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."
For The Love
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you do it for the love
Could of left a long time ago
Fuck it where Ima go
A brother back in the house couldnt let Obama go
Do it cause you love it nigga, advice from my momma go
Those that just follow green, be the first kind to go
Seven digits nigga, 2 commas ho
Make your first million and dont make it your last
Dont come if you aint ready, dont try to make it too fast
You cant learn shit, if you never make it to class
You cant just recycle what should be placed in the trash
I started wanted more money, and a Stacey dash
A car that cost a house and a place to crash
Pull the hammer like a camera; you dont wanna face the flash
Cause youll lose one of your sons and its no replacing Nash
Bet the faces you show be the same faces you stash
Theres more where that came from
Yall know where I came from
Its all about that boy that call me papi
So I'm a keep making that paper copy
You squares could never stop me, that triangles to play me
Two lines for you fuck boys, now pause that, play me
Right from where I left off that, lets get back to that real shit
That sit back just chill shit. With packs of that kill shit
I chit chat bout trill shit, spit that hot feel shit
I give you four bars itll be a Kit Kat of some real shit
Who fucking with me? I mean besides your bitch
I Deebo your ho, you niggas should hide your bitch
Like the chain reds grandmomma gave him
I got a thing for women, I like them misbehaving
You know like bad, mike bad
So Ima check when I seeem nik(e) ad
Cause in this life things come and go like fast
And I'm not one who favors using words like had
I'm into having shit, turning dreams to average shit
Bring your trophy to the club, Dallas Maverick shit
Niceeee
I came from first of the month money
To waking up whenever I want money
Niceee
I chase paper, I hunt money
Make 50 racks at 3pm and call it lunch money
Nice
Nigga ya stunt money is blunt money
Your boo only got a text back once from me
And that was What the fuck you want from me
But I know what the fuck she want from me
You aint gotta front for me
I know
I know what you want from me
I know
I know we all want the money
Its only right we getting to it
Question I come to you with
Is would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
Would you do it for the love
In “For The Love,” Fabolous reflects on his journey to success and wealth, while posing the question to his audience, “Would you do it for the love?” He begins by acknowledging that he could have left a long time ago, but chose to stay true to his craft and remain dedicated to his passion. He mentions that he couldn’t let Obama go, suggesting that he felt a responsibility to represent for his people and make a positive impact. Fabolous then provides some advice from his mother, who reminds him to do what he loves, rather than follow the pursuit of wealth, as those who do usually don't have lasting success.
He acknowledges the struggles of being broke, but doesn’t let it deter him from his ultimate goal of making money. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of not making one’s first million their last and taking things slow, as to fully understand the business. He emphasizes that those who try to make it too fast will never truly learn, and those who just follow money will often fail due to lack of sustainability.
As the song progresses, Fabolous emphasizes his love for making money and the freedom that comes with it. He mentions the materialistic things he desires, such as a Stacey Dash and a car that costs a house. However, he also acknowledges the importance of staying true to himself and not getting lost in the pursuit of wealth. He even pokes fun at himself, saying he started off chasing more money and a woman like Stacey Dash, but now he's matured to focus on making passive income and supporting his family. As he asks the listener if they would do it for the love or the money, Fabolous seems to suggest that striving for both is important, but never losing the love for the art is what sustains one's success in the long run.
