Tank on Moving From Gospel to R&B, First Tour with Aaliyah & Ginuwine

Though he started his musical journey in the church, Tank says he got his first big break when he was asked to join Ginuwine and Aaliyah on tour. Initially, he was added on as Ginuwine's backup vocalist but says he was later convinced to also be Aaliyah's backup singer once she heard his voice. Although, Aaliyah had been one of the 90's biggest singers, she was also one of the sexiest, and her team made sure to brief Tank and other men on the tour to stay away from her. "I was briefed before I went on tour." He recalled, "'Hey, you go on tour, you do your job. You leave her alone.'"
As for testing stardom when he rolled with Ginuwine, he says things were fair game when it came to the singer's female fans, which was an eye-opening experience for him. Coming up in the church, he was always told what not to do, but once on tour he dabbled in "real world" experiences such as, women, weed, and alcohol. Further into his interview with DJ Vlad, he talks about finally getting to meet Timbaland and why he considers him to be his favorite producers of all time.
Watch the full interview above.

[@CaliCool91]

Went from being Ginuwine's backup singer to being in a supergroup with him. That's pretty dope.

[@lashirnette]

I love how he kept his Aaliyah stories private...but Ginuwine was open season 😂😂😂😂

[@nadirashabazz1033]

He had to respect her memory

[@jesuslivez6132]

The church did Tank good. You can tell he has a great personality, down-to-earth, and didn't let the industry corrupt him. Glad Aaliyah & Ginuwine showed him what it was all about to keep him grounded as well. The lesson of today... Tank still da man!

[@lprullzBG]

Man, just look his eyes and his smile while he reminisces.... you can tell he's a real humble dude.

[@TonyTurner]

Aaliyah is a legend.

[@classicstorm]

I was looking for your comments...

[@TonyTurner]

classicstorm You already know...Lol.

[@classicstorm]

Tony Turner Yep...I was waiting for you to school some of these fools on here talking about she wasn't as big as beyonce on here too...like do you see that stuff?...

[@TonyTurner]

classicstorm Yes, I was ready to go in but I realize this comment section is full of dumbasses who only listen to rap and trap so I just left a general comment.

[@edminjatrel]

as big as beyonce? i don't understand how you compare them bc she died @ 22

[@classicstorm]

Everyone who has said that Aaliyah was not on beyonce level of her time didn't listen to what Tank said...wasn't around the time of Aaliyah and comparing her to social media beyonce...Aaliyah was the prebeyonce stop being stuck on stupid...even beyonce was singing her songs at the destiny child concert...

[@ccalexander1924]

classicstorm allyiah didn’t have enough time to be on Beys level. She was taken from us to soon. Everyone knew who she was though

[@KhalilAbRah]

i was happy to hear him speak of Static Major and the incredible part he played in Aaliyah's success. Their union was most definitely a blessing from YAH.

[@christinafrancis3173]

Amen!!! Static Major was the MVP of the Supafriends crew. His talent (vocal arranging/songwriting)was SOLID & rarely gets the credit he deserves! Aaliyah & his passing were (& still is) gut- wrenching for r&b music. Magic gone... RIP Aaliyah & Static Major

[@KhalilAbRah]

You are so right! Music has never been the same...RIP #Babygirl & #KingOfMelodies

[@orlandosanchez5638]

Aaliyah has to be the most beautiful angel in heaven.

[@quedixon8886]

Orlando Sanchez you believe she made it in

[@thegoat7043]

Que Dixon I mean everybody who knew her said she was a angel

[@KMas89]

Tank is still so underrated

[@alfatir14]

Nah, he's respected for his works in the industry.

[@KMas89]

Abdul Wahid i hope so

[@dugebuwembo]

Kevin Marcel M. Tank is dry. He is a good singer but the songs....

[@GameFreak4Ever]

I knew I wasn't tripping. The first time I heard "Maybe I Deserve." It had some Gospel tones to it. Makes sense about his transition.

