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The Evolution of David Banner - At his core, David Banner is an intellectual as much as he is an artist. That is why his evolution, marked by the seamless synergy between his two sides, has positioned Banner to emerge as an activist, artist and leader in hip hop. Here's a look at David Banner's past and present.Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner

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The Beginning - We first met the Jackson, Miss., MC with the release of his hit single "Like a Pimp" in 2000.   Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner (Photo Credit: BET)

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2003 – 2004 - In 2003, Banner released both Mississippi: The Album and MTA2: Baptized in Dirty Water. The former spawned the hit "Like a Pimp (Remix)" that featured Lil Flip. Simultaneously, Banner was hard at work establishing his brand as a producer, producing T.I.'s "Rubberband Man."  Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner 

Photo By David Livingston/Getty Images

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2005 - In 2005, Banner released the critically acclaimed Certified. Remember the Mr. Collipark-produced and explicit single "Play"? If you do, then you know David Banner has definitely grown up.Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner  (Photo: Courtesy of Umvd Labels)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of Umvd Labels

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Rapper Turned Actor - After making a name for himself in the rap game, David took on acting and has been in Black Snake Moan with Samuel L. Jackson, This Christmas, The Experiment, Lee Daniels' The Butler and more. Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner (Photo: Courtesy Universal Records)

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Helping Hand - Besides being a dope rapper and actor, David Banner is also a humanitarian whose efforts have been seen with serious issues like Hurricane Katrina and the Trayvon Martin case. Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner (Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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Humble - Throughout all of David's success, one thing has remained a constant: his humilty.  Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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More Than Music - Transitioning from the studio to the stage hasn't proven to be a problem. In addition to his artistic growth over the years, he has developed into one of the best performers in hip hop. Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner (Photo: Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images)

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2012 - By 2012, David Banner released a free mixtape, Sex, Drugs and Video Games, where we met a more personally and sonically mature MC.                                                Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner (Photo: Courtesy Universal Records)

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The Hip Hop Awards Cypher  - Keeping his lyrics timely and conscious, David Banner ignited the Hip Hop Awards cypher and addressed the racial climate in America. Watch #BLX: In Jackson, Mississippi, With David Banner