David Banner

David Banner is one of the most under appreciated rappers to emerge from below the Mason-Dixon Line in the last five years. Since his SRC/Universal debut Mississippi: The Album in 2003, many have been enthralled by Banner’s obvious dedication to lyrical craft, roaring tracks and b-boy stance. Still, while past tracks like the cranked “Like a Pimp” from his debut to the electro-bounce of “Play” (Certified, 2005) has helped build a loyal fan base, with the release of The Greatest Story Ever Told this country boy is finally connecting on a larger scale.

Exposed to all kinds of music while growing up, Banner’s musical palette is never lacking. From the funky head nod of the Akon-produced first single “Speaker” to the dark path of “Suicide Doors,” featuring UGK to the textured grooves of “Cadillac On 22’s Part II,” David Banner proves he can do it all. “UGK, Sun-Ra and The Police all have had their influence on what you hear in my music,” he laughs.

In 1999, as a member of the Mississippi rhyme duo Crooked Lettaz, Banner became part of the dirty south revolution, releasing the critically lauded and criminally slept-on Tommy Boy Records debut Grey Skies. A year later, Them Firewater Boys Vol. 1, his introduction as a soloist, saw Banner blazing through the underground; both XXL and Murder Dog named it one of the best albums of the year. Soon the major labels were knocking on Banner’s door, sparking off a bidding-war. When legendary music executive Steve Rifkind (Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Big Pun) signed the self-contained Banner and his b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment imprint to Rifkind’s SRC label, the music industry took notice.

David Banner has been busy perfecting his skills. “For me music is about honesty, pain and a willingness to cry as well as fight. As a rapper and producer, my goal is to unite with the audience, not trying to rein over them.” Coming straight out of Jackson, Mississippi with a license to thrill, The Greatest Story Ever Told is a crowning achievement for a rapper whose moment of recognition has come. No longer on the outside looking in, David Banner is ready for his close-up.