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."
Fall Back
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
(Fabolous)
Safe's in the ceiling, I stash drugs and weapons in
Nigga I'm just steppin in, already got boxes
Full of money like that movie that Johny Deep was in
I'd rather pull a gat than run, cause what comes around
Goes around faster then a gatling gun
These broke niggas say goin to Manhattan's fun
I'm on punta cana shore wit a Latin one
That can suck a beach ball through a straw, act like
A chipmunk and put nuts in each wall of her jaw, homie
I'm just tryin' to teach ya'll how to score
It's easy for me to pull up each fall in azures
And my dope send buyers from O.T. they heard
I got the same shit that caused Len Bias to O.D.
It's the young nigga that inspired the O.G.'s
In that H-2 wit thin tires and O.Z.'s
And ya'll got jewels but I doubt it's the same shine
Mine look like the sun and moon's out at the same time
Don't worry about the rumours that a broad dish
When I ride around with the same guns Travolta had in Swordfish
So fall back like you lost ya balance
I don't wanna have to toss with talons
But you cheap stylin' and I'ma have to let the six-teen squirt
And make ya white tee look like a miskene shirt, nigga
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
(Brandy)
What the fuck proper truck 7 jeans white truck range rover sitting on 23's
From the 745 on the 105 won't be nobody in the club but m,e you can say anything you want about my business better hold your tonge unless you witness my life first hand, my joy, my pain not just my music and my name.
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
(Lloyd Banks)
You can bet'cha bottom dollar, if there's ever a room that I'm tied up in
The armor throw bullets like Boomer Esiason
Give him a wound where his eye has been, then lift him
Off the ground like a hot air balloon when it' firin
My game smoothe as Mariah's skin, but I'm popular
So I travel with the goons when I slide up in
I'm blamed for the heat 'round my way, I made it
Without a Making of the Band or a Freestyle Friday
Why you wit him if his troops don't buck? I'll have the coroner
Wrap you up in plastic like a fruit roll up
I get brain like every female in my past intellegent
And take in more nuts then your average elephant
They actin like they own slugs and amory, but if we bump heads
They be talkin faster than Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
The names you can call me but broke ain't one
I'm in the game for the O.J. run, my goal not done
Go in ya'house and get cha'old gray gun
We got some big enough to be a court case son
And I've learned to overcome the new faces, I'm startin to
Heat up, so my dick get more toungue than shoe laces
You can catch me in the hood, a couple G's and I'm bangin things
High 'cause I go through more trees than orangatangs
You're gonna make me put the clip in and pop ya
You're horrible nigga, I'd rather sit through an' opera
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
The lyrics to Fabolous's song "Fall Back" are about the importance of personal space and not having someone choke the life out of you. The repetitive refrain of "Fall back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me" emphasizes the suffocating feeling of someone encroaching on your space. The singer is not being hostile but is simply asking for some room to breathe. The verses by Fabolous and Lloyd Banks talk about their status and success, with both rappers boasting about their wealth and power, and their ability to protect themselves from anyone who might try to encroach on their personal space. Brandy's verse provides a counterpoint, reminding listeners that it's important to always be considerate of others and not say anything unless you've witnessed their life firsthand.
Fabolous's verse is full of references to his wealth and power, like the "boxes full of money" and the "H-2 with thin tires and O.Z.'s." He's also unapologetic about his use of violence, saying that he'd rather pull a gun than run away. Lloyd Banks's verse is similarly filled with boasts about his toughness and his ability to overcome any obstacles. Brandy's verse, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, and suggests that people should be more considerate of others.
Overall, the song is about setting boundaries and not letting anyone infringe on them. It's a message about the importance of self-preservation and the need to put oneself first sometimes.
Line by Line Meaning
Fall Back, I'm tryna breathe and you killing me
Please back off, you're suffocating me.
Fall Back, I understand that you feeling me
I know you're interested in me, but please give me some space.
I ain't gotta attitude but I'ma flip if you don't give me room to move
I am not being difficult, but if you continue to invade my personal space, I will react negatively.
I gotta stay on the move so this cat got more spots than a leopard-skin
I need to keep moving to stay successful; I am always one step ahead.
Safe's in the ceiling, I stash drugs and weapons in
I keep my illegal items in a secret spot above me that is hard to access.
Nigga I'm just steppin in, already got boxes
I am always prepared for any task that comes my way.
Full of money like that movie that Johny Deep was in
I have an abundant amount of cash like the character Johnny Depp played in the movie.
I'd rather pull a gat than run, cause what comes around
I would rather fight and defend myself than run away, for karma catches up with you sooner than you think.
Goes around faster then a gatling gun
The consequences of your actions come back to you quickly and in harsh ways.
These broke niggas say goin to Manhattan's fun
Poor people think that going to the city is enjoyable.
I'm on punta cana shore wit a Latin one
I am spending time on the beach in Punta Cana with a Hispanic woman.
That can suck a beach ball through a straw, act like
She is good at giving oral sex, making sucking a beach ball through a straw seem easy in comparison.
A chipmunk and put nuts in each wall of her jaw, homie
She is very skilled at giving oral sex and can hold more than one nut in her mouth at once.
I'm just tryin' to teach ya'll how to score
I am trying to show you how to be successful, financially and romantically.
It's easy for me to pull up each fall in azures
I can easily afford to buy and drive luxury cars.
And my dope send buyers from O.T. they heard
My drugs attract buyers from out of town.
I got the same shit that caused Len Bias to O.D.
