Houston sang with his childhood friends, Jerome "Romeo" Jones and Kelton "LDB" Kessee in the group Immature. Chris Stokes became the manager of the group. They first started with the band called Immature. Houston's Immature nickname "Batman" was given to him for wearing Batman underwear on his head. The group later changed their name to IMx, because they felt they had matured personally and musically. In 2002, IMx mutually disbanded because the members wanted to move on and do different things creatively. Houston inked a record deal with TUG/Universal records and embarked upon his journey of becoming a relevant R&B soloist.
In 2003, Houston recorded and released his first solo album entitled MH. The singles were "That Girl" and "Clubbin (Ft. Joe Budden)". Houston also appeared on Scream Tour with Nick Cannon, B2k, and Bow Wow.
In 2004, he released two more singles from that album; "Pop That Booty (Ft. Jermaine Dupri) and "Because Of You".
In 2005, Houston released his sophomore album entitled Naked. The singles from that album were "All Because Of You (Ft. Young Rome)", "Naked", and "Sex Wit You".
In 2006 he released the first single from his third solo album, "Favorite Girl" and the Accompanying video, featuring Stacey Dash. He was also featured in his fellow T.U.G. artist, Mila J's video/song "Good Lookin' Out" and on Yung Joc's video/song "1st Time" and with Trey Songz.
On March 26, 2007, Houston released his third studio album entitled Veteran.
Acting career
Houston made his debut acting appearance in the comedy film House Party 3, where he played himself along with fellow Immature/IMx bandmates Jerome "Romeo" Jones and then member Don "Half Pint" Santos (who was later replaced in the group by Kelton "LDB" Kessee).
Houston's breakthrough role came when he won the part of Roger Evans in the television comedy show Sister, Sister, playing the next door neighbor of Tia and Tamera (played by Tia and Tamera Mowry). He played the role from 1994 to 1997, making a final cameo appearance in the final episode of the show in 1999.
Houston starred in a couple of movies and played small roles here and there throughout his career. He even held his own television show for a short while (the short-lived UPN's Cuts, a spinoff of another UPN show, One on One).
Filmography
Television
Year Title Role
1993 - A Different World -- Eli Black
1996 - Family Matters -- Himself
1996 - The Parent 'Hood -- Himself
1994-1997 - Sister, Sister -- Roger Evans
2003 - Rock Me, Baby -- Himself
2004 & 2006 - One on One -- Kevin Barnes
2005-2006 - Cuts - Kevin Barnes
Film
Year Film Role
1992 - Bébé's Kids -- Khalil (voice)
1994 - House Party 3 -- Himself
1997 - Good Burger -- Jake
2001 - House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute -- John-John
2004 - You Got Served -- Elgin
2004 - Fat Albert -- Dumb Donald
2007 - Somebody Help Me -- Brendan Young
Express Lane
Marques Houston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking at me, looking at you
If I can talk dirty, then you can talk too
Body look good, with a natural high
I'm missing on my love with them thighs in the sky
I know you got a man, I know you got a choice
Even though you got champagne on your voice
A little X-rated how you moving in the crowd
[Hook:]
You said the reason why you get dressed up and you look so cute when you come to the club
It's cause you worked all week and you didn't make enough
So the ballers gotta show you some love
Cause you got a 9 to 5 and your son getting older
And it seem like you're pushing to the curve
Baby daddy ain't there, baby daddy never care
And it's really starting to work your nerve
[Chorus:]
You're in the express lane, talk to me
With beautiful, comfortable express seats
Call her at a bar, gotta get her num, go out
You're in the express lane
It's where you gonna be sipping on Goose
Looking at me, running your mouth
Expressive, the pain girl
You're in the express lane
[Verse 2:]
And immediately throw the card up
I'm a hit the bar, you gone charge it on up
Go on get a glass, fill it on up
Keep the bar open like I'm looking for love
I ain't trying to trick, no I ain't no shrink
Sitting here, like to swallow Martini, like to drink
A plus it's your thing, baby do it well
Another sip of tonic ought to put you in a spell
[Hook:]
Said the reason why you get dressed up and you look so cute when you come to the club
It's cause you worked all week and you didn't make enough
So the ballers gotta show you some love
Cause you got a 9 to 5 and your son getting older
And it seem like you're pushing to the curve
Baby daddy ain't there, baby daddy never care
And it's really starting to work your nerve
[Chorus:]
You're in the express lane, talk to me
With beautiful, comfortable express seats
