Death of a Pop Star

Death of a Pop Star
Studio album by David Banner and 9th Wonder
Released December 21, 2010 (2010-12-21)
Recorded 2009–10
Bright Lady Studios
(Raleigh, North Carolina)
Premier Studios
(New York City)
Genre Hip hop
Length 30:34
Label Big Face Entertainment, eOne Music
Producer Executive producer
Samantha Selolwane
Corey Smyth

Music producer
David Banner chronology
The Greatest Story Ever Told
(2008)		 Death of a Pop Star
(2010)		 Sex, Drugs & Video Games
(2012)
9th Wonder chronology
Fornever
(2010)		 Death of a Pop Star
(2010)		 The Wonder Years
(2011)
Singles from Death of a Pop Star
  1. "Slow Down"
    Released: November 19, 2010
  2. "Be With You"
    Released: November 23, 2010

Death of a Pop Star is a concept album made in collaboration between Mississippi hip hop artist David Banner and North Carolina record producer 9th Wonder. Released on December 21, 2010 under Banner's independent label, Big Face Entertainment, in conjunction with eOne Music, it serves as the two Grammy Award-winning artists' only collaborative work to date and 9th Wonder's fifteenth collaborative album.

Originally conceived as a mixtape, Death of a Pop Star was recorded from 2009 to 2010 at Bright Lady Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina and Premier Studios in New York City. The production was mainly handled by 9th Wonder with assistance from David Banner, THX, Warryn Campbell and E. Jones on various tracks. The album also features guest appearances from rappers Ludacris and Big Remo; and singers Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton, Marsha Ambrosius, Heather Victoria and Lisa Ivey. The theme of the album is the death of contemporary black music, which has been devalued for style, over substance, and decimated by the increasing popularity of music downloads.

The album was preceded by two official singles – "Slow Down" featuring Heather Victoria, and "Be With You" featuring Ludacris and Marsha Ambrosius. The latter spent thirteen weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, peaking at number 44. The song is Banner's first single to appear on this chart after more than two years. The album sold 7,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release, debuting and peaking at number 14 on the Top Independent Albums chart. A departure from Banner's past recordings, Death of a Pop Star received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics who deemed it the rapper's best work to date and praised 9th Wonder's production.

Background

Initially, I was working on my own album when I was going through a lot spiritually and mentally… just growing up. I've been able to see just about every aspect of the world, from Third World countries to some of the richest places in Europe and in America. I really got another aspect of how the world looks at Black people, especially young Black males. I didn't want to die with everyone remembering David Banner for the most for 'Play' and 'Get Like Me.' Just as a man that bothered me because historically, the only thing people are going to know about you 500 years from now are the things that's left in books, music and articles. I had a really big problem with that.

— David Banner speaking in October 2010 with Vibe about the inspiration and drive behind the album.[1]

In July 2008, David Banner released his fourth studio album, The Greatest Story Ever Told. It reached number 3 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 8 on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 51,800 copies. The album spawned three singles: "Speaker" (also known by its explicit title "9mm"), "Get Like Me" and "Shawty Say". "Get Like Me" has proven to be Banner's second most successful single to date, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 after "Play" (2005), which hit number 7. The album, however, was met with mixed reviews from fans and music critics upon its release, thus disappointing Banner who had expected it to be his defining body of work.[2] Pondering what went wrong, Banner felt marginalized by the music industry's expectations, and therefore, wanted to enlist an elite producer to explore further creative and challenging avenues.[2] "I wanted to feel different, I felt trapped in rap music," Banner admitted. "I felt like I was dying musically."[2]

With the intent of taking a different direction from songs like "Get Like Me" and "Play", he listed producers he wanted to work with, including 9th Wonder, Nottz, Just Blaze, DJ Khalil and Madlib. He settled with working with 9th Wonder, who runs a DJ business with a mutual friend.[3][4] "David Banner and I have a mutual friend by the name of DJ Cuzzin B, who lives now in Washington D.C.," 9th Wonder said. "David Banner came through D.C. and hooked up with [him] and was like, 'Yo, do you know 9th Wonder?' He was like, 'Yeah, that's my partner.' So Banner ended up coming to North Carolina. He was supposed to get a couple beats from me, but he ended up getting nine. That's how Death of a Pop Star came about."[4]

