David Banner

David Banner
Banner in 2023
Background information
Born
Lavell William Crump

(1974-04-11) April 11, 1974
OriginJackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Alma materSouthern University (BS)
GenresSouthern hip-hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
  • activist
Years active1994–present
Labels
Formerly of
Websitedavidbanner.com

Lavell William Crump (born April 11, 1974), known professionally as David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and activist.

Born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Banner's family moved to Jackson, where he was raised. Banner graduated from Southern University with a bachelor's degree, then attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore to pursue a master's. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo Crooked Lettaz, before going solo in 2000 with the release titled Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1. In 2003, Banner signed to Universal Records, where he released four albums: Mississippi: The Album (2003), MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water (2003), Certified (2005), and The Greatest Story Ever Told (2008). He is also a noted producer, having produced music for himself, Trick Daddy, T.I., Lil Boosie and Lil Wayne, among others. As an actor, Banner appeared in the films Black Snake Moan (2006), This Christmas (2007), The Butler (2013), and Ride Along (2014), as well as the television series Empire, Saints & Sinners, and The Family Business: New Orleans.