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."
AUTOMATIC
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do what you do playa
Just keep that money on ya mi-i-ind, (on ya mind)
In the traffic, Baller status, (baller status)
Do what you do playa, (what you do)
Just keep on hustlin' on the gri-i-ind, (on the grind)
Avoidin' the law, Stayin' out of jail
Possesion of sales, Pocket all sales
Conspiracy charges, Hate betrayals
Payin' the rent
Cause I don't write nothin down I keep it all in my head, Intellegent
About my business, Memory like an elephant
Chasin' the dream, Suit up for cream
Special represented tactics team, They out for teams
And infared beams, Pointed at domes, backs, and spleens
Fire hydrons, Ambulance sirens, Spittin' licence, Police indicements
Rightiously what it all boils down to is basically who's the wisest
Ughhh, My heart made of granite
Slow down my spit so you squares can understand it
I didnt come in here empty handed
I came in here on business and yall gone retrospecit dammit
Been out the game, Did that mane
Valejeo I claim, Made the name
Feel my pain, Ghetto fame
Magazine Street hustla mane
Messin' around in the fast lane
Chevy, Cougars and Mustangs
Novas, Granadas, and Falcons
Project livin' and Public housin'
Automatic, Systematic
Do what you do playa
Just keep that money on ya mi-i-ind
(I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind, Ughh)
In the traffic, Baller status, (Ugh)
Do what you do playa, (what you do)
Just keep on hustlin' on the gri-i-ind, (on the grind)
Its ghetto F-A-Beezy
F-A-Sheezy, Bustas hate me cause I f'ed they breezies
Playboy, These techs spray easy
Like you don't know the hoodrat Hugh Hef play greasy
I get money on the grind
So if you ya mind on my money, I put some money on ya mind
Ya honey gone be mine
Cause ya diamond forecast is partly cloudly
The kids look sunny on the shine
I'm gettin' ticked off again
Ya'll must like ridin' in long black caddy's that they stick coffins in
The Click often been
Blowin' sticky, That come in the jars that they stick coffee in
I got chicks offerin'
But I play hard to get, Unless they suck me 'til my dick soft again
You lookin' at the way the coast to coast g do it
From the Brooklyn to the Bay
Bring the hook in by the way
Automatic, Systematic
Do what you do playa
Just keep that money on ya mi-i-ind, (on ya mind)
In the traffic, Baller status, (baller status)
Do what you do playa, (what you do)
Just keep on hustlin' on the gri-i-ind, (on the grind)
To all you playas out there hustlin', (hustli-i-in)
And all my thugs that be thuggin', (thuggi-i-in)
To all you playas out there hustlin', (out there hustli-i-in)
And all my thugs that be thuggin', (thuggi-i-in)
It don't matter if you lokin' or bleedin'
Wheather its backwards or zig zags ya smokin' ya weed in
You slow pokin' or speedin'
All that counts to these motherfuckers is if you broke or suceedin'
I'm gettin used to strokin' and sweetin', pokin' and skeetin'
Stayin focused while feedin', so I don't choke what im eatin'
I'm lookin' for towns to put the coke and the weed in
To sit with white folks in a meetin', pleasebaleaveit
I used to sell tapes up out my truck and slang cain, (boom)
Respected on the streets before the fame, (boom)
Aint nothin' lame or game goofy about my game, (boom)
Paid my dues, Obeyed the rules
Stuck to the script, Made a Click
All a my fellows and all a my dawgs
Ridin' mustard and mayonaise on vouges
Feelin' em up, Sittin' em down
Flossin' and Bossin' all over the town
Hardest state benzes ya ever heardin ya life man write that down
(write that down)
Automatic, Systematic
Do what you do playa
Just keep that money on ya mi-i-ind, (on ya mind)
In the traffic, Baller status, (baller status)
Do what you do playa, (what you do)
Just keep on hustlin' on the gri-i-ind, (on the grind)
To all you playas out there hustlin', (hustli-i-in)
And all my thugs that be thuggin', (thuggi-i-in)
To all you playas out there hustlin', (out there hustli-i-in)
And all my thugs that be thuggin', (thuggi-i-in)
The lyrics of the song "Automatic" by Fabolous feat. e-40 mark the hustling lifestyle of urban gangsters who consistently chase their dreams, chase their goals, and have a street reputation to protect. The song opens with the line "Automatic, systematic, do what you do playa", which establishes the notion that to survive on the streets, one has to think and move carefully and with purpose. The lyrics continue to describe the various obstacles that gangsters face in their daily lives – legal issues, rival gangs, and even betrayal. However, the chorus reassures the listener that hard work pays off and encourages them to keep hustling and grinding.
