David Banner is a guy who really doesn't need an introduction to what he has done and is about. From philanthropist, activist, hip-hop emcee/producer to actor, Banner is back on the big screen as he channels the character of Aaron Davis in 'Never Heard'- Let go and let God handle it. We could easily say this is a fictional character, but, in Davis's case, there are too many instances in real life to where people have experienced this type of injustice. Aaron Davis, who grew up with an absentee father and turned to gang-life in search of self-worth, is accused of murder and incarcerated for a crime he swears that he did not commit. His son Jalen (played by Romeo Miller) is forced to grow up on the streets of Los Angeles without the guidance of a father and primarily raised by his mother Shala ( played by Robin Givens) and Grandmother Camilla (Karen Abercrombie).

Never Heard is a faith-based film produced by Webber Films. Director Josh Webber says, “I think this movie will really resonate with many families worldwide. In life, we are constantly faced with choices and each choice you make has their own set of consequences. Never Heard teaches us that sometimes we may make the wrong choice yet it is never too late to change your course and find the righteous path.” There are other well-known cast members to look out for in the film, like, Dorien Wilson (as Monty), Karrueche Tran (as Paris), Kandi Buruss (as Tara), Master P (as Jason), Tony Braxton's son Diezel Braxton (as Calvin), gospel artist Jekalyn Carr and many others.

Banner has a new studio-album out called, The God Box featuring CeeLo Green, Banner's Mississippi compadre Big K.R.I.T., Watch The Duck, Black Thought, Raheem DeVaughn and other talented features. We had an opportunity to conversate with the Mississippi Grit for a decent amount of time as he kept the interview unapologetically black and lively. We started out talking about The God Box $100 give away that went to a fellow Houston Style Magazine reader in North Texas. Banner stated, "These boxes actually made me more money than the album." In other words, it was some fans out there buying and supporting those boxes filled with clothes, financial information, etc. Ultimately, Banner's vision was for the boxes to be a one stop shop to spark economic wealth and growth within the community.

HSM: What importance does your role play in relation to present times?

David Banner: I think the most important thing for me personally is that there are so many nuggets in this film that somebody would be able to relate to in their lives. Kandi Buruss (as Tara) who plays [a drug-addicted mother] and her son literally has to bring in the money because he doesn't want her to be [taken advantage of on the streets]. We all know someone who has a family member who might have a long laundry list of what they've done but might have been wrongly accused. For me, the most important apart of this film [is it brings out the understanding of truly being black in American]. In America, black women and men are guilty until proven innocent. I just saw a study recently, that actually black men are the most involved in their children's life. So for me, it feels good to be able to talk about another aspect that is often not seen, [ a black father wanting to be in his child's life in spite of the circumstances].

HSM: What are some things you had to do to prepare for your character as Aaron?

David Banner: Uh, baby, I come from the back roads of Mississippi, I saw this everyday of my life. My step-father has been in my life since I was 3 years old. Who I call father [because he has always been a father figure]. It's funny that the film is called, Never Heard, because I've never heard my father. I know about love not just for the young kids around me but the older generation. I'm able to take the love I have for my people and shift the energy into my roll.

HSM: What was it like working along side the other actors?

David Banner: There were levels to it. James Fortune was also in this film, he is a phenomenal artist and actually he is a great friend of mine. I've been knowing Kandi Buruss for over 10-15 years. Romeo Miller is such a respectful young man. He grew up around wealth, and he really doesn't have to be this way. You can tell [Miller] was raised really well. Robin Givens still looks good. People like to get up and front. I would catch myself staring (he laughs). Although I've done over 22 films and even though I don't doubt my greatness, people put me under a microscope. It's important to put on for my people and deliver my character.

HSM: You are always seen in the communities here doing philanthropic work and showing love to the scene. What is your stand-point on the surfacing old heads vs. new heads feud here in Houston?

David Banner: This is my advice, first of all, no one owes you anything. It's great to seek help, I think that sometimes people think because a person is where they are from [they have to seek guidance from them], but I will say, respect goes both ways. First of all we all from the south. It ain't gonna always be all peace. This is one thing I will say about Atlanta, [since a lot of other southern cities compare themselves to the city], If two artists had beef in Atlanta they kept it in the city. I think some of things have to be handle behind doors. Other races love seeing us fighting each other. I just think if it is a real problem, everyone wants to be mobsters, but nobody wants to be gentlemen. The world looks to us. Especially with us old heads, we have to set an example. [We have to be apart of the solution in helping to prevent the younger rappers coming up from killing and shooting each other].

Watch the Official Movie Trailer for Never Heard on Youtube at Josh Webber (Webber Films).

The movie will be in a theatre near you ONLY on Thursday, November 1, 2018 so don't miss out on seeing this highly anticipated film!

For your local listings, ticket purchases and more about Never Heard, visit: www.fathomevents.com

To keep in-the-know on all-things Banner, visit: www.DavidBanner.com

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