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."
Beauty
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The debris of beauty flickers
In the sadness of a smile
It's the perfection of your imperfection
Beauty's when you just got out the shower
Hair still drippin', wrapped up in a towel
Beauty's when you ready in a hour
You put that arch in it, put your hand on your hip
Put your hair in a bun, and you handle the shit
Beauty's when the strut compliments sass
You know ya booty look good wit ya confident ass (shit)
Straight up, but the rest swerve
You know it's beauty when the smile is her best curve
That's real beauty, no makeup shit
The girl you dream about, and wanna wake up with
Wait until I'm lookin then you throw it at me
Go down on me, then you look up at me
Aww man, that shit right there
Probably give your ex nightmares
Miss Brooklyn New York
I'll give you whatever to get to your heart
Know your worth baby girl, love
This Soul Tape shit
Never make shift, all naturale
Put it down
Young Ralph, let's get it
Beauty is knowing nobody's real as you
Truly condolences for that pairs of shoes
Killing the scene, this type of love will make you complete
Now roll the weed and get the munchies, she be the cuisine
When Im her jeans I'm still in tune with the inner being
Her inner thoughts, her worst fears she give to me
Beauty is loyalty to the fullest
'Cause cupid made me a target for she had received a bullet
For she I get super deep, maybe speed up
Before I pull out and sex is a weapon
But beauty don't need a bullet
Beauty is the beauty that her mother gave her
May you be guarded by God, me and grandmamas angels
It's God given, never complicated
A lot of niggas talking, that don't have the heart to say it
The heart to tell you they see potential in how you do it
I pray you know your worth when niggas don't notice your beauty, truly
You see, beauty isn't rushed
It's a process, sometimes it's slow
Yeah, I mean there's beauty in everything, ya know
You just gotta recognize it
Shoutout to the people who do
And I feel sorry for the people who don't
Soul Tape 2
The lyrics of Fabolous's song "Beauty" explore the many facets of what true beauty is, and how it is often found in imperfection. The opening lines, "A thousand pieces in a jigsaw of beautiful mistakes, the debris of beauty flickers," speaks to how beauty can be found even in the midst of chaos and imperfection. The following lines, "In the sadness of a smile, it's the perfection of your imperfection," suggest that often the most beautiful aspects of ourselves are those that are flawed.
The following verses describe different examples of beauty, ranging from a woman getting out of the shower with wet hair to a confident and sassy strut. In each instance, beauty is not just about physical appearance but is also tied to confidence, personality, and individuality. The last verse shifts towards a more emotional and spiritual interpretation of beauty, suggesting that true beauty lies in loyalty, self-worth, and inner peace.
Overall, the lyrics of "Beauty" encourage listeners to embrace their true selves, flaws and all, and to recognize the beauty in others beyond surface-level appearances. This message is reiterated in the final lines of the song, "There's beauty in everything, ya know, You just gotta recognize it."
Line by Line Meaning
A thousand pieces in a jigsaw of beautiful mistakes
The beauty of someone lies in the sum of their flaws and various life experiences.
The debris of beauty flickers
Even the smallest pieces of beauty can shine brightly.
In the sadness of a smile
A smile may be insincere and hiding pain.
It's the perfection of your imperfection
True beauty exists in the unique flaws and characteristics of a person.
Beauty's when you just got out the shower
The raw and natural beauty of a person when they're fresh and unfiltered.
Hair still drippin', wrapped up in a towel
The simple, everyday moments can be beautiful in their own way.
Beauty's when you ready in a hour
The effort put into getting ready can bring out a person's true beauty.
Them long legs, I call em the Twin Towers
A humorous and flirty way of complimenting a woman's physique.
You put that arch in it, put your hand on your hip
Small details and movements can enhance a person's beauty.
Put your hair in a bun, and you handle the shit
Confidence and self-assurance add to a person's beauty.
Beauty's when the strut compliments sass
The way a person carries themselves can add to their attractiveness.
You know ya booty look good wit ya confident ass (shit)
Body positivity and confidence are attractive.
Straight up, but the rest swerve
Authenticity is attractive.
You know it's beauty when the smile is her best curve
A genuine smile is a sign of true beauty.
That's real beauty, no makeup shit
True beauty is natural and can't be covered by makeup.
The girl you dream about, and wanna wake up with
A person who is beautiful inside and out is desirable to be with.
Wait until I'm lookin then you throw it at me
Someone who is confident and comfortable in their own skin is attractive.
Go down on me, then you look up at me
Intimacy can bring out a person's hidden beauty and vulnerability.
Awhh man, that shit right there
The singer is impressed by the beauty of the moment.
Probably give your ex nightmares
The beauty of someone can make their past partners envious or regretful.
Miss Brooklyn New York
Referencing the beauty of a specific place and its people.
I'll give you whatever to get to your heart
The beauty of a person's soul is what really matters.
Know your worth baby girl, love
Self-worth and self-love add to a person's beauty.
This Soul Tape shit
Promoting a mixtape release.
Never make shift, all naturale
Authenticity and naturalness are attractive.
Put it down
Giving encouragement and support to women.
Young Ralph, let's get it
Shouting out his own name and hyping up the song.
