Fabolous Biography: Songs, Net Worth, Wife, Age, Parents, Children, Height, Albums

Biography

Fabolous, born John David Jackson on November 18, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York, is a Dominican-African American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur whose career blends East Coast hip-hop with smooth R&B sensibilities.

Raised in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood’s Breevort Houses, he honed his skills at local high schools before breaking into the music scene in the late 1990s via DJ Clue‘s Hot 97 radio show, leading to a deal with Desert Storm and Elektra Records.

His debut album, Ghetto Fabolous (2001), launched hits like “Can’t Deny It,” peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Fabolous‘ commercial breakthrough came with Street Dreams (2003), featuring chart-toppers “Into You” and “Can’t Let You Go,” both reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100.

Subsequent releases like From Nothin’ to Somethin’ (2007), Loso’s Way (2009), and Summertime Shootout 3 (2019) solidified his status, with the latter marking his seventh top-10 album.

Known for mixtape series such as The S.O.U.L. Tape and collaborations—including Friday on Elm Street (2017) with Jadakiss and features on tracks like Trey Songz‘s “Say Aah“—he has earned two Grammy nominations and BET Hip Hop Awards nods.

Beyond music, Fabolous founded the Street Family Records imprint and launched the Rich Yung apparel line in 2006. A father of three, he remains active, with recent TV cameos on The Real Housewives of Miami (2023) and singles like “Choosy” (2019).

American rapper
Fabolous
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	John David Jackson
Stage Name:	Fabolous
Born:	18 November 1977 (age 47 years old)
Place of Birth:	Brooklyn, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Education:	High School of Art & Design, City-As-School High School, Boys and Girls High School
Height:	1.80 m
Parents:	Maria Jackson, Anthony Rivera
Siblings:	Paul Cain
Spouse:	Not Married
Girlfriend • Partner:	Emily Bustamante (2002), Tahiry Jose (2000 – 2001), Sanniyah Antoinette, Cyn Santana, Ayisha Diaz, Farrah Franklin, Celina Powell (2017), Amber Priddy (2011), Amber Rose (2010), Kat Stacks (2010), Catya Washington (2009 – 2010), Adrienne Houghton (2009), Draya Michele, Jenna Shea (2008 – 2010), Kimbella Vanderhee (2008), Erica Mena (2007), Azzareya Curtis (2007 – 2008), Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (2004), Karrine Steffans (2001), Stephanie Woods
Children:	Johan Jackson, Jonas Jackson, Journey Isabella Jackson
Occupation:	Rapper • Singer
Net Worth:	$8 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Fabolous, born John David Jackson on November 18, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York City, grew up in the Breevoort Houses public housing project in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

Of Dominican and African-American ethnicity, he was raised primarily by his mother, Maria Jackson, in a single-parent household, as he has spoken about growing up without a father present. His father, Anthony Rivera, was not actively involved in his upbringing.

He has at least one sibling, a brother named Paul Cain, who is also involved in the music industry and has been described by Fabolous as a close family member who has supported him throughout his career. Paul Cain Sr., his brother’s father, served as a father figure to Fabolous as well, though they may not share the same biological father.

Fabolous was raised in the Catholic faith, attending church with his mother as a child, though he rarely discusses religion publicly.

Regarding education, Fabolous attended the High School of Art & Design and City-As-School High School in Manhattan before transferring to Boys and Girls High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

It was during his senior year of high school that he began seriously pursuing a career in hip-hop, starting with appearances on local radio shows that launched his path in the music industry.

Career

Fabolous launched his professional rap career in the late 1990s after gaining buzz through freestyle appearances on DJ Clue’s Hot 97 radio show. His sharp wit and effortless flow caught the attention of DJ Clue, who signed him to Desert Storm Records. Fabolous soon secured a distribution deal with Elektra Records, setting the stage for his mainstream breakthrough.

His debut single, “Can’t Deny It” featuring Nate Dogg, dropped in 2001 and became an instant summer anthem, peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, he released his first studio album, Ghetto Fabolous, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification, introducing his signature mix of slick bars and radio-ready hooks.

Fabolous elevated his success with his sophomore album, Street Dreams (2003), which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and produced two massive hits: “Can’t Let You Go” (featuring Mike Shorey and Lil’ Mo) and “Into You” (featuring Tamia). Both singles reached the Top 5 on the Hot 100, cementing his reputation as a hitmaker who could seamlessly blend street narratives with R&B melodies. The album’s commercial success led to another platinum certification.

After parting ways with Elektra, Fabolous signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2004. His third studio album, Real Talk, debuted at No. 6 and featured the anthemic single “Breathe”, which peaked at No. 10 on the Hot 100 and became one of his most defining records.

In 2007, he dropped From Nothin’ to Somethin’, debuting at No. 2 and spawning the top-10 hit “Make Me Better” with Ne-Yo—a sleek collaboration that blended luxury rap and smooth R&B, marking another evolution in his sound.

Fabolous achieved his first No. 1 album with Loso’s Way (2009), a concept-driven project inspired by Carlito’s Way. Featuring collaborations with The-Dream, Jeremih, and Keri Hilson, the album debuted atop the Billboard 200 and earned gold certification thanks to hits like “Throw It in the Bag” and “My Time.”

