Review: "Rotten Apple" - Lloyd Banks

3.5 out of 5 The sophomore slump can be a terrible thing. Even more terrible when you're a member of the highly hated or loved rap group, G-Unit. Following in the steps of 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks has big shoes to fill while 50 is busy with other work. On his follow-up album, Banks continues to deliver his witty punchlines and remarks, while discussing ice, violent tendencies, and "love" for women. Unfortunately, "Rotten Apple" is a bit sour in terms of the beats used and track concepts. A few examples are "Playboy 2", "Change" and "Iceman" which seem to lack creativity overall. "Iceman" in particular is more of a south style bounce track than anything else. The Playboy 2 beat almost sounds like someone put the Playboy 1 beat into a blender and then re-recorded it on a sped-up record. One would also wonder why Banks has 2 softer tracks in "Help" and "One Night Stand" as if he wants to appease female fans. Also questionable is the legendary Rakim merely lending a hook on this album and not a full verse. On the other hand, there are standout cuts on this album which make it worth listening to. "The Cake", "Hands Up" and "Help", which were all singles, are solid tracks with addictive beats and choruses. "U Know the Deal" featuring Rakim, "Get Clapped" and "NY NY" all provide Banks the showcase for more street cred and have dark, eerie beats to assist. Production by Mobb Deep on a few tracks doesnt hurt other. This album has received alot of terrible reviews around the hip-hip forums, magazines and blogs. Despite all that I wouldn't call this terrible, but bite into Rotten Apple with caution as its a subpar album, nowhere near the level of his first near classic release.