David Banner: The Message

“When somebody thanks me for helping our community or teaching our community the things that I've learned,” David Banner tells Ebro in the latest episode of The Message, “well, I'm an alpha male in our community, that's what I'm supposed to do. The real truth is, as an artist, I've taken so much from the culture. And what I do now is I'm trying to give back to the culture the same way I took away from it.” David Banner was one of the most popular MCs and producers of the early aughts, delivering hits for other artists like Trick Daddy’s “Thug Holiday” and T.I.’s “Rubber Band Man” while turning parties out with songs of his own like “Crank It Up” and “Like a Pimp.” He’d parlay undeniable charm and a million-dollar smile into movie roles and hosting gigs, extending the scope of his career far beyond the recording booth, but as his newest music—2017’s The God Box—more accurately reflects, Banner’s mission has always been rooted in improving the state of affairs for Black America. “Historically, America has never shown that it cares about somebody that comes from where I come from, lives like I live, or looks like me,” he says. “So all of a sudden, you know, there's this big interest in that. I don't trust it. But I really think the true solution is us taking care of us.” David Banner’s The Message playlist includes selections from himself, Goodie Mob, and Bob Marley—all of which speak to Banner’s ethos of doing for oneself.