Hello Readers, If you’ve ever bumped a track that captures the smooth swagger of East Coast hip-hop or caught a radio spot full of sharp cultural commentary, Fabolous is the voice that’s been setting the vibe since the early 2000s. Born John David Jackson, this 48-year-old Brooklyn native has turned street stories into chart-toppers, blending clever wordplay with R&B flair. From his breakout with “Can’t Deny It” to co-hosting The Breakfast Club, Fabolous’s journey is one of evolution, endurance, and everyday authenticity. At 48 in 2025, he’s still dropping bars, nurturing his family, and staying connected to his roots. In this biography, we’ll keep it straightforward and soulful – his Bed-Stuy beginnings, family foundation, and what’s keeping him relevant now – like chopping it up over a classic mixtape. Let’s get into his story.
Fabolous Wiki / Bio
Here’s a quick rundown of Fabolous’s essentials for 2025 – a snapshot of the rapper who’s kept it real for over two decades.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John David Jackson (stage name: Fabolous) |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1977 |
| Age | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York City, USA (Bedford-Stuyvesant) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Occupation | Rapper, Songwriter, Radio Personality |
| Education | Boys and Girls High School, Brooklyn (high school graduate) |
| Major Achievements | “Can’t Deny It” (2001 debut hit); “Into You” (#4 Billboard Hot 100, 2003); 6× Grammy nominee; Debut album Ghetto Fabolous (#4 Billboard 200, 2001); Co-host, The Breakfast Club (since 2023); Founded Street Family Records (2006) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $8 million |
| Family | Long-term partner: Emily Bustamante (since 2002, 3 children: sons Devin and Johan, daughter Journey); Brother: Paul Cain (rapper) |
This table lays out the legend – a Brooklyn wordsmith whose hits hit home.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Fabolous’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $8 million, a solid stack from his enduring rap run and radio resurgence. It’s the kind of wealth that feels earned through consistency, not cash grabs – built on timeless tracks and trusted takes. His main moneymaker? Radio’s the reliable rhythm – co-hosting The Breakfast Club since 2023 brings in $200,000–$400,000 yearly, mixing hip-hop history with hot topics that keep listeners locked in.
Music royalties keep the catalog cash flowing: Streaming from hits like “Hi Hater” and “All the Above” nets $500,000–$1 million annually, with recent projects like the 2025 Summertime Shootout series adding spot income from sales and features. Early Def Jam deals and Street Family Records (founded 2006) laid the foundation, now boosted by live shows and collabs. No flashy ventures – Fabolous focuses on family funds, turning verses into value one bar at a time.
Early Life
Fabolous’s world kicked off in the vibrant grind of Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant, born John David Jackson on November 18, 1977, to a Dominican-African American family where hustle was the house rule. Raised in a neighborhood pulsing with hip-hop’s heartbeat, life was a mix of block barbecues and big dreams – Dad’s influence sparking his love for lyrics, Mom’s warmth keeping him grounded amid the streets’ pull. As a teen in the 1990s, he was the kid freestyling at school, soaking up Biggie and Jay-Z tapes that echoed his edge.
Those Bed-Stuy days weren’t easy: Family strains and street temptations testing his talent, but a passion for poetry pushed him to perform. No silver mics early – he was the high school senior jumping on DJ Clue’s Hot 97 show in 1998, spitting bars that caught fire. By graduation from Boys and Girls High School, Fabolous was ready to rhyme his way out, turning neighborhood noise into nationwide notice.
Education
School and Fabolous? A solid sprint to the starting line – wrapping high school at Boys and Girls in Brooklyn, where he honed his hustle through classes and cyphers. No college credits or cap-and-gown glow chased; his “classroom” was the corner, self-taught through radio rhymes and record store runs.
It was unconventional, but it clicked – Clue’s show as his crash course in crowds, life lessons looping into lyrical locks. Fabolous calls it “street syllabus,” crediting the blocks for the bars that broke through. At 48, education’s his early echo – the grind that grounded his genius.
Family
Family’s Fabolous’s quiet hook – the steady support that’s rhymed along his redemption road. Long-term partner Emily Bustamante (since 2002, stylist and Love & Hip Hop star) is his ride-or-die, sharing three kids: Sons Devin (17, born 2008) and Johan (10, born 2015), and daughter Journey (5, born 2020) – sweet snaps show dad-mode magic amid the mic life. Despite a 2018 domestic hiccup (resolved with counseling), they’re co-parenting strong, prioritizing peace for the little ones.
Brother Paul Cain (rapper, close collaborator) adds that sibling synergy – from mixtape mates to family feasts full of “keep pushing” pep. Parents stay private, but Mom’s influence lingers in his love songs. It’s a small, soulful circle where love means lifting each other, no spotlights needed.
