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."
Back Atcha
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Talking: Swizz Beatz]
This goes out to my ghettos in America
Real niggas stand up if you fake I ain't hearin' ya
Back again back atcha back again
[Verse 1: Fabolous]
Ya'll meant me
To ride gently
In the Bentley
All chrome
Upset Fisentay
Its gettin' hard to function
I'm on that Oooooweee that had Marley munchin'
They won't see a nigga Little Z slippin'
So with one hand the kid'll be whippin'
But with the other hand the kid'll be grippin'
I let three four
Sail through ya V door
And you'll see more
Shells than a sea shore
I got a sea saw
Scale when I re raw
And this is before
Sells in the three tores
And now the G4 sail when its me for
Nah we ain't Hollywood here
But we'll put you in a box like its Hollywood Squares
[Chorus: Fabolous]
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Aiyo I'm watchin' niggas closely
Mostly
Cause I'm sippin' on the Rosay
Supposely
I'm shookin' like Mosley
No' Say
The Glock blow Doce' (12)
At these cockaroaches
Hos say
I'm nothin' but a head junkie
Red Monkies
Saggin' on the red Dunkies
Wrist watch rocky Jesus head chunky
White Gold grill
Make 'em go "Ill"
The new money Anna Nicole mills
Big faces none of the old bills
I'm back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Throwin' signs like a back catcher
Ain't nothin' stoppin' a fella
Poppin' the Yella (Yellow)
The GT drop is vanilla
Top of the cellars
Come on papi ya jealous
But what come around go around like chopper propellers
[Chorus: Fabolous]
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
[Verse 3: Fabolous]
Aiyo I'm that negro
Pop up like a Eggo
Coupe headlights shaped like a egg yo
I get it on the blocks like Legos
Jars like Prego
Straight from Deigo
On the reg yo
I'm who the chicks beg fo'
They know the dick long like a leg yo
They say his style reminds me
Of dudes who used to sell Fishscale in the ninetys
But he be on Cristal from nine three
Plus I done heard that his smile could blind me
Check the Rich Yung Coutoure
Some niggas say I had they bitch sprung before
I take alot of girls now which one was yours?
Slips my mind
I sips my wine
Throw the shades on and I grips my nine
The F-A-B-O-
On that Neo
[Chorus: Fabolous]
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
Back atcha
Back atcha
Back atcha
The lyrics of Fabolous’s song Back Atcha, featuring Swizz Beatz, are about being resilient in the face of adversity. The chorus talks about how whenever someone throws negativity or hate, the singer will throw it back at them, both literally and metaphorically. The first verse talks about the singer’s success despite the odds being against them. The singer mentions being mixed with some weed and how that meant they were meant to ride gently in a Bentley. However, despite this, they have emerged successful and powerful. The second verse talks about the singer’s ability to withstand hatred and negativity. They mention being like a roach and able to survive even when others want to exterminate them.
Overall, the song Back Atcha speaks to the idea of rising above hate and negativity to become powerful and successful. The lyrics emphasize the importance of being resilient in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
This goes out to my ghettos in America
Swizz is dedicating the song to people living in the ghettos of America.
Real niggas stand up if you fake I ain't hearin' ya
Swizz is encouraging real individuals to take a stand and he refuses to pay attention to the fake ones.
Evidently my moms mixed me with some weed in the presidente
Fabolous feels like his mother mixed him with a type of weed that produces a positive effect on people.
Ya'll meant me
People intended something specific for Fabolous.
To ride gently
People intended for Fabolous to drive a luxury car softly as to not damage it.
In the Bentley
They wanted Fabolous to drive a luxury car, specifically a Bentley.
All chrome
The car they wanted Fabolous to drive has an all-chrome exterior.
Upset Fisentay
Fabolous feels like the people who intended for him to drive a luxury car are now frustrated with him.
Its gettin' hard to function
Fabolous is starting to find it challenging to adjust to the expectations people have of him.
I'm on that Oooooweee that had Marley munchin'
Fabolous is high on a specific type of drug, and he's so high that he thinks even Marley would be hungry.
They won't see a nigga Little Z slippin'
Fabolous doesn't want anyone to catch him off-guard or catch him slipping, in other words.
So with one hand the kid'll be whippin'
In one hand, Fabolous will be driving a car with ease.
But with the other hand the kid'll be grippin'
In the other hand, Fabolous will be holding a gun, ready to defend himself if necessary.
I let three four
Fabolous is going to shoot three or four bullets.
Sail through ya V door
These bullets will fly past your car's V-shaped doors.
And you'll see more
There will be more bullets than you can count.
Shells than a sea shore
The bullets will leave shell casings just like the shells you see at the beach.
I got a sea saw
Fabolous has drugs to sell.
Scale when I re raw
Fabolous has a scale to weigh drugs with when he needs to re-up on supplies.
And this is before
He's successful at selling drugs before having to re-up.
Sells in the three tores
Fabolous has made sales totaling three figures in the last few days.
And now the G4 sail when its me for
Fabolous has enough money to fly in a private jet.
