Prior to having a solo career, Banner was part of the rap duo Crooked Lettaz which released an album called Grey Skies in 1999. Banner then released his first solo album called Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1 in 2000. The album managed to sell over 10,000 copies in his hometown alone despite having little record label backing.
David Banner is well known for his many contributions to his local community of Jackson, Mississippi as well as Mississippi and the entire Gulf Coast region. In Jackson he has volunteered with such community organizations as Stewpot Ministries. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 he started the non-profit organization Heal the Hood which provided a range of services to victims of Hurricane Katrina ranging from reuniting family members separated by the storm to dispensing food to the various devestated communities of the Gulf Coast. A large benefit concert for Heal the Hood was held on September 17, 2005 at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The concert had performances from myriad recording artists, mostly from Atlanta, from Lil Jon to 112, Busta Rhymes to Lyfe Jennings. He was also involved in similar benefit concerts in Mississippi and New York.
In addition to these efforts Banner has given tens of thousands of dollars to college scholarships for minorities.
His first major-label album, Mississippi: The Album, went gold and was a critical and commercial success[citation needed], largely due to the success of lead single, "Like A Pimp", as well as more introspective album tracks such as "Cadillac's On 22's" and "Mississippi." The following album, MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water, was completed in two weeks at the behest of SRC executive Steve Rifkind. His fourth album, Certified was released on September 20, 2005, after repeated delays.
He is currently remains signed to SRC.
Other than rapping, Banner is a producer and has produced for artists like T.I., Chingy, and Nelly among others. He is currently working with new artist Marcus, who was discovered by Banner. Banner says he was inspired to become a producer when, as a newcomer to the rap scene, he couldn't afford to buy beats and had to create his own.
Banner's most popular single, "Play", has caused some controversy for its very explicit lyrics. Its main chorus describes Banner's desire to make women "come." He also mentions having sex "until their pussy aches" and "making the bed break." Despite these controversies, "Play" still received much airplay on Top 40 and Rap/R&B radio stations, and on music video channels like MTV, though the lyrics are changed significantly for the airplay version. His next single "Touching" featuring fellow producer Jazze Pha made some airplay.
Banner graduated from John W. Provine High School in Jackson, MS and is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While there, he served as president of the Student Government Association. He also has a Master's Degree which he says he obtained while at times being homeless.
9Mm
David Banner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Snoop Dogg (Dogg, alright)
Konvict Music, Akon and David Banner
Wanna ride tonight
Best believe we 'bout to ride tonight, yeah
(Ride) Young Money, Cash Money
(Woo) C'mon Akon, let's go
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (bah, bah)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (oh)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (bah, bah)
I got a nine millimeter (we did)
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (bah, bah)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (I go by Weezy Baby)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (tell you somethin' 'bout me now)
Ahem, tool on deck why would I lie?
Nigga you a pussy, hope ya got nine lives
I can hit a nigga with the .9, nine times
Country ass boy, country like LeAnne Rimes
Mississippi D-Banner and Lil' Weezyana
Errbody got tools so you will need a hammer
I'm a pill poppin' animal, syrup sippin' nigga
I'm so high you couldn't reach me with a fuckin' antenna
You fuckin' with this man, you can be this man's dinner
The .9 gimme brains but the AK add liver
The rapper is insane flowing like a mad river
Make your ass quiver like you naked at winter
Hollygrove honcho, hard time giver
I'm a shark in the water, you just Long John Silver
I got a girl, you wanna meet her? Ha
Her name is nine millimeter
I got a nine millimeter
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (so you feel it)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (to conceal it)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay)
I got a nine millimeter
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (so you feel it)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (ay)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay)
If I got nine slugs, nine bullets gon' fly
If I got a red beam, nine people gon' die
Nine mamas gon' cry, nine spirits in the sky
Nine preachers preaching nine sermons, telling nine lies
'Cause each and every one of ya'll nine niggas wasn't shit
I would have rather kept the nine Rugers in the Ruger clip
The index finger slipped, the nine let nine spit
I lick 'em all like eighteen tits on nine chicks
I'ma suicide risk, nine slits on each wrist
If I die nine times the next go-around's a bitch
And if I come back, I'll throw ninety-nine shows
And shove nine inches of dick in ninety-nine hoes all day
I got a nine millimeter
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (so you feel it)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (to conceal it)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay)
I got a nine millimeter
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (so you feel it)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (to conceal it)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay)
I'm a West Coast original, black John Wayne
Nigga where we from we like to pop that thang
Ay, you better stop that man
Fat mouth the Dogg and I'ma pop-pop-bang (bang)
Pigs wanna bust me, hoes wanna suck me
Wanna touch me, none of that, trust me
I'm too slick, too sly, never snitch, I let it ride
I set aside all my feelings when I'm killin' like a villain
Move quick like a cheetah, I'm a killer
I ain't here to lock up I flash the heater
Then lock your whole block up
Dip-dop-deeter, Banner turn the beat up
Illa-fo-reala my nilla dilla never caught
You niggas always acting hard
I keep a ninemillimeter in my waist and got two more in the car
Yeah you all 'bout to get it, so quit it
Tryin' to conceal it
You fuck around and make me reveal it, so killas kill it
I got a nine millimeter
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (so you feel it)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (to conceal it)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay)
I got a nine millimeter
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (so you feel it)
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (to conceal it)
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay, ay)
The lyrics of David Banner's "9mm" have been interpreted as an ode to the power dynamic in hip-hop culture. The song is heavily influenced by the myth of the 'gangster' lifestyle, featuring violent themes throughout. The chorus of the song explicitly states that the artist has a nine-millimeter gun and is willing to use it at any moment. The song paints a picture of a dangerous, high-stakes world where violence is always just around the corner.
The lyrics mention many different types of guns, including the AK-47 and Ruger clip, which has raised some eyebrows from those who believe it glorifies gun violence. However, some argue that the song is actually a cautionary tale about the dangers of the gangster lifestyle. Throughout the song, the lyrics suggest that the artist is always on the brink of violence, but ultimately chooses to keep their weapon concealed.
Overall, the song is a vivid exploration of the darker side of hip-hop culture, complete with gun violence, drug use, and the constant threat of danger. The lyrics serve as a warning about the glamorization of violence and the myth of the 'gangster' lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Konvict (Konvict)
Introducing the music label responsible for producing the song.
Snoop Dogg (Dogg, alright)
Acknowledging the famous rapper Snoop Dogg.
Konvict Music, Akon and David Banner
Stating the music label and the artists associated with the song.
Wanna ride tonight
The artist is expressing their desire to go out and party.
Best believe we 'bout to ride tonight, yeah
Confirming the intention of going out to the party.
(Ride) Young Money, Cash Money
Shout-out to record labels Young Money and Cash Money.
(Woo) C'mon Akon, let's go
Encouraging Akon to join in the partying for the night.
I got a nine millimeter (get it)
Revealing that the artist is carrying a gun.
Ready to go off any minute so you feel it (bah, bah)
The artist is warning that the gun can be fired at any moment.
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (oh)
Explaining why the artist must keep the gun hidden.
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (bah, bah)
Warning that if someone crosses the artist, they will not hesitate to use the gun.
I got a nine millimeter (we did)
Repeating the fact that the artist is carrying a gun.
Because of the law, I had to conceal it (I go by Weezy Baby)
Reminding listeners why the artist cannot openly display the weapon.
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (tell you somethin' 'bout me now)
Again, warning that if someone provokes the artist, they will use the gun to retaliate.
Ahem, tool on deck why would I lie?
Asserting that the artist is not lying about possessing a firearm.
Nigga you a pussy, hope ya got nine lives
Insulting someone and implying that they are a coward.
I can hit a nigga with the .9, nine times
Suggesting that the artist can shoot someone multiple times with the gun they are carrying.
Country ass boy, country like LeAnne Rimes
Describing someone as hailing from a rural area akin to a country music singer.
Mississippi D-Banner and Lil' Weezyana
Referring to the artist's own hometowns of Mississippi and New Orleans.
Errbody got tools so you will need a hammer
Suggesting that everyone carries a weapon and that someone might need a bigger weapon to defend themselves.
I'm a pill poppin' animal, syrup sippin' nigga
Admitting to drug use by the artist.
I'm so high you couldn't reach me with a fuckin' antenna
Describing a state of extreme intoxication.
You fuckin' with this man, you can be this man's dinner
Warning that if someone challenges the artist, they will be easily defeated.
The .9 gimme brains but the AK add liver
Using guns as a metaphor for sexual acts.
The rapper is insane flowing like a mad river
Describing the artist's rap skills as crazy and fast-paced.
Make your ass quiver like you naked at winter
Suggesting that the artist's rap style is so intense that it can move listeners emotionally.
Hollygrove honcho, hard time giver
Describing oneself as the boss of their own neighborhood and someone who has experienced difficult times.
I'm a shark in the water, you just Long John Silver
Comparing themselves to a fearsome predator and someone else to a fictional pirate who is easily defeated.
I got a girl, you wanna meet her? Ha
Playing with lyrical wordplay by naming their gun a girl.
Her name is nine millimeter
Further emphasizing that the girl is a gun, which is a nine millimeter.
If I got nine slugs, nine bullets gon' fly
Stating that if the artist has nine bullets, they will use them to the fullest extent.
If I got a red beam, nine people gon' die
Threatening that if the artist uses a laser sight on their gun, they can accurately shoot up to nine people.
Nine mamas gon' cry, nine spirits in the sky
Observing that if someone dies from the artist's gun, they will be mourned by families and loved ones left behind.
Nine preachers preaching nine sermons, telling nine lies
Imagining that the deaths caused by the artist's gun will lead to religious leaders preaching sermons that may not be truthful.
'Cause each and every one of ya'll nine niggas wasn't shit
Insulting a group of people that a person dislikes and implying that they all have failed to live up to expectations in some way.
I would have rather kept the nine Rugers in the Ruger clip
Admitting that the artist wishes they had kept their guns in a magazine instead of drawing attention to them.
The index finger slipped, the nine let nine spit
Suggesting that the artist accidentally discharged a weapon, and shot nine times.
I lick 'em all like eighteen tits on nine chicks
Using the idea of multiple breasts to exaggerate the artist's confidence in being dominant over people.
I'ma suicide risk, nine slits on each wrist
Using metaphorical language to suggest that life is challenging and suicidal desires may be a risk.
If I die nine times the next go-around's a bitch
Expressing that dying is difficult and that each time someone comes back to life, it is harder than before.
And if I come back, I'll throw ninety-nine shows
If the artist survives death, they will perform many more times.
And shove nine inches of dick in ninety-nine hoes all day
Using vulgar language and sexual references to suggest that the artist will have sex with many women if they come back to life.
I'm a West Coast original, black John Wayne
Comparing oneself to famous figure John Wayne and expressing that they are from the West Coast.
Nigga where we from we like to pop that thang
Explaining that people where the artist is from are prone to using guns.
Ay, you better stop that man
Directly addressing someone who they believe is acting foolishly and recklessly.
Fat mouth the Dogg and I'ma pop-pop-bang (bang)
Referencing Snoop Dogg's tendency to run his mouth and threaten to use guns.
Pigs wanna bust me, hoes wanna suck me
Claiming that police are after them but that women are still attracted to them.
Wanna touch me, none of that, trust me
Advising people not to try to touch or physically attack the artist.
I'm too slick, too sly, never snitch, I let it ride
Saying that they are too clever and cunning to ever betray someone else's confidence.
I set aside all my feelings when I'm killin' like a villain
Declaring that they are able to shed their emotions when they are taken on the role of a killer.
Move quick like a cheetah, I'm a killer
Insinuating that they are capable of moving quickly and efficiently when they are ready for action.
I ain't here to lock up I flash the heater
Stating that the artist is not interested in getting arrested and will use their gun as a deterrent to keep themselves safe.
Then lock your whole block up
Implying that they will be so effective at scaring people with their gun that the whole block will be locked down.
Dip-dop-deeter, Banner turn the beat up
Using nonsensical words to indicate a transition in the song.
Illa-fo-reala my nilla dilla never caught
Using slang and nonsensical language in lyrics for comedic effect.
You niggas always acting hard
Implying that others who act tough often don't have what it takes to follow through on their threats.
I keep a ninemillimeter in my waist and got two more in the car
Admitting to the fact that the artist carries multiple guns for their own protection.
Yeah you all 'bout to get it, so quit it
Threatening violence against someone if they don't stop their current behavior.
Tryin' to conceal it
Referencing the idea of concealing a gun.
You fuck around and make me reveal it, so killas kill it
Warning that if someone pushes the artist too far, there will be dire consequences.
But if you fuck around you gon' make me reveal it, ay (ay, ay)
Repeating the warning that the artist is capable of using their weapon if they are provoked.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dwayne Carter, Lavell Crump, Thiam Aliune, Calvin Broadus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind