Search - David Banner :: Certified

(3.5 Stars) Certified Like the USDA!

Charles L. Hubbert | Milwaukee, WI | 10/02/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"David Banner is back with a vengeance. He stormed on the scene a couple years back with "Like A Pimp" and the not-so-popular song "Cadillac on 22s" from his debut cd Mississippi The Album. He almost immediately released MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water, a move that was obviously a decision by the label in a failed attempt to capitalize on the success and popularity of "Like A Pimp." The last time somebody did this in recent memory was when DMX put out his first two albums in the same year. The difference between the two is the fact that DMX had multiple tracks off his debut album that had extensive promotion before the second album even hit stores. But after a little time off and a major self-examination, David Banner makes his way back into the spotlight in hopes of expanding his fan base with Certified.



From the looks of the cover for Certified, one might think that it's a more reserve David Banner this time around. By no means is this the case, thankfully. He has made his songs a little more friendly with the inclusion of some R&B cats like Jagged Edge on "2 Fingers" and the almost-forgotten singer Case on "Thinking Of You." And songs like "F*cking" featuring Jazze Pha and the first single "Play" are centered around pleasing the female crowd that we all know loves almost any nasty hip-hop that comes out (a la "Wait/The Whisper Song" and "Get Low"). And David Banner reflects on the inequalities of the world with "My Life" featuring Sky. But that's really the only thing that is less hardcore on the album than with his previous offerings.



Banner has a huge selection of guest stars on the album, a technique that practically every other music artists is utilizing these days. His best collabos have to be "Ridin" surprisingly featuring Dead Prez and Talib Kweli, "Take Your" featuring the living legend Too Short along with the versatile lyricism of Bun B, and "Gangsta Walk" with Memphis' own Three Six Mafia and 8Ball & MJG. Other decent duos would be "Treat Me Like" with Jadakiss, and "On Everything" where he trades verses with Twista. Other songs are true grimy Dirty South fare like "Certified" featuring Marcus, "Ain't Got Nothin'" with Magic and Lil Boosie, and "Bloody War" with ex-Cash Money soldier BG.



There are quite a few songs that probably should've been reworked, remixed, or left off the album entirely. "Lost Souls" is the first track on the album and leaves you wondering if you should even continue listening to the rest of the album. "Westside" sounds too obnoxious and loud to even take seriously, along with the song "X-ed" with Kamikaze. And the closing song "Crossroads" featuring Grout has a hefty dose of heavy metal, something almost no one in the hood can relate to. All in all, David Banner does give a satisfying album, with a few interruptions here and there. And with the saturation of crappy albums flooding the market these days, Certified is officially worth your time and money.

"

The Best Album Ever!

BBGyrl | 10/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"David Banner really put all he could into this album and it paid off. It's very different from what I'm used to and I like that he changed it up. He has a lot of good people on the album with him and whole album is just great. There really isn't too much that you can say but to go buy the album for yourself it's worth every penny.





And also EVERYONE should give DB some respect he's true to what he says and it comes from the heart. He's a funny guy and a great rapper but he's also educated and I want EVERYONE to know that. He's not just some dumb rapper that sold drugs to get to where he is. He went to college and has a degree and on top of all that he was broke not too many years ago. Look where he is and what he's doing right now....he's putting money back into the community...he's own money. He deserves respect for that. So before anyone is quick to judge him saying that he isn't all that great, does your favorite rapper give back to the community or does he/she ice up their wrist and neck? Do they buy cars and clothes, not giving a damn about what's going on or remembering what life was like before they made it big? David Banner one the few who cares and I love and respect him for that."

David Banner is actin' bad --and that's good

J. Diamond | San Diego, CA United States | 10/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A lot of artists succumb to being over produced and *featuring* many other artists on their albums --artists that really don't add anything, except to underscore why we *have* (and need) a cutting room floor.



Not true here. Throughout this album and across the lyrics DB and friends are provocative, thoughtful, and humorous.



Banner = quality



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