Grammy-award winning entertainer David Banner has lived a life of insurmountable success. From platinum-selling records to acclaimed speaking engagements Banner impacts the world of Hip Hop from an entertaining and inspiring disposition. Despite his positive trajectory, Banner experienced years of depression, sparked during his stint in Los Angeles. While his career advanced, his mental and physical health declined when recording in California. Drained and spiritually warped from the passing of his father and the demands of the music industry, Banner describes his years of anxiety as a near-death experience.
David Moody, the force behind C.D. Moody Construction Inc., is recognized for his contributions to the construction of Turner Field, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Maynard H. Jackson International Concourse and the Mercedes Benz Stadium. His dedication to the city of Atlanta has not only propelled his reputation, but further advanced the development and global notoriety of Atlanta, Georgia. A devoted husband and father, Moody invests in the uplift and financial fortitude of his family. With years of success, David Moody resembled the epitome of African American accomplishment, but he too battled with an extreme form of depression triggered by memories of childhood abuse.
“You can turn trial into triumph.”
David Moody
Two men, positioned at pivotal points in their career, suffered from seemingly irreversible lows. They crossed paths through a moment of divine intervention, ultimately meeting at the Ritz Carlton through a random acquaintance. During this moment of interaction Moody would take Banner under his wing, offering Banner the opportunity to live with him and his wife for seven months. This grand gesture was followed by hours of intense self-work, forcing Banner to face his fears, flaws, and insecurities. Moody became a father figure to Banner, instilling money management skills and self-discipline into the Mississippi born rapper with a knack for lavish spending habits.
The two opposing icons not only shared a complicated emotional past, but they also attended historically Black institutions in which David Banner served as Student Government Association President. David Moody ruled the halls of Morehouse College, eventually pledging Omega Psi Phi, while Banner reigned as president of Southern University and A&M College.
Moody alludes to his time at Morehouse, coining it one of the greatest experiences of his. “It taught me everything I know,” says Moody, “It taught me I could do whatever I want.” Banner agreed but charged HBCU leaders to rebrand the purpose of an HBCU education, focussing on the knowledge strategically instilled into Black learners.
“Freedom truly comes in having your own.”
David Banner
Banner and Moody entertain the audience for hours, captivating the crowd with enticing stories. During his stint at the Moody residence Banner worked as a butler, cooking full entrees and taking out the trash. Banner earned his stay and developed a newfound sense of humility, digesting business tools, and financial knowledge along the way. He began keeping a small black book to track his funds, eventually implementing habits like surviving “three levels under what you actually make.” With Moody’s direction, Banner fired his accountant and began to count his own coins.
The two candid conversationalists continued their convo highlighting critical points like, (1) “You’re a slave to what you don’t know and what you don’t know how to do”, (2) “You cannot be responsible for those who really don’t want to make a difference” and (3) “You have to dream big.”
More gems were dropped, especially concerning positive business relationships. David Moody emphasized the need to decipher between “people who can really help and people who are using you” and to “never make a decision the same day as an opportunity.” Banner encouraged attendees to avoid spending over 20% of their income and only to invest money they wouldn’t mind losing. Through comical banter and a few rap lines from Moody himself, the dynamic duo discussed the advantages of wealth and the unfavorable disposition of giving up too soon.
“I’m only the face of so many great people.”
David Banner
63-year-old David Moody in collaboration with 45-year-old David Banner produced three hours of content encompassing Black male leadership, financial fortitude, business development, depression within the Black community, and a need for business savvy role models within the entertainment sphere. Banner credits Moody with saving his life, admiring Moody as a father figure that reignited his trust within Black men.
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