Who is Tank? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Durrell Babbs

Age: 48 Years, 48 Year Old Males

Family:

children: Durrell Babbs Jr., Jordan Babbs, Ryen Babbs, Zion Babbs, Zoey Babbs

Partner: Zena Foster (2005–)

Black Singers Pop Singers

Height: 5'9" (175 cm), 5'9" Males

U.S. State: Wisconsin, African-American From Wisconsin

Grouping of People: Black Men

City: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Childhood & Early Life

Tank was born Durrell Babbs, on January 1, 1976, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father worked for the ‘US Air Force.’ His mother was a religious woman, and took him regularly to church. He loved singing for the church choir, which was directed by his cousin, Alphonzo Jiles.

His family moved to Washington, D. C. during his childhood. He attended the ‘Crossland High School,’ and was a multisport athlete during his school days. He played basketball and football. Though he had an opportunity to play for the college team, he did not take it up, and decided to concentrate on music.

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Career

Tank started his career in music as a background vocal singer. He used the stage name ‘Tank’ for singing. He sang for American singer Ginuwine. Tank was part of Ginuwine’s ‘Budweiser Superfest’ tour. His hard work and talent were noticed by Aaliyah. She invited Tank to perform songs for her. Later, Tank’s talent was noticed by the founder of ‘Blackground Record’ Barry Hankerson. He signed Tank for his music label.

In 2001, Tank released his first studio album, ‘Force of Nature,’ through ‘Blackground Records.’ The album debuted at number seven on the ‘US Billboard 200’ and topped the ‘US Billboard Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums.’ It was a huge success, and was certified ‘gold,’ two months after its release. The song, ‘Maybe I Deserve,’ from the album, was highly popular.

In 2002, Tank released his second studio album ‘One Man.’ This album was a moderate success. In 2007, he released his third solo album titled ‘Sex, Love, and Pain,’ which was a big hit. It debuted at number two on the ‘US Billboard 200.’ It climbed to the number one spot on the ‘US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.’ The album was also nominated for the ‘Grammy Award for the Best R&B Album.’ The singles, ‘Please Don’t Go,’ and ‘Heartbreaker,’ became quite popular. Tank was nominated for the ‘Grammy Award for the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance,’ for the song ‘Please Don’t Go.’

In 2010, Tank released his fourth studio album, ‘Now or Never,’ under ‘Atlantic Records.’ The album debuted at number thirty five on the ‘US Billboard 200’ chart. In this album, Tank collaborated with other artists, such as Chris Brown, Drake, and Letoya Luckett. The popular singles from the album were ‘Sex Music,’ and ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me.’

Tank collaborated with singers, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, and Kris Stephens, for his 2012 studio album, ‘This Is How I Feel.’ Tank released the album ‘Three Kings,’ in 2013. It was released in the name of the R&B group, ‘TGT,’ which included Tank, Ginuwine, and Tyrese. The album debuted at number three on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart.

In 2014, Tank’s sixth studio album, ‘Stronger,’ was released. It featured the single ‘You’re My Star.’ In the album, Tank focused on the original ‘R&B’ music. It was not a success, and recorded low sales. In 2015, he released his mixtape ‘If You Were Mine.’

In 2016, Tank released his seventh album, ‘Sex, Love, & Pain II.’ It debuted at number one on the ‘Billboard R&B’ chart. It reached at number fifteen on the ‘US Top 200’ chart. In 2017, Tank’s eighth studio album, ‘Savage,’ was released. It debuted at number twenty four on the ‘US Billboard 200.’ Its single, ‘When We,’ became very popular. It marked Tank’s first entry into the ‘US Billboard Hot 100.’

Tank has achieved great success as a producer, and songwriter. He has contributed musical hits to various musicians such as Aaliyah, Beyonce, Pitbull, and Donell Jones. Tank featured in the movie ‘Preacher’s Kid.’ He also played small parts in the series, ‘The New Edition Story,’ and ‘The Bobby Brown Story.’

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Personal Life

Tank is married to Zena Foster. The couple has been together since 2005. They were engaged in 2017, and married in 2018. They have two children - Zion and Zoey. Tank has three other children - Jordan, Ryen, and Durrell Jr. - from his previous relations

In May 2017, Tank courted controversy by performing at the ‘Black Gay Pride’ in Washington, D.C. He earned both praise, and criticism, for supporting the ‘LGBT’ community.

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