Throughout the 2010s, Fabolous became a mixtape icon, releasing a string of critically acclaimed projects including the There Is No Competition trilogy, The S.O.U.L. Tape series (2011–2013), and the Summertime Shootout series (2015–2019). The final installment, Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, marking his seventh top-10 album and final major release under a traditional label structure.

He has collaborated with some of hip-hop and R&B’s biggest names, including Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz, and Young Jeezy. In 2017, his joint project with Jadakiss, Friday on Elm Street, paid homage to horror cinema while debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard 200.

Fabolous has received two Grammy nominations—one for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Dip It Low (Remix)” with Christina Milian (2005) and another for Best Rap Album for Loso’s Way (2010).

Beyond music, he founded Street Family Records and launched his Rich Yung clothing line in 2006, expanding his influence into business and fashion. Known for his timeless lyricism, laid-back cadence, and trend-setting style, Fabolous has maintained cultural relevance from the early mixtape era to modern streaming platforms.

Though he hasn’t released a studio album since 2019, Fabolous remains an active force in hip-hop—frequently appearing on features, dropping singles, and performing at major events. His consistency, adaptability, and charisma continue to inspire a new generation of artists navigating the balance between gritty street authenticity and mainstream appeal.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Fabolous
• Facebook: Fabolous
• IMDb: Fabolous
• YouTube: MyFabolousLife
• Instagram: Fabolous (@myfabolouslife)
• Threads: Fabolous (@myfabolouslife)
• Twitter: Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) / X

Personal Life

Born John David Jackson on November 18, 1977, Fabolous is 47 years old.

Standing at 5’11”, he has never walked down the aisle and remains unmarried, though his romantic life has long been a subject of public fascination.

His most enduring relationship has been with stylist and Love & Hip Hop star Emily Bustamante—known as Emily B—whom he started dating in 2002.

Fabolous has never been married, with no records of any weddings or spouses. His longest and most prominent relationship has been with stylist and reality TV personality Emily Bustamante (known as Emily B), whom he began dating in 2002.

Though they have been described as partners in recent years, sources as of 2025 refer to her as his ex-girlfriend, suggesting an on-and-off dynamic without a formal marriage. Together, they share three children: sons Johan Jackson (born February 16, 2008) and Jonas Jackson (born June 2, 2015), and daughter Journey Isabella Jackson (born October 10, 2020). Johan celebrated his 17th birthday in February 2025 with an all-star weekend event.

Recent reports refer to Emily as his ex, hinting at a complex partnership that has weathered public scrutiny, including a 2018 domestic incident that made headlines but ultimately was resolved legally.

Before and during his time with Emily, Fabolous was linked to a string of high-profile women across entertainment and modeling. His earliest known romance was with Tahiry Jose from 2000 to 2001. Over the years, he dated Sanniyah Antoinette, Cyn Santana, Ayisha Diaz, and former Destiny’s Child member Farrah Franklin.

He’s also been connected—through confirmed encounters or brief flings—to a wide circle that includes Celina Powell (2017), Amber Priddy (2011), Amber Rose (2010), Kat Stacks (2010), Bad Girls Club alum Catya Washington (2009–2010), singer Adrienne Houghton (2009), Draya Michele, adult film personality Jenna Shea (2008–2010), Kimbella Vanderhee (2008), Erica Mena (2007), Azzareya Curtis (2007–2008), music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs (2004), author Karrine Steffans (2001), and Stephanie Woods, who was identified as a mistress.

Additionally, rumors persist about a 2011 hookup with Nastassia Smith. While Fabolous rarely speaks on his personal affairs, his relationships—ranging from long-term commitment ties to fleeting connections—paint a picture of a private man navigating fame, fatherhood, and a colorful romantic past.

Net Worth

Fabolous, the Brooklyn-born rapper known for hits like “Can’t Deny It” and “Into You,” has built an estimated net worth of $8 million.

This fortune stems primarily from his two-decade music career, including platinum albums such as Street Dreams (2003) and Loso’s Way (2009), lucrative streaming royalties, and high-profile features with artists like Trey Songz and Ne-Yo.

Touring, endorsements, and his Rich Yung clothing line add to his earnings, though older estimates once pegged it higher at $20–23 million before adjustments for industry shifts. Despite legal hurdles like his 2018 domestic case, Fabolous‘s savvy investments and consistent output keep his wealth steady in the mid-seven figures.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Ghetto Fabolous (2001)  
• Street Dreams (2003)  
• Real Talk (2004)  
• From Nothin’ to Somethin’ (2007)  
• Loso’s Way (2009)  
• The Young OG Project (2014)  
• Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever (2019)

Extended Plays (EPs) & Collaborative Albums

• There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Music EP (2010)  
• Friday on Elm Street (with Jadakiss) (2017)

Notable Mixtapes

• More Street Dreams, Pt. 2: The Mixtape (2003)  
• There Is No Competition (2008)  
• There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Music (2010)  
• There Is No Competition 3: Death Comes in 3s (2011)  
• The S.O.U.L. Tape (2011)  
• The S.O.U.L. Tape 2 (2012)  
• The S.O.U.L. Tape 3 (2013)  
• Summertime Shootout (2015)  
• Summertime Shootout 2: The Level Up (2016)