John David Jackson (born November 18, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York), better k… Read Full Bio ↴John David Jackson (born November 18, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York), better known by his stage name Fabolous, is a Grammy award nominated American rapper, actor and designer signed to Def Jam Records. He released his debut album, Ghetto Fabolous in 2001 and has since released 2003's Street Dreams, 2004's Real Talk and 2007's From Nothin' To Somethin', all of which have collectively sold over four million copies in the United States. His fourth studio album, Loso's Way, was released in July of 2009 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

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."

Get Your Money
Fabolous Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As I lay me down too sleep
I pray to lord my soul too keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray to lord my soul to take

My cup full I'm laid back, I'm bout mine you know that
I'm rag racing, zoom zoom, in a rush too get all that
Cross my heart, I die hard, come through your hood in all black

If you real you'd recognize

All I do is grind and pray, riding through the streets all day
All I do is grind and pray, riding through these streets all day

They don't ever see you like I do
First thing when you wake up, before you put on your make up
And they don't really know you like I do
'Cause me and you ain't the same, you ain't gotta run no game
Girl cause what you do and what I do ain't different
We both on a mission, I love your ambition
And I know how it is to hit the block and get the gwop
And you know what it is to hit the stage and make it pop
Like damm I hope somebody spent some money today
And I pray nobody try to come and take it away
'Cause I'm just out here doing what I gotta do
'Cause all these fucking bills are due
And I see all this money too make, so girl you know

I ain't judging you, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money
Baby, I salute, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money
Take that money girl it's yours
Spend that money girl it's yours
You work hard for it, it's yours

Work that body baby it's yours
I ain't judging you, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money

Single mother in college, working hard for them dollars
Girl we got something in common, making money with ballers
See you pussy popping at Onyx, keep it clapping at Magic
Got them niggas tricking at Palace
Come on making this happen
Girl I love seeing your back bend, they cashing out
And you cash in, they going broke and you working
Back broke when you twerking
I know how hard this shit can be, when income is uncertain
Hustling just too make a way, know you're thinking damn I hope
Somebody spent some money today
And I pray nobody try to come and take it away
'Cause I'm just out here doing what I gotta do
'Cause all these fucking bills are due
And I see all this money too make, so girl you know

I ain't judging you, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money
Baby, I salute, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money
That money girl it's yours
Spend that money girl it's yours
You work hard for it, it's yours
Work that body baby it's yours
I ain't judging you, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money

We grind together, we shine together
Show the single folks how to double
Two wrongs don't make it right
But two strong's make a power couple
And our trouble is small talkers
Talking down on the big spenders
But the winners focus on the win
And sore losers focus on the winners
Stacked up shawty, stacked up shawty
And if I ever need it, she the back up for me
Blacked up foree, his and hers 'cedes
No hoes to the house, just the first lady
So gon' get your money, don't let nobody stop that
Even if you gotta pop that (that body baby it's yours)
We do it big, an no together we about to do it bigger
My little mama hustle harder than a lot of these niggas

I ain't judging you, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money
Baby, I salute, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money
Make that money girl it's yours
Spend that money girl it's yours
You work hard for it, it's yours
Work that body baby it's yours
I ain't judging you, go and get your money
Go and get your money, go and get your money

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Fabolous's song "Get Yo Money" revolve around the theme of hustling, working hard, and making money. The first verse includes a prayer-like chant where the artist acknowledges the uncertainties of life and expresses his determination to succeed. He emphasizes his commitment to grinding and praying, symbolizing his dedication to working hard and staying focused.

The chorus reinforces the idea that everyone has their own hustle and that the pursuit of money is not something to be judged. Fabolous encourages women to go after their financial goals, acknowledging their hard work and resilience. The repetition of the phrase "go and get your money" serves as an empowering anthem, highlighting the importance of financial independence.

The second verse specifically addresses the struggles faced by single mothers. It acknowledges their hard work, from balancing college and parenting to making money alongside professional athletes. The lyrics highlight the artist's admiration for these women and their perseverance, understanding the challenges they face in an uncertain income environment.

The bridge brings focus to the unity and strength of a partnership built on ambition and mutual support. It emphasizes the power of a couple working together and rising above negativity. The lyrics also refer to the idea that successful individuals focus on their own progress rather than being distracted by those who talk negatively or envy their success.

Overall, the song celebrates hard work, recognizes the challenges individuals face in making money, and promotes the idea that financial independence should be pursued unapologetically. It encourages individuals, especially women, to go after their goals and reminds them that their hard-earned money is theirs to enjoy and spend as they please.

Line by Line Meaning

As I lay me down too sleep
Before I go to bed, I reflect on my actions and pray for protection.

I pray to lord my soul too keep
I ask God to watch over and protect my soul.

If I should die before I wake
If I happen to pass away in my sleep,

I pray to lord my soul to take
I pray for my soul to be taken to heaven.

