{{Short description|American singer (born 1976)}} {{Other uses|Tank (disambiguation)#Stage name}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Tank | image = Tank_IMG_9824.jpg | caption = Tank in 2001 | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1976|1|1}} | birth_place = Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | years_active = 1996–present | occupation = {{flatlist| * Singer * songwriter * record producer * actor * podcaster }} | discography = {{hlist|Discography|production}} | origin = Clinton, Maryland, U.S. | instruments = {{flatlist| * Vocals * piano }} | genre = {{flatlist| * R&B * soul<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/16/arts/music/16tank.html | title=Suffering of a Noble, Romantic Soul Man | work=The New York Times | date=December 15, 2010 | last1=Caramanica | first1=Jon }}</ref> }} | label = {{flatlist| * R&B Money * Empire * Atlantic * Blackground * Virgin * Universal }} | past_member_of = TGT {{Infobox person | child = yes | spouse = {{marriage|Zena Foster|2018}} | children = 5 | website = }} }} '''Durrell Artaze Babbs''' (born January 1, 1976),<ref name="about">{{cite web|last1=Nero|first1=Mark Edward|title=Tank: Bodybuilding R&B Singer|url=http://randb.about.com/od/n1/p/Tank.htm|website=about.com|publisher=About Entertainment|access-date=January 19, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402235745/http://randb.about.com/od/n1/p/Tank.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Tank''', is an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and podcaster. He began his career as a backing vocalist for Aaliyah and Ginuwine, and signed a recording contract with the former's record label, Blackground Records as a performing act in 1998. His 2001 single, "Maybe I Deserve" peaked within the top 40 of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and led his debut studio album, ''Force of Nature'' (2001). It peaked within the top ten of the ''Billboard'' 200, while his second album, ''One Man'' (2002), peaked within the top 20 and was met with mixed critical reception.
After a five-year hiatus, he entered a joint venture with Motown to release his third album, ''Sex, Love & Pain'' (2007). Yielding his furthest commercial success, it peaked at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 and was preceded by the ''Billboard'' Hot 100-top 50 single, "Please Don't Go". He parted ways with the labels in favor of Atlantic Records to release his following albums: ''Now or Never'' (2010), ''This Is How I Feel'' (2012), ''Stronger'' (2014), ''Sex, Love & Pain II'' (2014), and ''Savage'' (2017), the latter of which spawned the platinum-certified single "When We". Following his ninth album ''Elevation'' (2019), his tenth album, ''R&B Money'' (2022), was announced as his final due to hearing loss in his right ear, which hampered his musical ability.<ref name="Mitchell">{{cite web|first=Gail|last=Mitchell|title=Tank Releases 10th & Final Studio Album 'R&B Money'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/tank-10th-final-album-rb-money-event-1235128982/|website=Billboard.com|date=August 19, 2022|accessdate=October 24, 2022}}</ref>
In 2007, he formed the R&B trio TGT with contemporaries Ginuwine and Tyrese, with whom he released one studio album (2013). Along with recording, Tank has been credited with songwriting and production work for other artists, including Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, Monica, Jamie Foxx, Aaliyah, Omarion, LeToya Luckett, NLT, and KeKe Wyatt. He founded the record label R&B Money, which has signed frequent collaborator J. Valentine; the two began hosting a namesake podcast in 2022, which interviews prominent figures in the genre. Tank has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and his podcast was nominated for Best Work of Music Journalism - Multimedia at the 2023 International Music Journalism Awards.
== Early life == Babbs was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,<ref name="bio">{{cite web|last1=Birchmeier|first1=Jason|title=Tank Bio|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/tank/biography/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819072624/http://www.mtv.com/artists/tank/biography/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 19, 2013|website=mtv.com|publisher=MTV|access-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref> then he moved with his family as a child to Clinton, Maryland. He was a multisport athlete in high school and was offered the opportunity to play college football.<ref name="about" /> However, Tank decided to focus on music, with his vocal talent being recognized to the point where R&B singer Ginuwine gave him an opportunity to sing background vocals for him during one of the latter's tours.<ref name="about" /> Tank also became a backing singer for Aaliyah, whom he had met through Ginuwine in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://theboombox.com/tank-remembers-meeting-aaliyah-i-was-so-caught-up-in-looking-at-her/ |title= Tank Remembers Meeting Aaliyah: 'I Was So Caught Up In Looking at Her'|website=The Boombox|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tank-recalls-providing-background-vocals-for-aaliyah-on-come-over-news.131535.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210507195041/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tank-recalls-providing-background-vocals-for-aaliyah-on-come-over-news.131535.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= May 7, 2021|title= Tank Recalls Providing Background Vocals For Aaliyah On "Come Over"|website=Hot New Hip Hop|last=Madusa|first=S|date=May 7, 2021|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQpfiR7W7Wc|title= Tank – Being Aaliyah's Background Singer & What Made Her Special (247HH EXCL)|website=YouTube|date= February 14, 2020|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref>
Tank later signed as an artist with Aaliyah's record label Blackground Records.
