H.F.M. 2 (Hunger for More 2)

iTunes Review

Following in the tradition of rappers doing sequels to their best albums (see: Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 and Fat Joe's Jealous One's Still Envy), G Unit soldier Lloyd Banks looks to get back to his early, hungry sound following up a few records that came and went with very little fanfare. His flow is still appropriately grimy, but sounds more focused and less lackadaisical than in recent years, though his lyrics are still pretty much all about cars, cash, murder, and mamacitas. The biggest difference here is the production – the slow jams are legitimately funky (check "I Don't Deserve You" and "So Forgetful") and the gangster joints are downright raw, especially  "Home Sweet Home" with Pusha T and the string-laced opener "Take 'Em to War" featuring Tony Yayo. Guest stars abound, including 50 Cent, Styles P, Raekwon, Juelz Santana, Swizz Beatz, Akon, Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, and Fabolous, but it's Banks himself who sounds rejuvenated and ready for his comeback.