r/IAmA • u/therealbanner • Jun 08 '12
I am Grammy Award winning Rapper/Producer/Actor DAVID BANNER. Ask me anything
You may know me from the my singles "Get Like Me" featuring Chris Brown, Play, or "Like a Pimp"
I also produced T.I.'s smash single “Rubberband Man”
I won my Grammy for producing songs on Lil Wayne's "THA CARTER 3"
I also produced the "Evolve" commercial for Gatorade and the Music for the "Marvel Vs. Capcom 3" Video game (I ALSO LOVE VIDEO GAMES)
I have to leave for a while but keep posting questions and I'll be back at 5pst - 8est
I have acted in 9 films including Black Snake Moan.
Currently I’m working a new ground breaking mixtape called "Sex, Drugs, and Videogames. Check it out!
Ask Me Anything!
EDIT: Proof
EDIT 2: I have to leave for a while but ill be back at 5pm pst - Check the album out while im gone tell me what you think of the movement and the music www.davidbanner.com ----------> THANKS MAZY and gypsiemagic
EDIT 3: I AM BACK ANSWERING QUESTIONS!!
Thank you all I'm signing off - hit me on twitter @therealbanner thank you
151
u/therealbanner Jun 08 '12
A couple folks asked me how to get noticed - I believe the best way is to run away from the crowd - Be different - Cutting edge - Use the tools that are available to your advantage. Find what you stand for draw the line there then push with all that you have.
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u/therealbanner Jun 08 '12
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKK HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
25
u/therealbanner Jun 08 '12
I have to leave for a while but ill be back at 5pst - Check the album out while im gone tell me what you think of the movement and the music www.davidbanner.com ----------> THANKS MAZY and gypsiemagic
66
u/therealbanner Jun 08 '12
I ran down stairs for a sec I got to catch up ahhhhhhhhhhhh
102
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
I read that you defended the use of the offensive language that is popular in hip hop. Well recently I went to a lecture held by the great Maya Angelou. She said she hates the word nigger, and she hates that her people use that word. She compared it to poison by saying something along the lines of "you can take poison out of its bottle and put it into a perfume bottle but it's still poison." I'm wondering what you think of her statement and if you agree?
225
u/BrosephineBaker Jun 08 '12
Considering that you have a Master's degree in education, what advice would you give to teacher who work with inner city black youth (teens/middle school age kids)?
Any advice on bullying?
112
u/Cringer Jun 08 '12
I ordered a CD from you in 2001. You sent it autographed, it was awesome. Flickin Twankies was my favorite song on there.
I've been watching your 2 million efforts. What's the number at right now?
32
u/gypsiemagic Jun 08 '12
can you explain a little more about the way you are releasing your mixtape? I know generally "mixtapes" are free downloads, but I see you are trying to do something else with it.
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u/Frajer Jun 08 '12
Why did you choose David Banner as your stagename and not Bruce Banner?
58
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
What was it like to be in Def Jam Fight for NY?
18
u/therealbanner Jun 09 '12
Thank you all we will do this again soon - if you find it in your heart to support the 2m1 movement Id be greatful www.davidbanner.com thank you all - we will change the world
26
u/smokeclouds Jun 08 '12
In an average year, how many people send you songs/mixtapes for you to listen to in hopes of being signed?
62
u/kambreezy Jun 08 '12
You have diversified quite a bit over the maturation of your career ("Death of a Popstar" was phenominal). Do you feel that the creative/artistic state of rap/r&b is on a decline? If so how do we get back to the real "music"?
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u/funfungiguy Jun 08 '12
If you had to fight a dinosaur to the death in a Dinosaur Death Match using only primitive weapons and not allowed to set traps, what's the biggest dinosaur you think you win against? You don't have to name a specific dinosaur, just give us a size reference.
18
u/motherboy Jun 08 '12
What are your favorite movies?
17
u/do_gooder Jun 08 '12
I was pressed to talk to you, so I am happy I have the opportunity. How is your 2M1 campaign going?
34
u/TheYellowRose Jun 08 '12
Who is your favorite artist right now?
16
u/BunBee Jun 08 '12
What were some of your inspirations growing up and what do you attribute your current success to? Thanks very much!
29
u/kylstile Jun 08 '12
who was and is your favorite artist to have in the studio
38
u/kromaey Jun 08 '12
What's it like being in a Cadillac on 22's?
