LLOYD BANKS “H.F.M. 2”

If you are even a remotely casual fan of Hip-Hop you have heard “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” and probably somewhere around 30 different versions with 30 different rappers rippin’ the beat. Banks hit big with that one or should I say Prime, the producer, hit big with that one. The follow up single “Any Girl” featuring Lloyd is a dope record, but didn’t get the same buzz. “I Don’t Deserve You” featuring Jeremih is another hit and rumored to be the next single from the album. Depending on where you bought the album you may have 13 tracks or 15 tracks, but if you get your internet hustle on you can get all 17 tracks. The first thing that jumps out is the number of featured artists, with 15 different artists making appearances along with the input of 19 different producers. Before I even drop the needle on the album, this is alarming. I am always leery of an album that is so weighted with features because it looks like the artist can’t carry an album. Lyrically Lloyd Banks can carry an entire album alone, but you might grow tired of his monotone delivery after a few songs which might explain why so many artists were brought in to collaborate.

As a native New Yorker I love the album, but I doubt the entire nation is going to chime in agreement. H.F.M. 2 has a very regional flavor even with all the features and multiple producers. “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” can still rock in any club across the nation and will most likely be the song this album is best known for, but I hope to hear some of the other tracks reach a successful level. With all of the albums dropping this quarter, H.F.M. 2 runs the risk of being overshadowed and overlooked, but don’t let the Barbie minions water Hip-Hop down to the point that you miss out on a MUCH better album. If you got limited funds, spend your money on Banks.

1. "Take 'Em To War" (featuring Tony Yayo)
2. "Unexplainable" (featuring Styles P)
3. "Payback (P's and Q's)" (featuring 50 Cent)
4. "Home Sweet Home" (featuring Pusha T)
5. "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" (featuring Juelz Santana)
6. "So Forgetful" (featuring Ryan Leslie)
7. "Father Time"
8. "Start It Up" (featuring Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, Swizz Beatz, & Fabolous)
9. "Celebrity" (featuring Akon)
10. "On The Double"
11. "Any Girl" (featuring Lloyd) Dr
12. "I Don't Deserve You" (featuring Jeremih)
13. "Sooner Or Later (Die 1 Day)" (featuring Raekwon)
14. "This Is the Life"
15. "Stuntin'"
16. "Kill It" (featuring Governor)
17. "Where I'm At" (featuring Eminem)