[@lasnumber]

"The baby hair was at it height " 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Tank is a fool!

[@icebergslim3216]

Put some respek on Aaliyah Name!

[@christinafrancis3173]

They betta!

[@MissJaynet]

i wanna add that i love Tank he is so underrated its ridiculous

[@Tizzyvizzy]

Aaliyah Was The Popular Female For That Era , She Ran Shit Like Beyonce And Was Sexy And Stylish Like Rihanna Is Today Yall She Was Queen Until She Died Then You Know Who Came Wit Her husband

[@jesuslivez6132]

LOL!!! Right...

[@ajewul2]

No she was not....she didn't sell more than Janet, Laryn, Brandy, Monica, Mary, Mariah....Aaliyah was like second tier. You weren't alive in that era I see

[@cortezmiller1899]

+Supreme5panel she sold more than some of the artist u mention

[@cortezmiller1899]

+Supreme5panel i was alive in that era trust me aaliyah was in the mix

[@DJThree8s]

+Cortez Miller na dude he's right, but it was mainly bc that top tier was so powerful

[@DoktorSick]

Seems like a good dude, Cool interview !! YOu have to get some more Tank.

[@MissJaynet]

yall dont understand He was saying that Aaliyah was the it girl at the time. what her Tim, Missy, & Static were doing with music at the time was innovative. They brought in a new sound, which i think they are still overlooked for. unfortunately her life cut short when she was jus getting the credit she deserved... in my opinion if she was alive today she wud be on top. when ur a top artist everyone wants to work with u...u get the best of everything

[@christinafrancis3173]

Those of us who are Aaliyah's fans KNOW the musical/entertainment scales back then. Brandy was the preeminent young black female star between "96" thru "2000". Aaliyah's rise was simmering & was at an apex from 2000 to her untimely passing. Aaliyah had an nuance that stretched her entire career & has sustained for nearly 15 years since she lefted this world. She was every bit of the triple - threat her: Colleagues,Industry Insiders & Devoted Fans knew she was! Let'em know!

[@MissJaynet]

+Christina Francis fa sho 👏👏

[@shannonallaround9490]

BIG FACTS!!!!!

[@Shulemdior]

I wish and pray that he comes back to church and stay rooted in God. 🙏🏽

[@porshadavis4134]

I agree with you on that but on the other hand R&B is not bad to listen to

[@thatonepage]

Keep that negative talk about Aaliyah out of your mouth fr yal ppl on the comments I hate when yal speak negatively on Aaliyah she's no longer here w/ us BUT Aaliyah was on a road to even greater success before she died period. Pls stop comparing her to beyonce ppl Aaliyah was in her own LANE

[@MrEOM41]

Fa real she had her own swagger

[@biggbertz1]

from gospel to fuck you back to sleep remix with chris brown. came a long way

[@thelastcrucible4408]

😂😂😂😂

[@keefed1284]

that's a damn shame lol

[@ngicara5372]

😂😂Should be backwards

[@mobbstarrmobbin6230]

well most R&B artists in the 90s or in the early 2000s somehow started off in Church singing gospel, R Kelly, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Faith Evans and more did start off singing gospel. This isnt news lol

[@biggbertz1]

+Mobbstarr Mobbin yes i think it just the degeneration if you will of rnb i enjoy the more explict side but just look at r kelly

[@DJPoiz1990]

Devante Swing changed the game. NOT Timbaland. He mentored Timbaland during Da Bassment Era. Fact

[@bubbles12356]

Please...Don't ever say that again.

[@DJPoiz1990]

+A Dope Point of View ?? it's facts though. The real know. I have the bassment tapes

[@Tre_B_x_o]

you are right. Devante doesnt get credit for nothin man

[@yeahisaidit5633]

that true timbaland who style was devante swing hands down

[@kjdnyhmghfvb]

Devante did mentor him, however Timbaland did change the actual game, whereas Devante had the potential to do so, it was Missy and Timbaland that actually did it.

