David Banner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Banner
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Banner in 2023
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lavell William Crump |
| Born | April 11, 1974 Brookhaven, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Origin | Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Southern University (BS) |
| Genres | Southern hip hop |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1994–present |
| Labels |
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Lavell William Crump (born April 11, 1974), known as David Banner, is an American rapper, music producer, and actor. He was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.
David Banner started his music journey as part of a rap duo called Crooked Lettaz. He then began his solo career in 2000. In 2003, he signed with Universal Records. He has released several albums and produced music for many other famous artists. Besides music, David Banner has also appeared in movies and TV shows.
Contents
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. After finishing Provine High School in 1992, he went to Southern University in Louisiana.
At Southern University, he was the president of the Student Government Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in business. He later started a master's degree program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. However, he left 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 Incredible Hulk TV show. He and his friends sent demo tapes to a radio station in Jackson, Mississippi. A record executive named Glenn Toby discovered them.
In 1999, David Banner and rapper Kamikaze formed the duo Crooked Lettaz. They released an album called Grey Skies. In 2000, 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 getting many offers, David Banner signed with SRC Records, which was part of Universal Records. In 2003, he produced the hit song "Rubber Band Man" for T.I.. This song became very popular on music charts.
In 2003, Banner released his first album with a major label, Mississippi: The Album. It included the hit single "Like a ..." featuring Lil Flip. This song also did well on the Billboard charts. Later that year, he released another album, MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water.
In 2005, Banner released his third major album, Certified. The song "Play" from this album was a huge success. It reached high positions on the Hot 100, R&B, and Rap charts. David Banner also wrote the theme song for the video game Saints Row. He also contributed music for a commercial for Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds.
Later Works and Acting: 2007–Present
David Banner continued to release new music and take on acting roles. In 2007, he appeared in the film This Christmas. On July 15, 2008, he released his fourth major album, The Greatest Story Ever Told. This album featured popular artists like Akon, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg. His song "Get Like Me" with Chris Brown and Yung Joc was also a big hit.
In 2010, he acted in films like The Experiment and Stomp the Yard: Homecoming. He also worked with international artists. In 2012, he released a free mixtape. Fans were encouraged to donate at least $1 for the music.
David Banner has continued his acting career. He played Earl Gaines in the 2013 film The Butler. In 2014, he appeared as Jay in the movie Ride Along.
Community and Political Work
David Banner is also known for his work helping others. In November 2006, he received a Visionary Award. This award recognized his help after Hurricane Katrina.
In 2007, Banner spoke to Congress about racism and negative images in hip hop music. He explained that problems in hip hop often reflect bigger issues in society. He said, "Hip hop is sick because America is sick." He believes that if communities improve, the music will also improve.
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
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Black Snake Moan | Tehronne |
| 2007 | This Christmas | Mo |
| 2008 | Days of Wrath | Kryme |
| 2010 | Stomp the Yard: Homecoming | Jay |
| The Experiment | Bosch | |
| The Confidant | Daniel Jackson | |
| 2013 | The Butler | Earl Gaines |
| A Christmas Blessing | Charles | |
| 2014 | Ride Along | Jay |
| Where's the Love? | Sidney | |
| Flight 7500 | Co-Pilot Tom Anders | |
| 2015 | Carter High School | Royce West |
| 2016 | The Last Punch | Bundini |
| 2018 | Babes With Blades | Supporting Artist |
| Never Heard | Aaron Davis | |
| 2021 | Saints & Sinners: Judgement Day | Darryl Greene |
| 2024 | Finding Tony | Terrace Daniel |
Television Roles
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Monk | Snake the Assassin |
| 2012 | The Ropes | Himself |
| 2013 | Walking with Gods | Alex |
| 2016–18 | Saints & Sinners | Pastor Darryl Greene |
| 2019–20 | Empire | Philly Street |
| 2024 | Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist | Missouri Slim |
| 2025 | The Family Business: New Orleans | Jean LeBlanc |
| The Equalizer | Security Guard |
Music Videos
| Year | Song | Artist | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "Rubber Band Man" | T.I. | Himself |
| "Let Me In" | Young Buck featuring 50 Cent | Himself | |
| 2005 | "Sunshine to the Rain" | Miri Ben-Ari featuring Scarface & Anthony Hamilton | Himself |
| "Twisted Transistor" | Korn | David Silveria | |
| 2009 | "Respect My Conglomerate" | Busta Rhymes featuring Jadakiss & Lil Wayne | Himself |
| 2019 | "Steady Love" | India Arie | Himself |
Video Games
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Def Jam: Fight for NY | Himself (voice) |
| 2006 | Def Jam: Fight for NY – The Takeover |
Awards and Nominations
David Banner has been recognized for his music and production work.
- 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]
See also
In Spanish: David Banner para niños
