David Banner: Rapper, Civil Rights Activist

David Banner has been in the news a lot lately. He’s helped the hurricane victims in the Gulf States. He’s angry about not getting enough media coverage for disaster victims, and he’s topping the charts with his third album, Certified. Some say he’s a shrewd businessman, some say he’s a humanitarian. Banner would say that he’s just himself. Nevertheless, intentionally or not, the “Certified” hip-hop star has become the unofficial mouthpiece of the impoverished black community. Using his music and fame as a platform, Banner advocates for the less fortunate who don’t have the resources or influence he has. Presently, far from the humble beginnings of Crooked Lettaz, Banner finds himself funding college educations, organizing relief aid concerts to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims, and making number one hits. He also has a couple movies, and a cartoon in the works. How he found the time to talk with FEVER Magazine is a mystery.

FEVER: Why is it important for African Americans to be more socially and health conscience?

David Banner: Because if we don’t we’ll die. The leading killer of us is stress, and being unhealthy. Stress comes from our environments that we are in due to our socio-economic environments. We’ve got to do something about our lives and our health. We have a choice on how we eat now. In slavery days we didn’t have a choice.

FEVER: How do you explain your seemingly contradictory behavior? You have thought-provoking lyrics in “My Life” then x-rated lyrics in the song “Play”.

David Banner: It’s my music. Regardless of whether we admit it or not, our whole life as humans is a contradiction. It’s when we don’t embrace all sides that we lose something. As much as we would like to say songs like “My Life” sells a record, when we really sit down and look at it, “Play” sold this album. And as much as we want to say “Cadillac on 22’s” sold “Mississippi: The Album,” “Like a Pimp” sold it.

FEVER: What have you learned since you came into the game? Would you change anything?

David Banner: I wouldn’t change anything. If I did, it would be to keep everything business. Everything is business, it isn’t personal. People will take care of themselves before they take care of you. I’m just thankful God gave me the opportunity to do what I do now.

FEVER: Tell me why it’s important to get the word out about your Heal the Hood Foundation.

David Banner: It’s important because black people are suffering. It’s our responsibility to help the community. One of the worse things happened in American history and we need to give them support.

FEVER: What do you think about FEMA cutting funding for assistance to Katrina victims?

David Banner: You have to understand as Americans that this is going on everyday. The government is cutting local and state funds. Anything important for poor Americans gets cut. You shouldn’t be surprised.

FEVER: What can we expect for 2006?

David Banner: I just finished a new movie with Samuel L. Jackson [“Black Snake Moan]”, and there are a lot of different acting roles coming up for me. I have a cartoon coming out on Cartoon Network.

FEVER: When everything is said and done, what would make David Banner a happy man?

David Banner: To die and go live with God. Certified is in stores now. For more information on David Banner, go to www.david-banner.com

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