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.
Ridin
David Banner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where you gotta let yo' nutz hang
Where them crakas used to cut your stomach open
Just to let your fuckin' guts hang
Right there in front of the kids
I might as well split your wig
'Cause that's just what the master did
But now I'm the new Nat Turner
Spreadin' something to the kids
Like Sojourner, man, the truth
Fuck a 'Creek, I care
But you in doubts and go "Woof"
He ain't dead, what pledge
There's a stank up in the Bush
Or a stank up in the White House
Shootin' board bullshit, man, it's dead props
Here in Chicago but hit this hi-lo
Warriors come play, click the bottles
Cock them AK's, bust on KK's
With the knuckle boy or the other two and the Stic-Man
Given dead on your shirt like a wristband
You a grown man, nigga, stand tall
Don't it hurt, 'cause you really ain't a nigga, dog?
Don't it hurt, 'cause you really ain't a nigga, dog?
Don't it hurt, 'cause you really ain't a nigga, dog?
Country boys, city boys
Cadillacs, Rolly Royce
Whatever, long as we ridin'
Pretty girls, ghetto boos
On the boulevard, in the avenue
It's a long walk, now that we ridin'
Yo, niggas is not original
Niggas follow the radio
Niggas think if you blow
Then you gotta be on the TV show
Crackas is hypocritical
Crackas will rob and shit on you
'Cause see you do what they do
They know freedom is powerful
Niggas is very visual
If we see it, we think it's true
Very few niggas make a move
And even less'll see it through
Crackas make up the chemicals
Then they call us the criminals
Crackas make all the loot
And we just get the residuals
Niggas will rob and shoot on you
Crackas will drop a bomb on you
Niggas is having funerals
Crackas is having barbecues
Niggas sing the blues
That's reminicin' the spiritual
But when you say gawd is you
Niggas ain't really hearing you
Crackas like to capitalize
Them crackas a lie
They say if you don't unionize
Then you'll probably die
I hate callin' niggas, niggas
So I'ma take it backwards
But I got now love for Whithey
I love callin 'em crackas
Country boys, city boys
Cadillacs, Rolly Royce
Whatever, long as we ridin'
Pretty girls, ghetto boos
On the boulevard, in the avenue
It's a long a walk, now that we ridin'
Yeah, I call myself real N I G G A
'Cause Kweli be showin' on the floor
And they policies, my philosophies
Show you that the block is a part of me
Freedom fighter like Richard Carter be
It's deep how the street knowledge beef
'Cause it ran like a code inside of me
It's practical, not scholarly
Now why do I call myself a nigga, you ask me
Who's got my back when the cops harass me
New York, L.A or Cincinnati
Can ride the train or with the Caddie
When they call you, nigga they scared of you
They fearin' you so actually
If crack is gone, be fearing niggas
Then that's what the fuck I have to be now
It's a badge of honor
And some say that shit's absurd
It's more than just a word
We flip the shit like it's a bird
Pass it down through generations
Then cuss you out and say it loud
The first generation of muthafuckas
To grab our nuts and say it proud
Country niggas or city niggas
Tupac niggas or biggie niggas
In the corridor, floor or door
And all my Mississippi niggas
We connected all throughout
The north, the east, the west, the south
And if a white boy say the shit
He'll still get punched right in the mouth
Country boys, city boys
Cadillacs, Rolly Royce
Whatever, long as we ridin'
Pretty girls, ghetto boos
On the boulevard, in the avenue
It's a long walk, now that we ridin'
All they got for you is a cell, my nigga
They want you dead or in jail without rebel, my nigga
In the streets, it's similar to hell, my nigga
But we gonna boss up and live well, my nigga
You see, all they got for you is a cell, my nigga
They want you dead or in jail without rebel, my nigga
In the streets, it's similar to hell, my nigga
But we gonna boss up and live well, my nigga
The lyrics of David Banner's "Ridin'" are a powerful reflection of the struggle that African Americans have faced throughout history. The song begins with a description of the brutal tactics that slave owners used to keep their slaves in line – even going so far as to cut open their stomachs to instill terror in the other slaves. Banner then turns his attention to the present day, likening himself to Nat Turner and Sojourner Truth as a trailblazer for justice and truth. He denounces the hypocrisy of white people who rob and cheat their way to riches, while black people are left with only the scraps.