== Music career == === 2001–2007: ''Force of Nature'', ''One Man'' and ''Sex, Love & Pain'' === In 2001, Tank released his debut album ''Force of Nature'' which spawned the moderate hit Maybe I Deserve".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/ee/album/force-of-nature/id265278496|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220194040/https://itunes.apple.com/ee/album/force-of-nature/id265278496|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 2016|title=Force Of Nature by Tank|work=iTunes|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="hot100">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/281539/tank/chart|title=Tank – Chart history|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> In 2002, Tank released his second album ''One Man'' and a single of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/one-man-mw0000225583|title=One Man – Tank|work=Allmusic|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> Tank provided vocals for ''I Care 4 U'', Aaliyah's posthumous compilation album, featuring on the album's final single, "Come Over".
Tank released his third solo album, ''Sex, Love & Pain'', in May 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sex-love-pain-mw0000779183|title=Sex Love & Pain – Tank|work=Allmusic|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> The lead single of the album was the minor hit "Please Don't Go", which peaked at number 21 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart.<ref name="hot100" /> Later that year, Tank, alongside Ginuwine and Tyrese Gibson, formed the group TGT.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rb-supergroup-tgt-breaks-up-tank-tyrese-ginuwine-three-kings-atlantic-6813897/|title=R&B Supergroup TGT Splits Up|magazine=Billboard|date=December 19, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> The group was put on hold due to contractual issues, but signed with Atlantic Records in September 2012 to release their debut collaborative album, ''Three Kings'' the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/10/04/video-tyrese-ginuwine-and-tank-make-tgt-group-official/|title=Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank Make TGT Group Official|work=Rap-Up|date=October 4, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref>
=== 2010–2014: ''Now or Never'', ''This Is How I Feel'' and ''Stronger'' === Tank released his fourth studio album, ''Now or Never'', in December 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/now-or-never-mw0002026798|title=Now or Never – Tank|work=Allmusic|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> Tank collaborated with artists who included Chris Brown, Drake, on this project.<ref name="NON">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/now-or-never-deluxe-version/407880004|title=Now or Never (Deluxe Version) by Tank|work=iTunes|date=December 13, 2010|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> The singles were "Sex Music", "I Can't Make You Love Me", and "Emergency".<ref name="NON" />
Tank released his fifth studio album, ''This Is How I Feel'', in May 2012.<ref name="TIHIF">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/this-is-how-i-feel-deluxe/520602283|title=This Is How I Feel (Deluxe Version) by Tank|work=iTunes|date=May 8, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> Tank collaborated with the artists Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, T.I. and Kris Stephens on the album.<ref name="TIHIF" /> The song "Compliments", featuring Kris Stephens and T.I., was released as the lead single in October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theboombox.com/tank-this-is-how-i-feel-album/|title=Tank 'This Is How I Feel' LP: Singer 'Believes In' Chris Brown, Talks Busta Rhymes' 'Fire Alarm' Phone Call|work=The Boombox|date=April 25, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref>
On September 14, 2013, Tank sang the U.S. national anthem before the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Canelo Álvarez fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/2013/09/watch-tank-sings-national-anthem-mayweather-vs-canelo-fight/|title=Watch: Tank Sings National Anthem at Mayweather vs Canelo Fight|work=Vibe|date=September 15, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref>
His sixth studio album ''Stronger'' was released in August 2014. It featured the singles "You're My Star" and the title track. They did not make the US Hot 100 but both peaked in the Top 20 of the US Urban AC chart. The album marked a slight departure from his previous releases, focusing on a "retro R&B sound" for the album. Following disappointing sales of the release, Tank had claimed the album would be his last.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2014/12/weigh-rb-crooner-tank-slams-fansmusic-industry-supporting-rb-fiery-instagram-rant/ |title=Weigh In: R&B Crooner Tank Slams Fans/Music Industry For Not Supporting R&B In Fiery Instagram Rant – That Grape Juice.net – Thirsty? |publisher=That Grape Juice.net |date=May 23, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref>
=== 2015–2020: ''Sex Love & Pain II'' and ''Savage'' === In February 2015, a mixtape album, ''If You Were Mine'', was released. Later that year, Tank premiered a new single, "You Don't Know", featuring Wale. It served as the lead single for his seventh studio album ''Sex Love & Pain II'', released in January 2016. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart (marking his 5th album to do so) and #15 on the US Top 200 Albums chart. A second single "#BDAY" followed later that year, in addition to a holiday EP ''A Classic Christmas Night'' in December, released independently.
