COTI X LLOYD BANKS

THE COURSE OF THE INEVEITABLE X LLOYD BANKS

Release Date: 6.4.2021

Number of Tracks: 18

Duration: 1HR 7MINS

Favorite Track: C O T I

 

Having been born in the 90s, the 03-05 years was an important time for music. More importantly however, was that era of hip-hop. Jay Z, Nas, and Kanye were at the height of their powers. TI, Young Jeezy, and Lil Wayne were leading a southern takeover of hip hop. Southern based groups like Crime Mob and D4L were able to make waves, begging the North to re-establish dominance. 2003 saw the release of 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying, and along with his immediate success, he brought with him Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks. The founding members of G-Unit, the trio put on for New York, and gained much of the control back from the South.

 

As with most groups, G-Unit was not without controversy. As 50 transitioned his focus to the business side, Yayo was still squarely in the streets, and Young Buck on reckless spending sprees, Banks was seemingly left to focus on the raps alone. Clearly the most talented of the group, he remained the bar specialist until 2018, where he seemingly “retired” from rap. This troubled many, including myself. A few weeks later, Banks announced a new line of merchandise to which I remember Chevy Woods’ comment:

 

“We want music with the merch too, G.” 

Thankfully, in the new streaming era, a rapper no longer needs the support of a label to put out music. Now having stated that he “will never retire,” Lloyd Banks is back with his first independent album with no ties or features to the afore mentioned G-Unit. 

Feel

Lloyd Banks is the owner of one of the most consistent flows I have ever heard. He has bars, but his voice and cadence does not change. The feel of The Course Of The Inevitable is a mix of chills from the bars, but calm from the cadence. Banks reminds me of the cagey veteran on a young team that comes into calm things down. I love the consistency in the feel of the album. You can have it on during a cool evening ride or even a study/gaming session, as the chill vibe is versatile. You can trust Banks not to hit you with any meaningless skits or random explosions or sirens that interrupt the flow.

 

“All I got is my word and principles that I’ll never cross.” – Lloyd Banks, C O T I 

 

Lyrics

The Course of the Inevitable is a bar show. Banks’ delivery is flawless and measured, and his cadence rides the wave set by the production effortlessly. He has a deliberate, relentless flow that packs each track to the brim with bars- nearly to a fault. The consistency in his flow is why we are here however, and the veteran NY rapper does not disappoint. His message is the same across the board, and I believe this is exactly what was needed. The list of features is almost exclusively NY, (Styles P, Benny The Butcher, Vado) with the exception being Freddie Gibbs. We have covered Gangster Gibbs on this site before, and he did not disappoint in his feature, however I would have to give the top spot fellow NY rapper Vado on Dishonorable Discharge.

  

“Can’t muzzle me up wit no coffin, won’t hit me wit no vaccine – Goons in the black beam, turn your crew to a track team.” – Lloyd Banks, Empathy

 

Production

While there is seemingly not much noteworthy here to mention- each of the tracks provide a smooth sound that is augmented by Lloyd’s flow. The beats do not suffer from over-complication, and allow for Banks to ride each. The production on COTI is certainly not a weakness, but it is also devoid of any beats that make you make that face. You know the one.

 

Overall

I, like much of the real hip hop world, was excited to hear of an impending drop from the G-Unit alum, and COTI did not disappoint. Lloyd Banks stepped back in the booth to prove that his talent was timeless at 39. With a smooth, consistent flow Banks rode the wave of the entire project that I believe met all expectations, with most of the 18 tracks making it into ORR’s summer 21 rotation. In a time where rap is over saturated with drama, antics, and gimmicks, The Course of the Inevitable is right on time. 2021 has been a great real for real rap, and COTI donates at least 10 tracks to an already thick rotational line up. And even though Banks will always be known for his contributions with 50 and G-Unit, it is time his talent is recognized for standing on its own.

 

If you have not given this one a listen, you should.

 

The album in a word: All-Time Smooth

 

6.7.2021 – The Oracle