David Banner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Banner
Banner in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Lavell William Crump
Born	(1974-04-11) April 11, 1974 (age 51) Brookhaven, Mississippi, U.S.
Origin	Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Alma mater	Southern University (BS)
Genres	Hip-hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper songwriter record producer actor
Years active	1994–present
Labels	A Banner Vision eOne Universal SRC Big Face

Lavell William Crump (born April 11, 1974), known professionally as David Banner, is an American rapper, music producer, and actor. He was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.

Banner started his music journey as part of the rap duo Crooked Lettaz. He then began his solo career in 2000 with his first album, Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1. In 2003, he signed with Universal Records and released several successful albums, including Mississippi: The Album and Certified. Besides his own music, David Banner is also famous for producing songs for other well-known artists like T.I. and Lil Wayne.

Early Life and Education

Lavell William Crump was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He was raised in Jackson, Mississippi, by his parents, Zeno Crump Jr. and Carolyn Crump. His father was a fire chief in Jackson.

David Banner graduated from Provine High School in Jackson in 1992. He then went to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which was also his mother's college. At Southern University, he was the president of the Student Government Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in business. Later, he started a master's degree in education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. However, he decided to leave the program to focus completely on his music career.

Music Career Highlights

Starting Out (1995–2000)

David Banner chose his stage name from the main character of the TV show The Incredible Hulk. He and his friends sent demo tapes to a radio station in Jackson, Mississippi, called WJMI. A talent manager named Glenn Sweety G Toby discovered them.

In 1999, Banner and another rapper named Kamikaze formed a duo called Crooked Lettaz. They released an album called Grey Skies. In 2000, David Banner released his first solo album, Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1. This album was released on an independent label called Big Face Records.

Major Label Success (2003–2006)

After considering different offers, David Banner signed with SRC Records, a part of Universal Records. In 2003, Banner produced the hit song "Rubber Band Man" for rapper T.I.. This song became very popular, reaching high spots on the music charts.

In the same year, Banner released his first album with a major label, Mississippi: The Album. He quickly followed up with another album that year, MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water. This album featured the popular song "Crank It Up."

In 2005, Banner released his third major label album, Certified. The album included singles like "Ain't Got Nothing" and "Play". "Play" was a big hit, reaching number 7 on the Hot 100 chart. David Banner also contributed to the music for the video game Saints Row.

Later Albums and Acting (2007–Present)

David Banner appeared in the TV pilot That Crook'd 'Sipp in 2007. His song "Play" was even used in the show's first TV commercial. That same year, he acted in the film This Christmas.

On July 15, 2008, Banner released his fourth major label album, The Greatest Story Ever Told. This album featured popular artists like Akon, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg. One of its singles, "Get Like Me", featuring Chris Brown and Yung Joc, was a big success, reaching number 16 on the Hot 100 chart.

Banner in 2009

In 2010, David Banner continued his acting career, appearing in films like The Experiment and Stomp the Yard: Homecoming. He also worked with international artists, such as Japanese rapper Seeda. In 2013, Banner was featured in the music video for "Confessions" by Lecrae. He also played Earl Gaines in the 2013 film The Butler and a character named Jay in the 2014 movie Ride Along.

Humanitarian and Political Work

David Banner is also known for his work outside of music. In November 2006, he received a Visionary Award from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. This award recognized his helpful work after Hurricane Katrina.

In September 2007, Banner spoke before Congress at a hearing about stereotypes in hip-hop music. He explained that hip-hop often reflects problems in society. He said, "Hip hop is sick because America is sick," suggesting that if society improves, so will the music.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1 (2000)
• Mississippi: The Album (2003)
• MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water (2003)
• Certified (2005)
• The Greatest Story Ever Told (2008)
• #TheGodBox (2017)

Collaborative Albums

• Death of a Pop Star (with 9th Wonder) (2010)

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

Music Videos

Video Game Roles

Awards and Nominations

• BET Hip Hop Awards
  • 2008, Best Hip-Hop Video ("Get Like Me") with Chris Brown & Yung Joc [nominated]
  • 2008, Best Hip-Hop Collabo ("Get Like Me") with Chris Brown & Yung Joc [nominated]
  • 2008, Best Producer [nominated]
• Ozone Awards
  • 2008, Best Rap/R&B Collaboration ("Get Like Me"), featuring Chris Brown & Yung Joc [nominated]

Images for kids

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  Banner in 2023

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  Banner in 2009