David Banner Biography

Fast Facts

• Received the 2006 Visionary Award by the National Black Caucus of the State Legislature, recognizing his work following Hurricane Katrina
• While at Southern University he served as president of the Student Government Association
• Graduated from Provine High School in 1992
• Pursued a masters of eduation degree from the University of Maryland, but dropped out to pursue a music career
• Graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La, with a bachelor's degree in business
• Began his music career as one-half of rap duo Crooked Lettaz
• Made his solo debut in 2000 with his album "Them Firewater Boyz, Vol․ 1․"
• Best known as a rapper, record producer and actor
• Starred in his first film in 2006, "Black Snake Moan․"
• Wrote the theme song to the video game "Saints Row․"
• Born Lavell William Crump, he chose his stage name as a nod to the alter-ego of superhero Incredible Hulk
• Was asked to testify before Congress in September 2007 regarding perceived racism, sexism and offensive language in hip-hop music, a notion he strongly disagreed with