David Banner Launches 2M1 Movement

Biography

Born Levell Crump, in Jackson, Mississippi, David Banner always dreamt of becoming a rap superstar. His parents, Zeno and Carolyn Crump, emphasized the importance of values and religious beliefs. Banner experimented with music throughout his childhood by playing the keyboards and hand drum and eventually developed a talent in rapping. He first put his talent to test at Northwest Jackson Middle School. In high school, David Banner worked at a local grocery store to make money to aid his music career. Before pursuing his music career full time, Banner received his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and began a master's degree program in education, a pursuit he left to begin his professional rapping career. Banner's career began as part of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz, with rapper Kamikaze. Banner's first hit, "Like a Pimp" brought his work to the attention of major record labels, and he ended up leaving his independent label to sign with Universal Records subsidiary, SRC Records in the early 2000s. Since then, Banner has released hit including "Ain't Got Nothing", "Play", "Touching", and "Get Like Me" featuring Chris Brown and Yung Joc across four major albums. Outside of his music career, Banner has maintained attention in the public through his political activism. In 2006, he was awarded a Visionary Award by the National Black Caucus of the State Legislature in recognition of his work following Hurricane Katrina. The following year, Banner testified before Congress in a hearing regarding racism and misogyny in rap music. In his testimony, Banner defended the controversial content of hip hop music stating "I can admit there are some problems in hip hop but it is only a reflection of what's taking place in our society. Hip hop is sick because America is sick."

1974 - Born Levell Crump, in Jackson, Mississippi to Zeno and Carolyn Crump

1999- David Banner and rapper Kamikaze as the duo, Crooked Lettaz, releases Grey Skies

2000- Banner independently releases his solo debut album Them Firewater Boyz

2003- Banner signs to Universal Records releasing four albums: Mississippi: The Album (2003), MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water (2004), Certified (2005), and The Greatest Story Ever Told (2008)

2004-Banner held his first scholarship contest, "Crank It Up" by placing game pieces in his album MTA2. Five people who found the tickets had $10,000 donated towards their secondary education or the secondary education the contest winner's family member.

2004- He produces T.I.'s single, "Rubberband Man", which reached #30 on the Hot 100, #15 on the R&B chart, and #11 on the Rap chart

2005- After Katrina, Banner organized a relief concert to benefit the victims of the hurricane through the Heal the Hood Foundation.

2006- The National Black Caucus of the State Legislature recognizing the work he did after Hurricane Katrina of honored him with the Visionary Award

2006- Banner released the song theme song for XBOX game Saints Row

2007- He testifies before Congress at a hearing about racism and misogyny in hip hop music entitled From Imus to Industry: The Business of Stereotypes and Degrading Images. He also appeared in the film Black Snake Moan and This Christmas and in an epside of USA Network's Monk.

2008- Banner releases his fourth major label album, The Greatest Story Ever Told. Banner produces the single "Get Like Me" reached #16 on the Hot 100, #7 on the R&B chart, and #2 on the Rap chart.

2010- A collaborative album with 9th Wonder entitled, Death of a Pop Star is released. The two, recognizing their similar stance on black male identity and the present development of black music industry in particular, used this album to communicate shared values. David Banner also returned to the silver screen in Stom The Yard 2.

2012- Banner's release of "Swag" in September 2011, chastising the new generation of rappers, offended Lil B. In his retort, Lil B released "I Own Swag" over the beats of Banner's original song in February 2012. A few days later, after a phone conversation, the dispute was resolved. Banner did not publically

2012- The album Sex, Drugs and Video Games is slated for release in collaboration with his project, 2M1 Movement. Acknowledging a mitigated recognition of hip hop music's value to a new generation, Banner released the album for free on his website while asking instead that 2 million people donate $1 for the music.