Tank is the stage name of an American R&B singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, Durrell Babbs.
Tank was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 1, 1976 and he was raised in Clinton, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Tank took an instant interest in singing and playing the piano, partially due to his alliance to religion — his cousin directed the church choir and helped the aspiring vocalist foster his singing talent from an early age. His stage name comes from his chiseled physique. A multi-sport athlete in high school, he had the opportunity to play college football. However, Tank decided to focus on music, and his talent eventually led him to an opportunity to sing background vocals for Ginuwine during one of Ginuwine's tours. Next, he found himself singing with Aaliyah and then Blackground Records founder Barry Hankerson, and his son (and company president) Jomo Hankerson took notice, offering Tank the opportunity to become a solo artist. In 2001, Tank realized his ambitions, seeing his debut album, Force of Nature, released to a national audience. This LP rendered the Top 10 R&B ballad, "Maybe I Deserve".
The next year, Tank released his second album, One Man. The single of the same name had chart success as well. He also co-produced the smash hit single "One Minute Man" by Missy Elliott in 2002.
Tank has also made a name for himself as a producer and writer, working with artists such as Dave Hollister, Marques Houston, Omarion, Jamie Foxx, Donell Jones, Monica among others. Along with The Underdogs, he has worked with many different artists over the years and was also a contributor to the score of the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, in which he also had a cameo.
Tank sold what was to be the lead single to his 3rd album, "I Luv Dem Girls", to Marques Houston who renamed it "Strip Club" (this song appears on Marques Houston's 3rd solo album "Veteran"). Tank has recently worked on Kelly Rowland's second album Ms. Kelly on the tracks "The Show" (a duet with Tank himself) and "Ghetto" featuring Snoop Dogg. "Ghetto" is also set to be the album's second single.
Tank released his 3rd solo album entitled "Sex, Love & Pain" on May 15, 2007. The first single of this album is "Please Don't Go". Tank has also formed a group with Ginuwine and Tyrese named TGT. Their first single will be a remix of "Please Don't Go", with an international tour entitled "The Shirts Off Tour" and search for a fourth member to follow.
Tank, along with Tyrese, are set to perform in West Oakland at the Paramount Theater on November 2, 2007.
