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.