if you ask a native from one of the five boroughs (preferably a Black or Latino) they could probably give you another pet name that's not so euphemistic. Cocaine trafficking, morally corrupt law enforcement, families in a 3rd generation welfare cycle, a mayor who's more worried about his presidential bid than the prosperity of his own citizens, and overcrowded jails, are just few of the "colloquial" characteristics of the "Rotten Apple" that Lloyd Banks calls home. Banks, born and bread in the Southside of Jamaica Queens could tell you that the city where most people come to "make it" is the same city that he and most of his peers have been trying to make it out of...alive. Subjected to the aforementioned surroundings for more that 20 years its no wonder that Lloyd Banks' second go round only brings you more stories of the death, the despair and the social unrest, that still exists in the slums of what is widely considered as one of the most; aesthetic, prosperous, enchanting, and affluent cities in the world. Long story short...ladies and gentleman this is the real New York City and this is a real new yorker, and there’s nothing aesthetic or enchanting about either of them.

With songs like; "Survival", "Playboy Pt.2", "Rotten Apple", and "Get Clapped" featuring fellow native New Yorkers Mobb Deep, Banks clearly comes to drive home the issues that the critics didn't grasp from his first album “The Hunger For More”. Don't be fooled by the industry standard "club single" "Hands Up". This album is dark, deep, and full of what the contemporary, uneducated, so called "rap fan" needs....the truth.

However, from an artistic standpoint, this album is not without its faults. North Carolina's favorite producer, 9th wonder serves up a somewhat lack luster beat for the ladies on "One Night Stand". Being a big fan of both 9th and Banks, I expected a lot more out of this collaboration. Tony Yayo once again ruins what would be a perfectly good track on "NY, NY", and for some reason the south had to put their two cents in on "Iceman". No offense to Eightball & MJG, but the "Rotten Apple" might not be the place for you. I was also sad that there wasn't a bigger presence from New York rap legend Rakim on the track "You Know the Deal".

All in all, especially compared to the other rap releases out of New York this year, (except for Busta Rhymes) Rotten Apple definitely delivers. It’s got six solid bangers, which is really all you can ask from a rapper these days. He stays true to New York City and therefore true to himself, which is all you can ask from an artist of any sort. I strongly suggest that you listen to this album with a finely tuned ear. Once you get past; the women, the cars, the money, and the braggadocio, I think you'll find the crystallization of an attitude and a way of life that is a direct result of the social inequality and the economic polarization that goes on in this country everyday. THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE, TRUST ME, THERE ARE MILLIONS OF OTHERS.

Song List

1. Rotten Apple
2. Survival
3. Playboy 2
4. Cake
5. Make A Move
6. Hands Up
7. Help
8. Addicted
9. You Know The Deal
10. Get Clapped
11. Stranger
12. Change
13. NY NY
14. One Night Stand
15. Iceman
16. Gilmore's