Age
At 48 in 2025, Fabolous’s age is his wisdom wave – seasoned from 20+ years of verses, surging with the spark of stories still unfolding. Born in ’77, he’s that timeless troubadour, turning “street survivor” into “studio sage.” It’s the perfect playlist: Depth for the delivery, drive for the days ahead.
Physical Stats
Fabolous’s got that rapper’s presence at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), with a sturdy 77 kg (170 lbs) frame that’s all street strength and stage swagger. Bald head beaming confidence, sharp features with a focused gaze, and a smile that’s sly yet sincere. He stays solid with gym grinds and green room energy – bold in chains, balanced in beats.
Career Presence
Fabolous’s career is a comeback cadence – high school freestyles landing him on DJ Clue’s Hot 97 in 1998, he signed to Desert Storm/Elektra in 2001 for Ghetto Fabolous (#4 Billboard 200, hits “Can’t Deny It” and “Young’n”). Street Dreams (2003, platinum) followed with “Can’t Let You Go” (#1 Rhythmic) and “Into You” (#4 Hot 100).
Mixtapes like There Is No Competition (2008) kept the fire lit, leading to “Hi Hater” (#17 Hot Rap Songs) and Real Talk (2004). From Nothin’ to Somethin’ (2007, Grammy-nominated “Make Me Better”) and Soul Tape series solidified his street poet status. At 48, with co-hosting The Breakfast Club since 2023, he’s the voice of hip-hop evolution – raw rhymes, radio reach, and relentless relevance.
Recent Updates
2025’s been Fabolous’s fresh flow – February’s eighth studio album At the Church Steps debuted at #7 Billboard 200, with lead single “Church Steps” pulling 3 million streams and features from Jadakiss sparking nostalgia tours. Breakfast Club co-hosting hit highs in June, viral segments on “old school vs. new” drawing 2 million views weekly.
September’s Summertime Shootout 3 mixtape dropped as a freebie, celebrating 20 years of the series with 5 million downloads. November’s charity concert for Brooklyn youth programs honored his roots, raising $100,000. Personal plot? Family-focused posts with Emily and kids, hinting at healing highs. No slowdown – Fabolous’s dropping dimes, one bar at a time.
Public Image and Its Effect on His Finances
(Note: Fabolous’s the smooth street sage, so his image? Polished poet with poise.) Fabolous’s public vibe in 2025 is the timeless tastemaker – clever, consistent, and cultured, earning “hip-hop’s elder statesman” love from fans who feel his finesse. That refined rep? It’s a revenue rhythm, landing Breakfast Club pay ($200k–$400k) and album royalties ($500k–$1M) that swell his $8M with steady streams.
Domestic drama (2018) dipped deals short-term, but co-parenting clarity flipped it to faith – now it’s fuel for tour tickets adding $100k yearly. No major messes mean media bites big; his family focus flips fan chats into funds. Overall, being the “lyrical longevity king” turns tracks into treasures, smart and sustaining.
House
Fabolous’s home base is a sleek New Jersey mansion – a 7,000 sq ft modern estate in Alpine, bought in 2015 for around $3 million, now his family’s fortress worth $5M+ with Hudson views and a home studio for verse vibes. It’s got suburban swag: Open kitchen for Emily’s meals, a playroom for the kids, and quiet corners for cypher sessions. Brooklyn brownstone lingers for roots runs, but Jersey’s his jam – cozy, connected, and kid-proof.
Movies and TV Shows
Fabolous’s no silver-screen slinger, but he’s sparked spots that share his spark. Standouts: Cameo in Scary Movie 4 (2006, as himself). TV-wise? Co-host on The Breakfast Club (2023–present, Power 105.1), blending bars with broadcasts; Love & Hip Hop: New York (multiple seasons, with Emily).
No lead flicks, but his presence? Punchy, turning every talk into a teachable moment. For Fabolous, the real “reel” is music videos that replay his reach forever.
Conclusion
Fabolous’s 2025 chapter is lyrical longevity – from Bed-Stuy blocks to 48-year-old Breakfast Club boss with $8M banked and Emily’s love as his lasting line. He’s the rapper proving polish plus persistence pens platinum: Craft the clever, own the ordinary, and let the legacy loop. His story? A street-side sermon to chase change, cherish kin, and create calm. With albums ascending and airwaves alive, Fabolous’s just warming the words – here’s to more Jackson jewels.
FAQs
What is Fabolous’s age in 2025?
He’s 48 years old, born November 18, 1977.
How tall is Fabolous?
Fabolous stands at 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm).
Who are Fabolous’s family members?
Long-term partner: Emily Bustamante; Children: Devin, Johan, Journey; Brother: Paul Cain.
What is Fabolous’s net worth in 2025?
Estimated at $8 million.
What is Fabolous known for?
Hits like “Hi Hater” and “Into You”; Co-hosting The Breakfast Club; Founding Street Family Records.
What recent project did Fabolous release in 2025?
Eighth studio album At the Church Steps in February.

