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."
Fuck Em All
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fuck 'em all, motherfuck 'em all [x8]
(What else?)
You so lame it should be your first name
And I'm so raw, I'm Bolivian cocaine
I'm the next of kin to LoSo or Kane
I'm disrespectful I'm drivin' in both lanes
They pushin' my buttons to fuck with my campaign
They know Jermaine is here to take over the game
Now Arm and Hammer chain or the Konvict chain
The Shakedown chain, I clean it in champaigne (what else?)
Then I take aim and I blocka, blocka
Them heavyweight shots from the choppa, choppa
You could google Cafe, I'm a shotta, shotta
And men'll play play when I rappa, rappa
Since the bubble L-E-X-U-S (yeah)
I been swervin' and servin' the whole U-S (ah)
The Remi' and the Bourbon be burnin' my chest (uh)
S-F we the best, middle finger to the rest
The rap game's big dipper, big skipper
You damn skirtin' the fuck if I beg to differ (right)
One handed quitter when I'm lettin' down the zipper
Quick to kill a nigga if I'm gone off the liquor
It's off the Richter, anybody start the shit
Have you and your partner hit for narcotics in the whip
I'm a beer bottle shit if the products don't fit
I'm a try to get rich from the first to the fifth
Now how you not goin' say my curse is a gift
When the verses is spit I never also purchase shit (shit)
Fuck 'em all, I know fuck 'em all
Fuck they ass up if they fuckin' with the Lord
You get gun butt just remove it from your jaw (shit)
Your brains get stuck just remove it top (right)
Get your weight up 'til your money's at the pub (right)
If you really heard you'd give a fuck about a charge
And put that heat down if you cookin' in the jar
Turn star after dealin' with them all
I said fuck 'em all, motherfuck 'em all
'Cause I shop so much I smell like the fuckin' mall
There so many guns, ain't no where to tuck 'em all
And you might dodge one, let me see you duck 'em all
No way, no how, shit I know that
Almost as much as I know OJ will blow trial
I be in the club, Rose', no smiles
Few pretty chicks like OK can we go now
I must be the nigga ya run in your house
Snatch your little Russie and Diggie
It's nothin' no biggie
And if I have to I do it myself
I'm feelin' like a Puff with no Biggie
Now these joker nigga's O.D.
Pullin' the Heath Ledge'
So I'm a kill a cow, make sure that the beef's dead
Burger ass nigga's I look further past nigga's
And go over the head of Uncle, murder ass nigga's
I said, fuck 'em all, motherfuck 'em all
The song "Fuck Em All" by Fabolous featuring Red Cafe and Hunt is an aggressive and boastful track where the rappers showcase their lyrical skills and toughness. The chorus repeats the phrase "Fuck 'em all, motherfuck 'em all," which sets the tone for the rest of the song. Fabolous starts his verse by insulting haters, saying that they are so lame that it should be their first name. He then boasts of his skills, calling himself "Bolivian cocaine" and comparing himself to the legendary rappers LoSo or Kane. He declares himself "disrespectful" and "driving in both lanes," indicating that he won't let anyone stop him from achieving success in the rap game. He also mentions his various chains, including the Konvict chain, the Shakedown chain, and the Arm and Hammer chain, which he boasts of cleaning with champagne. He ends his verse by declaring that he is the best and giving the middle finger to his haters.
Red Cafe starts his verse with a similar insult to Fabolous, telling haters that they need to "get their weight up" and stop worrying about charges. He then brags about his guns, saying that there are so many of them that he doesn't know where to tuck them all. He also talks about his connections with women, implying that he can easily hook up with pretty girls. He then makes a reference to OJ Simpson and how he got away with murder. He goes on to say that he is willing to do things himself, comparing himself to Puff Daddy without Biggie. He then threatens to kill anyone who messes with him or his crew, saying that he will "kill a cow" to make sure that the beef is dead. He ends his verse by repeating the chorus.