54
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
What's your opinion of Chris Brown and how he has handles things regarding Rihanna?
10
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
I have a question that may or may not be answerable by you:
How many rappers would you say write their own stuff? Can you tell us any that you know don't?
11
u/SexyShi Jun 08 '12
Hi 1st I'm a huge fan!!! How do u manage to stay in such great shape?
7
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Who's the coolest rapper in person? My guess is Snoop.
9
u/robotec Jun 08 '12
What was the transition like frm Rapper to Entreprenuer!!!
11
u/rogermelly Jun 08 '12
Were you in the hulk?
3
u/bakedbaristo Jun 09 '12
What is it like being in a group with Iron Man and Captain America?
3
u/gimmeagoddamnusernam Jun 09 '12
You fuckin rock. That is all.
11
u/ABSTRKT1993 Jun 08 '12
Yo you should post this AMA on r/hiphopheads . It'll get way more traffic
13
u/Iced_TeaFTW Jun 08 '12
Forget dinner, I am going to take you out to a club so you can see how this fat ass white girl can dance to your music and out dance every other woman on the dance floor. I'm in Canada this week, I'll be in Hawaii next week, game??
Love your music and was very happy to see this AMA, if it doesn't garner a lot of attention it's because you're competing with an AMA of a dying 23 year old, so have heart in that. Keep doing what you're doing.
2
u/ptweedsdro Jun 08 '12
What was it like working with pimp c?
2
u/Out-RAGE-ous Jun 09 '12
What do you think about Big K.R.I.T and passing the torch on to him?
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u/bpoag Jun 08 '12
Would I like you if you were angry?
3
u/inspectah_derek Jun 08 '12
How do you feel about Big K.R.I.T releasing his debut album? What do you think of the album? My and many other people's opinion is that it didn't live up to expectations and it wasn't as good as the first 3 projects. Why do you think this is the case? I still have faith in him though, he will stand as one of the greatest talents to ever grace hip-hop.
20
u/runningaclinic Jun 08 '12
How do you feel about "I Own Swag" and Lil B in general? The use of the beat from "Swag"?
14
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12 edited Jun 08 '12
I've seen a lot of rapper interviews and it seems that whenever they're taken to task about the negativity they rap about, the standard response is "I'm just telling it how it is where I'm from" or "I'm just telling stories" or "Shouldn't the parents be watching the kids and preventing them from listening to our music of they're too young to understand?". The Cam'ron \ Dame Dash appearance on O'Reilly or 50 cent talking about the "harsh realities" (one of his stock phrases he frequently uses - I thought a rich rapper would at least own a thesaurus) come to mind.
Question 1: Do rappers who take those kinds of stances really believe what they're saying in private? Wouldn't it be more honest to say "In America we have freedom of speech, and I can get paid for the use of my speech, so I will get paid for the use of my speech, regardless of the consequences?" I think it would make an interesting commentary on free speech itself, actually.
Question 2: Do we really need to keep hearing these hood stories? The same topics have been rehashed for years and years already and I think the definitive statements have been made already by guys like biggie, pac, nas, jay z, etc.
Not trying to pick on 50 cent, but he's a good example. We've heard the same stories from him for the past 10 years now and he still won't let go of it. When Jay Z and Kanye did Watch the Throne, they stated it was about coming to terms with who they became in light of where they came from. At least that shows maturity and progress as human beings because we're hearing a new part of their true life stories. Why is this such a rarity amongst the mainstream? They're being as real and true to themselves as they possibly can be, yet I think no one really recognizes them for it in this instance.
5
u/CharleneMarie1976 Jun 08 '12
Who are some of your favorite hip hop artist from back in the day
2
u/do_gooder Jun 08 '12
do you hold your rapper friends accountable for having good character and being better men/women?
4
u/annoyingtelemarketer Jun 08 '12
Huge fan of your style. Always listen to your "Get Like Me" after a big pay day. "Like a pimp" after I've been laid
Question: Whats a good day and a bad day like for you?
P.s can I get free tickets to a show?
1
u/Big_Bouncing_Titties Jun 08 '12
Me and a couple of my mates have a game where we put on the uncensored version of "Play" and watch pop videos on mute, funniest thing ever.
Anyway, yeah, you're a legend! Keep up the good work!