[@viviangathecha9745]

I love how he's all lit up 😹💕

[@Snoopyluv329]

I love you Tank. Your eyes smile.

[@GalanDestroyer]

The man Tank! Good look for this one, +djvlad. I wasn't aware that he was involved with Ginuwine, Aaliyah, Timbaland, or just that whole collective. Nice stuff.

[@blknote1]

Wow. Great interview. He gave a shoutout.....

[@audreywilliams1434]

God Bless you,Isenna Global!! 😇

[@abab-ne3oc]

Is it just me, but doesnt he look exactly like Marvin gaye?? Both of them from D.C🙌🏾 Tank should play Marvin gaye if they would ever do a movie about him!!

[@sherodwalker4558]

Tank is from Milwaukee Wisconsin

[@barb6868]

Yes he does.

[@TheRetiredHotGurl]

Tank is from Tacoma Park, MD, not Milwaukee.

[@abab-ne3oc]

BonitaApplebumm thank you for correcting that!

[@twlauderdale]

@@TheRetiredHotGurl Tank was born in Milwaukee, but grew up on Andrews Air Force Base in PG Maryland !

[@AARONKAYE]

More Tank interviews please!

[@kaih.4789]

Not "the baby hair and light skinned-ness, was @ the all time height!" Lol

[@ryanLeKing]

I Like This BRo!. Good Sir TaNk. THxYOu.

[@gabrielbalde6215]

tank is an amazing r&b singer.

[@BarbaraHill-ip5dw]

Brilliant baby keep up the good work 💯

[@askbubb]

best interview vlad shout to tank

[@twlauderdale]

😂😂😂 He was a big Babyface guy !!! He was a HUGE Babyface guy ! Love this dude, we played Basketball 🏀 or Football everyday, EXCEPTIONAL athlete, I remember when he use to have to borrow my clothes & shoes ! He's come a long way !

[@jojohns9670]

Tank is drop dead gorgeous! Fine af

[@speaksfreely4119]

Likeable, humble , and funny too!!!❤

[@crandaddy26]

Tank is hilarious 😂 😂 😂

[@dw-or5xb]

Im really loving Tanks honesty

[@terencethomas6452]

Tank was stating facts about preachers being hypocritical, that genuine story was funny , Genuine , Dino from h town rip, Devaney swing were the Mr still your girls

[@notapplicable687]

All of you in the comments talking bout Aaliyah wasn’t at Beyoncé level of fame well let’s switch it up if Beyoncé had died at 22 she wouldn’t of been at the level of fame she’s currently on now! You are comparing a 7 year career to one that is going on 20 is that even fair? Aaliyah was doing her thing in the prime of Mariah, Janet and Whitney that’s competition right there yet she still managed to shine what competition has Beyoncé got? Aaliyah was the biggest in her genre it was her brandy and Monica. I bet most of ya’ll hating born after 97 🙄 acting like you know ish bitch your ass was 4 when she passed tf do you remember? Aaliyah didn’t get the chance to reach her full potential either way she still one in a million, and irreplaceable...rip babygirl 💖

[@mattm3123]

Perfect explanation. And Aaliyah died when I was only 4 years old but even I know better than to try and undermine her impact and influence.

[@jaysonmoseley6569]

Seems like a COOL DUDE! GOOD INTERVIEW.

[@ksager123]

good guy. give you the shirt off his back

[@Ayplus]

@8:15 "I gotta have women jumpin off the top rope to get to me " lmao

[@bobbyguerrero2046]

Aaliyah was on that level. Beyoncé and Rihanna are in that level in 2016 where we have social media and the Internet so they seem so much bigger because they're in your face and at the tip of your fingers by a Google search. Aaliyah passed when the Internet was barely getting big. Text messaging wasn't even around when she died. Aaliyah was definitely at their level in 2001, it just looked very differently.

