Tank

• Genre: Contemporary R&B

About

Singer Tank has a velvety voice that wraps around his pleas for love, sex and empathy. His music alternates between classic R&B and the more rugged terrain of post-Aaliyah rap/R&B. It's not difficult to see the influence of such singers as R. Kelly and Jahiem, but Tank has also managed to create his own niche. Otherwise known as Durrell Babbs, he was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and raised in D.C. Growing up, he split his time between sports and piano. After a brief stint as a college football player, Tank dropped out and became a background singer for Ginuwine and Aaliyah. He went solo in 2001 with Force of Nature, a success thanks to hit single "Maybe I Deserve." He quickly followed up that album with 2002's One, which, though not as successful as his debut, sold well and produced the hit single "One." From there, Tank decided to focus his attention on producing and writing for such acts as Marques Houston, Omarion, Jamie Foxx, Donell Jones, Monica and Kelly Rowland. He stepped back into the spotlight in 2007 with his Sex, Love and Pain.

- Sam Chennault