6 On The Rise - singers - Interview

"I want to sing songs that really relate on all different levels," says Tank, whose real name is Durrell Babbs. "I sing songs like I'm from the streets, like I'm a rapper. About drugs. About poverty. About everything. And not just sing about a girl or a relationship. I just want to cover a lot of ground as an R&B artist."

Born in Milwaukee, Wis., and reared in Clinton, Md., Tank discovered his musical talents like many other popular R&B artists: in church. Inspired by his choir-directing cousin, Alphonzo Jiles, Tank became an accomplished vocalist and musician in high school, not to mention a star football and basketball player.

While honing his skills with a group in Washington, D.C., Tank got his big break in 1997 when he was invited to sing background vocals for Ginuwine during a concert tour. Fellow tour act Aaliyah was so impressed with Tank that she asked him to sing backup for her as well. His versatility and work ethic impressed Barry and Jomo Hankerson, who quickly signed Tank to their label, Blackground Records.

With his debut album forcefully rolling forward, Tank is enjoying his success not only as a singer, but also as a writer and producer. He wrote every song on Force of Nature and produced its smash hit, "Maybe I Deserve." "It's like a baby to me," he says of the album. "This is all Tank, all my feelings, all my production. For people to feel it ... lets me know that real music is back."