Fabolous
Biography
John David Jackson (born November 18, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name Fabolous, is a Grammy award nominated American rapper, actor and designer signed to Def Jam Records. He released his debut album, Ghetto Fabolous in 2001 and has since released 2003s Street Dreams, 2004s Real Talk and 2007s From Nothin To Somethin, all of which have collectively sold over four million copies in the United States. His fourth studio album, Losos Way, was released in July of 2009 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
It takes talent to make the struggle to succeed seem effortless, but that is the gift that separates artists like Brooklyns John Jackson, aka Fabolous, from the everyday MC. While most rappers spend more and more time convincing the masses of their "hustle," Fabolous lets his work speak for his effort. With two platinum albums (2001s Ghetto Fabolous and 2003s Street Dreams) and one Gold (2004s Real Talk) to his credit, the veteran hitmaker still exudes a rookie-of-the year swagger. After recording for both Elektra and Atlantic Records, Fab is enjoying a home coming with the legendary Def Jam label. His first recorded song was "If They Want It" from DJ Clues The Professional, which was released by Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam in 1998.
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"I had people in my corner already over there," Fab says of DJ Clue and A and R Skane, the Desert Storm duo who discovered Fabolous. "So it wasnt like I was coming to a new neighborhood."
While he doesnt site any one reason for his move, Fabolous has learned a lot from his time in the industry and is eager to capitalize on his experience. "I havent peaked yet," he explains. "I was happy with the past records, but I have some adversity to learn off of for the future."
Its appropriate that Fabolous is getting a fresh start for his latest release because he wants From Nothin to Somethin to be a rebirth for his fans old and new. "Everybody is trying to take what they have and make something more," says Fabolous, explaining the albums title. "Its a new year, everybodys on their hustle, back in the gym and Im trying to give them some inspiration. This is music to chase your money too, work out--motivation music.
The first single "Make Me Better" is produced by Grammy Award winning producer Timbaland and finds Fabolous doing what he does best; blending radio ready sound beds with clever and memorable lyrics. Rapping that he needs "a Corretta Scott to make me King" Fab picks up with his female fans where "Baby" left off. "Its a great feel good record, its got a lot of style to it," he says. "I wanted a record that could show that I could touch different people with my music."
Already recognized for his hit-making ability, Fabolous is eager to show the diversity of his technique while staying true to his blueprint for success. On the cocky "Make Money" he cleverly borrows Notorious B.I.Gs trademark chuckle to comment on the laugh-ability of his competition: "these dudes is stand up rappers, hip-hop comedians, I start laughin as soon as I put your CD in." His wit and wordplay is not something he gets enough credit for, but the MC is confident people will come around. "Certain people recognize it," he says, "but its like theyll sing it in the shower, but they wont sing it outside. Its all good though. One of them days you gonna get drunk and start singing that song."
Enlisting a whose-who list of guests that includes Akon, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo and Junior Reed, Fabolous plays to a variety of audiences on this disc, but there is no mistaking that its his show from beginning to end. The anthemic "Brooklyn" features a yet to be disclosed surprise guest and "Change Up" pairs Fab with singer, producer extraodinaire Akon helping him reflect on his life and career.
"Anytime you become a successful person, people may look at you and say you changed," explains Fabolous, who references the October 2006 shooting that took place outside of Justins restaurant in the lyrics of the song. "That record just talks about people changing as a person for money, how they carry themselves and treat other people. For me, I might have changed where I live or my number, but I havent changed as a person…I slid a line or two about what happened in October but Im not coming out with a bullet proof vest or anything."
The playful "Foggin Up The Windows," produced by Miamis The Runners, features R. Kellys chopped and screwed vocals from his hit "Ignition" to prop up Fabolous ode to parkin lot pimpin of the more carnal kind.
"I just took it back to trying to get some in the car," he says with a laugh. "Everyones either done it or tried to get some in the car. It may not have been the place of choice but everybodys had a hotel on wheels."
Other rewind worthy tracks like "Real Playa" featuring Lloyd, "Diamonds" featuring Young Jeezy and the Just Blaze produced "Back To School" round out an impressive collection that makes From Nothin to Somethin worth the two-year wait. In his absence no artist has come close to matching his boyish charm, wit and unassuming cool both on and off the mic. With a new team and a pop of his collar Fabolous is indeed "fresh to Def."
"Im trying to bring good music back to the game," he says confidently. "And anybody thats bringing good music, the hype is gonna follow them." Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.
