It takes talent to make the struggle to succeed seem effortless, but that is the gift that separates artists like Brooklyn's 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 (2001's Ghetto Fabolous and 2003's Street Dreams) and one Gold (2004's 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 Clue's The Professional, which was released by Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam in 1998.
"I had people in my corner already over there," Fab says of DJ Clue and A&R Skane, the Desert Storm duo who discovered Fabolous. "So it wasn't like I was coming to a new neighborhood."
While he doesn't 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 haven't peaked yet," he explains. "I was happy with the past records, but I have some adversity to learn off of for the future."
It's 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 album's title. "It's a new year, everybody's on their hustle, back in the gym and I'm 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. "It's a great feel good record, it's 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.G's 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 they'll sing it in the shower, but they won't sing it outside. It's 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 it's 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 Justin's 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 haven't changed as a person…I slid a line or two about what happened in October but I'm not coming out with a bullet proof vest or anything."
The playful "Foggin Up The Windows," produced by Miami's The Runners, features R. Kelly's 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. "Everyone's either done it or tried to get some in the car. It may not have been the place of choice but everybody's 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."
"I'm trying to bring good music back to the game," he says confidently. "And anybody that's bringing good music, the hype is gonna follow them."
Make Me Better
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, Ne-Yo
Say what? Lo-So
Hey, hey
I'm a movement by myself
But I'm a force when we're together
Mami, I'm good all by myself
But, baby, you, you make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
You plus me - it equal better math
Ya boy a good look, but she my better half
I'm already bossin', already flossin'
But why I have the cake if it ain't got the sweet frostin'? (Yep, yep, yep, yep)
You're keepin' me on my A-game (what, what, what, what)
Without havin' the same name (that, that, that, that, that)
They may flame (but, but, but, but)
But, shawty, we burn it up
The sag in my swag, pep in my step
Daddy do the Gucci, mami in Giuseppe's
Guess it's a G thing, whenever we swing
I'm a need Coretta Scott if I'm gonna be king
I'm a movement by myself
But I'm a force when we're together
Mami, I'm good all by myself
But, baby, you, you make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
First thing's first, I does what I do
But everything I am, she's my improve
I'm already boss, I'm already fly
But if I'm a star, she is the sky (ah, ah, ah)
And when I feel like I'm on top (she, she, she)
She give me reason to not stop (eh, eh, eh, eh, eh)
And though I'm hot (to, to, to)
Together, we burn it up
The caked-up cut, the cleaned-up ice
When shawty come around, I clean up nice
Dynamic duo - Batman and Robin
Whoever don't like it, it's that man problem (eh, eh, eh)
And when I feel like I'm tired (ma, ma, ma)
Mami be takin' me higher (ah, ah, ah, ah, ah)
I'm on fire (but, but, but)
But, shawty, we burn it up
I'm a movement by myself
But I'm a force when we're together
Mami, I'm good all by myself
But, baby, you, you make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
Inside every great man you can find a woman, like a soldier, holdin' him down
And she treats me like a Don, watches for the hit
Checks where I go, even watches who I'm with
The right when I'm wrong, so I never slip
Show me how to move, that's why I never trip
And, baby girl, you so major they should front-page ya (front-page ya)
God bless the parents who made ya (who made ya)
Middle-finger anybody who hate the
Way that we burn it up
I'm a movement by myself
But I'm a force when we're together
Mami, I'm good all by myself
But, baby, you, you make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
Yeah, baby, them lames you playin' with
They gon' put you down
We tryin' to compliment you, you know?
Make it better
Top-notch Tim
Nice-look Ne-Yo
Livin' good Lo-So
They ask you how you doin', now
Tell 'em better than them
I'm a movement by myself
But I'm a force when we're together
Mami, I'm good all by myself
But, baby, you, you make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
(You make me better)
You make me better
The song "Make Me Better" by Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo expresses the idea that while one can be successful alone, being with someone special can make them better as a whole. The lyrics describe the power and influence that an individual's partner can have on them, pushing them to improve themselves both personally and professionally. The line "Inside every great man you can find a woman, like a soldier, holdin' him down" underscores the notion that behind many successful individuals are supportive partners who help them achieve greatness. The song also touches on the concept of complementary relationships, where one party brings out the better qualities of the other and vice versa.
Overall, "Make Me Better" celebrates the benefits of love, partnership, and support in helping individuals reach their full potential. The chorus repeated throughout the song emphasizes the idea that the addition of a significant other can enhance an already accomplished life, with the phrase "you make me better" becoming a mantra for the power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a movement by myself
I am capable of achieving greatness on my own.
But I'm a force when we're together
When we collaborate, we can achieve even greater success and make a significant impact.
Mami, I'm good all by myself
I don't necessarily need another person to feel complete or fulfilled.
