David Banner
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02 Nov

Posted at 09:59h in Music, Reviews
Even whilst spending the majority of their years on renowned underground labels, Chi-city double act Kidz in the Hall have always managed to creep into the vicinity of the mainstream. Whether it's minor hits or appearing on MTV and BET, Naledge and Double O's school hall charisma and streetwise demeanor has proven to be too contagious to be simply boxed into the confined spaces of Hip Hop's basement. With Occasion being their fourth offering, the question remains as to whether it contains the maturity which one would expect from a fourth release or will the boys from the Windy City forever remain adolescent both in their make-up and musical growth?

22 Dec

Posted at 15:40h in Music, Reviews
David Banner has taken a winding path to this latest release. Death Of A Pop Star is uncharted territory for the rapper, who normally self-produces, as production duties were handed entirely to 9th Wonder.  Pop Star was originally intended to be released as a mixtape regarding contemporary music’s demise, but the collaborator’s resulting sessions exceeded expectations and the project evolved into an album. The endeavour adopts the uniformity and cohesiveness of an LP whilst keeping the swift pacing of the mixtape format. Clocking at a shade over thirty minutes, Death Of A Pop Star takes the GZA’s famed “half short and twice strong” axiom and creates an impressive work of art.

05 Aug

Posted at 10:30h in Interviews
Four albums deep and on the promo run for his latest LP, W.ants W.orld W.omen, this week SoulCulture caught up with a certain Mr Andwele "Dwele" Gardner. He needs little introduction; something of a figurehead for today's Soul music - "neo" or otherwise - the Detroit-based singer, songwriter and producer became a staple voice in the next soul wave ever since his first single "Find A Way" dropped in 2003 from his debut release on Virgin Records, Subject. Today's subjects are the pros and cons of being accessible online - namely, how the singer reacts to blunt fan feedback on Twitter and how social networking sites present useful opportunities for him to connect with those who'd like to work with him, with no other means of contacting him. He also talks about his feelings on watching the current sagas among his friends and several time collaborators Slum Village unfold publicly online. But first, we start with the new album....