Call her at a bar, gotta get her num, go out
You're in the express lane
It's where you gonna be sipping on Goose
Looking at me, running your mouth
Expressive, the pain girl
You're in the express lane
[Verse 3:]
Keep talking and you look so cute
Keep talking to me, I'm listening to you
Girl I know you can feel it in the air
I'm hearing what you saying, even though I don't care
[Chorus: x2]
You're in the express lane, talk to me
With beautiful, comfortable express seats
Call her at a bar, gotta get her num, go out
You're in the express lane
It's where you gonna be sipping on Goose
Looking at me, running your mouth
Expressive, the pain girl
Your in the express lane
The song “Express Lane” by Marques Houston seems to be about a girl who is at a club and catches the attention of the singer. The girl is dressed up and looking cute because she has had a tough week, and didn't make enough money at her 9-5 job. The singer is intrigued by her and her “thighs in the sky”. He knows that she has a man, but she still talks to him and drinks the night away. She seems to be looking for love and the singer may just be the one to give it to her.
In the chorus, the phrase “express lane” seems to represent a fast track, a shortcut in life that involves taking risks or making bold moves like going out to clubs and drinking to forget her troubles. The girl seems to be in a lot of pain and using the “express lane” to escape from reality. The singer is the one who is there to listen and provide comfort for her. He recognizes that she may have a lot of baggage, like a baby daddy who doesn't care about their child, but he is still interested in her.
Overall, “Express Lane” seems to be a commentary on how people deal with stress and struggle. By taking shortcuts and escaping, people often find themselves in situations that might seem reckless but ultimately help them feel better.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking at me, looking at you
We are making eye contact and acknowledging each other's presence
If I can talk dirty, then you can talk too
You are capable of speaking openly and freely
Body look good, with a natural high
You are looking great and feeling good without any external substances
I'm missing on my love with them thighs in the sky
I am attracted to you and specifically your thighs
I know you got a man, I know you got a choice
I understand that you are in a committed relationship and have the ability to choose your actions
Even though you got champagne on your voice
Even though you are speaking with a sophisticated tone
A little X-rated how you moving in the crowd
Your dance moves are a bit provocative
Drink up the Patron, go and walk it on out
Finish your drink and leave the club
You said the reason why you get dressed up and you look so cute when you come to the club
You explained that you dress up for the club to receive attention from men
It's cause you worked all week and you didn't make enough
You work hard all week and don't earn enough money, so you use the club as a way to supplement your income
So the ballers gotta show you some love
You rely on wealthy men to show you attention and buy you drinks
Cause you got a 9 to 5 and your son getting older
You have a typical job and a growing child to support
And it seem like you're pushing to the curve
You feel like you're being pushed aside and forgotten because of your responsibilities
Baby daddy ain't there, baby daddy never care
The father of your child is absent and doesn't contribute to your child's life or your own
And it's really starting to work your nerve
This situation is becoming increasingly frustrating for you
You're in the express lane, talk to me
You are currently in a fast-paced situation and communicating with me
With beautiful, comfortable express seats
You are in a desirable and comfortable situation
Call her at a bar, gotta get her num, go out
You are at a bar attempting to get a woman's phone number to set up a date
It's where you gonna be sipping on Goose
This is where you will be drinking Grey Goose vodka
Looking at me, running your mouth
You are talking to me whilst staring in my direction
Expressive, the pain girl
You are expressing yourself and sharing the hardships you face
Keep talking and you look so cute
You look adorable when speaking to me
Keep talking to me, I'm listening to you
I am paying attention to what you are saying and making an effort to understand you
Girl I know you can feel it in the air
You are sensing the chemistry and attraction between us
I'm hearing what you saying, even though I don't care
I am listening to what you are saying, although I may not have a personal interest in it
Contributed by Makayla O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.