Full Name: Durrell Artaze Babbs
Stage Name: Tank
Date of Birth: January 1, 1976
Place of Birth: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Genres: R&B, Soul, Pop
Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Actor
Years Active: 1999–present
Spouse: Zena Foster (married 2018)
Children: Two (Zoey and Zion)
Early Life and Education
Durrell Artaze Babbs was born on January 1, 1976, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raised in a musically inclined family, he developed a passion for singing at a young age. His early exposure to gospel and soul music laid the foundation for his future career in R&B. After relocating to the Washington, D.C. area, Tank honed his vocal skills and began performing in local venues, gaining recognition for his powerful voice and stage presence. He later attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he studied music, further refining his craft.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Tank’s professional music career began in the late 1990s when he signed with Blackground Records. His debut album, Force of Nature (2001), introduced his smooth falsetto and heartfelt songwriting to the R&B scene. The album’s lead single, “Maybe I Deserve,” became a breakout hit, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Tank’s place in contemporary R&B.
Following the success of his debut, Tank released One Man (2002), which showcased his versatility as an artist. However, it was his third album, Sex, Love & Pain (2007), that marked a significant milestone in his career. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Its lead single, “Please Don’t Go,” topped the Adult R&B Songs chart for six weeks and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.
Artistic Evolution and Musical Contributions
Throughout his career, Tank has been known for his deep, soulful voice and his ability to blend traditional R&B with contemporary sounds. He has written and produced for several prominent artists, including Beyoncé, Aaliyah, Monica, and Chris Brown, contributing to the evolution of modern R&B. His production work is characterized by lush arrangements and emotionally charged lyrics, often exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
In 2007, Tank formed the R&B trio TGT with fellow artists Ginuwine and Tyrese. The group released their debut album, Three Kings, in 2013, which featured the hit single “Sex Never Felt Better.” Although the group was short-lived, it highlighted Tank’s collaborative spirit and his influence in the R&B community.
Challenges and Resilience
In 2021, Tank revealed that he was experiencing significant hearing loss in his right ear and partial loss in his left ear. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and record music, demonstrating resilience and determination. He shared his journey publicly to raise awareness about hearing health and to inspire others facing similar obstacles.
Personal Life
Tank married his longtime girlfriend, Zena Foster, in 2018 after 18 years of dating. The couple has two children, Zoey and Zion. Tank often shares glimpses of his family life on social media, highlighting the importance of family and faith in his personal journey.
Recent Projects and Legacy
In 2022, Tank released his tenth and final studio album, R&B Money, under his own label of the same name. The album features collaborations with artists like J. Valentine and Chris Brown, and its singles “Slow” and “See Through Love” topped the R&B charts. Tank announced that this would be his final studio album, citing his hearing loss as a significant factor in his decision.
In 2024, Tank made his Broadway debut in the musical Hell’s Kitchen, inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys. He portrayed Davis, the father of the protagonist, Ali, in a 13-week engagement. His performance was met with critical acclaim, showcasing his versatility as an artist and actor.
Awards and Recognition
- Nine Grammy Award nominations
- Soul Train Music Award nomination
- International Music Journalism Awards nomination for Best Work of Music Journalism – Multimedia (2023)
Discography
- Force of Nature (2001)
- One Man (2002)
- Sex, Love & Pain (2007)
- Now or Never (2010)
- This Is How I Feel (2012)
- Stronger (2014)
- Sex Love & Pain II (2016)
- Savage (2019)
- R&B Money (2022)
Conclusion
Durrell “Tank” Babbs has established himself as a cornerstone of contemporary R&B, known for his powerful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and contributions to the genre’s evolution.
