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."
Feel Like I'm Back
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If u happen to bump into the streets
Can you please tell him I'm back? (oh okay I'll do that)
I appreciate that (my nigga)
[Repeat x4]
Na nana na nana nana na
I've been gone and away
For too long a mistake
But right now I feel awake
I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Hey hey hey hey
I take it in
I blow it out
On the courthouse steps after they throw it out
Bentley waiting by the curb I spur it out
Doors don't open they self the chauffeur get out
My exhale made anything a foggy blur
I make my way through the reporters and photographers
I take my lady's hand I shake my attorney's
Slide in the back seat and let's begin this journey
Told the driver hold off before we pushed out
I let my window down and out comes a kush cloud
Any last words?
Justice has been served
Now back to the streets that's what the hustlers deserve
Well alright okay
I've been gone and away
For too long a mistake
But right now I feel awake
I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Hey hey hey hey
I ain't lose a step
I ain't miss a beat
Thugs have emotions we miss the streets
We kiss the heat
We love the block
We rubber band the money we black glove the glock
I'm screamin' free at last free at last
She used to send me pictures so I could see that ass
That's real talk that's a real bitch
Fly as I left the minx still fit
They know my name but in case they didn't know so
Appear in a casket courtesy of loso
So you should have your shit packed
I'm a need ya to not be here when I get back
Well alright okay
I've been gone and away
For too long a mistake
But right now I feel awake
I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Hey hey hey hey
Aye daddy's home after a long day
I'm from the hood I came a long way
But I ain't goin' back I'm just visitin'
I hear the streets talkin' I'm just listenin'
If they ain't talkin' money I'm out my business then
If that ain't what it is then what is it then?
I'm out here grizzyin' swizzyin'
It's me bitches sittin' in a phantom
Got the streets back but I didn't pay the ransom
My father who fathered you treat you like my grandson
I came back for it like I left it nigga
You try me you get more than a efa f it nigga
Well alright okay
I've been gone and away
For too long a mistake
But right now I feel awake
I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
[Repeat x8]
Na nana na nana nana na
The song "Feel Like I'm Back" by Fabolous is a declaration of the rapper's triumphant return to the streets. He opens the song by asking his friend to tell the streets that he is back. Throughout the song, he emphasizes that he is feeling awake and empowered after being gone for too long. He makes it clear that he is ready to take back the streets and that he hasn't lost his touch, as he says, "I ain't lose a step, I ain't miss a beat."
Fabolous also addresses his legal troubles and the fact that he has been away from the streets for a while. He talks about how he was in court and how justice has been served, and he also mentions his lady, his attorney, and the reporters and photographers who were present. He notes that he had to ask the driver to hold off so he could take a puff from his blunt as he prepared to head back to the streets.
Overall, "Feel Like I'm Back" is a confident and assertive song that proves Fabolous is still a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey my nigga do me a favor.
Asks a friend if they can deliver a message to someone in the street.
If u happen to bump into the streets
Instructs friend to deliver the message if they encounter the person in question.
Can you please tell him I'm back?
The message the friend should deliver is that Fabolous is back.
I appreciate that (my nigga)
Thanks the friend for agreeing to deliver the message.
Na nana na nana nana na
Repeating, nonsensical refrain.
I've been gone and away
Fabolous has been out of the scene for some time.
For too long a mistake
Considers his absence a mistake.
But right now I feel awake
Fabolous is motivated and energized.
I'm feeling like I'm back (just like I'm back)
Reiterates that he feels he has returned to the scene.
Said I'm feeling like I'm back (feel like I'm back)
Repeats that he feels he is back in the game.
I blow it out
On the courthouse steps after they throw it out
Celebrates a favorable court ruling.
Bentley waiting by the curb I spur it out
Arrives in a Bentley vehicle.
My exhale made anything a foggy blur
Smoke from exhaling marijuana affects visibility.
I make my way through the reporters and photographers
Navigates through the media presence.
I take my lady's hand I shake my attorney's
Greets those present with a handshake.
Slide in the back seat and let's begin this journey
Enters the vehicle and is ready to leave.
Any last words?
Justice has been served
Reflects on the legal victory and asks for any final comments.
Now back to the streets that's what the hustlers deserve
Ready to return to the hustle of the streets.
I ain't lose a step
I ain't miss a beat
Suggests that he has not lost any of his abilities despite his absence.
Thugs have emotions we miss the streets
We kiss the heat
We love the block
We rubber band the money we black glove the glock
Reflects on the culture of the streets and criminal activity.
I'm screamin' free at last free at last
She used to send me pictures so I could see that ass
References his release from legal trouble and a woman who used to send him explicit photos.
I hear the streets talkin' I'm just listenin'
Acknowledges that he is aware of street rumors but remains uninvolved.
If they ain't talkin' money I'm out my business then
If that ain't what it is then what is it then?
Indicates that he only cares about money and profit.
It's me bitches sittin' in a phantom
Proudly declares his presence and success.
Got the streets back but I didn't pay the ransom
Implies that he has regained control of the streets without offering anything in return.
I came back for it like I left it nigga
You try me you get more than a efa f it nigga
Returns to the streets with determination and warns anyone who crosses him.
Na nana na nana nana na
Repeating, nonsensical refrain.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEVIN CROWE, JOHN JACKSON, ERIK ORTIZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jermaine
this whole album go hard!
Rakeem Blakley
Jermaine facts💯
Yannick Mulongo
The whole Album is 🔥🔥🔥💥
Suba Kyoto
this album is straight fire from start to finish, I'd expect nothing less from Loso
Ty_ MuayThai
One of the most underrated rappers ever! This song is gold! 👌
Prince Lindsey
Always a classic!! Never will gets old!! It lives up today yo!
The luffy
Fab my favorite rapper of all time awesome person 💪🏽🤙🏽🇧🇷 thank you for the good music
Rafael Garcia
He goes hard all day everyday
Matheus D'Luka
And i'm back right here in 2022 🔥🔥
Northwoods Cab
awesome, wish all modern hip hop was on this level