Banner also discusses the use of the word "nigga," a derogatory term that has been reclaimed by some African Americans as a term of endearment and solidarity. He argues that it is more than just a word, but a badge of honor that celebrates the resilience and strength of African Americans throughout history. Banner sees "nigga" as a unifying force that brings together people from all walks of life – city boys, country boys, Tupac fans, and Biggie fans – under a shared banner of resistance and liberation.
In the final verse, Banner offers a message of empowerment to his fellow African Americans. Despite the systemic oppression that they face, he urges them to "boss up and live well" – to reject the prison-industrial complex and create a better future for themselves and their communities. "Ridin'" is a testament to the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America, and a powerful rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm from a place
I come from a certain location
Where you gotta let yo' nutz hang
Where you have to be fearless and assertive
Where them crakas used to cut your stomach open
Where white people used to inflict severe violence on Black individuals
Just to let your fuckin' guts hang
Just to let your internal pain and suffering be exposed
Right there in front of the kids
Directly in front of young children
I might as well split your wig
I might as well physically harm you
'Cause that's just what the master did
Because that's exactly what the slaveowners did
But now I'm the new Nat Turner
But now I am like the contemporary leader Nat Turner
Spreadin' something to the kids
Teaching something valuable to the younger generation
Like Sojourner, man, the truth
Similar to Sojourner Truth, spreading important truths
Fuck a 'Creek, I care
I don't care about a 'Creek (likely referring to a specific group or organization)
But you in doubts and go "Woof"
But you are unsure and act aggressively
He ain't dead, what pledge
He (referring to someone) isn't dead, what's the point of making a promise
There's a stank up in the Bush
There's a foul odor in the political leadership of the country (likely referring to George W. Bush)
Or a stank up in the White House
Or a foul odor in the current administration
Shootin' board bullshit, man, it's dead props
Engaging in meaningless actions, it's pointless and unimportant
Here in Chicago but hit this hi-lo
Here in Chicago, but focus on this high-low concept
Warriors come play, click the bottles
Warriors, come and join the game, drink from the bottles
Cock them AK's, bust on KK's
Prepare and shoot AK-47 assault rifles at Ku Klux Klan members
With the knuckle boy or the other two and the Stic-Man
With the person skilled at fighting or the other two individuals and The Stic-Man (likely referring to his collaborators or friends)
Given dead on your shirt like a wristband
Being killed and having that death displayed on your shirt like a wristband
You a grown man, nigga, stand tall
You are an adult, my friend, stand proud and confident
Don't it hurt, 'cause you really ain't a nigga, dog?
Doesn't it hurt, because deep down you don't truly understand the Black experience
Country boys, city boys
Individuals from rural areas, individuals from urban areas
Cadillacs, Rolly Royce
Cadillacs, Rolls-Royce cars
Whatever, long as we ridin'
No matter what, as long as we are together and enjoying life
Pretty girls, ghetto boos
Attractive women, women from inner-city neighborhoods
On the boulevard, in the avenue
On the street, in the neighborhood
It's a long walk, now that we ridin'
It's a journey, now that we are moving forward and progressing
Yo, niggas is not original
You know, people lack originality
Niggas follow the radio
People just follow what they hear on the radio
Niggas think if you blow
People believe that if you become successful
Then you gotta be on the TV show
Then you have to be on a television show
Crackas is hypocritical
White people are inconsistent and contradictory
Crackas will rob and shit on you
White people will steal from you and treat you poorly
'Cause see you do what they do
Because they see you imitating their actions
They know freedom is powerful
They understand that freedom is influential and significant
Niggas is very visual
People are easily influenced by what they see
If we see it, we think it's true
If we witness something, we perceive it as being real
Very few niggas make a move
Only a small number of individuals take action
And even less'll see it through
And an even smaller number will follow through and complete it
Crackas make up the chemicals
White people create the substances and compounds
