Fans of rapper Lloyd Banks flooded his timeline following what appeared to be a retirement announcement this morning (March 16). However, it seems that the G-Unit’s most lyrical emcee isn’t going anywhere.
He squashed the whole situation by posting a clip of Ric Flair’s infamous speech on the November 26, 2007, episode of WWE Raw to where he announced: “I will never retire.”
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 16, 2018
“Just goes to show you what a mess the industry has become,” the rapper wrote via Twitter. “They’d rather cover everything that happens around the music than the actual music itself.”
“I hope all these outlets support me when I drop,” he concluded.“
Just goes to show you what a mess the industry has become..they’ll rather cover everything that happens around the music..than the actual music itself..I hope all these outlets support me when I drop..have a good day
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 16, 2018
This article has been updated. The following was posted at 1:30 p.m.
Since the dropping the 2002 mixtape 50 Cent Is the Future, G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks has established himself as a lyrical force. Now, after a storied career that includes 16 mixtapes and three studio albums, Banks announced he’s hanging it all up.
“I fell in love with Hip Hop over 25 years ago … it was that thing I turned to during good times and bad,” he tweeted on Thursday (March 15). “I just wanna say thank you to the artists that inspired me.”
“[I want to] send my appreciation to everyone that supported me till this day,” he continued before adding, “I think it’s time to lay it down.”
I fell in love with Hip Hop over 25 years ago..it was that thing I turned to during good times and bad..just wanna say thank you to the artist B4 me that inspired me..and send my appreciation to everyone that supported me till this day THANK YOU!!
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 16, 2018
With that being said..I think it’s time to lay it down 💯
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) March 16, 2018
Fans immediately shared their disappointment and many begged Banks to reconsider.
If your chattin about retirement… I want a hour long freestyle on @HOT97 as a goodbye hourah
— SIMMS🗣 (@DanielMMGSimms) March 16, 2018
Nah don’t do this pic.twitter.com/CWrH72BYuo
— MACC (@macc503) March 16, 2018
Dam bro don’t do it, we need you
— adriantrades (@Adrian0122) March 16, 2018
Thx for everything boss. Had many dope moments in life that are tied to yo music. You a legend fam.
— Ed (@Beezus602) March 16, 2018
Thank you for being an inspiration to me and your many die hard fans. We appreciate all the free music you’ve given us. Now WE owe it to YOU to buy anything you drop!!! Thank you for all the 🔥 blue!!! 🐐
— G VAD (@GeorgeVadnais) March 16, 2018
You inspired a lot of the artists underneath you too god!
I’ve listened to your victory freestyle since I was 14. #punchlineking
I actually had to fight in middle school over a Cassidy vs Lloyd banks argument.
💪🏽✊🏽 your influence lives on.
— kontrahdiction (@Kontrahdiction) March 16, 2018
Man I hope u ain’t retiring family Yall Niggaz inspired a nigga like me doing this music. Just seem to early to soon at lease give a one more album b4 u dip big dog #SALUTE4EVERYTHINGUGAVEDAGAME
— YOUNG DEX (@BLACCOUT_DEXX) March 16, 2018
Noooooooo pic.twitter.com/VDLOG9jeUH
— Reem (@Reem321) March 16, 2018
Thank you. From a real hip hop fan you’re a living legend ✊🏿
— sterlthegreat (@sterlthegreat1) March 16, 2018
Hip Hop has seen its share of false retirements over the years. Too $hort retired in 1996, only to return in 1999 with the LP Can’t Stay Away. JAY-Z also gave retirement a shot.
It’s unclear if Banks will stay away or drop any projects before hanging it up for good.
Source: Hip Hop DX