August 22, 2005 @ 8:00 am

David Banner - Certified (Universal)

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As a hip hop artist with rock and country leanings, David Banner is a oneman mash-up artist. And the Mississippi MC/producer skillfully blends those genres — along with some Bible Belt political musings — in Certified.

Banner’s use of guitars is generally masterful, as on the title track where the chugging riff makes it sound unlike anything else in hip hop. Backed by an acoustic six-string, he is provocative and moving on “My Life.” On the other hand, “Crossroads” is bogged down by feedback.

Meanwhile, the Mr. Collipark-assisted “Play,” with its explicit come-ons and hushed vocals, travels the well-worn territory previously trod by the Ying Yang Twins’ recent hit “Wait (The Whisper Song).” Elsewhere, Banner explores his libido to great effect: The aptly titled “Fucking,” with its sharp Jazze Pha production, is one of the album’s highlights.

When at his best, Banner creates powerful American folk music. Few MCs can express the plight of the underprivileged as bluntly as Banner does on “Lost Souls,” where he attacks the former Senator often accused of racism: “Fuck Trent Lott!” he screams. Now that’s a true filibussa’.

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