The Greatest Story Ever Told : David Banner : Review : Rolling Stone

Much of David Banner's charm lies in his bulldozer flow, his political awareness and his innovative production skills: His xylophone-laden beat for Lil Wayne's "La La" was one of the best on Tha Carter III. But on his fifth album, Banner battles with his urge to bring standard-issue Dirty South chart-toppers and cred-building hardness: The Greatest Story Ever Told is long on brawling tracks like "9mm," which banks on overbearing rhymes about gunplay. There are also pop-wise club jams like "Shawty Say," where Lil Wayne chips in a catchy, speed-rapped chorus and ear-grabbing beats. On "Cadillac on 22's Part 2," Banner draws on mellow acoustic riffs for a soulful shout-out to poor folks and the big guy in the sky (not Biggie). The political commentary could be stronger — "No justice for us blacks/But they send just us to Iraq" is as sharp as it gets — and though Story has got radio-ready appeal, Banner could learn a lesson from his buddy Wayne: Interesting and crowd-pleasing aren't mutually exclusive.

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Jul 10, 2008)

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2of 5 Stars

You don't think MLK was angry and sick and tired of how African Americans were treated? You don't think Rosa Parks was angry and sick and tired of how African Americans were treated? You don't think Andrew Young is angry and sick and tired of how African Americans were treated? You don't think John Lewis is angry and sick and tired of how African Americans were treated? Yet do you know the sum total of police officers these most effective leaders in the history of the American civil rights movement have murdered? Zero. Mr. Banner claims to be 'scared of God' (which in and of itself is a sad spiritual commentary). But if that's the case, he might want to school himself on some of God's most recent supposed exhortations: Blessed are the peacemakers; He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Jul 30, 2008 08:30:15

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