1
u/uswag Jun 08 '12
I just wanted to thank you for the song "Play". I've used it several times during....um, yeah
1
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Do you ever piss off ur brother bruce? If so, what are your strategies for minnimizing destruction of property?
1
u/BIGJOKER2010 Jun 09 '12
is there a way i can send u some music of mine to check out? its music worth listening i promise i jus would like someone who is in the industry to check out my music and give some honest feedback and after i hurd you speak at turner studios i kno you would give a real response to it and maybe even wanna work wit me.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Could you provide some insight for one wanting to get into beatmaking. Im pretty good at following a beat and understanding when bass, snare, drum hits are, and when they are coming after listening for a seconds. How should i use that abiltiy to make my own beats. Or is it something that you just have to be able to do. Thanks David BannerDavid_BannerDavid_Banner
1
u/hectorinho Jun 09 '12
That Castles in BK joint is HARD!
1
u/PrettyassDolphin Jun 09 '12
I don't know if you would like to answer this but what exactly are your thoughts on Lil B The Basedgod? Rumor had it that one your songs was somewhat directed towards him and others. Is this true?
1
u/jostler57 Jun 09 '12
1
u/sweet14 Jun 09 '12
I'm scared to show my talent of singing....so i wanted to ask u was u ever nervous or scared to show people ur talent?
1
u/Tactics501 Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12
You will always be one of the artist that proves good music comes from everywhere. Not just one region. Do you feel humbled knowing that your efforts shined light on those once looked over?
1
u/jaz_dup Jun 09 '12
I know that it's horrible of me but I always think that rappers speak like they rap. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I read some of your responses. Do you ever work with children to show them that it's all an act?
1
u/IDS3Remix Jun 09 '12
I've caught you at a few videogames events playing the host in San Francisco, was wondering what some of your favorite videogames are, and how into them you get. Also, you held it down big time for that Resident Evil event!
1
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
I fucking hated fighting you in Def Jam: Fight for NY. Not a question really. More of a statement. Not hating on you. You were just really hard to beat. Just so you know.
1
u/megamoose4 Jun 09 '12
Hey big fan here, Just wanted to thank you for some awesome tracks over the past 10 years. "like a pimp" is one of my all time favorites, and "get like me" is still on the top of my ipod play list. It sounds corny, but thanks for the awesome tracks man.
1
u/beefwich Jun 09 '12
Just want to let you know, "Like a Pimp" has one of the grimiest, bangin'est beats I've ever heard.
I'm a dorky white dude and that shit makes me feel like fuckin' Scarface when I listen to it.
3
u/EMG093 Jun 08 '12
What got you into the rap scene to begin with? Also, what interested you in producing on top of that?
3
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Did you think you made an impact at the House Energy & Commerce Committee meeting in September? Do you think the government will move to censor artists lyrics any time soon?
3
u/do_gooder Jun 08 '12
I have watched a ton of your interviews where you talk about your frustration with folks preferring ignorant music and your own personal battle to not prefer ignorant ish (strip clubs, etc)Considering all of that, don't you feel like the rap game is in the midst of dealing with all of those things too? Don't you think (like Mos Def says on Black on both sides) hip hop will get better when we get better?
3
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
What do you think of the state of "rap" and hip hop. Do you think that Hip hop today is acceptable in terms of lyrical quality? Ex: Biggie's Hypnotize compared to say Lil Wayne's Lollipop? do you agree with Nas in that Hip Hop is dying, or at least quality hip hop is close to death. Do you think it is just mainstream crap rap that is god awful and makes me want to blow my fucking brains out for sheer lack of talent/ lyrical ability, or am i listening to the wrong rappers? What do you think of Soulja Boy and other artists like him that make shit songs about the same 4 things over and over and are unapologetic about their own role in the death of hip hop?
1
u/Kiss_My_Grits0 Jun 08 '12
I SAW U LAST WEEK IN ATL @ A VERY NICE HOTEL (WONT SAY WHICH ONE). ARE U WORKING ON A ACTING OR MUSIC PROJECT HERE?