Having produced his own music, teaming up with 9th Wonder marks Banner's first time ceding control over production, sticking to microphone duties for the duration of an album.[5][6] This decision was driven by his motivation to prove to hip hop listeners that they could place him among any lyricist they like. "I didn't want to produce any of this album. I wanted to prove to people that you could put me on the level of anybody that you like lyrically, and I think I proved that with this record," Banner said. "And it's funny, I'm starting to hear people say that for the first time ever, people have started putting me up against some of the biggest lyricists now. I wanted to just focus on the pen on this album."[5]

The pairing was surprising to many, as Banner's style is defined by his very pronounced Southern accent and 808-driven instrumentals, while Wonder is known for his signature style of using muffled percussion, chopping creaky soul samples and arranging them into boom bap.[5][7] Borrowing a sound that originates in New York was a conscious decision to help bring focus back to Banner's lyrical abilities. "As soon as I added 808s to my music, it seemed like people stopped listening, on top of the fact that I had a very heavy Southern drawl," Banner said. "So I really concentrated on articulating my words this time, but not stomping on or suppressing my Southern accent."[5]

Conception

Title significance

According to Banner, music has been decimated by the increasing popularity of downloads.

The title was coined during a studio banter between both artists about the state of the music industry, with 9th coming to the revelation that in today's climate an artist can no longer attain the same iconic heights as those of an earlier era .[5][8] "We were just talking about the death of contemporary music," Banner said.[5] "How have we continued to let music go in the direction that it is? It's almost impossible for there to be another Michael Jackson or Usher or Chris Brown. And 9th said "Damn! That's what we should call it. 'Death of a Pop Star.' "[5][2]

Although the title indicates the death of being a pop star, the Mississippian insisted that it was chosen so that listeners could not only discuss about the album, but also the death of contemporary black music.[9]

Theme

While the overall theme of the album is the demise of contemporary black music, 9th clarified that the presence of soul music has rather diminished in mainstream media.[10] "Not to say black music is dead all the way, but on the mainstream side there's not really much of a focus on soul. There's not a lot of people trying to redefine soul music. It's a situation that we wanted to address and put out in the mainstream arena."[10]

Both artists felt that the state of the industry and music in general has been downgraded in favor of style over substance.[11] "9th Wonder is probably one of the most soulful cats in our generation," told Banner. "Death of a Pop Star is needed for a balance in the music landscape right now, just like 2 Live Crew and A Tribe Called Quest were once needed at the same time."[11]

Moreover, according to Banner, music has been decimated by the increasing popularity of downloads.[12] "People just look at music as a download. But what they don't understand is when you get a Lil Wayne on your album, you have to pay for Wayne and you have to get that money back. If you are not able to push units like a Michael or an Usher, how will you be able to possess the power to really move the masses of people? That's where the power comes in to renegotiate your recording contract; that's where you have the power to not only move things musically, but to move things socially."[1]

Recording and production

9th Wonder produced the entirety of the album, except "The Light", which is produced by E. Jones, a lead producer of Wonder's production team, The Soul Council.

The recording sessions for Death of a Pop Star took place from 2009 to 2010 at Bright Lady Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina and Premier Studios in New York City.[13] Primarily produced by 9th Wonder, the ten-track album was mixed by Neal Pogue and Pat Viala.[13][14] David Banner provided additional production, along with Warryn Campbell for The Machine, Chris "THX" Goodman for Banner Beats, and E. Jones—a lead producer of 9th Wonder's production team, The Soul Council—who also produced "The Light", the sole track without input from Wonder.[13][15] Live instrumentation is provided by Kevin Williams (flutes), Dontae Winslow (horns), E. Jones (keyboards), THX (keyboards), Warryn Campbell (bass, live drums, keyboards and piano), and David Banner as well (keyboards).[13] The endeavor also includes additional vocals from Melodye Perry, Carlos Ricketts, and Joi Starr.[13]