Then they call us the criminals
Then they label us as the wrongdoers
Crackas make all the loot
White people accumulate all the wealth
And we just get the residuals
And we only receive the leftover or minimal benefits
Niggas will rob and shoot on you
People will steal from you and harm you
Crackas will drop a bomb on you
White people will detonate a bomb on you
Niggas is having funerals
People are attending and mourning funerals
Crackas is having barbecues
White people are enjoying barbecues
Niggas sing the blues
People express their sadness and hardships
That's reminicin' the spiritual
That's reminiscent of the spiritual heritage and history
But when you say gawd is you
But when you proclaim that you are God
Niggas ain't really hearing you
People are not truly listening to you
Crackas like to capitalize
White people like to take advantage of opportunities
Them crackas a lie
They are deceptive and untruthful
They say if you don't unionize
They say that if you don't form a union
Then you'll probably die
Then you will likely not succeed
I hate callin' niggas, niggas
I dislike referring to people as niggas
So I'ma take it backwards
So I am going to reverse that language
But I got now love for Whithey
But I have love for white people
I love callin 'em crackas
I enjoy referring to them as crackas
Yeah, I call myself real N I G G A
Yes, I refer to myself as a real N I G G A
'Cause Kweli be showin' on the floor
Because Kweli is demonstrating on the ground
And they policies, my philosophies
And their policies align with my philosophies
Show you that the block is a part of me
Demonstrate that the neighborhood is an integral part of who I am
Freedom fighter like Richard Carter be
Like Richard Carter, I am a fighter for freedom
It's deep how the street knowledge beef
It's profound how street knowledge conflicts
'Cause it ran like a code inside of me
Because it operated like a code within me
It's practical, not scholarly
It's practical knowledge, not academic knowledge
Now why do I call myself a nigga, you ask me
Now why do I refer to myself as a nigga, you inquire
Who's got my back when the cops harass me
Who supports me when I am being harassed by the police
New York, L.A or Cincinnati
Whether it's New York, Los Angeles or Cincinnati
Can ride the train or with the Caddie
Can travel by train or in a Cadillac
When they call you, nigga they scared of you
When they refer to you as a nigga, they are afraid of you
They fearin' you so actually
They are genuinely scared of you
If crack is gone, be fearing niggas
If crack is no longer present, they will fear Black people
Then that's what the fuck I have to be now
So that's what I must be now
It's a badge of honor
It's a symbol of pride
And some say that shit's absurd
And some people consider that viewpoint to be ridiculous
It's more than just a word
It has more significance than just being a word
We flip the shit like it's a bird
We change the meaning of it as easily as flipping a bird
Pass it down through generations
Pass it on from one generation to the next
Then cuss you out and say it loud
Then use it to insult you and say it loudly
The first generation of muthafuckas
The initial generation of individuals
To grab our nuts and say it proud
To assert ourselves and say it proudly
Country niggas or city niggas
People from rural areas, people from urban areas
Tupac niggas or biggie niggas
People who resonate with Tupac or Biggie
In the corridor, floor or door
In the hallway, on the ground, or at the entrance
And all my Mississippi niggas
And all my people from Mississippi
We connected all throughout
We are united throughout
The north, the east, the west, the south
The northern, eastern, western, and southern parts
And if a white boy say the shit
And if a white person says the same thing
He'll still get punched right in the mouth
He will still get punched directly in the mouth
All they got for you is a cell, my nigga
All they have planned for you is imprisonment, my friend
They want you dead or in jail without rebel, my nigga
They want you either dead or in jail without fighting back, my friend
In the streets, it's similar to hell, my nigga
In the streets, it's comparable to a hellish environment, my friend
But we gonna boss up and live well, my nigga
But we are going to rise up and live a good life, my friend
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: CLAYTON ANGELO GAVIN, ERNEST C. JR. FRANKLIN, LAURENT P. ALFRED, LAVELL W. CRUMP, LAVONNE ALFORD, TALIB KWELI GREENE, VIJAY SRINIVAS IYER, CLAYTON GAVIN, ERNEST FRANKLIN, TALIB GREENE, Lavell Crump
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind