by John Bush
As the lone Mississippi rapper with a major-label deal, David Banner (formerly of Crooked Lettaz) has a lot to prove, even after his 2000 solo debut became a critical success. Mississippi: The Album is a very schizophrenic record, alternating a parade of one-note thug tracks (&F*** 'Em,& &What It Do&) with more reflective material concerned with the realities of down South living (&Mississippi,& &Cadillac on 22's&). No matter the situation, Banner's an excellent rapper, capable of moving from hoarse, harsh, in-your-face rants to fluid speed raps with no trouble (or change in quality). The productions are top-drawer as well, most by the man himself, along with high-profile contributions from Lil' Jon and KLC. Listeners may find it difficult to resolve the conflicts inherent in a character rapper who moves from rampant misogyny and ultra-violent behavior to more conflicted themes, but those willing to spend some time with Mississippi: The Album will find it giving them much more than the average hardcore gangsta.