[@kendallforeman5692]

+badgalriri lol Aaliyah is dead u idiot and if Aaliyah was here Rihanna wouldn't get this much attention.

[@bobbyguerrero2046]

+badgalriri I'm not saying their successes are due to Aaliyah, just like any other artist before another they do pave the way such as those did in the 60s, 70s, 80s,and now the 90s. Yes Beyoncé was out however she was in a group and destiny's child came out after Aaliyah had 2 albums out as a solo artist. I think everyone takes a little something from others. I love Rihanna and she makes great music and she's a beautiful woman but she's not at legend status yet, I think you obtain that when your debut album is at least 20 years old. Also, social media and the Internet has a lot to do with sales and popularity these days, research it. Maybe you're too young to recall the 90s but people had to physically go to stores and buy CDs and cassettes.

[@ngicara5372]

+badgalriri But your role model is influenced by Aaliyah😂 Because she was that chick at that time and the girl is DEAD. She DIED at 22. Rihanna and Beyonce are still ALIVE. There is no comparison but Aaliyah is my favorite til death. Like c'mon Rihanna is not even that great of a singer and Beyonce also overdo it. Aaliyah had that music, that personality, that voice you couldn't get tired of.

[@ngicara5372]

+badgalriri You can thank social media and Rihanna selling out for her success. Shes not that great of a singer and maybe she'll improve.

[@wwenewyork7570]

+Zendaya & Jessie Aren't Black. The reason why they sold more than her is because they're living Aaliyah is gone! Let's not get crazy now here!

[@shanewilcox1170]

Omg that ginuwine story lmaooooo

[@alias_divine]

Just stop comparing Aaliyah to Beyoncé.... Both are/were beautiful black talented successful millionaires

[@RealestGuyInTheRoom-]

Usher really took Ginuwine's spotlight back in the day. When Usher came out with "You Make Me Wanna" it was over! Ginwuine kind of sneak dissed him on one of his albums too lol.

[@ccalexander1924]

RealestGuyInTheRoom i absolutely love usher and u make me wanna

[@rednupe44]

I know exactly what your talking about

[@themansince]

No, it wasn't! Ginuwine still was making platinum albums after that. Ginuwine never dissed Usher. Y'all niggas make up anything for likes!

[@RealestGuyInTheRoom-]

@@themansince yea because I actually listened to albums and he did sneak diss him

[@Sabrina_the_2ueen]

@@themansince he did but he wasn’t bigger than usher

[@journalistjude.ginuwinesqueen]

Happy Birthday Tank!!!!

[@PirateNightsuN]

lmao this guy is happy af, watched it all even tho i dont know him

[@mskeenac21]

How in the hell you don't know who Tank is KZbin Tank. This man has been out since 1999/2000

[@nadirashabazz1033]

On Aaliyah's "Come over " u can hear Tank's vocals heavily.

[@pimpmastaa101]

Ohhh shit, my guy Tank!!!

[@shannonallaround9490]

This is great but to be honest Brandy was the bigger name and artist in the 90s. She was bigger than Baby girl but Aaliyah is still a LEGEND.

[@TheHoodhistorian]

what up TANK!

[@itsrainingshadows]

If Tank says "You know what I mean" one more time, im about to start calling him Lord Jamar Jr.

[@hfr8343]

Finally a real artist instead of these soundcloud/youtube rappers

[@UncleVictor]

Back when you didn't need spandex pants, a high pitched voice, and auto tune to be a real singer.

[@jamesallen9474]

Damn you easily coulda put the school on the map...CROSSLAND!!!...

[@ANGELMARTINEZ-ic9un]

Come back to gospel brother

[@NyakzOTSD]

Fuck that

[@playerhonda920]

ugh i want this man!!

[@abrahamemmanuel2401]

"She don't put it down like you" was dope af

[@bryanbrooks10tb]

W for that name

[@cooldizzle93]

if u really know r&b. my man tank makes dope grown folks music.

[@elijahferguson-james7420]

ayyyyee first comment

[@illlmatic4life981]

Errr, no, Timbaland is a Devante hybrid and Pharrell is a Teddy Riley hybrid. Both were taught by other people, not one another.

[@brownyeyes83]

My best song ever is kill for you thats it ❤️👋🏻

[@wickrd1279]

"I can use these frogs as a base" 😂

[@d.cpro3751]

yo dis dude use to be at run and shoot out pg county back n da days!!!!

[@juliusminaj]

Chill chill chill yall.

[@kingco-bruh7271]

i worked with this guy on mad. dope guy. give you the shirt off his back. is it a coincidence that he likes white women?

[@keefed1284]

I like white females too!

[@tbotbgc]

lmao. Aries spears

[@williefaulker]

IM DEAD lol

[@williefaulker]

😂😂😂😂

[@coolzizable]

gooooood guuuys lfmao

[@kenyonr]

@djvlad when are you gonna get MF DOOM?

[@amiraborders]

Lol baby hair Ginuwine 😭😭😭

[@jeromeholloman8089]

chilli from tlc lol

[@maddsonbeatlynx654]

Why do I keep hearing Lil Boosie say "Now they're HypMotized with hatred!" at the end of every viddy?

[@ReyHugoTelevision614]

Pleeeeeeease Don't Gooo!!!

[@reotheone1]

Vald! Find deVante Swang. Might have to go where he is because he doesn't like to fly.

[@ksager123]

pharell and timberland came up together

[@edminjatrel]

the baby hair was at its height...

[@SexyBibliophile]

Wow, Vlad got a real celebrity.

[@bbthompson05]

Vlad asks alot of setup questions to get dirt on other people, so he can use it later. If I was a celeb, I wouldn't dare go on this show. It entertaining to watch at times tho

[@fredjones5327]

Amazing... no disrespect to nobody!!! But Tank King of R&B!!! Sue me lol.

[@jameskelly315]

Idk why this dude reminds me of a softer version of Terry Crews lol

[@haasman100]

Damn Vlad, you are a hard working ass dude. You damn find everyone! See if you can find Mic Geronimo, because that nigga vanished into thin air! Yall young buls like: Who that? Lol

[@sinematic06]

Flushing!

[@MultiMrMiles]

and then Curt Cazall

[@MrJ1S]

u know what. thats a decent interview. i wouldn't mind an ali vegas one either speaking of queens rappers.

[@SecretEyeSpot]

he should've asked if Tank knew Static.. he wrote Pony..

[@50ztej]

He also wrote unpredictable for tank so they knew each other.

[@marcustoney7762]

Static wrote almost all of those hits for Aaliyah, and a bunch of others back then. He got hits fa sho!

[@eugenastewart140]

He said Statics name in the interview.

[@meandepiphany]

Co-wrote

[@dshan1ww968]

less antics =more album sales

[@williamoliveira2815]

saudades da aaliyah

[@LUPENTV07]

my nigga tank vlad release the full video bro

[@teeerealsirrdee]

Its funny to see folks talk about Timberland with all due respect he got most of his beats from gogo songs on his first few albums. Missy also

[@STACKzCOMEDY]

We know watchu mean, Tank. Lls

[@audreywilliams1434]

The Lord is not going to give you a gift to share with The Enemy!There is Hot or Cold!! God bless you,I will not discuss it any further.God's word does not change!!!!

