Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid, who was G Unit’s in-house DJ at the time, The Return of the PLK was released in September 2008. It marked the first installment of his '5 and Better' series and became a significant project in Lloyd Banks’ career. Following the underwhelming success of his second studio album, Rotten Apple, this mixtape aimed to demonstrate Banks’ ability to maintain his dominance in the rap scene without relying on radio-friendly tracks. Returning to his raw, gritty New York City lyricism, Banks delivered the aggressive sound that fans had come to expect. Whoo Kid and his Shadyville imprint, along with G-Unit, infused the project with its authentic, chaotic energy reminiscent of the mid-2000s. While still showcasing his signature “whispery” flow, Banks’ rhyme schemes became even more intricate, a style that would later become a hallmark of his career. Tracks like “Love and Hate / Don’t Matter,” “I Am Legend,” and “Hate On Me” highlight what sets Banks apart from other rappers. Through his effortless flow over soulful beats, Banks demonstrates that he hasn’t lost his touch. This mixtape offers an introspective look into his relationship with the music industry and helps establish a loyal fan base that would prove invaluable to him in the future. Notably, the song “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” featuring Juelz Santana from The Diplomats further solidified his fan base. With our new series, Class Mixtape Run, we are here to bring that feel back like it was 2008 all over again! On behalf of LiveMixtapes, listen to it below!
