Mississippi Rap Icon David Banner 'Heals the Hood' With Benefit Concerts to Aid Hurricane Katrina Victims

NEW YORK (SRC/Universal) - Southern rap icon David Banner continues to explode at radio with his new smash hit single, "Play". The song now has a radio audience of close to 90 million with "Play," from his much anticipated album Certified, due in stores September 20.

The song is currently No 3 on the Billboard Monitor Rap Chart and No 4 on the R&B/Hip Hop Chart. The rousing Certified brings together some of hip-hop's hottest talent, including Twista, 8-Ball, dead prez, Jadakiss, and potential rap rookie of the year Lil Boosie, among others. Banner also crafts fierce production collaborations with a host of in-demand superstar producers including Mr. Colli Park (DJ Smurf) who helmed "Play," Lil' Jon and Jazze Pha.

The Mississippi native has also organized a star-studded Benefit Concert at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, September 17, with proceeds going to aid victims of the worst natural disaster in our nation's history. The benefit concert also includes performances by Nelly, Lil Jon, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, T.I., & Young Jeezy. He is also headlining another benefit concert on Monday, September 19, with some of NY's finest at B.B. Kings. The eclectic group of artists and entertainers sharing the stage with Banner include Q-Tip, Remy Ma, Styles P, dead prez, and Dave Chappelle.

Banner, a longtime voice of conscience in the hip-hop world, has devoted his recent energies to volunteering at Mississippi shelters and churches up and down his native state, providing aid, and comfort to thousands of Mississippi flood victims displaced by the storm. "Our goal is to raise as much money as possible for victims in Mississippi, Alabama, and New Orleans," Banner says.
"I'm proud of everyone that's stepped up to join us in our efforts."
Doors for the September 17th Heal The Hood Hurricane Katrina Benefit open at 6:00 pm. Doors for the September 19th benefit open at 10:00 pm.