[@BlackNBeautiful]

+Audrey Williams Here's a message from a person that personally knows Tank " Durrell... USUALLY I MIND MY BUSINESS HOWEVER FOLKS AINT MAKING IT EASY THIS TIME: @therealtank Are you being 100% honest with urself or ur fans. I really believed that the kind of music that inspired your entire existence wasn't R&B ... IT WAS GOSPEL MUSIC. God works in mysterious ways and maybe just MAYBE this is Gods way of showing you that you may need to consider doing this for God and not worry so much about everything else. 15 years ago I met a man who was excited about life, who was inspired by God, who had reservations about the "music Industry" and R&B music as a whole... This man was the choir director in Maryland, he was the minister of music at my church and I learned so much from him about the love of God and Gods gift of song and vocal ability to some and not all. This mans name is Durrell Babb's or better known to all as Tank. Knowing where you came from is necessary in the process of knowing where you're going. Forget about worldly music. Wordly music can create a monster. Heal yourself. Love you joanne"

[@BlackNBeautiful]

+Audrey Williams I didn't think so. When I got saved an re-dedicated my life to GOD, I stop listening to secular music. I don't listen to a lot of it like I used to. I gospel, jazz, neo soul and other kinds music that has real meaning and makes a lot of sense. All music is not bad music.

[@shesbaldbutiwould]

lol,Vlad why you dubbing over yourself?

[@kinggoat2345]

Isn't this the guy who said he likes getting his salad tossed?

[@SwagDrummer1]

Lmfaooo yeah

[@liltree3289]

Smh what a disgusting human being

[@jonathonhang]

No fingers doe

[@biggbertz1]

did he incorporate it into a song lol

[@jonathonhang]

+biggbertz1 breakfast club

[@YouTubeWeAllTube]

Complimenting Aaliyah by using that comparison in no way brings Beyonce down. The beyhive is so focused on making sure nobody else is mentioned in the same breathe as Beyonce that they fail to realize how harmless that comparison was. Aaliyah has passed. She's gone. Its not like she's actively out here competing with Beyonce.... just let the man praise his friend who is deceased. Geez...

[@melvinawilson3482]

he did a remix with slim j, vlads lil cousin😨

[@OfficialNiggaPass]

I still listen to your song "Pony" oh wait that wasn't you 😷

[@ksager123]

L

[@biracialthang1112]

let me know😉 a reference to at your best, but if you asked Wendy Williams she wouldn't know the title

[@callieford2228]

Isn't he married now??

[@caramelchanel86]

He is married to Zena Foster

[@Cedrclovesutube]

Tank is very entertaining and funny he said Sisco was trying to be light skin, but genuine was actually light skin lol 😆💉🤣 hahahahaha

[@Awillii]

Too funny. But Ginuwine wasn’t even light skin. He and I are about the same color.

[@Cedrclovesutube]

@@Awillii ya me to I always said that lol I guess light skin compared to Tyrese. 😂

[@Sandland113]

Ginuwine is really 6,3 6,4?

[@pyerrebarnes2409]

Yooo

[@willyninja3615]

If Aaliyah was here Beyonce would be the Rihanna to Beyonce now lmao

[@Mr9Naga]

Reincarnation of Marvin Gaye

[@RONJAE212003]

You ain’t been on tour with a real star at they height of stardom

[@audreywilliams1434]

Let me clarify,I did not say "Tank" was the devil,The choice he made to sing secular music,was the devil himself.Thank You!!

[@Ldbdoraballer]

kinfolk got on vladtv

[@audreywilliams1434]

It Is Tank,Nothing but the devil himself,and his reward is to kill,steal,and destroy.Too change it is a trick of the enemy!! You are suppose to be singing for "The Lord"😇😇

[@ngicara5372]

And you are supposed to not judge because you're no better than him. If he was supposed to keep singing for the Lord then he would of still been doing so. God still loves him, he still feels blessed, no one is perfect.

[@audreywilliams1434]

This is not judgement it is my opinion,Which I as a person have a right to do.,and If you sing secular music,Whom are you singing for?? You are not lifting up the name of Jesus!!!!

[@ngicara5372]

+Audrey Williams But people still listen to it and still follow Jesus *coughs* me. My relationship with God is okay just like other people like me.