Tank, born on January 1, 1976 as Durrell Artaze Babbs, is a talented American R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. He got his start as a background vocalist for R&B sensation Aaliyah before signing a record deal with her label, Blackground Records, in 1998. Tank’s hit single “Maybe I Deserve” reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and was featured on his debut album, Force of Nature, which reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 chart. His second album, One Man, received a mixed reception but still peaked within the top 20.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Durrell Artaze Babbs |
| Date Of Birth: | January 1, 1976 |
| Place Of Birth: | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S |
| Nationality: | American |
| Spouse: | Zena Foster |
| Children: | 5 |
| Occupation(s): | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor |
| Labels: | R&B Money, Empire, Atlantic |
| Net Worth: | $5 Million |
Early Life And Education
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Babbs relocated to Baltimore, Maryland during his childhood. Despite being a multi-sport athlete in high school and receiving offers to play college football, Tank opted to pursue music. Recognized for his vocal abilities, he was given the chance to sing background vocals for R&B artist Ginuwine during one of his tours. Tank also worked as a backing vocalist for Aaliyah after being introduced to her by Ginuwine in 1997. His talent eventually led him to sign as a solo artist with Blackground Records, the label owned by Aaliyah.
Career
In the early 2000s, Tank made his mark in R&B with hit singles like “Maybe I Deserve” and “Please Don’t Go.” He later joined forces with Ginuwine and Tyrese Gibson to form the group TGT before releasing his solo album “This Is How I Feel.”
Tank’s powerful vocals were showcased in various collaborations with artists like Chris Brown and T.I., and he even performed the national anthem at a major fight event in Las Vegas. His sixth studio album, “Stronger,” marked a change in style, yet faced challenges in terms of sales, leading Tank to contemplate it as his final album.
Tank’s musical journey continued with a mixtape album titled “If You Were Mine” in 2015, featuring the hit single “You Don’t Know” with Wale. This led to the release of his seventh studio album, “Sex Love & Pain II”, topping the Billboard R&B chart. Tank continued to captivate audiences with singles like “#BDAY” and a holiday EP.
In 2017, he made headlines for performing at a Black Gay Pride event, sparking discussions in the music industry. Tank’s eighth studio album “Savage” followed later that year, and he continued to impress with his ninth album “ELEVATION” and a piano-led EP called “While You Wait.”
Tank marked significant milestones in 2021 with the release of the single “Can’t Let It Show,” which credits Kate Bush for its chorus interpolation. In August, Blackground Records announced the reissue of Tank’s first three albums, allowing fans to access his music through various formats for the first time. He also released “I Deserve” from his anticipated tenth and final album, “R&B Money,” reaching the top 10 on the R&B Radio chart.
Tank received his first American Music Award nomination as Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist in November 2021, signaling a shift towards his final studio album, “R&B Money,” following hearing loss in his right ear earlier that year.
In August 2022, Tank launched “R&B Money,” an 18-song album boasting collaborations with notable artists such as Chris Brown, Rotimi, and Alex Isle. The album received a warm reception from fans and critics.
By 2024, Tank had unveiled the deluxe edition of “R&B Money,” titled “R&B Money: The Vault,” further expanding his musical repertoire. Additionally, Tank’s presence in the music industry continued to flourish as he featured on several tracks in 2024, consistently impressing with his soulful vocals and solidifying his standing within the industry.
Personal Life
Tank and his longtime girlfriend Zena Foster took their relationship to the next level when they got engaged on January 16, 2017. The couple, parents to two children named Zion and Zoey, tied the knot on July 22, 2018, in a beautiful ceremony in Los Angeles, California. Tank also has three other children, Jordan, Ryen, and Durrell Jr., from previous relationships.
Tank Net Worth
Tank, the American singer-songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $5 million, as recently discovered.
Discography
Songs
- Maybe I Deserve
- Please Don’t Go
- When We
- Can’t Make You Love Me
- You Don’t Know
- Dirty
- Emergency
Albums
- Force of Nature
- One Man
- Sex, Love & Pain
- Now or Never
- This Is How I Feel
- Stronger
- Sex, Love & Pain II
- Savage
- Elevation