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.
My Life
David Banner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hear it in the cold of the night, ya'll niggas wanna take ma life (oh)
I been tryin ta do right, but they still wanna take ma life (oh)
I can hear it in the cold fo the night, ya'll niggas wanna take ma life (oh)
I been tryin ta do right, but they still wanna take ma life (oh)
I can feel it in the night time
I say the lord gave life, but these niggas wanna take mine
They ain't have to feel, they'd rather see me burnin in hell, n that's the truth
They'll set you up got proof, think about the 12 dicipes
What one traitor did to christ, for small cheese
And they'll do it to me, damn and they'll do it to you
It only takes one in your crew
To cock back, black, and take ya life from you
To cock back, black, and take ya life from you
Damn
[Chorus]
Think about the slave trade, we sold our own jus' to get paid
And now adays it's tha same thang, let ya braids hang
White folks contributed, to gang bang
Gain, dope slang, gain, mayn But we all some thugs
The same one that you love will kill ya ass for drugs
Come to the funeral with kisses and hugs
For ya mom, ya sister, ya brother and all
And really all they wanted was to see you fall
Bestfriend dead for this nigga can ball
Bestfriend dead so tha streets can ball
Damn
[Chorus]
Sometimes I tend to lose my faith
I'm askin' god to hear ma case
If you could see it through ma eyes
They all wanna see me meet my dimize
I feel alone to lose my mind
Beggin' god jus' send me a sign
Tryna do the best that I can
Be a man and follow gods plan
I been tryin' to do right but niggas wanna take my life
I been tryin' to do right and niggas wanna take my life
David Banner's song "My Life" talks about the struggles and fear of being a target of violence in a dangerous environment. The chorus is a constant reminder of how the rapper's life is constantly in danger, as people around him want to take his life. He has tried to live righteously, but still the fear of losing his life persists.
In the first verse, Banner refers to the grapevine, possibly referring to rumors about his life being at risk. He realizes that people would rather see him suffer and burn in hell than be happy and safe. He alludes to the 12 disciples, with one traitor causing harm, and says how even a trusted member of his crew could turn on him and end his life.
The second verse delves into the idea of the slave trade where Black people sold their own kind for profit, commenting that present-day gang violence has similar origins. He notes that white people also contributed to the same violence and drug culture. He explains how people who pretend to be his friend will "kill [his] ass for drugs" and attend his funeral with "kisses and hugs." This lyric is a reminder of how the people around him may not always have his best interests at heart.
In the final verse, Banner expresses his fear of losing his mind and asks God for guidance. He tries to follow God's plan and live a good life, but his fear of being a target for violence impedes him. The constant threat of violence looms large over his life, and he is constantly wondering when someone will take his life.
Overall, "My Life" talks about the harsh realities of living in a violent environment and the ever-existing fear that one may lose their life at any moment.
Line by Line Meaning
I can hear it in the cold of the night, ya'll niggas wanna take ma life (oh)
I can sense imminent danger lurking in the night. Others are actively seeking to harm or kill me.
I been tryin ta do right, but they still wanna take ma life (oh)
Despite my efforts to make positive changes in my life, those who wish to harm me persist in their pursuit.
I can feel it in the night time
I am highly attuned to the danger present in the night.
I say the lord gave life, but these niggas wanna take mine
I believe that my life is a gift from God, but there are individuals who are intent on taking it away from me.
I heard it through the grapevine
I received word through informal channels that someone is seeking to cause me harm.
They ain't have to feel, they'd rather see me burnin in hell, n that's the truth
There are those who are indifferent to my wellbeing and would prefer to see me suffer terrible consequences.
They'll set you up got proof, think about the 12 dicipes
There are people who will frame or falsely accuse others of wrongdoing for their own gain, much like one of Jesus's disciples who betrayed him for a small sum of money.
What one traitor did to christ, for small cheese
In reference to the biblical story of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
And they'll do it to me, damn and they'll do it to you
Others are capable of doing the same thing to me or anyone else in their pursuit of self-interest.
It only takes one in your crew
It only takes one person within your inner circle of friends or allies to turn against you and cause harm.
To cock back, black, and take ya life from you
To prepare a firearm, aim it, and pull the trigger to end someone's life.
Think about the slave trade, we sold our own jus' to get paid
Reflect on the inhumane practice of selling fellow human beings into slavery for personal profit, even within their own racial or ethnic group.
And now adays it's tha same thang, let ya braids hang
Similar to the past, some individuals are still willing to harm or exploit others for personal gain or status.
White folks contributed, to gang bang
Despite common beliefs, people from different races or backgrounds have historically contributed to the causes of violence and crime, including gang activity.
Gain, dope slang, gain, mayn But we all some thugs
Many individuals turn to crime or illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, to make money or gain status, regardless of their background or upbringing.
The same one that you love will kill ya ass for drugs
Even someone who is close to you or has your best interests at heart may be willing to harm or betray you in pursuit of drugs or other vices.
Come to the funeral with kisses and hugs
People may express false condolences and emotions at a funeral, despite any role they may have played in the deceased's death.
For ya mom, ya sister, ya brother and all
Everyone who is close to the deceased is affected by their loss and suffering.
And really all they wanted was to see you fall
Some individuals may actively desire to undermine or bring down someone who they perceive as a threat or competitor.
Bestfriend dead for this nigga can ball
Someone may be willing to sacrifice their closest relationships, including their best friend, to pursue personal gain or status.
Sometimes I tend to lose my faith
I occasionally have doubts and lose hope in difficult or uncertain situations.
I'm askin' god to hear ma case
I turn to God or a higher power for guidance and support, especially in times of hardship or crisis.
If you could see it through ma eyes
I wish others could understand the challenges and obstacles I face on a daily basis.
They all wanna see me meet my dimize
There are many people who hope or actively seek to cause my death or downfall.
I feel alone to lose my mind
I experience intense feelings of isolation and despair in the face of ongoing threats and danger.
Beggin' god jus' send me a sign
I pray for a clear sign or message from God to show me a way forward or to alleviate my fears and doubts.
Tryna do the best that I can
Despite the many challenges and obstacles I face, I am trying my hardest to stay positive and make the right choices.
Be a man and follow gods plan
I aspire to be a strong and moral person, following God's teachings and guidance in my life.
I been tryin' to do right but niggas wanna take my life
Despite my efforts to be a better person and make positive changes, there are still those who seek to harm or kill me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Banner, Michael D Hartnett, Schuylar S Keeton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind