John Reuben Zappin, was born in Columbus, Ohio. He is of Jewish heritage and according to his MySpace, his mother is the owner of a Christian Death Metal record label. Raised in Pataskala, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, Reuben got his start in rapping in 1994 by taking the bus into the city to rap on open mic nights and participate in rap battles at the age of fifteen. Reuben later released Monuments, an independent EP, which caught the attention of Gotee Records. They took a chance, signing him to the label and releasing his first project, Are We There Yet?, in 2000. TobyMac, the founder of Gotee Records, provided vocals for the album's final track, "God is Love". Reuben's next release, Hindsight (2002), continues his use of a wide variety of musical genres and thoughtful, often funny lyrics. The album was praised as a "truly eclectic and creative hip-hop album that blends old-school sounds with progressive production." Once thought to be a Christian version of Eminem. Reuben's first two releases established him as an original, witty, sarcastic musician, as well as Gotee's top-selling solo rap artist.
Professional Rapper (2003) marked Reuben's debut as a self-producing artist. The album is noticeably different from his previous efforts, using more instruments and less DJ sampling for the tracks. Along with these differences, the album is noticeably darker in both lyrics and feel. It includes several somber tracks which allow a glimpse into Reuben's struggles and self-doubt. Adrienne Camp of The Benjamin Gate contributes vocals to two tracks on the album.
The following year Reuben released So In Hindsight the Professional Rapper Isn't There Yet (2004), an album of remixed versions of songs from his first three albums.
The Boy vs. The Cynic (2005) continued Reuben's trek from the non-serious songs which characterized his earlier work to music that's far more somber and meditative. Reportedly, when the time came for him to submit his work for the album, Reuben turned in enough tracks for two albums, one light hearted, the other more serious. Rather than releasing a two disc release, the label decided to splice them together into The Boy vs. The Cynic. Relient K's Matt Thiessen contributes to the album's second track, "Nuisance". Tim Skipper of the band House of Heroes appears on the track "So Glad". Most of Reuben's songs use "traditional" musical instruments, typically the guitar, though he experiments with many different instruments and musical styles.
Reuben is currently working on a reality show detailing his "rise" to stardom while poking fun at many of the conventions of reality television. The pilot of the show can be viewed on YouTube.
John released his fifth album, Word of Mouth, on February 6, 2007. Allmusic.com called Word of Mouth an "unqualified triumph" and said that "You won't find a truer, more honest, or more celebratory album this year."
Gotee Records released John Reuben's sixth studio album, "Sex, Drugs and Self-Control" on December 22nd, 2009. The first single, "Town Folk" was released on July 14th, 2009. The next Single, "Jamboree," was released August 18th, 2009. Followed by "Confident," which was released September 15th, 2009, "No be nah" was released October 14th, 2009.
According to an interview with TVU in January, John Reuben said that there are definitely more music videos planned to release in the coming months from his most recent CD.
(Via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Reuben)
Good Evening
John Reuben Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I’ll make the music if you make it look good
I don’t dance but I think that you should
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Before you go introduce yourself
There’s a story to tell
Wait to be seen staring at the big screen
One day folks is gonna know me
Hopefully sing my songs at karaoke
I’m thinking positive
Even if it’s fashionable to be the pessimist
Skipped out of style, went straight to vintage
Can I get a yes? Y'all from all the naysayers
Listen to me now or catch up to me later
Do the kids still say player haters?
I’m sorry, I forgot the disclaimers
I was told not to be so defensive
Man, was I offended
Put a mic into the crowd
Help me out now finish the sentence
I’ll make the music if you make it look good
I don’t dance but I think that you should
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Before you go introduce yourself
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Nobody’s leaving until
There’s a story to tell, I’m at a lost for words
Can I borrow yours? You could speak for yourself
Or ask a ghostwriter for help, I need a story to tell
To be a has been, you have to have been
On a porch swing reminiscing poor decisions
Should have done it different
Fist full of accomplishments
Slipping through your fingertips
Opportunities missed
Fifteen minutes goes quick
Off your seat and on your feet
Half full or a half empty drink
Work the room, gunshot wink
Party people in the place to be
I’ll make the music if you make it look good
I don’t dance but I think that you should good
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Before you go introduce yourself
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Nobody’s leaving until
There’s a story to tell
We’ll take a happy ending
Even if we’re pretending
We’ll take a happy ending
This time I’m not pretending
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Before you go introduce yourself
Good evening's a greeting
Goodnight is farewell
Nobody’s leaving until
In John Reuben's song "Good Evening," he combines catchy beats with thought-provoking lyrics to create a song that touches on themes of making a name for oneself, perseverance, and living in the present moment. The opening lines, "I’ll make the music if you make it look good, I don’t dance but I think that you should," set the tone for the rest of the track - a fun and lighthearted invitation to dance and enjoy oneself, even if one doesn't quite fit in with the mainstream.
