Guordan Banks

Philadelphia native Guordan Banks cultivated a smooth, mildly raspy vocal style through years performing in church choirs, ultimately establishing himself as a contemporary R&B songwriter and balladeer. He set aside earlier ambitions of practicing law to concentrate on music instead. His first single, “One Day,” carried echoes of John Legend, the same artist he would later join in the studio.

Banks issued his mood-diverse debut EP/mixtape, A Song for Everyone, in 2014 on Dream Chasers Records, the imprint run by Meek Mill; the project featured appearances by Ayo and rappers Meek Mill, Omelly, and Wale. In addition to his own recordings, he supplied material for Keyshia Cole’s “Trust and Believe,” John Legend’s “Who Do We Think We Are,” and Meek Mill and Jadakiss’s “Heaven or Hell.”

Operating through his independent label Bank on It Entertainment, Banks released the 2015 singles “Leanin’ On,” “We Might Die,” and “Keep You in Mind.” The following year brought “#WYWDT (Where You Wanna Do This?)” with DeJ Loaf and the tropical-dance track “Revolution” featuring E.C. Twins. Ahead of his 2017 debut LP, he shared “Hug” with Omari Hardwick along with the songs “Crossover” and “Baby Girl.”