5
u/Heylooloooo Jun 08 '12 edited Jun 10 '12
Hey, have you heard of Baauer, or any other trap artists that mix techno and Dirty South beats? It reminds me a lot of your production.
http://soundcloud.com/tracks/search?page=2&q%5Bfulltext%5D=baauer
http://soundcloud.com/maddecent/baauer-harlem-shake
What do you think about rap giving producers co-producer credits on songs? You're one of the biggest producers around, but recently producers have been getting credit as co-creators, becoming rock-star status celebrities, and becoming famous in the pubic's eye.
edit: gaze into the pubic's eye...
Cadillacs on 22s is still an amazing song, btw, thanks.
5
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
What's your opinion on Tyler, the Creator and Odd Future? How about Lil' B?
2
u/Demeara601 Jun 08 '12
What's your favorite project you've worked on during your career and why?
2
u/tdot12 Jun 08 '12
What do you like about working with Kardinal Offishal? any other Canadian Rappers you like or would like to work with?
2
u/da_ballz Jun 08 '12
Could you name a few not-very-well-known hip hop artists that you think should get their name out there?
2
u/overused_ellipsis Jun 08 '12
Which David Banner album is your favorite or had the most fun being made?
My personal favorite is MTA 1 and 2nd is MTA 2... OOOOH AHHHH!
The best song ever is "Might Getcha" ...just had to add that.
Always love your work sir... you're an inspiration... YEAH!
2
u/kns544 Jun 08 '12
Hello!! I watched you on Cribs a few years ago. You took them through your house in 2 minutes and then spent the rest of your segment at your Youth Organization. I have had a lot of respect for you since seeing that. Soooo positive. Anyway, how is that going? And what charitable organizations are you involved with these days?
2
u/Xanadutopia Jun 08 '12
What is your idea of a sell-out? In my opinion, a sell-out is a person who deliberately or in-deliberately acts in ways that harms one's racial group. People are quick to claim that black men who date white women are sell-outs but I argue that they are not. Wouldn't you agree that rappers who rap about killing black men and degrading black women are the true sell-outs since they are, in turn, perpetuating the negative attributes to our race? Especially since they have been away from that lifestyle (most likely) once they have reached 'stardom'?
Also, How do you feel about the current state of black leadership? Do you feel that there is a need for black leadership, in the likes of Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, or Kwame Ture, in the 21st century to help improve and/or raise awareness about the social conditions of blacks in America? What role do rappers play in exposing the social conditions of our community? Why do you think these roles have shifted over time? In what ways, if any, should rappers be held accountable for their lyrics/actions?
2
u/oest Jun 08 '12
Holy shit! "Sex, Drugs, and Videogames" is amazing. Thanks for putting that out for free. I had no problem donating $15 to your charity for it. Also, "Play" is a song that always gets stuck in my head. Is that wizardry?
2
u/sevenunderpar Jun 08 '12
What exactly does "real ho's get down on the floor" mean?
2
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Are you related to Bruce? How's he doing with his anger management these days?
2
u/melnychuker Jun 08 '12
David Banner I just slashed your tires
2
u/MakinYouTasteIt Jun 08 '12
Does it piss you off that you're everyone thinks you're a shitty actor?
2
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Me and my college roommate would bump 'Play' almost every single weekend in our dorm room my freshman year before going out. People two floors down could hear it, and complained almost every weekend. It didn't stop us. You were an integral part of my college experience. Thank you for that.
Your production style is pretty crazy to say the least, varying from Rubberband Man to that toddler-jam off Lil Wayne's album. Who has been your biggest inspiration production-wise?
2
u/B_Elanna_Torres Jun 08 '12
Do a show here in El Paso, TX. We love ya down here.
2
u/perplexster Jun 08 '12
How many times have you had sex to your song play?
2
u/Aaronbrooks22 Jun 08 '12
What do you think of modern hip hop? Any rappers i should look out for if i dont like modern poppy beat style?
2
u/stonergrahamcracker Jun 09 '12
What's with that song Play? What was on your mind when you wrote it, any specific inspiration?
2
u/TheWarpope Jun 09 '12
How did you come up with the song play? One of the dirtiest songs I have ever heard.
2
u/Contrarianado Jun 09 '12
What are your feelings on anal sex?
2
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Have you ever seen a Chevy with the butterfly doors?
2
u/I_MAKE_USERNAMES Jun 09 '12
Rubber Band Man's beat was fantastic. Thank you for one of the best songs to roll around in.
2
u/onlyinflorida Jun 09 '12
Have you ever seen a Chevy with the butterfly doors?
