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."
Don't Stop Won't Stop
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been a year and some change
And I've been hearin' some things
That there's some motherfuckers tryin' to be me
But ain't none of these motherfuckers tryin' to see me
So I won't stop, and I don't stop, yeah
It's like everywhere I look and everywhere I go
But it ain't no thing cause see my nigga J.O
Put me up on the game when I stepped through the do'
Now I done been so many places and seen so many faces
But none of these motherfuckers do it like me
Don't no motherfuckin' click do it like we
Guess I'm doin' the right thing like Spike Lee
See they talk like they some ho's, I walk like I'm supposed
But if they get in the way they get stepped on
It's the hundred-thou with the bling kept on
Dippin' on my semi-automatic weap-on
I ain't playin' no games, and I ain't sayin' no names
Nigga put the shoes on if they fit you
Well there's two things that I'm gon' admit to
That I won't stop, and I don't stop
[Chorus]
It don't stop
And it won't stop
And it don't stop
It don't stop, it won't stop
It don't stop
And it won't stop
And it don't stop
It don't stop, it won't stop
[Verse 2]
I take whatever come wit the wealth, and even humble myself
But I ain't the kinda nigga you can style on
I got a coupe that I'm finna' put some miles on
And I ride on these niggaz wit a smile on
See I'm 'bout stackin' money but when they start actin' funny
I fall back and all a man do is laugh
I'm the kinda player that ain't gotta do the draft
Buncha hits, couple plaques nigga do the math
But a nigga must be gone for gettin' his hustle on
So I had to come through and take the corner back
And I'm back wit the rubber bands on a stack
Nigga quit or take what I give on a pack
Girls still think I'm fly
Blow kiss and wink the eye
And tell me they wanna go somewhere and freak off
I tell 'em I would love to stop and take the week off
But I won't stop, and I don't stop
[Chorus]
It don't stop
And it won't stop
And it don't stop
It don't stop, it won't stop
It don't stop
And it won't stop
And it don't stop
It don't stop, it won't stop
[Verse 3]
I listen to niggaz flippin' my lines
And be grippin' my nine
Like damn niggaz flip and only spit game
Niggaz comin' at me tryin' to get names
Niggaz lookin like me tryin' to get fame
See first it didn't matter, and I was a little flattered
But now these young boys they gettin' too grown
Like I ain't show 'em how to rock jewels two toned
But it won't stop, and it don't stop
Yeah
[Chorus]
It don't stop
And it won't stop
And it don't stop
It don't stop, it won't stop
It don't stop
And it won't stop
And it don't stop
It don't stop, it won't stop
It's like everywhere I look and everywhere I go
I'm hearin' muh'fucka's tryin'a steal my flow
But it ain't no thing cause see my nigga J.O.
Put me up on the game when I stepped through the do'
In Fabolous's song "Don't Stop Won't Stop," the artist expresses his confidence and determination to keep on succeeding despite other rappers trying to copy his style. He's been in the game for over a year and has heard whispers about other rappers attempting to be like him. However, he remains unfazed and won't stop until he fulfills his goals. Fabolous acknowledges that he's done things his way, and no other click, rapper, or person does it like him or his crew. He recognizes that there will always be people trying to throw him off his game, but he's ready to step over anyone who gets in his way as he continues to pursue his success.
