Vol.6: The Gift

Even if it was released through the mixtape circuit, V6: The Gift is at least a "street release," or maybe the great, lost Lloyd Banks album that didn't care to cross over. It's a little too loose and casual to score four stars in his official discography, but there's plenty of darkness and development in these street-aimed numbers, with the woozy, "cloud rap"-influenced "Can She Live?" being the supreme stunner. The song is a levitating ball of Doe Pesci production and effortless, liquid hooks from an especially inspired Banks, but it's no lone anomaly as lead "single" "Open Arms" is an abnormal, woozy effort that works wonders, bringing that indie and alternative chillwave spirit to Shadyville for an eerie urban experience. Still, vintage breakbeats and karate chop rhymes are the thing on the superior "City of Sin" with Young Chris, and with "Show and Prove" and "Terror Dome" bringing up the rear, the album ends on some true thug notes, where snitches are served and basslines wind slowly as drums blast the speakers. It's a great mix of alien and on-point, offering Banks' regulars some satisfaction and some challenges as well. ~ David Jeffries