Overall, "Fuck Em All" is a typical hip-hop track that showcases the bravado, skill, and toughness of the rappers. The insult-heavy lyrics and aggressive delivery make it clear that the rappers are not to be messed with, and the chorus acts as a rallying cry for their fans.
Line by Line Meaning
You so lame it should be your first name
You are incredibly uncool and undesirable that your first name should be synonymous with that.
And I'm so raw, I'm Bolivian cocaine
I am incredibly talented and skilled, comparable to the high potency and effects of Bolivian cocaine.
I'm the next of kin to LoSo or Kane
I'm closely related or equivalent in success to these rappers, LoSo or Kane.
I'm disrespectful I'm drivin' in both lanes
I have no regard for authority or the rules, as I drive recklessly in both lanes of traffic.
They pushin' my buttons to fuck with my campaign
Others are deliberately trying to provoke me in order to sabotage my plans or career.
They know Jermaine is here to take over the game
They are aware that I am a force to be reckoned with and I am planning on dominating the rap game.
Now Arm and Hammer chain or the Konvict chain
Either the Arm and Hammer chain or Konvict chain are now mine.
The Shakedown chain, I clean it in champaigne
I own the Shakedown chain and I celebrate its acquisition by cleaning it with champagne.
Then I take aim and I blocka, blocka
I focus intently and hit my targets accurately, similar to the sound of a gun firing.
Them heavyweight shots from the choppa, choppa
I deliver deadly shots of lyrics from my microphone or pen, enough to take down any opponent.
You could google Cafe, I'm a shotta, shotta
If you search for Red Cafe, you will see that I am a respected and successful individual in the music industry.
And men'll play play when I rappa, rappa
Other rappers will try to copy my style or flow when I rap, but they will never achieve my level of success.
Since the bubble L-E-X-U-S (yeah)
Since I began driving a Lexus luxury car,
I been swervin' and servin' the whole U-S (ah)
I have been travelling across the United States, living life without limits and providing my talents to those who listen to my music.
The Remi' and the Bourbon be burnin' my chest (uh)
I frequently consume Remi Martin cognac and bourbon whiskey, which cause a burning sensation in my chest.
S-F we the best, middle finger to the rest
Where I come from, San Francisco, we are the best, and I am flipping off the competition or anyone who disagrees.
The rap game's big dipper, big skipper
I am a major figure in the rap game, compared to the Big Dipper constellation, guiding the direction of the industry.
You damn skirtin' the fuck if I beg to differ (right)
I couldn't care less if you disagree with me, you are not worth my attention.
One handed quitter when I'm lettin' down the zipper
I am able to take someone down or finish them off with one hand while I let down my pants zipper.
Quick to kill a nigga if I'm gone off the liquor
If I drink alcohol to the point of being heavily intoxicated, I am prone to violence and may kill someone.
It's off the Richter, anybody start the shit
All hell will break loose if someone tries to start an argument or fight with me.
Have you and your partner hit for narcotics in the whip
I will have you and your partner arrested for drug possession if substances are found in your vehicle.
I'm a beer bottle shit if the products don't fit
I will cause disruption or chaos if things do not go as planned or if products do not meet my expectations.
I'm a try to get rich from the first to the fifth
I am constantly seeking opportunities to acquire wealth and income from the beginning of the month to payday.
Now how you not goin' say my curse is a gift
How can you not acknowledge that my use of profanity is an integral part of my unique style and talent?
When the verses is spit I never also purchase shit (shit)
When I rap, I never need to pay for the attention of my fans, my talent speaks for itself.
Fuck 'em all, I know fuck 'em all
I don't care about anyone or anything, I'm doing what I want, when I want.
Fuck they ass up if they fuckin' with the Lord
If anyone tries to interfere with my success or plans, I will violently retaliate like a warrior.
You get gun butt just remove it from your jaw (shit)
I will hit you in the face with the butt of a gun to remove you completely from my world.
Your brains get stuck just remove it top (right)
Your head will be destroyed and unusable, so I might as well just completely detach it from your body.
