Lloyd Banks is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his sophomore album, Rotten Apple.
On Saturday (October 10), the Queens rapper took to Instagram to mark two decades since the release of the follow-up to his debut album, Hunger for More. He also highlighted some of his favorite tracks from the G-Unit project.
“Happy 20th Year!!! Anniversary!!! To My Sophomore Album ‘Rotten Apple’ Time Flies!!” he wrote. “Some Of My Favorites are ‘Cake’ ‘Survival’ ‘Help’ & Get Clapped’ what’re yours?”
Released on October 10, 2006, through G-Unit and Interscope, Rotten Apple reimagined New York City’s “Big Apple” nickname with a darker twist. Banks explained that he wanted the album to highlight the grittier side of New York and reflect what life was really like growing up in South Jamaica, Queens.
However, Rotten Apple might never have been released if not for an unexpected setback. Banks’ sophomore album was originally planned to be The Big Withdrawal, but an unmastered version leaked, allegedly after two women obtained a copy following a sexual encounter. The project was eventually shelved.
Rotten Apple debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 143,000 copies. It also went on to claim the top spot on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts.
The album’s lead single was “Hands Up,” featuring 50 Cent. Its guest lineup also included Rakim, Scarface, Mobb Deep, 8Ball, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo, while Keri Hilson and Musiq Soulchild contributed hooks.
On the production side, the project featured contributions from Eminem, Havoc, 9th Wonder, Needlz, Sha Money XL, Younglord, and Ron Browz.