The second verse of the song sheds light on the reality of the streets – the desperation to make a quick buck, the temptation to indulge in illegal activities, and the constant pressure to stay ahead of the competition. The verse ends by expressing pride in coming up the hard way with the line "Project livin' and public housin'". In the final verse, Fabolous talks about his personal journey and evolution as an artist, from selling tapes out of his truck to achieving success and respect in the hip-hop industry. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the need to keep hustling and grinding to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
Automatic, Systematic
Smoothly and efficiently making money
Do what you do playa
Continue with your current business strategy
Just keep that money on ya mi-i-ind, (on ya mind)
Always keep making money a top priority
In the traffic, Baller status, (baller status)
Thriving in a chaotic environment and living a luxurious lifestyle
Do what you do playa, (what you do)
Keep working hard to make money
Just keep on hustlin' on the gri-i-ind, (on the grind)
Continuously work hard to make money
Stackin' my mil
Accumulating wealth
Avoidin' the law, Stayin' out of jail
Staying out of trouble with the authorities
Possesion of sales, Pocket all sales
Keeping all the profits from sales
Conspiracy charges, Hate betrayals
Disliking disloyalty and avoiding conspiracy charges in illegal activities
Payin' the rent
Covering the cost of living expenses
Cause I don't write nothin down I keep it all in my head, Intellegent
Being intelligent and having a good memory
About my business, Memory like an elephant
Being focused on making money and having a great memory
Chasin' the dream, Suit up for cream
Working hard towards achieving financial success
Special represented tactics team, They out for teams
Being associated with a team that uses unconventional tactics in their operations
And infared beams, Pointed at domes, backs, and spleens
Being armed with high-tech weapons that can be used to intimidate or harm others
Fire hydrons, Ambulance sirens, Spittin' licence, Police indicements
Encountering various forms of law enforcement while engaging in illegal activities
Rightiously what it all boils down to is basically who's the wisest
Being smart and wise is essential in succeeding in illegal activities
My heart made of granite
Having a strong and unfeeling heart
Slow down my spit so you squares can understand it
Speaking in a way that can be understood by everyone, not just people who are involved in illegal activities
I didnt come in here empty handed
Being prepared and coming with something lucrative to offer
I came in here on business and yall gone retrospecit dammit
Being focused on making money and looking back on past experiences to improve future performances
Been out the game, Did that mane
Having previous experiences in illegal activities
Valejeo I claim, Made the name
Being from Vallejo and making a name for oneself in the illegal activities scene
Feel my pain, Ghetto fame
Having a reputation for being successful in illegal activities
Magazine Street hustla mane
Making money through illegal activities on Magazine Street
Messin' around in the fast lane
Living a fast-paced lifestyle
Chevy, Cougars and Mustangs
Driving cars that are popular in the illegal activities scene
Novas, Granadas, and Falcons
Driving cars that are popular in the illegal activities scene
Project livin' and Public housin'
Living in low-income neighborhoods or public housing
(I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind, Ughh)
Being solely focused on making money
Its ghetto F-A-Beezy
Representing the ghetto and being successful in illegal activities
F-A-Sheezy, Bustas hate me cause I f'ed they breezies
Being hated by people who were romantically involved with you, as a result of your success in illegal activities
Playboy, These techs spray easy
Being skilled with using firearms
Like you don't know the hoodrat Hugh Hef play greasy
Being highly involved in the illegal activities scene
I get money on the grind
Continuous working hard to make money
So if you ya mind on my money, I put some money on ya mind
Encouraging people to focus on making money and offering to help them achieve their goals
Ya honey gone be mine
Being successful in romantic pursuits
Cause ya diamond forecast is partly cloudly
