Lloyd Banks – "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley"
Lloyd Banks and Juelz Santana Deliver Explosive Hit with “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley”
Lloyd Banks has officially made his comeback with the release of “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,” a track that’s not only revived his solo career but also taken the streets, clubs, and airwaves by storm. Released earlier this year and still heating up as 2010 closes, the song features Dipset heavyweight Juelz Santana and production from Prime. It’s a brash, energetic anthem filled with slick wordplay, polished delivery, and just the right touch of New York swagger.
During the summer of 2010, Lloyd Banks dominated. After being dropped by Interscope Records, there were questions surrounding G-Unit’s viability. Even 50 Cent has had trouble with the label. As a result, he locked in a deal with EMI to distribute Banks’ album. H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger For More) did well. Banks joined forces with his New York counterpart, Juelz Santana, and made a hit. “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” was one of the first anthems of summer 2010.
A Career Reignited After Interscope
After being dropped from Interscope in 2009, many critics had counted Lloyd Banks out. But with no major label support, he released “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” as an independent single, and the streets spoke loud and clear. The song climbed to #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was eventually certified Gold by the RIAA. That success led to renewed interest from major labels, but Banks instead chose to sign with EMI to distribute his third studio album H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2) under the G-Unit Records banner.
“It’s refreshing to see the EMI staff excited about my project,” Banks said of the deal. “They have the passion and energy I haven’t seen in a while.”
The Sound and Structure of a Street Banger
“Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” is classic East Coast club rap, with hard-hitting snares and a hypnotic, looped beat that immediately sets the tone for flexing and fast living. Banks opens the track with an unapologetic barrage of punchlines:
“Beat it—I bet she let me; she been fiending since she met me / I’m the coolest; shit, especially when I throw on all my Gretzky”
Juelz Santana follows up with equally potent energy, injecting his Harlem flair while matching Banks bar-for-bar:
“Whether Beamer, Benz, or Bentley, I be moving, I be moving / Making movies, Tom Cruise-ing”
The chorus is simple and addictive:
“Beamer, Benz, or Bentley / My jeans are never empty, bitch”
In a year defined by synth-heavy Southern beats and auto-tuned hooks, “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” felt like a return to the essence—bars, energy, and charisma.
Music Video: Street Meets Luxury
The video, directed by Broadway, matches the track’s themes of power and opulence. Set against gritty city backdrops and luxury cars, Banks and Santana deliver their verses with effortless cool. Cameos from Maino and Beanie Sigel add street credibility, while the high-end whips drive home the theme: Banks is back and better than ever.
This isn’t just a floss-fest though. The video’s production values and stylistic grit reflect a hunger that mirrors Banks’ own lyrical drive. Every shot reinforces the duality of street edge and commercial viability—a fine balance that Banks has mastered throughout his career.
A Movement of Remixes and Freestyles
Few singles in recent memory have sparked as many remixes as “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley.” Everyone from Fabolous to Joell Ortiz to Joe Budden and Royce Da 5’9 jumped on the beat, putting their own spin on the anthem. Dead Prez reworked it into “Malcolm, Garvey, Huey,” injecting social commentary into the glossy original. Slaughterhouse dropped the “Shady Mix,” further fueling rumors of their deal with Eminem.
Even international artists tapped in, with Swiss rappers Al P. and C.mEE creating the wildly popular club remix “Miller, Jack & Jägi.”
Safe to say, Lloyd Banks made the kind of hit record that everybody feels comfortable jumping on.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” did more than mark a personal comeback for Lloyd Banks—it became a cultural phenomenon. The title alone became a shorthand for luxury, masculinity, and aspiration. It solidified Banks’ place in the conversation for Rap MVP of the year and set the stage for his successful album rollout.
The song is also notable for being the catalyst behind Interscope’s failed attempt to lure Banks back. After dropping him the year before, they tried to re-sign him based on the track’s independent success—a rare reversal in today’s industry.
Lyrical Bravado Meets Market Savvy
At its core, “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” is about being desired and admired. The cars represent more than transportation—they’re status symbols. The lyrics blend flashy metaphors with sharp delivery, showcasing Banks’ lyrical dexterity and renewed sense of purpose:
“I’m calm, I’m cool, everything brand-new / I don’t handcuff, you can get the whole damn crew”
Lines like that embody the energy of an artist who knows he’s being watched and welcomes the attention.
The Road to The Hunger for More 2
“Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” is the perfect lead single for The Hunger for More 2. It honors the legacy of Banks’ 2004 debut while pointing toward a more refined, self-assured version of the artist. With follow-up singles like “Any Girl” and “Start It Up” already gaining traction, it’s clear that Banks is no longer in comeback mode—he’s in control.
With his sophomore album, Rotten Apple, which dropped in 2006, Banks only had moderate radio success. But with his EMI-released “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,” Banks owned radio. Now, he has a few singles gaining traction. In addition to the aforementioned tracks, “I Don’t Deserve You,” featuring Jeremih, is also getting a lot of attention.
Final Thoughts
Lloyd Banks has always been known as the quiet sniper of G-Unit—less flashy than 50 Cent, more lyrical than Tony Yayo. But with “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley,” he proves he’s still a vital voice in hip-hop. The track’s success without major label backing speaks volumes about his talent, business acumen, and connection to fans.
From street anthem to radio staple, “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” is more than a comeback single. It’s a declaration. Lloyd Banks is here, and he’s driving full speed ahead.