In May 2017, Tank performed at Washington DC's Black Gay Pride event, garnering both praise and criticism and setting off a debate concerning the rare instances male R&B artists perform at LGBT events.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/agaz6g/tank-performed-at-lgbt-pride-and-the-internet-is-at-war |title=Tank Performed at D.C.'s Black LGBT Pride and Now The Internet Is at War |publisher=Bet.com |date=March 14, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=tysandsnyc|date=May 29, 2017|title=So Tank really did do Pride.|number=869018941720580098|access-date=October 3, 2017}}</ref> In September 2017, Tank released his eighth studio album, ''Savage''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/savage/1272959522|title=Savage by Tank|work=iTunes|date=September 29, 2017|access-date=October 12, 2017}}</ref> The album's lead single "When We", has peaked at number 86 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. In October 2019, Tank released his ninth studio album ''ELEVATION''. He then released a piano-laced EP titled ''While You Wait'' on March 27, 2020.<ref name="hot100" />
=== 2021-present: ''R&B Money'' and "Experience"=== [[File:P20240206AS-1190 (53531546634).jpg|thumb|Tank performing at the White House in 2024]] On February 26, 2021, Tank released the single "Can't Let It Show" of which the chorus interpolates the 1989 Kate Bush single "This Woman's Work". Kate Bush is credited for the song alongside Tank.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://music.apple.com/gb/album/cant-let-it-show/1554576323?i=1554576335|title= Tank Can't Let It Show|website=Apple Music|date=February 26, 2021|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Folk">{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2021/11/tanks-i-deserve-reaches-top-ten-at-rnb-radio/|title=Tank's 'I Deserve' Reaches Top 10 at R&B Radio|website=Rated RnB|last=Folk|first=Antwane|date=November 29, 2021|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, it was announced that Blackground Records would be rereleasing discographies of artists including Tank, Aaliyah, Toni Braxton and Timbaland & Magoo.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/blackground-records-artist-albums-streaming-platforms-1234624932/ |title= Blackground Records To Release Albums By Aaliyah, Timbaland & Magoo And More On Streaming Platforms|website=Vibe.com|last=Brown|first=Preezy|date=August 5, 2001|access-date=September 17, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/tank-maybe-i-deserve-streaming-interview-1226890/|title= Tank on Finally Streaming His Back Catalog: 'Now People Will Know I Existed Before 2010'|last=Leight|first=Elias|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 16, 2021|access-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref> Tank's first three studio albums were reissued on CD, cassette, vinyl, digital download and for the first time, streaming, on September 17, 2021. On October 29, 2021, Tank released "I Deserve" from his upcoming tenth and final album ''R&B Money''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/r-b-money/1595705479|title = R&B MONEY by Tank|date = February 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TheRealTank/status/1454187237214674953 |title="I Deserve" hit single and video OUT NOW!!! LETS GOOOOOO!!! R&B MONEY!!|website=Twitter|date=October 29, 2021|paccess-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/3kZ8kuSmWXSJDeWjjTosUv?si=TfNpWefjSJWQbPThabQrUA|title=Tank I Deserve (Single)|website=Spotify|date=October 29, 2021|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> The single reached the top 10 on the R&B Radio chart.<ref name="Folk" /> Tank was nominated, for the first time, for an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, held on November 21, 2021. He lost to The Weeknd.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RatedRnB/status/1461366370155720705|title=@TheRealTank scored his career-first nomination at this year's #AMAs |website=Twitter|date=November 18, 2021|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> Prior to the release of ''R&B Money'', Tank announced that it would be his final studio album, triggered in part by loss of hearing in his right ear in 2021.<ref name="Mitchell"/>
On May 2, 2025, Blackground Records 2.0 released the single "Gone", by Aaliyah, with Tank co-writing the song and adding co-lead vocals. The single was released exclusively to the record label's streaming app, BLKStream,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/fans-react-to-new-ai-assisted-aaliyah-and-tank-song-gone|title=Blackground Records 2.0 releases new Aaliyah and Tank collab "Gone"|website=Revolt TV|last=Velasquez|first=Angelina|date=May 2, 2025|access-date=May 2, 2025}}</ref> but saw a wider release to streaming and digital download sites on August 1, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/gallery/new-music-ciara-saweetie-aaliyah/|title=New Music This Week: Ciara Drops "This Right Here" With Latto & Jazze Pha, Saweetie Releases "Superstars," Aaliyah's "Gone," And More|website=Essence|last=Jones|first=Okla|date=August 1, 2025|access-date=August 1, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thebeat951.com/music-news/2025-07-31-aaliyahs-gone-but-her-legacy-lives-on-in-new-song/|title=Aaliyah's 'Gone,' but her legacy lives on in new song|website=The Beat 951|date=July 31, 2025|access-date=August 1, 2025}}</ref> "Gone" peaked at number one on the Adult R&B Airplay Chart, and at number 13 on the R&B/Hip Hop Airplay chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/aaliyah/chart-history/rba/|title=Aaliyah - Adult R&B Airplay|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 23, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/aaliyah/chart-history/rba/|title=Aaliyah - R&B Hip Hop Airplay|magazine=Billboard|date=August 9, 2025|access-date=September 23, 2025}}</ref> Following widespread criticism from Aaliyah fans regarding the quality of the single,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/fans-react-to-new-ai-assisted-aaliyah-and-tank-song-gone|title=Blackground Records 2.0 releases new Aaliyah and Tank collab "Gone"|website=Revolt|last=Velasquez|first=Angelina|date=August 1, 2025|access-date=January 18, 2026}}</ref> Tank released a statement, writing,<blockquote> "[The song] featuring myself was supposed to be something good to preserve and continue the legacy of the amazing Aaliyah… This is not it. I’m out [...] The Aaliyah song you are hearing featuring myself, I did out of love for her. I had concerns and I expressed them. From the track to the vocals to the mix and to the visual [...] I still went forward knowing I would at least be able to approve the final products. I haven’t approved one thing you’ve heard or seen [...] Me thinking people had changed was my mistake and I own it [...] Aaliyah deserves better".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2025/08/tank-slams-aaliyahs-new-song-gone-featuring-his-vocals-she-deserves-better-i-havent-approved-one-thing-fans-heard/|title=Tank Slams Aaliyah's New Song 'Gone' Featuring His Vocals: She "Deserves Better…I Haven't Approved One Thing [Fans] Heard"|website=That Grape Juice|date=1 August 2025|access-date=1 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DM06USbBmcB/|title="Gone" featuring myself was supposed to be something good to preserve and continue the legacy of the amazing Aaliyah… This is not it. I'm out.|website=Instagram|date=August 1, 2025|access-date=August 1, 2025}}</ref></blockquote> On November 18, 2025, Tank released the single "Control".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/40tfmF5U1oZsCD2HSSbGXN?si=9av3jcJhTDKBUkEo6xw9Yw|title=Tank - Control|website=Spotify|date=November 18, 2025|accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2025/11/tank-new-song-control/|title=Tank Commands ‘Control’ in New Song|website=Rated R&B|last=Samuels|first=Keithan|date=November 20, 2025|accessdate=January 18, 2026}}</ref> which is set to appear on his upcoming 11th studio album "Experience" slated for an August 2026 release.
== Artistry == Tank's music is typically soul-rooted R&B.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tank Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More {{!}} AllM... |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tank-mn0000003426 |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref> Following his 2012 album ''This Is How I Feel'', his music started to incorporate a more hip-hop sound.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-01 |title=Ranking the Best Tank Albums |url=https://soulinstereo.com/2019/08/ranking-the-best-tank-albums.html |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Soul In Stereo |language=en-US}}</ref> His lyrics mostly explore themes of love, relationships, sexuality and emotional expression, often delving into the complexities of romantic relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ju |first=Shirley |date=2022-09-02 |title=Self-Described 'King of R&B' Tank on the State of Music: 'People Would Rather Hear Rappers Singing Bad Than Singers Singing Good' |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/tank-rappers-singing-bad-1235354172/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Tank Talks Bringing The Feeling Back Into R&B {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/exclusive-tank-talks-bringing-feeling-back-rb |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=grammy.com}}</ref> He mentioned Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men and R. Kelly as his musical inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Malcolm |title=Jamie Foxx once took Tank in and let him record in his home studio when he was on the brink of homelessness |url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-05-23/170373/jamie-foxx-tank-homelessness-help |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=REVOLT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=The Timeless Talent Of Tank: A Journey Through R&B Excellence |url=https://emissary.io/exposing-us/the-timeless-talent-of-tank-a-journey-through-rampb-excellence.html |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Elite MicroMega Media |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Krishnamurthy |first=Sowmya |date=2019-09-30 |title=Tank Wants To Be a Big Brother for New R&B Artists: 'I Love For People to do Well' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/tank-elevation-interview-8531743/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Writing and producing === Tank's songwriting and production credits include working with Aaliyah, Chris Brown, Dave Hollister, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Rowland, Marques Houston, Omarion, Jamie Foxx, Pitbull, Donell Jones and Monica<ref name="bio" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=voyagestaff |date=2023-10-20 |title=Tank |url=https://fantasticvoyage.blackamericaweb.com/520384/tank/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage |language=en-US}}</ref> as a member of the production team the Underdogs and with his own team, Song Dynasty.
