How to Hire FABOLOUS For Your Event!
The Brooklyn Wordsmith
aka: John David Jackson, SportLoso
Born in: New York
Based in: New Jersey
Based in: Englewood
Hire: Fabolous
John David Jackson, known professionally as Fabolous, was born on November 18, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York City. He is of Dominican and African-American descent and was raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Growing up in a culturally rich and often tough urban environment, Fabolous was influenced by East Coast hip-hop legends and developed a love for lyrical wordplay early on.
He attended High School of Art and Design in Manhattan and later City-As-School High School in New York, where he began honing his rap skills more seriously.
Hire Fabolous for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)
Breakthrough into Hip-Hop (1998–2001)
Fabolous first gained attention in the late 1990s, thanks to a chance opportunity when he rapped live on DJ Clue’s radio show on Hot 97. Clue was impressed and signed him to Desert Storm Records. His feature on various mixtapes built his underground credibility.
In 2001, Fabolous released his debut album, “Ghetto Fabolous“, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 and featured hit singles like: “Can’t Deny It” (featuring Nate Dogg) and “Young’n (Holla Back)”.
The album’s mix of street-savvy lyrics and club-friendly beats made him an immediate standout.
Mainstream Success and Continued Releases (2003–2007)
Fabolous followed up with several successful albums:
Street Dreams (2003)
Featured hits like “Into You” (with Tamia or Ashanti) and “Trade It All Pt. 2”; It Certified Platinum, further solidifying his mainstream appeal
Real Talk (2004)
Spawned popular singles like “Breathe”, a gritty track that remains one of his most acclaimed songs
In 2006, he signed with Def Jam Recordings and launched his own label, Street Family Records.
From Nothin’ to Somethin’ (2007)
- Debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200
- Included features from Ne-Yo, T-Pain, and Rihanna
- Certified Gold by the RIAA
The Maturation of a Lyricist (2009–2014)
Fabolous‘ 2009 album, “Loso’s Way“, marked a stylistic shift toward more personal and cinematic themes. It debuted at #1 and was accompanied by a short film. Notable tracks include “Throw It in the Bag” (featuring The-Dream) and “My Time” (featuring Jeremih).
He also began releasing his now legendary “There Is No Competition” and “The Soul Tape” mixtape series, showcasing a deeper, sharper lyrical side that earned respect from hardcore hip-hop fans and critics alike.
Later Career and Collaborative Projects (2015–2020)
- The Young OG Project (2014)
Released on Christmas Day, this digital-only album blended 90s nostalgia with modern production. Songs like “She Wildin’” (with Chris Brown) paid tribute to 90s culture. - Friday on Elm Street (2017)
A collaboration with Jadakiss, the horror-themed project was well received for its punchline-heavy lyricism and East Coast grit.
Personal Life and Legal Issues
Fabolous has long been in an on-and-off relationship with stylist and reality TV personality Emily Bustamante (Emily B), with whom he has children.
Despite personal challenges, Fabolous has continued to maintain relevance in the music industry, often contributing features and freestyles that go viral online.
Legacy and Influence
Fabolous is widely respected for his:
- Consistent lyricism
- Longevity in hip-hop (over 20 years active)
- Ability to balance street credibility with mainstream appeal
- Clever use of punchlines, metaphors, and fashion-forward image
He’s often cited as one of the most underrated lyricists in hip-hop and a mixtape legend.
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Upcoming Tour Dates for Fabolous
- April 19, 2025 — Tycoon Music Festival featuring Chris Brown and Friends
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Buy Tickets - May 9, 2025 — Keyshia Cole, Jeezy, Fabolous, Keri Hilson & Bobby V
Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
Buy Tickets - May 10, 2025 — My Platinum Playlist w/ ASHANTI, FABOLOUS, JEREMIH, LLOYD & Many More
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Buy Tickets - May 24, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
Rudolf Weber-ARENA, Oberhausen,
Buy Tickets - May 25, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
ING ARENA, Brussels,
Buy Tickets - May 26, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour | VIP UPGRADE
Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam,
Buy Tickets - May 26, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour | VIP Package
Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam,
Buy Tickets - May 26, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam,
Buy Tickets - May 28, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
Barclays Arena, Hamburg,
Buy Tickets - May 29, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
, København S,
Buy Tickets - May 29, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
, Bergen,
Buy Tickets - June 2, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
, Frankfurt am Main,
Buy Tickets - June 4, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
Utilita Arena Birmingham, Birmingham,
Buy Tickets - June 5, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
The O2, London,
Buy Tickets - June 7, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
AO Arena, Manchester,
Buy Tickets - June 9, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
OVO Hydro, Glasgow,
Buy Tickets - June 11, 2025 — Nelly with Eve & Special Guests: Where The Party At Tour
3Arena, Dublin,
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