Fabolous further reflects on his rise to fame, noting that he's seen and experienced much, but nothing deters him from pursuing his dreams. Fabolous also addresses the issue of other rappers trying to copy his style and how he won't let it faze him. He recognizes that some people are using his lyrics, but he just laughs and continues being the kind of player that he is, someone who is confident and poised. The determination in the song shines through as he pledges to remain true to himself and keep on growing, ignoring any who pretend to be like him or any who attempt to slow him down.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a year and some change
It's been over a year and I've noticed people trying to copy me
And I've been hearin' some things
There are rumors of people trying to imitate my style
That there's some motherfuckers tryin' to be me
There are people attempting to replicate my success and style
But ain't none of these motherfuckers tryin' to see me
However, these individuals are not on my level and cannot surpass me
So I won't stop, and I don't stop, yeah
I will not let these copycats stop me from achieving further success
It's like everywhere I look and everywhere I go
No matter where I am, I see people trying to emulate me
I'm hearin' muh'fucka's tryin'a steal my flow
I am constantly hearing individuals attempt to copy my style
But it ain't no thing cause see my nigga J.O
However, I am not worried because my friend J.O taught me how to protect my originality
Put me up on the game when I stepped through the do'
He taught me how to be savvy and alert upon entering the industry
Now I done been so many places and seen so many faces
I have traveled widely and encountered numerous people in the industry
But none of these motherfuckers do it like me
None of these individuals can do what I do in the same way
Don't no motherfuckin' click do it like we
My group is unique and unrivaled
Guess I'm doin' the right thing like Spike Lee
I am confident that my path to success is righteous and honorable, like Spike Lee's filmmaking
See they talk like they some ho's, I walk like I'm supposed
While others may talk like untrustworthy people, I behave in a dignified manner
But if they get in the way they get stepped on
Anyone who tries to block my path to success will be defeated
It's the hundred-thou with the bling kept on
I constantly flaunt my wealth and success
Dippin' on my semi-automatic weap-on
I am prepared to defend myself and my success
I ain't playin' no games, and I ain't sayin' no names
I am completely serious about my success, but I will not call out specific individuals
Nigga put the shoes on if they fit you
If someone feels like I am talking about them, they should take responsibility
Well there's two things that I'm gon' admit to
I will confess to two things
That I won't stop, and I don't stop
I refuse to let anyone stop me from achieving success
I take whatever come wit the wealth, and even humble myself
I am willing to accept the ups and downs of success and remain humble
But I ain't the kinda nigga you can style on
However, I am not someone that anyone can take advantage of
I got a coupe that I'm finna' put some miles on
I have a new luxury car that I plan to use extensively
And I ride on these niggaz wit a smile on
I enjoy showing off my success to those who doubted me
See I'm 'bout stackin' money but when they start actin' funny
While my focus is on making money, I will not tolerate disrespectful behavior from others
I fall back and all a man do is laugh
When faced with negativity, I choose to disengage and laugh it off
I'm the kinda player that ain't gotta do the draft
I am so successful that I do not need to work as hard as others do
Buncha hits, couple plaques nigga do the math
I have created many successful songs and earned several awards, so anyone can see how successful I am
But a nigga must be gone for gettin' his hustle on
It is necessary to stay focused and work hard to achieve success
So I had to come through and take the corner back
I had to step up and reclaim my position of power
And I'm back wit the rubber bands on a stack
My wealth is growing again and I am enjoying it
Nigga quit or take what I give on a pack
Either you quit trying to copy me, or deal with the fact that I set the standard
Girls still think I'm fly
I am still attractive to women
Blow kiss and wink the eye
Women flirt with me
And tell me they wanna go somewhere and freak off
Women express their desire to have sexual encounters with me
I tell 'em I would love to stop and take the week off
I would like to take a break and enjoy time with these women, but I cannot let it distract me from my work
But I won't stop, and I don't stop
I am committed to my success and will not let anyone or anything get in my way
I listen to niggaz flippin' my lines
I have noticed others using variations of my lyrics
And be grippin' my nine
This angers me and I feel the need to protect myself
Like damn niggaz flip and only spit game
These individuals copy my lyrics but lack my originality and creativity
Niggaz comin' at me tryin' to get names
These individuals try to gain fame by copying my style
Niggaz lookin like me tryin' to get fame
They even try to look like me in order to emulate my success
See first it didn't matter, and I was a little flattered
Initially I did not care, and was even somewhat pleased that others admired me
But now these young boys they gettin' too grown
However, now these individuals have become too arrogant and feel like they can surpass me
Like I ain't show 'em how to rock jewels two toned
They forget that I helped set the standard for success in the industry
Yeah
In conclusion, I refuse to let anyone stop me from achieving continued success and financial gain
It don't stop, and it won't stop
I will continue to work hard and achieve success, no matter what happens
And it don't stop
Others may try to copy me, but it will not hinder my progress
It don't stop, it won't stop
I am determined to continue my path to success and financial gain
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEXANDE, ARNAUD, BROADUS, BROWN, FIELDS, JACKSON, YOUNG, JOVONN ALEXANDER, JOHN JACKSON, RICHARD DIMPLES FIELDS, ANDRE YOUNG, RICARDO BROWN, DELMER DREW ARNAUD, CALVIN BROADUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NewportBox100s
Whole album rides! Seriously underrated.
@randyragsdale23
This song is smooth asf. Fab killed this shit.
@TimmyTheGreatOo
Sick bass line
@enzomadeit2418
fr tho
@latoyathomas4124
One of my Fav's
@laoualifarouk6969
still dope!!! 2020
@CapitalSOS
🗽🐐🗽 Best rap album intro EVER
@thingsyoushouldknow136
Yo this album is lit still bumpin it
@mikerutledge2847
Facts
@omarkhan4683
A classic