== Other ventures == === Acting === He was a contributor to the score of the film adaptation of the musical ''Dreamgirls'', in which he had a cameo. He was also featured in the movie ''Preacher's Kid''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://singersroom.com/content/2010-01-09/sr-gospel-letoya-tank-preachers-kid-in-theaters/|title=SR Gospel: LeToya, Tank Preacher's Kid In Theaters, Plus BMI Trailblazers|work=Singersroom.com|date=January 9, 2010|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> Tank played Donovan in ''Born Again Virgin'' (2015–2016). He also played recording company executive Jheryl Busby in the BET miniseries ''The New Edition Story'' (2017), ''The Bobby Brown Story'' (2018), and appeared in ''T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle'' (2018).
In March of 2025, Babbs made his Broadway debut in ''Hell's Kitchen'' assuming the role of Davis, previously portrayed by Brandon Victor Dixon.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Tank Makes Broadway Debut in Hell's Kitchen Beginning March 11 |url=https://playbill.com/article/tank-makes-broadway-debut-in-hells-kitchen-beginning-march-11 |work=Playbill}}</ref> He serves as a limited replacement and featured performer in the production for an 11-week engagement.
Tank is set to play Eric Cropper in the fourth season of Reasonable Doubt.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cordero |first1=Rosy |title=Meagan Good & Durrell 'Tank' Babbs Join 'Reasonable Doubt' Season 4 |url=https://deadline.com/2026/03/meagan-good-cast-reasonable-doubt-season-4-1236765077/ |website=Deadline |date=25 March 2026}}</ref>
=== Podcast ===
Tank and his manager, J. Valentine, are the hosts of their own streaming podcast, ''R&B Money Podcast'', where they interview popular R&B recording artists, songwriters, producers, and other legends of the genre, discussing industry topics with R&B music at its center. The podcast is most popular on the YouTube platform.
== Personal life == Tank got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Zena Foster on January 16, 2017. The couple have two children, Zoey Babbs and Zion Babbs. They were married in Los Angeles, California, on July 22, 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/tank-proposes-longtime-girlfriend-zena-foster-7676331/ |title=Tank Proposes to Longtime Girlfriend |magazine=Billboard |date=January 31, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BP6UQy2h_2r/ |title=Instagram |publisher=Instagram |date=January 31, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017}}</ref> Foster is Tank's second wife. He is has three more children from previous relationships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.essence.com/2015/06/21/fathers-day-exclusive-tank-pens-heartfelt-letters-his-five-kids|title=Father's Day Exclusive: Tank Pens Heartfelt Letters To His Five Kids|last=Tank|date=June 20, 2015|website=Essence.com|access-date=November 2, 2016}}</ref> Jordan Babbs and Ryen Babbs and Durrell Babbs Jr.