Initially, the two artists intended to release their joint project as a free mixtape until the resulting sessions exceeded expectations.[8] 9th Wonder explained, "When we did the first three songs, we were like, 'Man, we ain't giving this jam away.' It was like, 'Man, this is really some good music.' Then about four or five [songs] in, we were like, 'Oh boy, we can't give this away.' "[8] Subsequently, the pair decided to develop their project into a full-length album, recording more songs than the final ten.[16][17]

On few occasions, there were arguments between both men over some of the album's creative decisions.[18] For instance, 9th requested Banner to rap over the instrumental of "Be With You", which the rapper declined because he disliked it.[17] Five hours passed, and 9th finally convinced him and called past collaborator Ludacris, and English singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius that same night to have them participate on the song as well.[17] During an interview with Okayplayer's OKPTV on June 26, 2010, Banner admitted that he was wrong, stating that "it's probably one of the most amazing songs," and selected it as the album's second single.[18]

The live instrumentation showcased throughout the album is a noticeable contrast from 9th Wonder's usually sample-based production. It was revealed by Banner that several tracks had to be replayed due to major sample clearance issues.[19] "If you could hear the original album… the original album is at least seven times better than the replayed record. It hurts sometimes."[19]

Release and promotion

Death of a Pop Star underwent a few pushbacks. The project was originally scheduled to be released on December 29, 2009 as a free album.[20] In October 2009, it was reported that David Banner and 9th Wonder would be setting up a website where donations can be sent for the album. Half of the proceeds from these donations would be given to a non-profit organization.[12][21] However, when both artist decided to turn their project into a full-length album, its release was pushed back, first to summer 2010, then to November 7, 2010. Yet, on November 4, 2010, 9th Wonder announced via Twitter that the long-in-the-works album would finally be released on December 21, 2010, after increased anticipation for the album and securing a distribution deal with eOne Music.[22][23]

Promotional singles

Following the release of the lead single, "Slow Down", the album closer, "Strange", was leaked online on March 11, 2010. The song features North Carolina-based rapper Big Remo, who at the time was signed under 9th Wonder's independent record label, Jamla.[24][25]

On October 5, 2009, in the wake of the murder of Derrion Albert, a Chicago-based 16-year-old who was brutally murdered, 9th and Banner leaked another song, titled "Something Is Wrong", which addresses Albert's murder as well as other issues like US president Barack Obama, racism and sexism.[26][27] On October 18, 2009, it was reported that Banner's Heal the Hood Foundation and 247HH.com have partnered with MTV and enlisted the help of local celebrities and artists including Twista, AK of Do or Die, Malik Yusef, Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, Rhymefest, Tiffany of Bad Girls Club, J-Niice (B-96), Leon Rogers (WGCI), The Cool Kids, Crucial Conflict, along with MTV host Sway Calloway, to raise awareness of violence among urban youth throughout Chicago by organizing an Anti-Violence rally.[28][29][30] The rally, which was scheduled to take place on October 20, 2009, would serve as a creative canvas and backdrop for the video shoot of the remix of "Something Is Wrong" which featured verses from Naledge, Twista, Rhymefest and Skooda Chose.[31][32] However, due to an increase in the anticipated number of attendees and resulting safety concerns, the event was postponed to mid-November.[33][34]

Shortly prior to the album's release, the duo unveiled two more tracks: "Mas 4" on December 2, 2010, and "Silly" on December 17, 2010. The latter track opens with 9th Wonder's lone rap performance on the album (under his rapping alter-ego 9thmatic), and features a chorus from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu.[35][36][37][38][39][40]

Teaser

On January 19, 2010, David Banner published on YouTube a teaser for the album. The teaser features a scrolling text explaining the album's context, with the album opener, "Diamonds on My Pinky", playing in the background.[41] The text is as follows:

There is always life after death… this applies to science, spirituality & literature. Neither the agnostic man, the religious man, nor the philosopher can deny that science, religious dogma and literary works are entrenched in the notion, that there is a rebirth and new life gained from death. The album title "Death Of A Pop Star" is a bold open-ended headline, that can be interpreted however anyone chooses, but you must give the album a thoughtful and introspective listen. We hope the spirit of positive energy, which inspired this collaborative effort will renew and uplift people from all walks of life.[41]

