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.
Magnolia
David Banner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mighty mighty Magnolia
I was sittin' up under these trees
She was talkin' to me, said
"Son do you know who I am? Who I happen to be?"
And I told her, "The Might Magnolia that stand tall
for the shoulders of slaves and soldiers when the days get colder"
From the blood I'd hear it
From Mr. Malcom Garvey and Marley
Then she started to tell me
How she was used in the lynching of blacks
Branch cracked, broke her arms so his neck would snap
And if I wouldn't rap I'd probably meet the same damn fate
From the same damn rope, I'm 'bout the same damn weight
I said, "Wait man, wait"
I still got the nooses just loose and they tighten that bitch up
When I'm speakin' the truth
They need proof that God exist
So I gave The God Box
It ain't shit hard as this, it ain't shit hard as this
Flick a wrist, I flick a brick
An O, I still get this dough
These bitches know
Everywhere we go it's Mississippi ho
Peace the dro
This some old outer space ballin, spacecraft callin'
Black George Jetson Juice City jack kawin'
Paintin' pictures of scriptures
I know that ya'll missed us
Crackers out here stackin' they army
Tryna enlist us
You pissed us off enough to clique up on your ass
The last shall be first and the first shall be last
No average, no savage, this King rules
Billion dollar freedom fighter
And I take it if I gotta nigga
Cracker
Oh Mother Magnolia
Your daughters and your sons
May the sky start cryin'
As they hung lifeless from your arms
Please Mother Magnolia
Although the fruit is strange
It's been such a long time comin'
But will the seasons ever change?
Let me try to offer ya'll a whole 'nother perspective really quick
Now this African American officer was an undercover
He lost a little brother because of a gang color
Which eventually accelerated the cancer that killed his mother
And he was married to a white woman that they called a nigga lover
And it became a full time job not to kill a nigga
I wonder does he still consider that he's still a nigga
We all got choices, and the real recognize what's real and chose
But he's basically still undercover in his civilian clothes
All the right reasons
But he may not even get that love again
'Cause salary's still not enough to be a Republican
Issues of growin' up without a dad
Had 1 too many one night and forgot his badge
A brawl ensued with a racist cop
Didn't stop and ask
He was sure that he was a nigga when he shot his ass
Oh Mother Magnolia
Your daughters and your sons
May the sky start cryin'
As they hung lifeless from your arms
Please Mother Magnolia
Although the fruit is strange
It's been such a long time comin'
But will the seasons ever change?
If a tree could speak
It's probably shed a tear and weep
For the skin like mine
For being there behind Confederate lines
Mighty Magnolia
Mighty Magnolia
David Banner's song Magnolia is a powerful commentary on race relations, history, and the deep roots of Southern culture. The song begins with Banner sitting under a magnolia tree, which is a symbol of the South, and a reference to the Magnolia State of Mississippi. The tree speaks to him, asking if he knows who she is, and he responds that she is the Mighty Magnolia, which has stood tall for the shoulders of slaves and soldiers when the days get colder. The use of the word "Mighty" emphasizes the significance and importance of this tree in history.
As the song progresses, the tree shares its own history of being used in the lynching of black people, revealing a darker side of Southern history that is often ignored or overlooked. The second verse takes a different perspective, as Banner switches to talking about an African American police officer who is struggling with his own identity and sense of belonging. The officer lost his brother to gang violence, and his mother to cancer, and is married to a white woman. Despite his position of authority, he still feels like a "nigga" and struggles with the consequences of making the wrong decision.
Throughout the song, Banner weaves together themes of history, identity, and power, challenging listeners to reflect on their own roles in shaping the world around them. The lyrics are powerful and emotional, reflecting a deep sense of anger and hope that is rooted in the history of the South.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, ooh
Opening sound to start the song
Mighty mighty Magnolia
Acknowledging the Magnolia trees that grew on plantations and played a significant role in southern history
I was sittin' up under these trees
She was talkin' to me, said
"Son do you know who I am? Who I happen to be?"
Narrative describing how David Banner engaged in conversation with nature while being asked about the tree's significance
And I told her, "The Might Magnolia that stand tall
for the shoulders of slaves and soldiers when the days get colder"
I'm so older but I'm young in my spirit
From the blood I'd hear it
From Mr. Malcom Garvey and Marley
David Banner paid respect to the Magnolia trees for standing tall throughout the years of the slave trade and recognizing that although he is older, he still has a young spirit influenced by the likes of Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and Bob Marley.
Then she started to tell me
How she was used in the lynching of blacks
Branch cracked, broke her arms so his neck would snap
And if I wouldn't rap I'd probably meet the same damn fate
From the same damn rope, I'm 'bout the same damn weight
David Banner was enlightened by the tree about how it was used in the lynching of Blacks, and that he may have met the same fate if he didn't speak out against these injustices.
I said, "Wait man, wait"
I still got the nooses just loose and they tighten that bitch up
When I'm speakin' the truth
They need proof that God exist
So I gave The God Box
It ain't shit hard as this, it ain't shit hard as this
David Banner reflected on how the truth he shares is still met with skepticism, and uses The God Box as proof of God's existence as well as letting it be known that what he does isn't easy.