Beauty is knowing nobody's real as you
Appreciating the uniqueness and authenticity of oneself.
Truly condolences for that pairs of shoes
Acknowledging the struggles and hardships that come with life.
Killing the scene, this type of love will make you complete
Encouraging people to embrace love and positivity for internal happiness.
Now roll the weed and get the munchies, she be the cuisine
Enjoying the simple pleasures in life with someone attractive and desirable.
When Im her jeans I'm still in tune with the inner being
Appreciating someone's personality and character as well as their appearance.
Her inner thoughts, her worst fears she give to me
Trusting someone enough to share intimate feelings and thoughts is beautiful.
Beauty is loyalty to the fullest
Loyalty is valuable and contributes to someone's beauty.
'Cause cupid made me a target for she had received a bullet
Love can be painful, but also beautiful and worth fighting for.
For she I get super deep, maybe speed up
Going beyond surface-level attraction to appreciate someone's deeper qualities and character.
Before I pull out and sex is a weapon
Acknowledging the power and significance of intimacy and connection.
But beauty don't need a bullet
Love and beauty are peaceful and harmonious.
Beauty is the beauty that her mother gave her
Beauty can be inherited and passed down through generations.
May you be guarded by God, me and grandmamas angels
Wishing positivity and protection for a woman of beauty.
It's God given, never complicated
Beauty is a gift from a higher power and should be celebrated.
A lot of niggas talking, I don't have the heart to say it
Acknowledging that beauty can be intimidating and may make people uncomfortable.
The heart to tell you they see potential in how you do it
Encouraging someone to embrace their beauty and potential.
I pray you know your worth when niggas don't notice your beauty, truly
Promoting self-worth and self-love, even when others don't recognize someone's beauty.
You see, beauty isn't a rush
Beauty takes time to cultivate and appreciate.
It's a process, sometimes it's slow
True beauty isn't immediate or obvious, but develops over time.
Yeah, I mean there's beauty in everything, ya know
Beauty can be found in unexpected places and things.
You just gotta recognize it
Appreciating beauty requires an open mind and awareness.
Shoutout to the people who do
Complimenting those who appreciate true beauty.
And I feel sorry for the people who don't
Encouraging others to open their eyes to true beauty.
Soul Tape 2
End of the song and promotion of mixtape release.
Lyrics © Create Music Publishing
Written by: John Jackson, Olubowale Akintimehin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@herbertgoncalves4345
[Intro]
A thousand pieces in a jigsaw of beautiful mistakes
The debris of beauty flickers
In the sadness of a smile
It’s the perfection of your imperfection
[Verse 1: Fabolous]
Beauty's when you just got out the shower
Hair still dripping, wrapped up in a towel
Beauty's when you ready in a hour
Them long legs, I call 'em the Twin Towers
You put that arch in it, put your hand on your hip
Put your hair in a bun, and you handle the shit
Beauty’s when the strut compliments sass
You know ya booty look good with ya confident ass (shit)
Straight up, but the rest swerve
You know it's beauty when the smile is her best curve
That's real beauty, no makeup shit
The girl you dream about, and wanna wake up with
Wait until I'm looking then you throw it at me
Go down on me, then you look up at me
Awhh man, that shit right there
Probably give your ex nightmares
[Interlude: Wale]
Miss Brooklyn New York
I'll give you whatever to get to your heart
Know your worth baby girl, love
This Soul Tape shit
Never make shift, all naturale
Put it down
Young Ralph, let's get it
[Verse 2: Wale]
Beauty is knowing nobody's real as you
Truly condolences for that pairs of shoes
Killing the scene, this type of love will make you complete
Now roll the weed and get the munchies, she be the cuisine
When Im her jeans I'm still in tune with the inner being
Her inner thoughts, her worst fears she give to me
Beauty is loyalty to the fullest
'Cause cupid made me a target for she had received a bullet
For she I get super deep, maybe speed up
Before I pull out and sex is a weapon
But beauty don’t need a bullet
Beauty is the beauty that her mother gave her
May you be guarded by God, me and grandmamas angels
It's God given, never complicated
A lot of niggas talking, I don’t have the heart to say it
The heart to tell you they see potential in how you do it
I pray you know your worth
When niggas don't notice your beauty, truly
[Outro: Fabolous]
You see, beauty isn't a rush
It's a process, sometimes it's slow
Yeah, I mean there's beauty in everything, ya know
You just gotta recognize it
Shoutout to the people who do
And I feel sorry for the people who don't
Soul Tape 2
@CheriPrivy
This needs to be on Apple Music ASAP
@davidhertl9814
TRUE!
@derezhunt7739
ASAP. I just Hit him on IG
@ColbiCheri
Still listening in 2024. This brings me back to high school days.🥲❤
@MrKs757
"You know its beauty when her smile is her best curve" Soul Tape 2 is a classic. Start to finish. Especially this one
@5280PolotheKid
I use that line all the time ! Lol it amazes me I haven't met a woman yet who knew Fabolous like that.. probably because I'm in colorado... Lol
@JP-gq1sx
@@5280PolotheKid bro I'm in Florida and that's a classic line lol
@paulg.7349
This shit b cuttin
@jammie6870
🥵🥵🥵
@jusblaze708
*soul tape 3 from start to finish for me