Nah we ain't Hollywood here
Despite his success, Fabolous is still humble and down-to-earth.
But we'll put you in a box like its Hollywood Squares
Fabolous and his crew will kill whoever crosses them, and they will end up in a coffin (box) just like Hollywood Squares contestants disappear when they lose.
Aiyo I'm watchin' niggas closely
Fabolous is keeping a close eye on the people around him.
Mostly
This is mostly happening because he's sipping on Rosé.
Cause I'm sippin' on the Rosay
Fabolous is currently consuming Rosé wine.
Supposely
He supposed to be afraid, but he's not.
I'm shookin' like Mosley
Fabolous isn't shook like Mosley (boxer who lost a fight).
No' Say
He doesn't say no (refuse) to things often.
The Glock blow Doce' (12)
Fabolous will shoot a Glock (gun) that has 12 rounds in it.
At these cockaroaches
He'll shoot at people he views as cockroaches, meaning pests or insignificant individuals.
Hos say
Prostitutes state that Fabolous is a head junkie.
I'm nothin' but a head junkie
Fabolous is a drug addict that loves getting high.
Red Monkies
He's wearing red Monkey brand shoes.
Saggin' on the red Dunkies
He's wearing red Monkey shoes and sagging (wearing pants below his waist) on top of red Dunk brand sneakers.
Wrist watch rocky Jesus head chunky
Fabolous is wearing a diamond-studded Jesus pendant on a chain, paired with a similarly diamond-studded wristwatch.
White Gold grill
He has a white gold grill in his mouth that's studded with diamonds.
Make 'em go 'Ill'
His grill is impressive and garners attention and praise from others.
The new money Anna Nicole mills
He's a new money millionaire like Anna Nicole Smith was.
Big faces none of the old bills
Fabolous has a lot of money in big face bills, meaning he has high-value denominations like $100 bills, and not old, low-value bills like $1 or $5.
I'm back atcha
He's still there and he's not going anywhere.
Throwin' signs like a back catcher
Fabolous is representing a specific gang by throwing gang signs.
Ain't nothin' stoppin' a fella
He's determined and unstoppable.
Poppin' the Yella (Yellow)
He's drinking or possibly selling yellow drugs.
The GT drop is vanilla
Fabolous is driving a white GT convertible.
Top of the cellars
He has a bunch of expensive wine in his cellar.
Come on papi ya jealous
Girls are attracted to Fabolous, and some guy is jealous about it.
But what come around go around like chopper propellers
People get what they deserve, even if it's unpleasant or dangerous, just like a chopper's spinning propellers could be lethal if you're not careful.
Aiyo I'm that negro
Fabolous is that black individual.
Pop up like a Eggo
He'll appear out of nowhere like a frozen waffle popping out of a toaster.
Coupe headlights shaped like a egg yo
His car has headlights that are shaped like eggs.
I get it on the blocks like Legos
He sells drugs on the block, just like children play with Legos.
Jars like Prego
Fabolous stores his drugs in jars like the brand Prego's pasta sauce.
Straight from Deigo
The drugs Fabolous sells come directly from San Diego, California.
On the reg yo
He does this regularly.
I'm who the chicks beg fo'
Women often seek Fabolous' attention and affection.
They know the dick long like a leg yo
Women are attracted to his long penis, comparing it to a leg's length.
They say his style reminds me
People think that his style of dress or mannerisms are similar to previous drug dealers.
Of dudes who used to sell Fishscale in the ninetys
Specifically, people compare him to drug dealers who sold high-quality cocaine in the 90s.
But he be on Cristal from nine three
In contrast to what people assume, Fabolous is drinking Cristal, a high-end champagne, from 1993.
Plus I done heard that his smile could blind me
Fabolous' smile is so bright and blinding, it's compared to staring at a bright light.
Check the Rich Yung Coutoure
People should check out Fabolous' clothing line, Rich Yung Coutoure.
Some niggas say I had they bitch sprung before
Some guys claim that Fabolous has had sex with their girlfriends in the past and made them obsessed with him (sprung).
I take alot of girls now which one was yours?
Fabolous claims to have hooked up with many women, and he can't remember which girl is associated with which guy.
Slips my mind
He doesn't remember specific details, including the name of the guy's girlfriend.
I sips my wine
Fabolous is drinking wine while recalling details of his past sexual encounters.
Throw the shades on and I grips my nine
He puts on sunglasses and holds onto his gun when he goes out in public and faces potential danger.
The F-A-B-O- On that Neo
This is just a quick tagline that mentions his name and references The Matrix (neo means new or recent), so it's not as critical for meaning.
You throw it at me I'm a throw it back atcha
Fabolous will react if someone tries to bother him or start a fight with him.
Clap at me I'm a clap back atcha
He'll shoot if someone shoots at him first.
Back atcha
He'll return whatever action someone does to him.
(Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo)
This is a hype sound effect, so it's not as critical for meaning.
Back again back atcha back again
Repeating the hook reinforces the message that he'll return whatever anyone does to him, so they better be careful.
Contributed by Evelyn C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.