Lavell William Crump (born April 11, 1974), known professionally as David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer, actor, and activist. Banner was raised in Jackson, Mississippi. Banner graduated from Southern University with a bachelor's degree, then attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore to pursue a master's. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo Crooked Lettaz, before going solo in 2000 with the release titled Them Firewater Boyz, Vol. 1. In 2003, Banner signed to... [more on Wikipedia]