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."
Gone for the Winter
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reminiscing on our past days
Back before a nigga went cold
Back before a nigga sold his soul
The grass is way greener, on the other side
The cash is way greener, over here where I reside
Soon as the summer come around I'm gon' make sure you see me
Said I'ma make sure you see me
Shouldn't you be
Gone
Gone for the winter
Gone for the winter
Shouldn't you be
Gone
Gone for the winter
Gone for the winter
Ain't that what the birds do
(The summers ours and the winter too)
They told me love don't cost a thing
Bitch I'm heading to the bank
(That's that's that's just what it feels like)
Ain't that what the birds do
(The summers ours and the winter too)
They told me love don't cost a thing
Bitch I'm heading to the bank
(That's that's that's just what it feels like)
Hit the scene sippin' lean, Give a fuck 'bout what you
Straight up shit is real and any day could be your last in the jungle
My ears to the streets, I hear your ass when you mumble
They say you can't do it cause the last nigga fumble
As soon as you make it out, you get asked to be humble, waah
Head high, middle finger higher
My youngin' don't rap but that little nigga fire
Like Ray Allen in game 6, when James missed
Then Bosh tapped it to him
You know what had happened to 'em, swish
It's all about a swish
Know a nigga who would, you ain't even gotta wish
It's more in the sea and I done had a lot of fish
How she act when you ain't up will tell a lot about a bitch
Cause eagles don't fly with pigeons, they way higher
All wings flap but you gotta stay flyer
Niggas broke as a joke, sitting laughin' together
I started cheesin' after I turned my craft into chedder
I ran from the worst, chasing after the better
Life is a bitch, I knew right after I met her
So what you have-nots know about having knots?
Love for a hater only thing I haven't got
Shouldn't you be
Gone
Gone for the winter
Gone for the winter
Shouldn't you be
Gone
Gone for the winter
Gone for the winter
Ain't that what the birds do
(The summers ours and the winter too)
They told me love don't cost a thing
Bitch I'm heading to the bank
(That's that's that's just what it feels like)
Ain't that what the birds do
(The summers ours and the winter too)
They told me love don't cost a thing
Bitch I'm heading to the bank
(That's that's that's just what it feels like)
You know I get around baby, that's just how the life be
I like a couple towns but you know my city wifey
And I ain't spent a month at home, still be in my comfort zone
Fuck asking for a seat, you gotta come for thrones
Kings don't speak English we speak Kinglish
I scoop a chick from Queensbridge, she coming back a Queen bitch
Think BIG and Kim, not think bigger than them
Everybody wanna shine, gotta give these niggas a gym
Never stressed of lil' things, like a hater
That's something that comes when you eatin', like a waiter
Live from the 718
It's the kid that always get the shoes early, I never run late
You see I big up the flows, everyword is capital
I killed all them hoes, I'm the murder capital
I'm the name they bring up that they think their bird is flappin' to
You the name that usually comes behind, "word what happened to"
Hah, y'all old washed niggas
Was the man now your all no washed nigga
That's why I'm on one like old Goerge Wash nigga
If t's one they gotta chse it like John Walsh nigga
I'm gone
If you [?] that you not getting somebody's [?]