== Discography == {{Main|Tank discography}}
;Studio albums * ''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'' (2017) * ''Elevation'' (2019) * ''R&B Money'' (2022)
;Collaborative albums * ''Three Kings'' {{small|(with Tyrese and Ginuwine, as TGT)}} (2013)
==Filmography==
===Film=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2006 | ''It Ain't Easy'' | Maggette | Video |- | 2008 | ''KeAnthony: A Hustlaz Story'' | Jay | Short |- | 2010 | ''Preacher's Kid'' | Devlin Mitchell | |- | 2014 | ''Second Chance Christmas'' | Daron Richard | TV movie |- | 2015 | ''November Rule'' | Paul | |- | 2017 | ''Illicit'' | Perry | |- | 2018 | ''Me, Myself, & Them'' | Mr. Jones | Short |- |rowspan=2| 2021 | ''Seven Deadly Sins: Lust'' | Trey Taylor | TV movie |- | ''Big 50 - The Delrhonda Hood Story'' | Slim | |- | 2023 | ''Favorite Son Christmas'' | Blaine | TV movie |}
===Television=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2002 | ''Soul Train'' | Himself | Episode: "Episode #32.7" |- | 2007 | ''Lyric Cafe'' | Himself/Celebrity Poet | Episode: "Episode #1.5" |- | 2011 | ''The Protector'' | Frankie Benson | Episode: "Spoon" & "Affairs" |- | 2012 | ''Single Ladies'' | Joe Mason | Episode: "No Ordinary Love" |- | 2014 | ''According to Him + Her'' | Himself | Recurring Guest |- | 2015 | ''Togetherness'' | Officer | Recurring Cast: Season 1 |- | 2015–16 | ''Born Again Virgin'' | Donovan | Recurring Cast |- |rowspan=5| 2017 | ''Unsung'' | Himself | Episode: "Dave Hollister" |- | ''Lip Sync Battle'' | Himself/Competitor | Episode: "Soul Train Special" |- | ''The New Edition Story'' | Jheryl Busby | Episode: "Part 1-3" |- | ''Saints & Sinners'' | Himself | Recurring Cast: Season 2 |- | ''Grown Folks'' | Quincy | Recurring Cast |- |rowspan=2| 2018 | ''Hit the Floor'' | Warren Matthews | Recurring Cast: Season 4 |- | ''The Bobby Brown Story'' | Jheryl Busby | Episode: "Part 1 & 2" |- | 2019 | ''Ridiculousness'' | Himself | Episode: "Tank" |- | 2021 | ''Black Love'' | Himself | Episode: "How Love Begins" |- |rowspan=2| 2022 | ''Real Husbands of Hollywood'' | Himself | Episode: "Wedding Gone-A-Rye" |- | ''Celebrity Game Face'' | Himself | Episode: "Kevin's BFFs" |- |rowspan=3| 2023 | ''A Black Lady Sketch Show'' | Balthasar | Episode: "I'm Clapping From My Puss" |- | ''Urban One Honors'' | Himself/Host | Main Host |- | ''Black Pop: Celebrating the Power of Black Culture'' | Himself | Episode: "Music" |}
== Stage ==
===Broadway=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 2025 | ''Hell's Kitchen'' | Davis | Replacement / featured performer |}
== Awards and nominations == === Grammy Awards === {|class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Recipient ! Category ! Result ! Ref. |- |rowspan="2"| 2008 | ''Sex, Love & Pain'' | Best R&B Album | {{nom}} |rowspan="2"| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/arts/music/10grammylist.html|title=2008 Grammy Award Winners and Nominees|work=The New York Times|date=February 9, 2008|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> |- | "Please Don't Go" | Best Male R&B Vocal Performance | {{nom}} |- |2011 | ''Take My Time'' <small>(with Chris Brown)</small> | Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/la-et-env-grammys-nominees-2010-list-htmlstory.html|title=Grammy Awards 2011: Winners and nominees for 53rd Grammy Awards|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 12, 2014|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> |- |2014 | ''Three Kings'' <small>(with TGT)</small> | Best R&B Album | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-grammy-nominations-winners-list-story.html|title=Grammys 2014: The complete list of nominees and winners|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 7, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> |}
=== Soul Train Music Awards === {|class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Recipient ! Category ! Result ! Ref. |- | 2014 | Himself | Best R&B/Soul Male Artist | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/6281631/soul-train-award-nominations-chris-brown-beyonce|title=Chris Brown & Beyonce Lead Soul Train Award Nominations|magazine=Billboard|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=December 17, 2016}}</ref> |}
=== International Music Journalism Award === {|class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Recipient ! Category ! Result ! Ref. |- | 2023 | ''R&B Money Podcast'' | Best Work of Music Journalism - Multimedia | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web | url=https://imja.reeperbahnfestival.com/en/shortlists-2023 | title=Shortlists 2023 | International Music Journalism Award }}</ref> |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [http://www.therealtank.com/ Official website] * {{IMDb name|id=2956469|name=Tank}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tank}} Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:American contemporary R&B singers Category:Musicians from Milwaukee Category:Singers from Washington, D.C. Category:Rappers from Washington, D.C. Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:21st-century African-American male rappers Category:21st-century American male rappers Category:TGT (group) members