An Evening With…

On June 26, 2010, Hot 97 radio personality Peter Rosenberg hosted a special event called An Evening With… to interview the two emcee-producers, take questions from the audience, and preview music from the album, similar in format to James Lipton's Inside the Actors Studio show.[18][42] The event was open to the public and approximately fifty fans were granted entry on a first-come, first-served basis.[43] OKPTV was also present to cover the event as well as get their own Q&A session in which the two artists addressed their partnership and how it came about, among other topics.[18] The event took place at 92YTribeca in New York City.[43]

Multimedia

Comic strip

The first installation of the Death of a Pop Star webcomic strip.

The pair had intended to make Death of a Pop Star a multimedia release.[44] Their original vision for their joint endeavor is followed by the unveiling of a comic strip.[45] "The idea with Death of a Pop Star was never for it to be only an album," Banner explained.[45] "The aim of this project was to engage the consumer on many different levels. With the music industry being in the state it's in, we as artists need to provide as much intriguing content as possible for our fans. This is the second step in exposing the Death of a Pop Star project on many different platforms."[45] According to 9th, "Comics, sneakers, and hip hop have always been close-knit with each other for years and years. This comic strip will show you exactly how CLOSE the relationships between those entities are."[45]

On December 10, 2010, the anime-styled webcomic strip series was launched for promotional purposes.[45] The strip, which has the same title as the album it coincides with, centers around both men living in the real world with superhuman powers.[44] Throughout the series, the duo is forced to deal with a number of personal problems; 9th's character toils with issues of inner conflict, discipline and violence, and Banner's, while pursuing a higher calling, must grow up in an impoverished environment.[45]

PlayStation 3 theme

Increasing the promotional efforts surrounding their album, the duo partnered with Konsole Kingz—an Atlanta-based company that combines hip hop with gaming—to design an album-inspired theme exclusively for PlayStation 3.[46][47] The theme was made available at the PlayStation Store for free in January 2011.[47] Upon downloading the package, gamers could personalize their console's XMB menu with six backgrounds and custom sounds produced by Banner and 9th as well as the Konsole Kingz silver icon pack.[48][47] "As technology evolves, so must the role of the artist in peoples lives. Death of a Pop Star was always designed to be bigger than just music," said Banner. "With the help of the people at Konsole Kingz, we have been able to further expand the Death of a Pop Star experience."[47]

Echoing Banner's sentiments, 9th Wonder stated, "We must understand that everyone discovers music differently. The radio is not the only place that you can decide to become a part of a musical experience. Gaming is a huge part of our culture, more than ever." He continued, "Having a game introduce Death of a Pop Star to someone falls directly in line with our mission statement with this album; be different and revolutionary."[47][48]

Singles

An Afro-American man.
A Black British woman.
Ludacris (top) and Marsha Ambrosius (bottom) both worked with the duo on "Be With You".

The album's lead single, "Slow Down" featuring Jamla signee Heather Victoria, was leaked onto the Internet on January 21, 2010, and its music video premiered on June 21, 2010.[49][50] Illusive Media and David Banner directed the video with a theme that was loosely based on John Carpenter's 1988 cult classic, They Live, which starred Roddy Piper and Keith David.[51][52] On November 19, 2010, the album's version was made purchasable.[53] The album's rendition is different from the original leaked version, produced solely by 9th Wonder. The original contains a sample of "On Impact" as performed by The Whispers.[54] Due to sample clearance issues, 9th, Banner and Warryn Campbell reproduced the song, and the vocal samples were sung by Melodye Perry.[13][55]

The second single, "Be With You", featuring rapper Ludacris and singer Marsha Ambrosius, was released on November 3, 2010 and made purchasable twenty days later.[56][57][58] The song spent thirteen weeks on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, on which it peaked at number 44.[59] The song is David Banner's first single to appear on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart after more than two years.[23] The music video, directed by Mr. Boomtown, premiered on December 16, 2010 on MTV.[60] On January 2, 2014, it was reported by TMZ that David Banner and Ludacris along with Marsha Ambrosius received a copyright infringement lawsuit over allegedly using a sample of late soul singer Tyrone Davis' 1979 ballad, "Be With Me", without permission.[61] Banner has been sued by the song's producer and publishing company, who claim that the rapper-producer illegally sampled Davis' tune on "Be With You".[62] Ludacris and Marsha are mentioned in the lawsuit because they appear on the song. Although unconfirmed by TMZ, 9th Wonder and co-producer Warryn Campbell are likely to have been involved in the case as well.[62]