I have drugs of the same caliber that caused Len Bias to overdose and die.
It's the young nigga that inspired the O.G.'s
I am a young, inspiring person, even to the older, more experienced people in my field.
In that H-2 wit thin tires and O.Z.'s
I drive an H2 with expensive, high-quality rims.
And ya'll got jewels but I doubt it's the same shine
I bet your jewelry is not as valuable or shiny as mine.
Mine look like the sun and moon's out at the same time
My jewelry is so reflective and bright it looks like a combination of the sun and moon shining simultaneously.
Don't worry about the rumours that a broad dish
Don't listen to rumors about women I associate with.
When I ride around with the same guns Travolta had in Swordfish
I carry guns in my car that are similar to the ones John Travolta used in the movie Swordfish.
So fall back like you lost ya balance
Back off as if you lost your balance.
I don't wanna have to toss with talons
I don't want to have to fight with my hands and fingers like an animal.
But you cheap stylin' and I'ma have to let the six-teen squirt
You are acting low-class and I may have to use my gun to put you in your place.
And make ya white tee look like a miskene shirt, nigga
And make your white tee-shirt look like it is covered in blood and ripped, leaving you embarrassed.
What the fuck proper truck 7 jeans white truck range rover sitting on 23's
I drive fancy and expensive vehicles such as a proper truck, 7 jeans, white truck, and a Range Rover with 23 inch rims.
From the 745 on the 105 won't be nobody in the club but m,e
I am driving from the 745 on the 105 and will be the only one in the club.
You can say anything you want about my business better hold your tonge unless you witness my life first hand, my joy, my pain not just my music and my name.
Don't make assumptions or talk about my business unless you have seen and experienced my joy and pain firsthand, not just what you see in my music and public persona.
You can bet'cha bottom dollar, if there's ever a room that I'm tied up in
You can be sure that if I am ever tied up in a room, I will find a way to escape.
The armor throw bullets like Boomer Esiason
My gun is powerful and can fire bullets quickly and accurately like Boomer Esiason throws a football.
Give him a wound where his eye has been, then lift him
Shoot him in the place where his eye used to be and lift him up as if he is weightless.
Off the ground like a hot air balloon when it' firin
Lift him into the air like a hot air balloon when the gun is firing.
My game smoothe as Mariah's skin, but I'm popular
I am smooth with women like Mariah Carey's skin, but also popular and well-liked by many people.
So I travel with the goons when I slide up in
I travel with intimidating, dangerous men when I visit new places.
I'm blamed for the heat 'round my way, I made it
People attribute the crime and violence in my neighborhood to me because I am successful and have achieved fame.
Without a Making of the Band or a Freestyle Friday
I became successful without being a part of popular reality shows about music.
Why you wit him if his troops don't buck? I'll have the coroner
Why are you associating with people who don't fight? I will kill you and have the coroner deal with your body.
Wrap you up in plastic like a fruit roll up
Wrap your body in plastic like a fruit roll-up, ready for disposal.
I get brain like every female in my past intellegent
I have had sex with many intelligent women in the past.
And take in more nuts then your average elephant
I can hold more semen in my mouth than an average elephant can.
They actin like they own slugs and amory, but if we bump heads
They act tough as if they have guns and ammunition, but if we have a conflict,
They be talkin faster than Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
They will be afraid and nervous, speaking quickly and erratically like the group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
The names you can call me but broke ain't one
I don't care what you call me, but you can't call me broke.
I'm in the game for the O.J. run, my goal not done
I am in this game for the long haul, like O.J. Simpson's famous run towards the end zone.
Go in ya'house and get cha'old gray gun
Go to your home and retrieve your old, outdated gun.
We got some big enough to be a court case son
We have guns that are large and powerful enough to cause a court case if used.
And I've learned to overcome the new faces, I'm startin to
I have learned to ignore or outsmart new competitors, and am now becoming successful.
Heat up, so my dick get more toungue than shoe laces
I am getting more fame and attention, so I receive more oral sex than ever before.
You can catch me in the hood, a couple G's and I'm bangin things
You can find me in the dangerous neighborhood, with a couple thousand dollars in cash, and carrying guns.
High 'cause I go through more trees than orangatangs
I smoke so much marijuana that I am always high, like orangutans who swing from trees.
You're gonna make me put the clip in and pop ya
You are annoying me so much that I might put bullets in my gun and shoot you.
You're horrible nigga, I'd rather sit through an' opera
You're so terrible that I would prefer to sit through a boring opera than spend time with you.
Lyrics © I MAN MOVE FORWARD ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffh757
This was a certified Limewire classic
@youngbrevy
I’m still trying to figure out why Fab and Banks never made a mixtape together? They REALLY flow amazing together!
@lvin4958
around this time all I use to listen to was metaphors, punch lines and similes kings. Lloyd Banks, Fabolous and Cassidy good ol days
@xPaNNiC
you preaching, thats it
@chasematrix29
Cassidy is not in the same league..
@Sunshine134chick
💯
@farcue3325
Me too brother
@Iconic-Freestyles-Bars
hahaha bro you damn sho aint lyin! That was my whole lane for real!!! Along wit D-Block
@Fashionistjayrenee
My son was a baby. These bars n punchlines still relevant. Plus brandy talking greasey. This will never get old!!
@samuelironcloud8769
"They acting like they own slugs and armory
But if we bump heads
They'll be talking faster than Bone Thugs-N-Harmony"
Banks is/was the punch line king. Dude was cold!