Mta2 Baptized In Dirty Water

Personnel: David Banner, Busta Rhymes, Bone Crusher, 8-Ball, Lil' Flip, Nelly, Scarface, Lil' Flip, Devin The Dude, Twista, Sky, Static (rap vocals).
Producers include: David Banner, Young Sears, Domo, Mannie Fresh, Syber Sapp.
In its mix of casual violence and streetwise social analysis, David Banner's second album of 2003 is more or less a direct successor to his sophomore effort, MISSISSIPPI: THE ALBUM. What sets Banner apart from his contemporaries on the East and West coasts is a bedrock sense of rhythm with roots that stretch back to early-20th century Mississippi chain gangs and field workers. This link to history proves to be a vital force that propels his message and informs his hardcore imagery.
Of course, there are high-profile assists from Southern neighbor Nelly and the New York rapper/toaster Busta Rhymes, but BAPTIZED IN DIRTY WATER is unquestionably Banner's show. Tracks such as "Eternal" and "My Lord" point up the connection between Banner's gruff vocals and violent lyrics and the lurid imagery used by Southern Baptist preachers to put the fear of God into their congregations. Perhaps it's because his roots run deeper, but with BAPTIZED IN DIRTY WATER, the street gospel according to David Banner rings truer than the drugs, girls, and guns-based material of many of his peers.