Reception

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[63]
HipHopDX4/5[37]
HipHopSite.Com[55]
Pitchfork5.8/10[64]
Prefix Magazine6.5/10[7]
RapReviews7/10[51]
SoulCulture[65]
USA Today[66]

Death of a Pop Star opened up to generally favorable reviews from critics. Justin Hunte, former Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX, hailed Death of a Pop Star as David Banner's best and "most digestible" work to date and 9th Wonder's "most complete pet project" since his 2006 Murray's Revenge collaboration with rapper Murs. He further commented that the brevity of the album "is balanced by a high quality collection of songs screaming replay value throughout."[37] USA Today critic Steve Jones complimented 9th Wonder's soulful production as it provides a "compelling backdrop for Banner's pointed lyrics," and acknowledged the guest artists for their "potent contributions."[66] Emanuel Wallace of RapReviews found that the production "works exceptionally well with Banner's oftentimes aggressive flow," but continued that his "biggest gripe would have to be the brevity of the album."[51]

Jermaine Dobbins, writing for SoulCulture, observed that "[t]hose who remember the rapper's more explicit work such as 'Like a Pimp' or 'Play' would be forgiven for not [recognizing] this as the same man. The raspy Southern drawl has been replaced by a clearer and enunciated voice that Banner effectively uses to teach, admonish and entertain with equal aplomb."[65] In spite of the seemingly odd pairing of the two artists, David Jeffries, reviewing for AllMusic, heard "a great chemistry" between them. Acknowledging 9th Wonder's production as "the kind of top-notch, scratchy soul he excels at," he lauded Banner as "the real attraction," presenting himself as "a more layered and complicated artist" than showcased on previous works. Yet, he noted that "while [the album is] sold as a conceptual piece inspired by the end of music industry, it does go off topic without warning."[63]

In a mixed review for Pitchfork, Jess Harvell panned the lyrics, calling them a "mess," and criticized the album for being "heavy on drippy love raps," and having "dumbly repetitive hooks" and "beats suspiciously lacking in thump-value." Furthermore, he opined that "[t]here are moments throughout Death of a Pop Star that suggest the better album that might have resulted with a little more focus and intensity," and believed that Banner is "too odd and talented, too much his own man, to wind up an also-ran in hip-hop history."[64] According to Wilson McBee of Prefix Magazine, the album's weaknesses are "partially due to sequencing," explaining, "The record starts with blistering battle-rhyming, retreats into tepid alt-rap, and finishes with melancholy social critique." In addition, McBee thought both artists perhaps could have "improved the album by weaving these thematic threads rather than separating them."[7]

Commercial performance

Death of a Pop Star debuted at number 17 on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart, selling 7,300 copies in its first week of release.[67][68] It entered at number 41 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, as well as the Top Independent Albums chart at number 14.[69][70]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)[13]Length
1."Diamonds on My Pinky"
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • THX*
2:19
2."No Denying (Channel 3)"
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • Campbell*
2:13
3."Mas 4"
  • Crump
  • Douthit
9th Wonder1:20
4."The Light"
E. Jones4:18
5."Slow Down" (featuring Heather Victoria)
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • Campbell*
3:20
6."Be With You" (featuring Ludacris and Marsha Ambrosius)
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • Campbell*
3:21
7."Stutter" (featuring Anthony Hamilton)
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • Campbell*
3:25
8."Silly" (featuring Erykah Badu)
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • THX*
2:08
9."Something Is Wrong" (featuring Lisa Ivey)
  • Crump
  • Douthit
  • Campbell
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • Campbell*
3:49
10."Strange" (featuring Big Remo)
  • Crump
  • Douthit
  • Campbell
  • Remo
  • 9th Wonder
  • David Banner*
  • E. Jones*
  • Campbell*
4:21
Total length:30:34

