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David Banner (born Levell Crump in Jackson, Mississippi) is a rapper, hip hop music record producer, record label executive, and philanthropist.

Early career

Prior to having a solo career, Banner was part of the rap duo Crooked Lettaz which released an album called Grey Skies in 1999. Banner then released his first solo album called Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1 in 2000. The album managed to sell over 10,000 copies in his hometown alone despite having little record label backing.

Recent career

His first major-label album, Mississippi: The Album, went gold and was a critical and commercial success^{citation needed]}, largely due to the success of lead single, "Like A Pimp (Featuring Lil' Flip)", as well as more introspective album tracks such as "Cadillac's On 22's" and "Mississippi." The following album, MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water, was completed in two weeks at the behest of SRC executive Steve Rifkind. His fourth album, Certified was released on September 20, 2005, after repeated delays.

He is currently remains signed to SRC.

Other than rapping, Banner is a producer and has produced for artists like T.I., Chingy, and Nelly among others. He is currently working with new artist Marcus, who was discovered by Banner. Banner says he was inspired to become a producer when, as a newcomer to the rap scene, he couldn't afford to buy beats and had to create his own.

He is the creator of the main theme to Saint's Row.^[1]

Education

Banner graduated from John W. Provine High School in Jackson, MS and is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While there, he served as president of the Student Government Association.

Discography

Studio albums

• 2000: Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1 (10,000 Copies Sold)
• 2003: Mississippi: The Album US #9 (U.S. Certification: Gold)
• 2003: MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water US #69
• 2005: Certified US #6
• 2007: From The Bottom, To The Top US #TBA

Singles

Selected production credits

• "Rubber Band Man" and "Countdown" by T.I.
• "Tip Drill" by Nelly feat. the St. Lunatics
• "Talkin' That Talk" by Chamillionaire feat. David Banner
• "I'm" by Remy Ma
• "All The Way To St. Lou" by Chingy
• "See About Ya" by Beezle
• "Representin" by Lil Flip feat. Three 6 Mafia & David Banner
• "Ain't No Nigga" by Lil Flip
• "Take It To The Floor" by T-Rock
• "Faknass Hoes" by Tha Dogg Pound
• "Nappy Roots Day" by Nappy Roots

Trivia

David Banner takes his name from the lead character of the 1980's CBS television series The Incredible Hulk (played by Bill Bixby). Legally he can do this since the copyrighted name of The Hulk's alter ego (Dr. Bruce Banner) was changed to Dr. David Banner for the series.

References

1. ^ [1]

External links

• David Banner Official Site
• David Banner Interview
• All Music Guide's David Banner entry
• David Banner Interview on JumpBoxTV
• MTV's David Banner news archives
• David Banner Interview on Sidewalks Entertainment