CD Reviews

David Banner

The Greatest Story Ever Told | Motown

By ANDREW GRAHAM | July 22, 2008

2.5 Stars

The thinking rapper’s Southern rapper has carved out a niche for himself as a straight-talking, truth-telling MC, unafraid to name names or to shine a spotlight on the failings of politicians and ’hood denizens alike. Outside the studio, Banner is fighting the good fight — in interviews, on Capitol Hill (where he testified last year, defending rap lyrics), and as a standout fundraising campaigner for post-Katrina recovery efforts. The Greatest Story reflects some of this awareness-raising positivity, but many of his points fall by the wayside over the course of its 22 tracks. Frontloaded with the bangers “Suicide Doors,” “9MM,” “Get like Me,” and “Shawty Say,” the album is very good; even the distracting “interludes” don’t undercut its momentum. Banner handles the majority of the production, saving his budget for the all-star guest list, which includes Snoop Dogg, Jim Jones, Chamillionaire, Akon, Chris Brown, and Lil’ Wayne (twice!). And his well-crafted beats are rooted — but not buried — in the Dirty South sound. But his producer chops and his articulate “off the record” treatises only underline the paradox of his lyrics — The Greatest Story would be a stronger statement if it weren’t for the conflicting cornerstones of conscientious-rapper soapboxing and standard-issue gangsta themes he’s laid at its foundation.

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