Knowing that money can be unpredictable
The kids look sunny on the shine
Succeeding in making money and having a positive outlook on life
I'm gettin' ticked off again
Getting angry and frustrated with the situation
Ya'll must like ridin' in long black caddy's that they stick coffins in
Putting oneself in danger by engaging in illegal activities, just like riding in a hearse
The Click often been
Being a part of a group involved in illegal activities
Blowin' sticky, That come in the jars that they stick coffee in
Smoking marijuana that is stored in jars labeled as coffee or other innocent-seeming products
I got chicks offerin'
Having a lot of women interested in you
But I play hard to get, Unless they suck me 'til my dick soft again
Being selective with romantic partners and only giving in if they can perform sexually to a certain level
You lookin' at the way the coast to coast g do it
Showing how illegal activities are done throughout the United States
From the Brooklyn to the Bay
Including the East Coast and West Coast in showing illegal activity
Bring the hook in by the way
Continuing with the chorus of the song
To all you playas out there hustlin', (hustli-i-in)
Giving a shout-out to those actively making money
And all my thugs that be thuggin', (thuggi-i-in)
Giving a shout-out to those involved in illegal activities
It don't matter if you lokin' or bleedin'
One's current state does not matter as long as they are making money
Wheather its backwards or zig zags ya smokin' ya weed in
Regardless of the type of marijuana being smoked
You slow pokin' or speedin'
One's pace does not matter as long as they are making money
All that counts to these motherfuckers is if you broke or suceedin'
One's financial success is the most important thing to those involved in illegal activities
I'm gettin used to strokin' and sweetin', pokin' and skeetin'
Becoming comfortable with sexual activities and drug use
Stayin focused while feedin', so I don't choke what im eatin'
Being focused on making money while also being cautious
I'm lookin' for towns to put the coke and the weed in
Searching for new locations to conduct illegal activities
To sit with white folks in a meetin', pleasebaleaveit
Being successful enough to engage in business transactions with people who are not involved in illegal activities
I used to sell tapes up out my truck and slang cain, (boom)
Starting small in the illegal activities scene
Respected on the streets before the fame, (boom)
Having a reputation in the illegal activities scene before becoming more well-known
Aint nothin' lame or game goofy about my game, (boom)
Being serious and successful in illegal activities
Paid my dues, Obeyed the rules
Having experience and following a set of unspoken rules in the illegal activities scene
Stuck to the script, Made a Click
Being a part of a group involved in illegal activities and sticking to the group's plan and method of operation
All a my fellows and all a my dawgs
Being associated with and respected by other people involved in illegal activities
Ridin' mustard and mayonaise on vouges
Driving expensive cars with unique and stylish paint jobs
Feelin' em up, Sittin' em down
Experiencing a life of luxury
Flossin' and Bossin' all over the town
Showing off one's wealth and influence
Hardest state benzes ya ever heardin ya life man write that down
Driving the best and most expensive cars available in one's state
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNETH GAMBLE, LEON HUFF, ANTHONY JACKSON, RICARDO THOMAS, JOHN JACKSON, HAL DAVIS, DONALD E. FLETCHER, WELDON DEAN PARKS, EARL STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Rushin_Ru_Let
Damn Fab had two verses on a feature ! This is hip hop
@ceedee7647
E 40 could get on a Track with anyone & Sprinkle it 😎
@toreytownsend4705
You know it!!! #GoodDay/Night
@ronaldjames7843
& he could also keep up lyrically. He held his own
@richmuscle8316
3:11 to 3:31! Greatest piece of literature and culture ever! Hands down changed my life
@elpatron6136
mannn lmaao
@hellpermonkey
Indeed! - My fetty on the injured list - Spoke volumes to me
@Yixdy
Read a fucking book dawg
@dcta51
I still find this as a very surprising collab, to this day. They should make another song together.
@SW2010JP
It was the oddest collab i ever seen at the time. But looking back, it was a genius collab