Flick a wrist, I flick a brick
An O, I still get this dough
These bitches know
Everywhere we go it's Mississippi ho
Peace the dro
David Banner acknowledges that despite the adversities he faces, he still manages to make money and have women follow him wherever he goes.
This some old outer space ballin, spacecraft callin'
Black George Jetson Juice City jack kawin'
Paintin' pictures of scriptures
I know that ya'll missed us
Crackers out here stackin' they army
Tryna enlist us
You pissed us off enough to clique up on your ass
The last shall be first and the first shall be last
No average, no savage, this King rules
Billion dollar freedom fighter
And I take it if I gotta nigga
Cracker
David Banner uses creative imagery to highlight the unique challenge that African Americans face today due to systemic racism and unite against their oppressors while acknowledging his position as a leader.
Oh Mother Magnolia
Your daughters and your sons
May the sky start cryin'
As they hung lifeless from your arms
Please Mother Magnolia
Although the fruit is strange
It's been such a long time comin'
But will the seasons ever change?
David Banner reflects on the pain and suffering that African Americans went through while hoping for change in the near future.
Let me try to offer ya'll a whole 'nother perspective really quick
Now this African American officer was an undercover
He lost a little brother because of a gang color
Which eventually accelerated the cancer that killed his mother
And he was married to a white woman that they called a nigga lover
And it became a full time job not to kill a nigga
I wonder does he still consider that he's still a nigga
We all got choices, and the real recognize what's real and chose
But he's basically still undercover in his civilian clothes
All the right reasons
But he may not even get that love again
'Cause salary's still not enough to be a Republican
Issues of growin' up without a dad
Had 1 too many one night and forgot his badge
A brawl ensued with a racist cop
Didn't stop and ask
He was sure that he was a nigga when he shot his ass
David Banner shares a story about an African American cop who struggles with issues of color, but has a genuine love for people as he tries his best to protect his community. However, despite his loyalty, issues from his past linger as his job isn't sufficient to support his family financially.
If a tree could speak
It's probably shed a tear and weep
For the skin like mine
For being there behind Confederate lines
Mighty Magnolia
Mighty Magnolia
David Banner uses personification to emphasize the metaphor of the Magnolia tree as a witness to history and a symbol of strength and resilience for the Black community.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, Lavell William Crump, Raheem Devaughn, Chris Goodman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@da4gotten162
REVOLT TV lets get it time to let the truth be told
each one go teach one
now run tell dat
surveliance dat
federaly indite that
persecute dat
AGAIN!
THANK U SO MUCH FOR THE TRUTH THE WHOLE TRUTH N NUTTIN BUT DA TRUTH!!!
@agonleed3841
Dawg Mane revenge would be "kill everyone and everything white. Take lands. Don't befriend them or anything"
My wife and ex wife are white. My exes in gf are Spanish and Asian. I've traveled the world thanks to the military. I've helped solve problems of many people. I have befriended many people who were ignorant to us as black people growing up, but after meeting me, have utmost respect for us as black people. I don't coin around, but I'm not an ignorant nigga either.
I don't teach revenge. I teach unity. However, in America, our unity must come with respect. And we have already ASKED for respect. And that didn't work. We must now DEMAND respect. And I do it to see my nephews who are full black to grow up in a better world than I did. And I do it for my mixed son to grow up worrying NOT about where he fits in.
Just because you want to keep your head down and be ignorant to issues and too afraid to fight back doesn't make the true warriors savages. It makes them strong men and women who refuse to be trampled on.
If you're white, you're just proving you're afraid to see blacks demand their respect and be seen more than less than nothing. As equals. But you shouldn't be afraid if your goal isn't to stand in the way.
If you're black, you should damn ashamed of yourself for being such a scary mf. Too afraid to stand up for your equality. TRUE equality. The t yoe your ancestors rebelled against the owners for. Went to war for. Marched for. Created the Panthers who's only existence was to protect their people from the society t hst hated them for. And we've been in a standstill since the late 70s. Nothing's changed but technology.
Stop pushing your ignorance. Learn the truths and respect it. Or keep your head down like a bitch and stay out of the way
@revolt
We have the exclusive world premiere of David Banner's new music video, "Magnolia" ft. CeeLo Green. Pulled from his 2017 effort The God Box, the track's powerful accompanying visual blends imagery of both Afrofuturism and historical Black experiences as the duo tells stories of racism, violence, and slavery.
@vladalexe1667
I don't think "Afrofuturism" means what you think it means... I see none of it in the imagery of this video
@MrCeo1978buddy
REVOLT TV why dont they play this on the radio because it has a real concept meaning not some gibberish
@da4gotten162
REVOLT TV lets get it time to let the truth be told
each one go teach one
now run tell dat
surveliance dat
federaly indite that
persecute dat
AGAIN!
THANK U SO MUCH FOR THE TRUTH THE WHOLE TRUTH N NUTTIN BUT DA TRUTH!!!
@obadiahbenyahuwah1365
Black Consciousness
@MichaelBurnz
dope !
@kwameasante6169
Great song with soul and substance. Banner has definitely evolved over the years . Growth , wisdom and knowledge in this video
@Cahluvca
Album is powerful! David's transformation in music in life is inspirational!
@TITOFOXX
This song is Amazing, they storytelling and art is very powerful
@da4gotten162
Darrell Jefferson yep!!!