It’s Almost a disservice to call Lloyd Banks the “Punchline King” as he’s ascended to much more. But it’s a name well earned and his fans have grown fond of. The Queens Mc has come off releasing his album last summer “The Course of The Inevitable,” after taking a break from releasing music prior he’s back to releasing “COTI 2” this summer. The Mc is known for several parts in his series. “COTI 2” is in similar fashion with an introspective Banks along with his self certainty.
Songs like “Dead Roses” & “Trapped” speak to his views on people’s lack of sincerity, feeling boxed in by circumstances or surroundings. “COTI 2” like Pt. 1 features some of the industries top spitters from vets like Jadakiss, Vado to the latest Mcs blazing the trail like Griselda, and Dave East. Also getting Tony Yayo on the fitting song “Don’t Switch” speaking on loyalty a subject Banks speaks on a lot in his music. The album production features some of his long time collaborators Tha Jerm and Doe Pesci.
However the bulk of the album is handled by Cartune Beatz a producer out of New York on the rise who worked on “The Course of The Inevitable” as well. He has credits with Trust Gang’s Che Noir and Drumworks Jae Skeese. They’ve seem to form a chemistry that worked out well for Pt 2. “Socialize” & “Menace” some highlights on an overall satisfying project.
Anyone that has been keeping up with Lloyd Banks is aware his content has elevated from punchlines, money, and women. “The Course of The Inevitable 2” continues more of his reflective, narrating while still giving that word play and slick talk he’s known for. I’ve never saw him as a Punchline rapper just something he was able to do well. The very beginning of his career songs like “Porno Star” & “Just Another Day” showed his song writing capability & ability to be on topic. In a recent interview when asked about his song writing skills he credited 50 Cent who went under the tutelage of legendary Jam Master Jay who has helped groomed plenty artist.
It’s clear Lloyd Banks is well respected by his peers as Pt 1 featured top Mcs like Styles P, Roc Marciano, Ransom, and Freddie Gibbs. During his “hiatus” he was featured on projects by Griselda, Russ, put out freestyles solo & with Vado. So he’s never been totally quiet. He mentions that he’s back in the swing of things and to expect more projects. Overall it’s been a pleasure watching the evolution of Lloyd Banks aka Punchline King aka Blue Hefner
