Before he became a speaker of wisdom, David Banner was crafting bangers and informing the masses about the subtle art of "pimpery." Though the layman has long mastered the basics of walking with limp and eating lobster and shrimp, David Banner's expertise proved a valuable lesson. Arising at a time when BET was the video plug, Banner's Mississippi: The Album single was one of the first bangers to truly showcase the emerging new Southern Sound. It's easy to forget, given Banner's later transformation in character, but the man was once partly responsible for steering the culture into a new musical direction.
Even today, the instrumental to "Like A Pimp" still knocks. It possesses some of that early "Platinum Era" charm, including a notable percussive simplicity; the difference between drum arrangements back then and today is rather astounding if given deeper thought. Flip and Banner alike turn in simple yet effective performances, made all the more notable by the video's hilariously edited clean version: should you watch from there, expect orgasms, fart sounds, and dogs barking in lieu of the usual profanity.
A true banger to this day, "Like A Pimp" is a beautiful reminder of one of hip-hop's most consistently amazing eras.
Quotable Lyrics
By the time I hit the door I saw hoes on the floor
N***s dressed in suits trickin' all they dough
Me? I'm a pimp, I ain't paying for no sex
Man I'd rather buy a car or a new Rolex
'Cause I got street fame so hoes flock like birds
I got one holdin' the weed, I got one holdin' the syrup
When I hit the club, I'ma be with David Banner
A thug ass n***a with bad table manners