David Banner: The Incredible Hulk of hip-hop

Like his superhero namesake, this politically minded Mississippi rapper fights for the right

Scott T. Sterling, Metromix

July 2, 2008

 

Now that ’70s Marvel Comics hero the Incredible Hulk has been successfully translated into a budding summer-blockbuster franchise, everyone will know where Mississippi rapper and hip-hop activist David Banner swiped his stage name. Given his bold, relentless pursuit of full-blown commercial success, the timing couldn’t be better for the release of his fifth album, “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” slated for release July 15.

With Lil Wayne definitively proving that twisted hardcore hip-hop is the new pop, Banner’s new tracks are gunning for KIIS-FM even harder than for Power 106. The album is front-loaded with guest spots by Wayne—Banner produced one of the weirdest tracks on Weezy's record-breaking Tha Carter III release, “La La”—Akon, Chris Brown and Snoop Dogg. It's clear Banner is ready for prime time: First single “Get Like Me” is a club banger that should go a long way in making the aspiring thespian—Banner had a role in last year’s psychosexual flick “Black Snake Moan”—a household name, superheroes notwithstanding.

Banner is a rebel with a cause, though. He eloquently testified before Congress late last year during hearings regarding hip-hop lyrics, stating, “If by some stroke of the pen hip-hop was silenced, the issues would still be present in our communities.” Watch for this Mississippi madman to make even bolder moves as his profile heightens.

See David Banner storm the House of Blues Sunset on July 7

Scott T. Sterling is Music editor for Metromix Los Angeles.

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting.

Comment

Please note that by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.