Hundreds of fans gathered at Be-Bop Records of Highway 80 on Tuesday July 15 to get their hands on the latest musical storybook to hit stands. Jackson, Mississippi native David Banner wanted to share his newest album release with his roots.
Greatest Story Ever Told, Banner’s fifth released album, has already proven to be his personal favorite thus far.
“I think this is my best body of work,” said Banner. “I think one of the reasons it is, is because I had an opportunity to rest. I experienced a lot both good and bad, so I just eternalized it and put it on a CD.”
Some of that bad was losing two very influential people in his life, his father Zeno Crump, Jr. in June of 2007 and his grandmother Thelma Dixon four months later in October of the same year.
But he didn’t let those tragedies halt his dream. He picked himself up and produced some great hits for different artists while learning and getting himself ready to tell his story.
“I think that one of the reasons my album is the way it is, is because I was able to watch other artists work,” said Banner. “I was able to watch Chris Brown work, I was able to watch Lil’ Wayne work. While I was producing these people, I was able to watch them work and their progress and I was able to learn from them. I took a little something from every artist that I have worked with, so my production process was a learning process.”
The process was a long but patient one for Banner. He took time out and put his all into making sure the project was clear and the best thing that could he produce.
“It took about a year and a half to complete this album,” said Banner. “And I think that is one of the reasons this album sounds so good.”
Banner said that he took so long with this album because he didn’t want to be like everyone else and rush release an album.
“Most people throw aa album together in a month, and I was able to listen to a song for about three to four months and be like man I don’t like that scenario or I could have come harder on this verse,” explained Banner. “I even thought sometimes, you know what, I don’t even like that artist on this song; they need to be on another song. So I was able to take my time with this album so that everything would come across extremely clear.”
And clear is what he brought across in this latest release. But being a hip-hop artist, producer, and actor aren’t the only hats that Banner wears. He also devotes a lot of time being a voice for hip-hop. Being able to switch rolls enabled Banner to gain the respect that he has throughout the industry.
“When you shine God’s light, you shine because you a real man,” said Banner. “It’s not too many men out here. Not only in the music industry but also in the world period. I don’t get the respect I should get musically, but I have always gotten that respect in the political arena because that’s the type of man I am. I’m not afraid to speak.”
Banner’s 22-track album hit stores nationwide and he wanted to celebrate his album’s release at home even though some people don’t support him like they should.
“I tell people this, if you really support me and think I am a good person, then buy my album. It doesn’t really matter if you like David Banner or not, it’s about supporting something that’s bigger than us,” said Banner. “Because if I’m out there, then you know our state is going to be represented whether you like the way it’s being done or not.”
To learn more about David Banner visit his website, www.david-banner.com
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