DAVID BANNER

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David Banner - Strange (Prod. 9th Wonder)


I've been wanting to do a post about David Banner and the perception versus the reality of conscious rap for a while and this song provides me the perfect opportunity to do so.  People often ask me, "Who do you think is the most conscious rapper or who realest to the struggle?"  I usually respond with David Banner.  People always wonder why I don't say Mos or Talib and I explain to them the following analysis.  David Banner always has songs that provide a good analysis and message, especially before he got an album deal.  Even though he has made songs that were stereotypically mainstream and mundane (i.e. Play), I applaud him for who he is outside of limelight more so than his music.  To me, the most important aspect of someone is their actions.  I've always been amazed how Nas, Common, and Talib sound like geniuses on the mic but their interviews are lackluster when someone asks them a question regarding the very issues (crime, poverty, racism, etc.) they rap so eloquently about.

On the contrary, when David Banner speaks, I listen.  Banner is more compelling off the mic than on.  Maybe it stems from him being student president at Southern University or going to graduate school to get a masters in education, but he seems to have more sense and conviction in an interview than on a track.  Fortunately, this project sounds like it's going to bridge his talent as a concerned Black man from the south with his strong mic presence as an emcee.  I'm happy to see David Banner partnering with 9th to create a project that represents his passion.  From his work with youth in Mississippi, Hurricane Katrina recovery, and setting up consistent services to his community, I always use him as an example over men who claim to be "conscious" yet reek havoc with their actions behind closed doors.

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