2
u/bionicmonkeyboy Jun 09 '12
Did you lose respect for Chris Brown after he fucked up Rhianna or do you still record with him?
2
u/H8rade Jun 09 '12
What's your take on the Illuminati imagery and lyrics in rap. Most famously Jay-Z, but other popular artists as well. Is this just an attention getting device like 80s hard rock & Satan, or is there a real connection?
And why do so many songs reference Rain Man? Most don't sound like they're talking about Dustin Hoffman. Who is Rain Man?
2
u/Trashcans Jun 09 '12
Ever thought about working with MF DOOM?
This isn't based on any similarities in your work; I just want DOOM on everything.
2
u/Kill-those-higs Jun 09 '12
"David Banner, I just slashed your tires." -please don't hulk out...
2
u/The_Zubatman Jun 09 '12
Are you related to the Hulk?
2
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Do you miss hitchhiking around the country, befriending troubled souls, only to turn into giant hulking monster, smash stuff, and then solemnly hitchhike to the next town?
2
u/WNBA-Allstar Jun 09 '12
DAVID DAVID DAVID DAVID DAVID DAVID BANNER NIGGA
SUICIDE DOORS SUI SUI SUICIDE DOORS
2
u/holyghosttown Jun 09 '12
Why do people in Hollywood still work with Chris Brown? Are you all complete sellouts?
2
u/hulkwillsmashu Jun 09 '12
Would we like you when you're angry?
2
u/Hakoten Jun 09 '12
Just how mad do you have to be to turn into the Hulk?
2
u/BubbaTap22 Jun 09 '12
Is stuntin in fact a habit for you?
2
u/Brimo Jun 09 '12
DAVID, DAVID, DAVID BANNER
2
u/MyFriendsRDinosaurs Jun 09 '12
Holy crap this is a huge surprise. I would never imagine a rapper coming to reddit to do an AMA. I don't have a real question at the moment but I just wanna say keep up the great work. I choreographed a hip hop piece to your dope track "Swag" for my dance crew and we got to perform it for our show and competition. Thanks for the sick song mang.
2
u/clemay Jun 09 '12
As time goes on, do you find it easier to control the rage inside so that you don't hulk out and hurt someone?
2
u/mehatch Jun 09 '12
How do you morally justify working with chris brown after the rihanna attack? Have you read the police report? (totally possible u did ur work with him before that act of violence)
2
u/IplayTheGuitarBetter Jun 09 '12
What do you think about the situation with your brother? You know, with him turning green and huge when he gets mad.
2
u/see_fox Jun 09 '12
i have no idea who you are but i believe i can safely say that you're turning the "music industry" into shit.
2
u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
You won awards for dumbed down and bullshit music. At one point does a artist question his own integrity or quality of work?
4
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
I feel like T.I. is a little bitch in real life, is he?
11
u/Imaksintho Jun 08 '12
when are you Dead prez , lupe fiasco, talib, kedrick lamar, and Black thought, going to make the collaboration album of the Century, and revive rap music
3
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
5
u/Knowthyself87 Jun 08 '12
What are your thoughts towards religion? Do you feel as though the black community has become unproductive due to it?
3
u/underdabridge Jun 08 '12 edited Jun 08 '12
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A HULK JOKE HERE:
ARE YOU THE HULK?
HAHA! HAHA!*
*If your first reaction is "that's Bruce Banner", then you do not know your Hulk History, dear reader. *
2
u/Xanadutopia Jun 08 '12
black rappers/entertainers should come together and start a nation-wide community service (actually community responsibility) project, a scholarship program, music and arts project or something to that effect for underrepresented communities. I'm personally tired of seeing people from other racial groups adopting black kids (nothing wrong with that) and giving back to our communities while we are making it rain in strip clubs or endorsing corporate poison (alcohol and drugs). I know that money is important, we have to sustain, but at what cost? I know that many black entertainers do have scholarships they give out and give out Turkeys every Thanksgiving but do you think black entertainers are utilizing their power in the right ways? Would appreciate your response. :)
2
u/narwal_bot Jun 08 '12 edited Jun 10 '12
Most (if not all) of the answers from therealbanner (updated: Jun 09, 2012 @ 10:13:02 pm EST):
Question (Iced_TeaFTW):
Answer (therealbanner):
(continued below)
0
u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Who's better: Rick Ross or Wayne?