 • (*) designates additional production

Notes[13]
  • "Diamonds on My Pinky" features additional vocals from Carlos Ricketts, and keys by David Banner and THX.
  • "No Denying (Channel 3)" features additional vocals from Melodye Perry, bass and piano by Warryn Campbell.
  • "Slow Down" features additional vocals from Melodye Perry.
  • "Be With You" features keys by Warryn Campbell and E. Jones, horns by Dontae Winslow and flutes by Kevin Williams.
  • "Stutter" features additional vocals from Joi Starr.
  • "Silly" features rap vocals from 9th Wonder as 9thmatic, additional vocals from Joi Starr and horns by Dontae Winslow.
  • "Strange" features flutes by Kevin Williams and live drums by Warryn Campbell.

Personnel

Credits for Death of a Pop Star adapted from the album liner notes and AllMusic.[13][14]

Chart positions

Chart (2010) Peak
position
US Top Independent Albums (Billboard)[70] 14
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[69] 41
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)[67] 17

References

  1. 1 2 Murphy, Keith (28 Oct 2010). "David Banner Talks Tea Parties, T.I. & 'Death Of A Pop Star'". Vibe.com. Retrieved 20 Nov 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 AbduSalaam, Ismael (24 May 2010). "David Banner Feels Resurrected By 9th Wonder Collab, Says Mixtapes Hurt Hip-Hop". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved 26 Jul 2014.
  3. ↑ Oakes, M. Gosho (19 May 2010). "David Banner Talks "Death of a Pop Star," Feeling Trapped Musically, and more". SoulCulture.com. Archived from the original on 8 Mar 2016. Retrieved 28 Jun 2014.
  4. 1 2 Cho, Jaeki (20 May 2011). "9th Wonder Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records". Complex.com. Complex Media Inc. Retrieved 26 Jul 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Horowitz, Steven J. (14 Jun 2010). "David Banner, 9th Wonder Team Up for 'Death of a Pop Star'". TheBoomBox.com. Townsquare Media. Retrieved 18 Nov 2010.
  6. ↑ O'Garro, Felicia D. (21 Jan 2011). "10 Questions for David Banner & 9th Wonder". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 1 Jul 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 McBee, Wilson (25 Jan 2011). "Album Review: David Banner and 9th Wonder - Death of a Pop Star". PrefixMag.com. Retrieved 5 Nov 2013.
  8. 1 2 3 Rodriguez, Jayson. "David Banner, 9th Wonder Promise 'Jamming' Message Music On Joint LP - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV.com". MTV.com. Retrieved 16 Nov 2013.
  9. ↑ "David Banner on "Death Of A Pop Star". YouTube.com. HipHopOfficial. 12 Jul 2010. Retrieved 17 Nov 2013.
  10. 1 2 "Interview With 9th Wonder". HitQuarters.com. 31 May 2010. Archived from the original on 24 Aug 2017. Retrieved 15 Jun 2010.
  11. 1 2 Strong, Nolan (6 May 2010). "David Banner, 9th Wonder Talk 'Death Of A Pop Star'". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved 4 Jul 2018.
  12. 1 2 Roberts, Steven (23 Oct 2009). "David Banner To Give Away Death Of A Pop Star For Free - Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV.com". MTV.com. Retrieved 18 Nov 2010.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Death of a Pop Star (Media notes). David Banner & 9th Wonder. b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment, eOne Music. 2010.
  14. 1 2 Credits: Death of a Pop Star. AllMusic. Retrieved on 4 Jan 2011.