But, baby, you, you make me better
However, being with you makes me even happier and enhances my life in many ways.
(You make me better)
You plus me - it equal better math
Our combination is so strong that it improves upon what we are individually capable of.
Ya boy a good look, but she my better half
I'm considered attractive and successful, but you bring out the best in me and are my true partner in life.
I'm already bossin', already flossin'
I am already successful and confident in my abilities.
But why I have the cake if it ain't got the sweet frostin'?
However, I want to experience all of life's sweetness and joy, which is only possible with you in my life.
You're keepin' me on my A-game
You inspire and encourage me to be my best self and to continue to strive for greatness.
Without havin' the same name
We may not share the same name, but our bond is just as strong as if we were family.
They may flame
Others may criticize or judge us, but we are not affected by their negativity.
But, shawty, we burn it up
We have a passion and chemistry that cannot be denied and it only fuels our love for each other.
The sag in my swag, pep in my step
Your presence makes me feel confident and happy, which is reflected in my demeanor and attitude.
Daddy do the Gucci, mami in Giuseppe's
We have a sense of style and flair that complements each other, and when we're together, we're the perfect match.
Guess it's a G thing, whenever we swing
We have a natural chemistry and connection that makes us look and feel like a power couple.
I'm a need Coretta Scott if I'm gonna be king
Just like Martin Luther King Jr. needed his wife Coretta, I need you by my side in order to achieve my goals and dreams.
First thing's first, I does what I do
I am successful and capable in my own right.
But everything I am, she's my improve
However, you complement and enhance all of my best qualities.
I'm already boss, I'm already fly
I am already confident and successful, but with you, my life becomes even better.
But if I'm a star, she is the sky
I may be successful, but you are the one who supports and surrounds me, making my success possible.
And when I feel like I'm on top
When I feel like I've reached the pinnacle of success.
She give me reason to not stop
You motivate and encourage me to keep going and not become complacent, even when things are going well.
And though I'm hot
Despite being successful and desirable to others.
Together, we burn it up
Our connection and passion are undeniable and make us an unstoppable force.
The caked-up cut, the cleaned-up ice
We have wealth and luxury, but it's even better when we enjoy it together.
When shawty come around, I clean up nice
You have a positive influence on me and make me want to improve myself, both physically and mentally.
Dynamic duo - Batman and Robin
We are a powerful team, just like the iconic comic book characters.
Whoever don't like it, it's that man problem
If others don't understand or support our relationship, it's their issue and not ours.
And when I feel like I'm tired
When I feel worn out or discouraged.
Mami be takin' me higher
You uplift and motivate me, pushing me to achieve even greater things.
I'm on fire
I am passionate and driven, striving for success and fulfillment.
But, shawty, we burn it up
Together, we create an intense and powerful energy that propels us forward in life.
Inside every great man you can find a woman, like a soldier, holdin' him down
A great man is often supported and held up by a strong, intelligent woman who contributes to his success and wellbeing.
And she treats me like a Don, watches for the hit
You support and protect me, just like a mafia boss's trusted partner would.
Checks where I go, even watches who I'm with
You care deeply about my safety and security, and always make sure I'm surrounded by trustworthy people.
The right when I'm wrong, so I never slip
You keep me accountable and help me make the right decisions, even when I'm not thinking clearly.
Show me how to move, that's why I never trip
You guide and teach me, helping me to avoid mistakes and obstacles in life.
And, baby girl, you so major they should front-page ya (front-page ya)
You are a significant and important part of my life, deserving of recognition and respect.
God bless the parents who made ya (who made ya)
Your upbringing and family have influenced who you are today, and I am grateful for them.
Middle-finger anybody who hate the
We don't care about anyone who doesn't understand or approve of our relationship.
Way that we burn it up
Our connection and passion are intense and powerful, creating a fire that cannot be extinguished.
Yeah, baby, them lames you playin' with
Those unimportant people you associate with.
They gon' put you down
They will never be able to match or understand the strong bond we share.
We tryin' to compliment you, you know?
We are trying to show you how much we appreciate and support you.
Make it better
Enhance your life and lift you up, just like you do for us.
Top-notch Tim
Referring to the esteemed music producer Timbaland.
Nice-look Ne-Yo
Referring to the singer and songwriter Ne-Yo, who features in the song.
Livin' good Lo-So
Referring to the rapper Fabolous himself, whose nickname is Lo-So.
They ask you how you doin', now
Others may be curious or envious of our success and happiness.
Tell 'em better than them
We are doing great and are proud of our accomplishments and love for each other.
(You make me better)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Anthem Entertainment
Written by: JOHN JACKSON, JOHN DAVID JACKSON, TIMOTHY Z MOSLEY, SHAFFER SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind