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."
Flipmode
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lock it down, fade away, yeah
Lock it down, fade away
Flipmode, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Flipmode, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Faded off the woo hah
You know I'm faded off the woo hah
Busting, busting out the trap
In the coupe doing laps
Got me a Dominican mami
Folding paper, origami
Rag em', rag em' on sight
Spliff Star off the hype
Ain't got no time to fall in love
Ain't no time to fall in love
When the push come to shove
Money all I ever love
Gary Payton with the glove
O.J. Simpson with the glove
Guilty pleasure, pick your poison
We got all of the above
Shooter, shooters on deck
Still banging with the set
Thirty thousand in the P.J.
Got my niggas out the jakes
Surfing through the village, bust it, bust it up
Diamonds on me flooded bust down
Ever since she let me bust it, bust it up
She be wanting me to cuff now, go
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah yeah
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah yeah
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Told shawty, make it clap
Shawty, just make it clap
All her homies got a thirty up
My warriors gotta Curry up
Something foreign when I'm skurting up (skurt)
If they coming, better hurry up
Wrist game, I'ma stir it up (whip it)
'Till the white McFlurry up
Mickey D's, I'm loving it
Super bad, McLoving it
Slide up in it with the oven mitt
Now she calling out my government
Freddy Kruger with the glove
Michael Jackson with the glove
Keep it lit and get the money
I do both of the above
I've been jugging since flip phones
Bed rocking like Flintstones
Doing numbers in my zip code
Squad with it on flipmode
Shawty 'bout to let her clip go
Busta, busta, busta, bust that
A big butt and a smile
I know they told me, never trust that
But I
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah yeah
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah yeah
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Yeah, yeah, go 'head with it
Baby, bust it open out the roof
Yeah, this car brand new, give it to you
Now she acting brand new
Flipmode, I got a new bitch
Flipmode, all the money I get
Flipmode, you don't ball like this, hell no
My whole team lit, it's simple
What you want? Just tell me what you want, baby
What you doing? Let's just start with foreplay
When I perform, your shaking make the bed break
Until the the morning
Your lips turn me on, baby
Smoke one with me, let's get faded
Hit the showers, heat it up, still wide awake
I don't even know, she say she got a man at home
I love her anyway
And if that nigga say he love you like he do
Where your wedding ring?
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, Flipmode
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
The lyrics of "Flipmode" by Fabolous showcase a boastful and confident approach to the rapper's lifestyle. The song implies a luxurious and lavish lifestyle consisting of money, women, and guns. With references to NBA legends like Gary Payton and O.J. Simpson, Fabolous indicates his admiration for these personalities, mostly for their skills and ability to stand firm in difficult situations.
Throughout the song, Fabolous plays with the concept of "shooting." The constant repetition of "shoot it" and references to guns, such as "bust it like an AK," can be interpreted as a metaphor for staying on top, being resilient, and locking things down. The lyrics emphasize the importance of money and the significance of fame, which sets him apart from other rappers.
Furthermore, the lyrics suggest the rapper's prioritization of pleasure over love, as he claims that he doesn't have time for love when he's too busy securing his wealth. The song's melodious tune complements the bold and lively lyrics, resulting in a catchy, attention-grabbing track.
Line by Line Meaning
Flipmode, Flipmode, let's go
Let's switch things up and go all out
Lock it down, fade away, yeah
Secure the bag and disappear
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Take shots, secure the bag, and disappear
Told her bust it, bust it, bust it, bust it
Encouraging her to show off and give her all
Bust it, bust it, bust it like a AK
Show off and give her all with intense passion
Faded off the woo hah
Feeling intoxicated and euphoric
Busting, busting out the trap
Making moves and breaking out of the ordinary
Got me a Dominican mami
I'm involved with a confident and seductive Dominican woman
Rag em', rag em' on sight
Provoking and dominating others with ease
Ain't got no time to fall in love
I don't have time for emotional attachment
Money all I ever love
I prioritize and value money above all else
Shooter, shooters on deck
I have skilled individuals ready for action
Surfing through the village, bust it, bust it up
Making an impact and causing chaos wherever I go
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away, yeah yeah
Take shots, secure the bag, and disappear confidently
Told shawty, make it clap
Instructing her to show off and impress with her skills
Something foreign when I'm skurting up
I attract attention when driving luxury cars
Mickey D's, I'm loving it
Enjoying and indulging in fast food
Freddy Kruger with the glove
I'm a master of manipulation and revenge
Doing numbers in my zip code
Achieving success and making an impact in my area
Busta, busta, busta, bust that
Showing off and giving my all in every aspect
Yeah, yeah, go 'head with it
Go ahead and do what you need to do
What you want? Just tell me what you want, baby
Let me know your desires and I'll provide
Smoke one with me, let's get faded
Let's relax and get high together
Your lips turn me on, baby
I find your kisses irresistible
I don't even know, she say she got a man at home
I'm not even sure if she's committed to someone else
And if that nigga say he love you like he do, where your wedding ring?
If he claims to love you, why isn't he committed to you?
Shoot it, shoot it, lock it down, fade away
Take shots, secure the bag, and disappear
Lyrics Β© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tyler Bryant, Christopher Brown, John David Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@liliana-jx6oj
Fabolousis so dope. I can't stop watching this track again and again. I am sure he will be #1 soon due to πa u t h e n t I c v i e w s π
@Elizabeth-wd8xf
Chris Brown the GOAT, any track he features on is automatically a banger π
@khabirhassien
Actual facts
@stylzblush980
I was looking for the comment!
!!!
@nayden5834
Nah he aint on that NATE DOGG lvl.
@aaliyah8702
periodt.
@stephe.8818
Facts!
@knowledgeshare5290
Who is still vibing to this masterpiece 2024 β€
@letlalamachere527
this masterpiece will always be fireπ―β€βπ₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
@jhm.9997
Chris killed it so much you hardly notice the back up dancersπ