My cup full I'm laid back, I'm bout mine you know that
I am content with what I have and focused on my own success.

I'm rag racing, zoom zoom, in a rush too get all that
I'm constantly in a fast-paced hustle to achieve my goals.

Cross my heart, I die hard, come through your hood in all black
I am dedicated and fearless, moving through your neighborhood discreetly.

If you real you'd recognize
If you are genuine, you would understand and acknowledge my drive.

All I do is grind and pray, riding through the streets all day
I work hard and seek guidance, traveling through the city constantly.

They don't ever see you like I do
No one else perceives the real you as well as I do.

First thing when you wake up, before you put on your make up
I know you intimately, even before you begin your daily routine.

And they don't really know you like I do
Others lack a deep understanding of who you truly are.

'Cause me and you ain't the same, you ain't gotta run no game
We are different from others, you don't need to pretend.

Girl cause what you do and what I do ain't different
The way we both make money is not fundamentally dissimilar.

We both on a mission, I love your ambition
We are both driven towards our goals, and I admire your determination.

And I know how it is to hit the block and get the gwop
I understand the hustle of working the streets and earning money.

And you know what it is to hit the stage and make it pop
You are familiar with performing and captivating the audience.

Like damm I hope somebody spent some money today
I genuinely wish that someone has invested their money today.

And I pray nobody try to come and take it away
I hope no one attempts to steal what we have earned.

'Cause I'm just out here doing what I gotta do
I'm simply taking the necessary actions to achieve success.

'Cause all these fucking bills are due
I have many financial obligations that need to be paid.

And I see all this money too make, so girl you know
I recognize the potential for earning money, and I hope you understand it too.

Single mother in college, working hard for them dollars
You are a dedicated single mother pursuing higher education and striving for financial stability.

Girl we got something in common, making money with ballers
We share the experience of earning money through associations with wealthy individuals.

See you pussy popping at Onyx, keep it clapping at Magic
I observe your talent for dancing provocatively at specific clubs.

Got them niggas tricking at Palace
You have managed to make men spend money foolishly at a different establishment.

Come on making this happen
You are actively making things work and achieving success.

Girl I love seeing your back bend, they cashing out
I enjoy watching you perform flexible dance moves, while men spend their money.

And you cash in, they going broke and you working
You profit from their reckless spending while they face financial difficulties.

Back broke when you twerking
You strain your back while performing the twerking dance move.

I know how hard this shit can be, when income is uncertain
I understand the challenges that arise when your earnings are unpredictable.

Hustling just too make a way, know you're thinking damn I hope
You work hard in order to create opportunities for yourself, and you often think, 'I hope'

Somebody spent some money today
That someone has invested their money today.

And I pray nobody try to come and take it away
I hope no one attempts to steal what we have earned.

'Cause I'm just out here doing what I gotta do
I'm simply taking the necessary actions to achieve success.

'Cause all these fucking bills are due
I have many financial obligations that need to be paid.

And I see all this money too make, so girl you know
I recognize the potential for earning money, and I hope you understand it too.

We grind together, we shine together
We work hard side by side, and our successes are shared.

Show the single folks how to double
We demonstrate to those who are alone how to increase their earnings.

Two wrongs don't make it right
Engaging in dishonest or immoral actions won't lead to a positive outcome.

But two strong's make a power couple
However, when two determined individuals come together, they become a force to be reckoned with.

And our trouble is small talkers
We face challenges from those who gossip and speak negatively about us.

Talking down on the big spenders
These people belittle those who spend money generously.

But the winners focus on the win
However, successful individuals concentrate on their achievements.

And sore losers focus on the winners
Those who are envious or unsuccessful tend to fixate on those who achieve success.

Stacked up shawty, stacked up shawty
You have accumulated a significant amount of money, dear.

And if I ever need it, she the back up for me
If I ever require financial assistance, you are always there to support me.

Blacked up foree, his and hers 'cedes
We both own luxury vehicles, matching in color.

No hoes to the house, just the first lady
I do not entertain other women in my home, as you are the only one.

So gon' get your money, don't let nobody stop that
Continue to earn money and let no one hinder your progress.

Even if you gotta pop that (that body baby it's yours)
Even if you resort to using your body to make money, it is still your choice and your body to do so.

We do it big, an no together we about to do it bigger
We live a lavish lifestyle, and together we are going to achieve even more success.

My little mama hustle harder than a lot of these niggas
You, my dear, work harder than many of these men.

Make that money girl it's yours
Take control of the money you earn and claim it as your own.

Spend that money girl it's yours
You have the right to enjoy the money you have earned by spending it as you please.

You work hard for it, it's yours
You have put in the effort to earn this money, so it rightfully belongs to you.

Work that body baby it's yours
Use your physical abilities to earn money, as it is your choice and your body.