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 personβ¦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."
Don
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Actin' like what you do don't phase me, don't phase me
Meanwhile I'm sittin' at home, all alone
Tryin' to keep myself from goin' crazy
When I'm in the house, when I think about
When I see you out, when I hear about {T-Pain}
I want my baby back! {'Lo-so} And I thought it would be easy
But it's hard for me to let you GO~!
(Baby don't) go (baby don't) {y'all know what this is}
Now I'm better than your ex, gon' be better than your next
Baby Screwed Up so you better be from Tex-as
Can't seem to doubt that I creamed her out
Now you dream about how I turned Nieman out
Nothin' to scream about just back your Beemer out
Pack it up in the trunk, go back to Kima house
Cause I can play cool, but I can't play fool
There's options in break up, you ever play pool?
Better do you cause I damn sure does me
And what your buzz be is only because of me
The wifey, hus-by, never was me
I does me, trust me
I don't wanna another you so I'mma slide (yup)
But I got another boo, on the side, bay-bay
I try to play cool
Actin' like what you do don't phase me, don't phase me
Meanwhile I'm sittin' at home, all alone
Tryin' to keep myself from goin' crazy
When I'm in the house, when I think about
When I see you out, when I hear about
I want my baby back! And I thought it would be easy
But it's hard for me to let you GO!
(Baby don't) GO! (Baby don't) go!
(Baby don't) go (baby don't)
Through the time I been alone, time I spent on phones
Know you ain't lettin' them climb up in my throne
Now, baby that lime with that Patron
Have me talkin' crazy, it's time to come on home
Now, I talk with someone above
It's okay to lose your pride over someone you love
Don't lose someone you love though over your pride
Stick with 'cha entree and get over your side
We break up to make up at Jacob's baby
Her parents fought too, I'm the makeup baby
Wake up baby, love 'll have you open though
I mean you seen Tom Cruise on the Oprah show
So I just can't bet on the next hand
There's too much in this pot just to give to the next man
I try to play cool
Actin' like what you do don't phase me, don't phase me
Meanwhile I'm sittin' at home, all alone
Tryin' to keep myself from goin' crazy
When I'm in the house, when I think about
When I see you out, when I hear about
I want my baby back! And I thought it would be easy
But it's hard for me to let you GO!
(Baby don't) GO! (Baby don't) go!
(Baby don't) go (baby don't)
Now if you ain't never went through it you ain't really into it
The next rap to show you I really been through it
Every other day I'm givin' the love away
That's what your friend's sister or little brother say
If I'mma do somethin', it's the undercover way
When them hatin ass watchdogs look the other way
And others may not see that we need each other
But if we on the same page we can read each other
They should learn us, instead of try to turn us
Mr. and Ms. Smith, we both got the burners - UP~!
If you love your baby then turn this up
Know we keep this hot like a Thermos cup
Relax, don't be Tryin' to perm us up
We already straight - yes
I try to play cool
Actin' like what you do don't phase me, don't phase me
Meanwhile I'm sittin' at home, all alone
Tryin' to keep myself from goin' crazy
When I'm in the house, when I think about
When I see you out, when I hear about
I want my baby back! And I thought it would be easy
But it's hard for me to let you GO!
(Baby don't) GO! (Baby don't) go!
(Baby don't) go (baby don't)
Fab we gon' have to make a dance to this song man!
Y'knahmean; ain't no WAY you can't dance on this
Uh, T-Pain!
I want my baby back! And I thought it would be easy
But it's hard for me to let you GO!
The song "Baby Don't Go" by Fabolous featuring T-Pain is about a man who is struggling to move on from a past relationship. He tries to act like he is unaffected by his ex's actions, but he finds himself alone and missing her. Although he thought it would be easy to let her go, he realizes that it's hard for him. In the song, he reminisces on the relationship, saying that he was better than her ex and will be better than her next. He tells his ex that he can play it cool, but he can't play it fool, and he has options in a break-up. Towards the end of the song, he urges his ex to come back to him and shows his vulnerability by admitting that he wants his baby back.
The lyrics of the song indicate that the man is still in love with his ex despite their breakup. He longs for her and can't keep himself from thinking about her. The pain of losing her has made him realize that he wants her back. The song portrays the struggle of moving on from a past relationship, and how even after trying to act cool and indifferent on the surface, the pain of losing someone is hard to ignore.
Line by Line Meaning
I try to play cool
I attempt to act nonchalant
Actin' like what you do don't phase me, don't phase me
I pretend to be unbothered by your actions
Meanwhile I'm sittin' at home, all alone
Although I pretend to be unbothered, I am actually alone and upset
Tryin' to keep myself from goin' crazy
I am struggling to maintain my composure
When I'm in the house, when I think about
Whenever I am at home and reflect on our situation
When I see you out, when I hear about {T-Pain}
Whenever I see you in public, or when I hear about you from others
I want my baby back! {'Lo-so} And I thought it would be easy
I deeply desire to reconcile with you, despite thinking it would be simple
But it's hard for me to let you GO~!
