They're back, but why?

G-Unit

Terminate on Sight (G-Unit/Interscope)

ESSENTIAL "Party Ain't Over"

Whether it was Tony Yayo being locked up, the Game being kicked out, or Lloyd Banks picking fights with any rapper with a voice, G-Unit's combustibility always overshadowed its talent. Five years since 50 Cent formed the group, things haven't changed: The group kicked out Young Buck. But in 2003, 50 was at his apex, "Stunt 101" owned the airwaves, and all the drama was easier to tolerate. It's hard to put up with 50's autotuned voice on the lead single for G-Unit's second album, "Terminate on Sight," let alone the backstory. 50 still crafts melodic hooks that turn death threats into lullabies for a generation raised on Grand Theft Auto. Tony Yayo is actually a lot better than he gets credit for, mostly because it's funny to take cheap shots at Eliot Spitzer for buying sex, Scott Storch for selling his yacht, and Young Buck for being broke. Banks is possibly the most skilled rapper, but it's hard to get over the lyrics sounding like they're coming from a cardboard cutout. After sifting through the storyline, it's just hard to figure out why these guys are important anymore. [Julian Benbow]