Line by Line Meaning
Could of left a long time ago
I could have given up or walked away from this pursuit a long time ago
Fuck it where Ima go
I don't see any other options or places to turn to, so I am continuing to pursue this path
A brother back in the house couldnt let Obama go
I feel a sense of responsibility to my community and my people, and I am inspired by the leadership of President Obama
Do it cause you love it nigga, advice from my momma go
My mom has taught me to pursue my passions and do what I love, even if it means facing challenges and obstacles
Those that just follow green, be the first kind to go
People who are motivated solely by money are often the first to fall or fail in their endeavors
Being broke aint a joke, I'm too comical
Being financially struggling is not a laughing matter, but I use humor to cope with the situation
Seven digits nigga, 2 commas ho
I have made over a million dollars and have two commas in my bank account
Make your first million and dont make it your last
It's important to keep building wealth and not stagnate after achieving financial success
Dont come if you aint ready, dont try to make it too fast
Don't pursue this path if you are not prepared for the challenges that come with it, and don't rush the process
You cant learn shit, if you never make it to class
You can't improve or succeed if you don't put in the effort to learn and educate yourself
You cant just recycle what should be placed in the trash
You can't simply reuse or recycle something that is beyond repair or useless
I started wanted more money, and a Stacey dash
I began this pursuit because I wanted to achieve more financial success and have a beautiful partner like Stacy Dash
A car that cost a house and a place to crash
I aspire to own a very expensive car and have a comfortable place to stay
Pull the hammer like a camera; you dont wanna face the flash
I am willing and able to use a gun if necessary, and you don't want to be in the line of fire
Cause youll lose one of your sons and its no replacing Nash
You could lose a loved one, and they cannot be replaced or forgotten
Bet the faces you show be the same faces you stash
Be true and honest with the people you associate with or show yourself to, and keep any hidden or private faces the same
Theres more where that came from
I have more to offer and more where that came from
Yall know where I came from
You are aware of my background and where I started
Its all about that boy that call me papi
I am focused on my son, who calls me Papi
So I'm a keep making that paper copy
I will continue to earn and make money to support myself and my family
You squares could never stop me, that triangles to play me
People who are boring and predictable cannot hold me back, but those who are cunning and strategic could potentially deceive me
Two lines for you fuck boys, now pause that, play me
I have two lines for my haters, but now let's stop talking about them and focus on me
Right from where I left off that, lets get back to that real shit
Let's pick up where we left off and get back to talking about the truth and the important things in life
That sit back just chill shit. With packs of that kill shit
I am relaxing and enjoying the moment with some potent drugs
I chit chat bout trill shit, spit that hot feel shit
I am talking about real, authentic things and expressing myself passionately
I give you four bars itll be a Kit Kat of some real shit
I am giving you a short break or intermission from my intense lyrics
Who fucking with me? I mean besides your bitch
Who can match my flow and lyrics? Other than your girlfriend who is probably obsessed with me
I Deebo your ho, you niggas should hide your bitch
I will steal your girlfriend and you should be worried about that happening
Like the chain reds grandmomma gave him
I will snatch your girl like Deebo in the movie Friday
I got a thing for women, I like them misbehaving
I am attracted to women who are rebellious and don't follow societal norms
You know like bad, mike bad
I am referring to the singer Michael Jackson and his song Bad, which emphasizes being bold and nonconformist
So Ima check when I seeem nik(e) ad
I will investigate or look closely at anyone who wears Nike shoes or attire
Cause in this life things come and go like fast
Things in life can be temporary and fleeting, like how fast things can come and go
And I'm not one who favors using words like had
I don't like to dwell on the past or use words that refer to something that is no longer present
I'm into having shit, turning dreams to average shit
I am focused on acquiring material possessions and turning my dreams into reality
Bring your trophy to the club, Dallas Maverick shit
Bring your accomplishments and achievements to the club, just like the Dallas Mavericks basketball team celebrates their victories
I came from first of the month money
I used to live paycheck to paycheck, relying on the first of every month to get by
To waking up whenever I want money
Now I have the financial freedom to wake up whenever I want and not be constrained by a job or financial worries
I chase paper, I hunt money
I am constantly pursuing and chasing after money
Make 50 racks at 3pm and call it lunch money
I make so much money that earning 50,000 dollars by 3pm is just spending money for me
Nigga ya stunt money is blunt money
The money you are trying to flaunt or show off with is just drug money
Your boo only got a text back once from me
I am not interested in a long-term or meaningful relationship with your girlfriend, and have only texted her once
And that was What the fuck you want from me
The only interaction I had with your girlfriend was asking her what she wanted from me
You aint gotta front for me
You don't have to pretend or act differently around me
I know
I am aware of the situation or what you are trying to say
I know what you want from me
I am aware of what you desire or expect from me
I know we all want the money
We all desire and pursue money as a means of achieving our goals and desires
Its only right we getting to it
It makes sense and is the correct thing to do for us to pursue and earn money
Question I come to you with
I have a question or inquiry to ask of you
Is would you do it for the love
Would you pursue your dreams or goals solely because you love it, rather than just for money or external rewards?
Would you do it for the love
Would you pursue your desires or passions solely out of love or enjoyment?
Would you do it for the love
Would you put in the effort and work required to achieve your goals purely out of love or passion for them?
Would you do it for the love
Would you continue to pursue your dreams and goals even if it didn't bring you any financial or material benefits?
Would you do it for the love
Would you pursue and achieve success for the pure joy and love of the process, rather than just for the end result?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Piffsburgh6
Could've left a long time ago, fuck it where I’ma go?
A brother back in the house couldn’t let Obama go
Do it cause you love it nigga, advice from my momma go
Those that just follow green, be the first kind to go
Being broke ain’t a joke, I’m too comical
Seven digits nigga, 2 commas ho
Make your first million and don’t make it your last
Don’t come if you ain’t ready, don’t try to make it too fast
You can’t learn shit, if you never make it to class
You can’t just recycle what should be placed in the trash
I started wanted more money, and a Stacey dash
A car that cost a house and a place to crash
Pull the hammer like a camera; you don’t wanna face the flash
Cause you’ll lose one of your sons and it’s no replacing Nash
Bet the faces you show be the same faces you stash
There’s more where that came from, y'all know where I came from
It’s all about that boy that call me papi
So I’m a keep making that paper copy
You squares could never stop me, that triangles to play me
Two lines for you fuck boys, now pause that, play me
Right from where I left off that, let’s get back to that real shit
That sit back just chill shit. With packs of that kill shit
I chit chat bout trill shit, spit that hot feel shit
I give you four bars it’ll be a Kit Kat of some real shit
Who fucking with me? I mean besides your bitch
I Deebo your ho, you niggas should hide your bitch
Like the chain red’s grandmomma gave him
I got a thing for women, I like them misbehaving
You know like bad, mike bad
So I’ma check’em when I see’em Nik(e) AD
Cause in this life things come and go like fast
And I’m not one who favors using words like had
I’m into having shit, turning dreams to average shit
Bring your trophy to the club, Dallas Maverick shit
Niceeee
I came from first of the month money
To waking up whenever I want money
Niceee
I chase paper, I hunt money
Make 50 racks at 3pm and call it lunch money
Niceeee
Nigga ya stunt money is blunt money
Your boo only got a text back once from me
And that was “What the fuck you want from me?”
But I know what the fuck she want from me, yeah
Willie Murphy
Fab is one the greats, I don't care what any one has to say about it.
House of Matrix
Willie Murphy hella yeah he King of New York
WavyDon
Agreed.
MTown300
Fucking right ✊🏾💪🏾
J. King
Big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big BIG facts.
Estephan Veneziano
Nah frfr tho def my top five he’s too consistent to argue
John Bowen
“You squares can never stop me, y’all try angles to play me, two lines for you fuck boys, pause that, now play me”” 🔥🔥🔥
Wordplay at its finest! Think of a CD or cassette player and you’ll get it immediately
Michael Allen
This song was underrated and was way ahead of its time 🤦🏾♂️
NoobSlybot
Always consistent bars punches metaphors schemes even though he doesn't get the recognition he's in my top 5 and he changes with the time that shit is rare with most artists
DaVein OntheD
Victor Santana one of the best to ever do it