Get your weight up 'til your money's at the pub (right)
You need to work and earn more money to successfully compete with me and others in the music industry.
If you really heard you'd give a fuck about a charge
If you knew better, you would be more aware and cautious of your actions, especially in regard to criminal charges.
And put that heat down if you cookin' in the jar
If you're in trouble with the law and facing a prison sentence, you should take it easy and stay out of trouble.
Turn star after dealin' with them all
I will achieve fame and success after overcoming any obstacles or challenges in my way.
I said fuck 'em all, motherfuck 'em all
I will publicly denounce or disrespect anything or anyone who tries to interfere with my success or freedom.
'Cause I shop so much I smell like the fuckin' mall
I am wealthy and spend a lot of money on shopping, to the point that I smell like a department store.
There so many guns, ain't no where to tuck 'em all
I have so many guns that I cannot find a good hiding spot for all of them.
And you might dodge one, let me see you duck 'em all
You might be able to avoid one gunshot, but let's see if you can avoid them all.
No way, no how, shit I know that
I am positive and confident that there is no chance of anyone succeeding against me.
Almost as much as I know OJ will blow trial
I am so confident in my abilities and expectations that I am as certain of them as I am in OJ Simpson getting acquitted in his infamous trial.
I be in the club, Rose', no smiles
I am often in clubs, drinking Rosé wine, but I do not waste time with smiles, small talk, or anything but the music.
Few pretty chicks like OK can we go now
I have so many attractive women in my life that some of them just want to leave the club, which is fine with me.
I must be the nigga ya run in your house
People are so afraid of me and my reputation that they will literally run inside their houses to avoid me.
Snatch your little Russie and Diggie
I will snatch and rob someone's possessions and money, such as a small gun or gold coins.
It's nothin' no biggie
It's no big deal, just another day living my life of violence and crime.
And if I have to I do it myself
If I need to do something, I don't rely on anyone else, I get it done myself.
I'm feelin' like a Puff with no Biggie
I am in a position of power and success, similar to Sean 'Puff Daddy' Combs, but without the shadow of the recently killed rapper The Notorious B.I.G.
Now these joker nigga's O.D.
These weak and foolish individuals have reached their limit or overdosed on drugs and/or alcohol.
Pullin' the Heath Ledge'
These individuals are heading towards destruction and insanity, similar to the late actor Heath Ledger who played the Joker character in 'The Dark Knight' film.
So I'm a kill a cow, make sure that the beef's dead
In order to end a conflict or disagreement, I will take extreme measures and kill the source of the problem, much like slaughtering a cow to end a beef (argument).
Burger ass nigga's I look further past nigga's
These low-quality individuals are not even worth my time or attention, as I am constantly focused on achieving greater success and recognition.
And go over the head of Uncle, murder ass nigga's
I will surpass and defeat anyone who tries to hold me back or harm me, even if they are of high authority, similar to committing murder on someone who is like an uncle.
I said, fuck 'em all, motherfuck 'em all
Once again, I will publicly denounce or disrespect anything or anyone who tries to interfere with my success or freedom.
Contributed by Lucas V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@WeBarelySober
It's 2019 and this is still a classic mixtape from Fab.. arguably his best.
@blackgeneral826
Pretty Gordo it was the best until summertime shootout 1
@estebanlow2188
I must be the niggie,I run in your house snatch ya Lil Russell n Diggie. It's nothing on Biggie and if I have to I'll do it myself.im feeling like a Puff with no Biggie.....Fab is top 5 lyrically dead or alive out home again Banks,Jada n Lupe and hell spit with the best of bars and metaphors
@quanp1
fab is a beast this was the best mixtape of 2008
@Hoova2Slim
He is real underated, he should be really considered for king of ny.
@ventotv3654
Classic ... Fab Bars and delivery undeniable
@tashia718
my fav fab verse he's the goat
@Lordbatosi1
this whole mixtape is fucking dope fab killed em with this one it was named number one mixtape of 2008
@burger187
fabolous the king of NY and the king of punchlinessss
@quanp1
fab best rapper alive