Throughout the song, Reuben speaks to the importance of taking risks, living in the moment, and following one's dreams. He encourages listeners not to worry about what others think or to get bogged down by negativity, but instead to embrace a positive outlook and pursue their passions. He acknowledges that people may doubt him or his abilities, but he remains optimistic that his music will be enjoyed and recognized by the masses.
Ultimately, "Good Evening" is a celebration of life, living courageously, and taking risks. It is a reminder that no one is guaranteed a happy ending or a life free of difficulties, but that we can choose to make the most of every moment and embrace the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Okay, hold up
Pause for a moment
I’ll make the music if you make it look good
Collaboration to present something to their best capacity
I don’t dance but I think that you should
Encouragement to dance
Good evening's a greeting
Greetings
Goodnight is farewell
Saying goodbye
Before you go introduce yourself
Advice to introduce oneself before leaving
There’s a story to tell
Everyone has a story to share
Wait to be seen staring at the big screen
One day, success will come
One day folks is gonna know me
Hope for recognition
Hopefully sing my songs at karaoke
Dreams of people singing his songs
I’m thinking positive
Optimistic attitude
Even if it’s fashionable to be the pessimist
It's popular to be negative
Skipped out of style, went straight to vintage
Choosing to go against the trend
Can I get a yes? Y'all from all the naysayers
Looking for support from those who doubt his abilities
Listen to me now or catch up to me later
An invitation to pay attention and not miss out
Do the kids still say player haters?
Wondering if certain slang is still relevant
I’m sorry, I forgot the disclaimers
Apology for forgetting to give necessary information
I was told not to be so defensive
Advice to not take things personally or react defensively
Man, was I offended
Feeling hurt by a remark
Put a mic into the crowd
Passing the microphone to the audience
Help me out now finish the sentence
Asking the audience to contribute and complete a statement
Goodnight is farewell
Saying goodbye
Nobody’s leaving until
The night is not over
Can I borrow yours? You could speak for yourself
Asking someone to share their story
Or ask a ghostwriter for help, I need a story to tell
Consideration of a ghostwriter for help with storytelling
To be a has been, you have to have been
Need for past success to achieve has-been status
On a porch swing reminiscing poor decisions
Reflecting on past mistakes
Should have done it different
Regrets over actions or decisions
Fist full of accomplishments
Proud of past achievements
Slipping through your fingertips
Fear of losing past accomplishments
Opportunities missed
Regret over missed chances
Fifteen minutes goes quick
Time passes quickly
Half full or a half empty drink
Optimistic or pessimistic view of a drink
Work the room, gunshot wink
Mingling with others and a sudden gesture
Party people in the place to be
Celebrating and having a good time with friends
Nobody’s leaving until
The night is not over
We’ll take a happy ending
Hoping for a positive conclusion
Even if we’re pretending
Faking positivity
This time I’m not pretending
Truly optimistic attitude
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, MOON AND MUSKY MUSIC
Written by: JOHN REUBEN ZAPPIN, SOLOMON OLDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Lumophage
The thing I love about John is that his lyrics always strike close to home. Some of them I coulda written my self if I had any musical or poetry talents
@k9lover27
This song is so awesome! I love it!
@TheMoggFREE
Some guys make poetry sound hip but they don't get the exposure they deserve. Bless you John!
@RedVolly
Can't stop listening to this song, I love it! Good work mate
@meeshsquared
...and yes, that was sick :) i am looking forward to hearing more of your music. its really refreshing.
@Bradhunter33
Sweet track... love it. I want to buy a cd now.
@damianedwards2327
John has always been such a great writer and personality. Always progressive. Never following a trend. And constantly PUSHING what rap can be.
@millicentbistander
Ahahahahahahahahahaha! I love everything about it! How has this been a stranger to me for two years now! Thank you Jonny Reubonic!
@kendoug86
I love this vid, John Reuben you rule! Keep Dippity Doin' what you have been doin' John.
@joymac
I love it!!! :) and LisaNova is in it!!!