David Banner is not one to plead the fifth. The Mississippi native has received extensive media coverage for his controversial comments toward Al Sharpton, Oprah Winfrey and other black leaders who condemn hip-hop. Rolling out recently caught up with Banner in New York City to discuss his new business ventures and the challenges of success.
–amir shaw
It’s been a while since you have been in the spotlight. How are things going?
Things are amazing right now. I’m doing corporate meetings in New York and putting plans together. A lot of people have asked me where I’ve been. I’m trying to get more businesses together and open doors for other people. Now that we have President Barack Obama in office, we have to get it right, now. This is a good time to be black.
Talk about expanding your vision when it comes to business
I’ve been doing movies for a few years. Now I’m in the process of making my own way. I’m working on expanding online and with new media. I want to get to the next level.
What wisdom do you give to other young artists in the game?
When you’re close to your heaven, that’s when the devil is going to attack you the most. Anytime you see your homey trying to get out of the streets and take care of his family, that’s when the devil is going to attack. When you’re already going to hell, the devil has no reason to stop you. I have a few homies from the Bay Area called the Hood Stars. Not too long ago, the feds came down on them and I [had] just made a hit song for their group. I felt the same way about their song, as I did when T.I.’s “Rubber Band Man” first came out. To be a part of someone’s career as it begins feels great. But the record became a hit in the Bay Area and they were arrested soon after. If I have some young ears that will listen, I’ll let them know what to watch out for.