It is challenging for me to move on from our relationship
(Baby don't) GO! (Baby don't) go!
I plead for you to not leave me
(Baby don't) go (baby don't) {y'all know what this is}
I continue to beg for you to not leave me
Now I'm better than your ex, gon' be better than your next
I believe I am superior to your previous partner and any future partners
Baby Screwed Up so you better be from Tex-as
Your previous relationship was a disaster, so you should choose a partner from Texas
Can't seem to doubt that I creamed her out
I am confident that I performed better in all aspects of our relationship than your past partner
Now you dream about how I turned Nieman out
You fantasize about how I improved your life
Nothin' to scream about just back your Beemer out
There is no reason to argue, just leave in your BMW
Pack it up in the trunk, go back to Kima house
Collect your things and return to your old house
Cause I can play cool, but I can't play fool
I can act nonchalant, but I cannot deceive myself
There's options in break up, you ever play pool?
There are opportunities in endings, have you ever played a game of pool?
Better do you cause I damn sure does me
You should focus on yourself, because I am definitely focusing on me
And what your buzz be is only because of me
Any success you have is only due to my influence
The wifey, hus-by, never was me
The traditional husband or wife role is not who I am
I does me, trust me
I remain true to myself, believe me
I don't wanna another you so I'mma slide (yup)
I do not want a replacement for you, so I am going to leave
But I got another boo, on the side, bay-bay
However, I do have another romantic interest on the side
Through the time I been alone, time I spent on phones
During all the time I have been without you, I have spent a lot of time talking on phones
Know you ain't lettin' them climb up in my throne
I know you are not allowing others to take my place in your life
Now, baby that lime with that Patron
Now, let's have some lime-flavored Patron together
Have me talkin' crazy, it's time to come on home
That tequila can make me speak erratically, so let's go home
Now, I talk with someone above
I talk to a higher power
It's okay to lose your pride over someone you love
It is acceptable to let go of your ego for the sake of someone you love
Don't lose someone you love though over your pride
However, do not sacrifice your relationship for the sake of pride
Stick with 'cha entree and get over your side
Stick with what you know and come over to my side
We break up to make up at Jacob's baby
We argue but eventually reconcile at Jacob's baby
Her parents fought too, I'm the makeup baby
Her parents had problems but she still managed to be born and I am her rebound partner
Wake up baby, love 'll have you open though
Wake up, my love will entice you
I mean you seen Tom Cruise on the Oprah show
You have seen the power of love during Tom Cruise's interview on Oprah
So I just can't bet on the next hand
Therefore, I cannot risk my love on another gamble
There's too much in this pot just to give to the next man
There is too much at stake to give my love to another man
Now if you ain't never went through it you ain't really into it
If you have never experienced it, then you do not really understand this situation
The next rap to show you I really been through it
The next verse will demonstrate that I truly understand and have experienced this
Every other day I'm givin' the love away
Every other day I am expressing my love
That's what your friend's sister or little brother say
That is what your family may say
If I'mma do somethin', it's the undercover way
If I am going to do something, I will do it in secret
When them hatin ass watchdogs look the other way
When those nosy people look away
And others may not see that we need each other
Other people may not realize that we require each other
But if we on the same page we can read each other
If we are aligned, we can understand each other
They should learn us, instead of try to turn us
They should study our relationship rather than interfering with us
Mr. and Ms. Smith, we both got the burners - UP~!
Like the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, both of us have weapons - UP~!
If you love your baby then turn this up
If you love your partner, turn this song up
Know we keep this hot like a Thermos cup
We keep our love passionate
Relax, don't be Tryin' to perm us up
Relax and do not try to control our relationship
We already straight - yes
Our relationship is already great
Fab we gon' have to make a dance to this song man!
Fab, we need to create a dance for this song!
Y'knahmean; ain't no WAY you can't dance on this
You know what I mean, this song is so danceable
Uh, T-Pain!
Acknowledgement of T-Pain's contribution to the song
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FAHEEM NAJM, JERMAINE DUPRI, JOHN JACKSON, VINCENT BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lillyMaxico
Fabolous goes so hard on this, never disappointed. he is not like other rappers who are going viral by using Authentic views to get the views up. Thumbs up who agrees
@everydaydre1185
This went viral ?
@tuckersmith1987
@@everydaydre1185 it was on mtv in 2007 before youtube. The word viral didnt hardy exist. If you were on mtv or bet it was a big hit.
@Prince-Abdalla
This was my ringtone in 2007
Full nostalgia
@noveaubleu8716
Honestly if you listen to what he said...he murdered this song
@chosovichosposi8474
ft. Jermaine Dupri go in sooo hard on this right here, straight up BANGER! He aint like all them oppas who just be usin that AUTHENTICVIEWS jawnt to glow up like SLim Jesus dun did
@kristabell93
Damn, my mom loved this song. She'd blast it in the house all the time. Me, her and my sisters would dance to it with her.. RIP Mom<3
@Grimm--
@@moondive4ever comment 7 years ago
@anissaalamillo2962
Condolences Mamaπ
@honeygip4367
RIP . ππ