  15. ↑ "Browns Town Music LLC | Eric Jones – E. Jones – (Producer)". BrownsTownMusic.com. Archived from the original on 16 November 2013. Retrieved 16 Nov 2013.
  16. ↑ "David Banner and 9th Wonder Present Death of a Pop Star - David Banner News @ antiMusic.com". antiMusic.com. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 19 Nov 2010.
  17. 1 2 3 Cho, Jaeki (20 May 2011). "9th Wonder Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records". Complex.com. Complex Media Inc. Retrieved 26 Jul 2014.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Shamz (8 Jul 2010). "OKPTV: 9th Wonder & David Banner Part 1". Okayplayer.com. Retrieved 19 Nov 2013.
  19. 1 2 Paine, Jake (16 Jun 2015). "David Banner & 9th Wonder Planning Death Of A Pop Star 2 (Interview)". AmbrosiaForHeads.com. Retrieved 21 Jun 2018.
  20. ↑ "Rapper David Banner to Release Free Album 'Death of a Popstar'". TheBoomBox.com. Townsquare Media. 26 Oct 2009. Retrieved 28 Jun 2014.
  21. ↑ Stewart, Justin T. (20 Jan 2010). "David Banner & 9th Wonder Push Campaign for New Album". HipHopWired.com. Retrieved 26 Nov 2013.
  22. ↑ Vasquez, Andres (5 Nov 2010). "David Banner Says "Death of a Pop Star" Helped Him Spiritually". HipHopDX.com. Cheri Media Group. Retrieved 18 Nov 2010.
  23. 1 2 Herrera, Monica. "David Banner Gets Down to Business On 'Death of a Pop Star'". Billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 5 Nov 2013.
  24. ↑ Meka (11 Mar 2010). "David Banner – Strange f. Big Remo (prod. 9th Wonder)". 2DOPEBOYZ.com. Retrieved 19 Jun 2018.
  25. ↑ Huynh, Davis (12 Mar 2018). "David Banner featuring Big Remo - Strange (Produced by 9th Wonder)". Hypebeast.com. Retrieved 19 Jun 2018.
  26. ↑ Shamz (Oct 2009). "Audio: David Banner x 9th Wonder "Something Is Wrong"". Okayplayer.com. Retrieved 5 Nov 2013.
  27. ↑ Macia, Peter (5 Oct 2009). "David Banner & 9th Wonder ft. Lisa Ivey, "Something Is Wrong" MP3". TheFader.com. Retrieved 29 Jun 2014.
  28. ↑ Canada, Danielle (19 Oct 2009). "David Banner and Hip-Hop Unite To Fight Chicago Violence". HipHopWired.com. Moguldom Media Group. Retrieved 1 Jul 2014.
  29. ↑ Barber, Andrew (18 Oct 2009). "David Banner, 9th Wonder, Twista, Naledge, Rhymefest & Skooda Chose Team Up for "Something's Wrong"". FakeShoreDrive.com. Retrieved 1 Jul 2014.
  30. ↑ Shake (18 Oct 2009). "9th Wonder & David Banner – Something Is Wrong (rmx) f. Twista, Naledge & Rhymefest". 2DOPEBOYZ.com. Retrieved 16 Nov 2013.
  31. ↑ Shamz (20 Oct 2009). "Audio: David Banner x 9th Wonder "Something Is Wrong (remix)" feat. Twista, Naledge, Rhymefest, Skooda Chose, and Lisa Ivey". Okayplayer.com. Retrieved 20 Jun 2018.
  32. ↑ "David Banner feat. Rhymefest, Naledge & Twista – Something's Wrong (prod. 9th Wonder) | Nah Right". NahRight.com. 19 Oct 2009. Retrieved 16 Nov 2013.
  33. ↑ Vasquez, Andres (20 Oct 2009). "David Banner's Anti-Violence Rally Postponed". HipHopDX.com. Cheri Media Group. Retrieved 16 Nov 2013.
  34. ↑ Roberts, Steven (20 Oct 2009). "David Banner's 'Something's Wrong' Video Shoot Postponed". MTV.com. Viacom International Inc. Retrieved 1 Jul 2014.
  35. ↑ Shamz (3 Dec 2010). "Audio: David Banner & 9th Wonder "Mas 4"". Okayplayer.com. Retrieved 19 Jun 2018.
  36. ↑ Meka (2 Dec 2010). "David Banner & 9th Wonder – Mas 4". 2DOPEBOYZ.com. Retrieved 20 Jun 2018.
  37. 1 2 3 Hunte, Justin (25 Dec 2010). "David Banner & 9th Wonder - Death of a Pop Star". HipHopDX.com. Retrieved 5 Jan 2011.
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