Who Is David Banner?

David Banner is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and record producer. He was born Lavell William Crump in Jackson, Mississippi on April 11, 1974. He first gained fame with the release of his debut album Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1 (1998).

Music Career

Banner had a successful solo career with the release of his second album Mississippi: The Album (2003). It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. His song ""Like A Pimp"" featuring Lil Flip became a hit single and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2005 he released Certified, which featured guest appearances from Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Kanye West.

Accolades

Banner has received multiple awards throughout his music career. In 2004 he won the Source Magazine Award for Independent Album of the Year for Mississippi: The Album. That same year he also won an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award for Songwriter of the Year. In 2009 he was nominated for a BET Hip-Hop Award for Best Collabo, Duo or Group for ""Shawty Say"" featuring Lil Wayne.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In addition to music, Banner is also an entrepreneur. He co-founded the production company A Banner Vision in 2010. He also released a mobile app called Hip Hop Weekly in 2011 which was the first interactive magazine app in the iTunes App Store.

Philanthropy

Banner has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts throughout his career. He founded the Heal the Hood Foundation in 2001 which works to provide educational and recreational opportunities to Mississippi youth. He was also appointed to Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour's Task Force on Education Reform in 2008.