The mere name Mississippi conjures up hideous images of racism, poverty, violence, and backwardness. It is the poorest state in the union and ranks at the bottom of education, unemployment and healthcare. However, despite these discouraging facts, but inevitably because of them, some of the greatest blues musicians such as BB King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson have exceeded expectations there. Now, some decades later, DAVID BANNER is ready to be added to the list of great musicians spearheading the contemporary blues movement of hip hop.
On his sophomore release, MISSISSIPPI - THE ALBUM, DAVID BANNER examines the socio-economic conditions that exist in his home state. For instance the title track "Mississippi" explores everything from injustices in the State to injustices that exist within the country. The very laid back "Cadillac on 22's" explores the culture of Mississippi's spiritual side in a letter to God. God I know that we pimp, God I know that we wrong, God I know I should talk about more in all of my songs, I know theses kids are listening, I'm know I'm here for a mission, but its so hard to get 'em when 22 rims are glistening"
"I named my album Mississippi for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it would force people to say the name Mississippi, therefore they would have to remember us and not continue to count us out and second in our society Mississippi seems to be a synonym for the people that are down and out, the underdogs, hopefully with this album's success we'll be able to change the way people think about us," states Banner.
Staying true to his moniker of "DAVID BANNER," he totally flips the script with his first single the catchy upbeat blazer "Like A Pimp" featuring platinum-selling artist Lil' Flip. On the Lil' Jon produced crunked out joint "Might Getcha" BANNER starts a sonic riot issuing a stern warning to haters in the club.
MISSISSIPPI - THE ALBUM is produced by a host of talented track masters such as DAVID BANNER himself, Lil' Jon, Mixzo (Goodie Mobb), KLC of the Medicine Men -- Formerly of No Limit's Beats by the Pound (Ludacris) and Bread-N-Water (Tupac). The album features gold and platinum recording stars such as Lil' Jon, Pastor Troy, Lil' Flip, Jazzy Pha, and Too Short.
Although hitting the rap scene years before, BANNER made his mark in hip hop in 1996 when he formed the rap group Crooked Lettaz with a cross-town rival MC, Kamikaze. Soon after, they were signed to Tommy Boy Records and released their debut CD Grey Skies in 1999, a record primarily produced by BANNER. Grey Skies was critically acclaimed in the hip hop circles, The Source named it one of the ten most slept-on albums of '99, the group made RapPages' "About to Blow" column twice (unprecedented), and Murder Dog named it the best album of '99.
BANNER's debut album as a soloist, Them Firewater Boys Vol. 1 released in 2000 became one of the hottest underground albums in the South. He again garnered rave reviews with XXL magazine giving it a XL review and Murder Dog naming it one of the best albums of 2000. The record also put BANNER's production in high demand as top-notch artist around the country began to call on him for tracks. Most notably he produced Trick Daddy's title tune to his platinum-selling CD "Thug Holiday," two songs on Lil' Flips platinum-selling Underground Legend, and Devin Tha Dude's "Just Tryin' To Live." He has recently produced tracks for upcoming CD's from Nappy Roots, Snoop Dogg, Pastor Troy and Slim "Cutta" Calhoun.
This is the year that Mississippi steps to the plate and represents for hip hop and DAVID BANNER is leading the charge. "This is my year and most importantly, this is Mississippi's Year," Banner states boldly. "After this nothing will ever be the same. God Bless."
Source: http://www.david-banner.com/
