Lloyd Banks Gets Big Apple Love, "He May Have Steadily Become The Most Important Rapper In New York"

G-Unit's Lloyd Banks may still be a rookie in comparison to rap greats like Jay-Z but renowned news publication The New York Times have cited him as the most important rapper in the Big Apple.

Based on an excerpt from the Times' Hot 97 Summer Jam concert review last weekend, Banks received a stellar write-up.

[Lloyd Banks] may have stealthily become the most important rapper in New York -- last year his "Beamer, Benz or Bentley" was a local anthem; this year he's got "Start It Up". It's worth noting that major labels have done little for these two: Mr. Banks's success came after parting ways with Interscope. The purest New York moment of the night came during Mr. Banks's set, when Mobb Deep emerged with "Shook Ones Pt. II." Ten years ago Jay-Z used the Summer Jam bully pulpit to attack Prodigy of Mobb Deep, showing a childhood picture of that rapper dressed for dance class in a leotard. Prodigy's emergence here -- after a recent stint in prison, and with Jay-Z nowhere in sight -- was a small piece of turf reclaimed. (The New York Times)

Banks hit up Twitter page to speak on his Sunday (June 5) performance at Giants Stadium.

"i love my city!thanks to hot97 for giving me my slot..southside on top!," he tweeted. (Lloyd Banks' Twitter)

The rapper's last album, Hunger For More 2, charted in the Top 50 after one week in stores last November.

G-Unit member Lloyd Banks' Hunger For More 2 debuted on the chart this week finding a spot at No. 26. After seven days in stores, the "Punch Line King's" newest solo effort managed to sell 44,500 records. (SOHH Sales Wrap)

Outside of music, the "Punch Line King" recently opened up about what he looks for in a woman.

"Well, to be honest with you, somebody that's understanding," Banks said when asked what he looks for in a woman. "I've been in the industry since I was about 18, 19 years old so it's a constant thing. I don't have a schedule. It's a lot of ripping and running and I need somebody that's not going to beef. These days, it's easy to look nice." (Full Throttle)