Them say ooh God bless no man never curse
Them say love yourself or you can't love nobody at all
If you ain't a hater, put your hands in the air right now
Represent, represent
Came through in '98, and I've been reppin' since
These cats ain't real, just found out they leopard print
Cause they always talk shit then ask you for peppermints
Well, I can smell a hate on your breath
And I'm all out of Tic Tacs
All I got is click-clack
Put it to your mouth just like Cutti did to Anthony
I tried to a friend mother fucker, you under handed me
Lucky this is personal and God got a plan for me
Cause I handle my business, never let my business handle me
Saying your name could do more for you than it can for me
You give niggas and they forget your philanthropy
You don't have a penny till your name Anfernee
Don't ever bite the hand that feed you and then stick out your hand for me
We don't base, we throw niggas in the truck for real
Chase you out the hood, make you live with uncle Phil
Champagne every night, I done drunk a mil
Yeah, now that's money wasted
But now it's kinda hard for me to buy Ace
'Specially when I just seen Hov buy Ace
Moves, time to make moves
No more jab steps, those is fake moves
Gotta make it happen, no time for what may work
My plan B's another way to make my plan A work
I dot the job myself and I'm still boss
You was in a win-win and you still lost
From Young OG to Young O'Genius
This is vintage shit, I don't think you young hoes seen this
I funeral shit, y'all shoulda brung more Kleenex
Even my junior ballin, yeah my sun so phoenix
Threw stones in the cross, call my young o Jesus
Foreign car work, hope you brung your visas, nigga
I tossed pies, flung those pizzas
My lady a work of art, call her a young Mo Lisa
The song "Gone for the Winter" by Fabolous, released in 2015, deals with reflecting on past experiences and trying to navigate the present. The lyrics acknowledge that the singer has made mistakes in the past, like selling his soul, yet they now want to work towards a brighter future. The chorus states that the singer, like many birds, should fly away for the winter, a time of giving oneself space and of hibernation. The singer acknowledges that they get lost in the emptiness of contemplating their past mistakes and struggles to move towards a better future. The verse reflects on the difficulties of success, how the singer has faced haters and sees that their enemies may also be struggling.
The overall message of the song is to reflect on the past to try to improve the future. The song encourages people to take a break, fly away for the winter, and come back stronger. It also touches on themes of success and how, although it may bring material goods, it can also bring struggles and haters. Through recognizing that success is a difficult journey, one can work towards personal growth and self-improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
Blunts full of smoke, clips in the ashtray
I am indulging in smoking blunts and have loaded clips in the ashtray, reflecting on my past experiences.
Reminiscing on our past days
Thinking back to the days before I became cold and before I compromised my values for success.
Back before a nigga went cold
Referring to a time when I was still true to myself and had not yet sold out.
Back before a nigga sold his soul
Recounting a time when I made compromises and sacrificed my integrity for success.
The grass is way greener, on the other side
Referring to the perception that things will be better if I abandon my current situation and pursue something different.
The cash is way greener, over here where I reside
Emphasizing that the money and financial opportunities are better in my current environment.
Soon as the summer come around I'm gon' make sure you see me
When summer arrives, I will ensure that everyone recognizes my presence and achievements.
Said I'ma make sure you see me
Reiterating my intention to ensure that I am noticed and acknowledged by others.
But for now
However, in the present moment,
Shouldn't you be
You should already be
Gone
Away, out of sight
Gone for the winter
Absent during the winter season
Gone for the winter
Not present or involved during the winter season
Ain't that what the birds do
Isn't that how birds behave
(The summers ours and the winter too)
(We dominate during the summer and also during the winter)
They told me love don't cost a thing
I have been informed that love does not require financial investment
Bitch I'm heading to the bank
I am confidently going to the bank to secure my financial success
(That's that's that's just what it feels like)
(That is precisely how it feels)
Hit the scene sippin' lean, Give a fuck 'bout what you
When I enter a social setting, I am consuming lean and I do not care about your opinions or judgments
Straight up shit is real and any day could be your last in the jungle
Life is harsh and unpredictable, with the constant risk of danger and death in the urban environment
My ears to the streets, I hear your ass when you mumble
I am attentive and well-informed about the streets, so I can understand what you are saying even when you speak unclearly
They say you can't do it cause the last nigga fumble
People doubt my abilities because they have seen others fail in similar situations
As soon as you make it out, you get asked to be humble, waah
Once you achieve success, others expect you to be modest and downplay your accomplishments
Head high, middle finger higher
I confidently hold my head up high and extend my middle finger even higher, demonstrating defiance and disregard for others' opinions
My youngin' don't rap but that little nigga fire
Although my young associate is not a rapper, he possesses exceptional talent and skills
Like Ray Allen in game 6, when James missed
Referencing a crucial basketball game in which Ray Allen made a game-changing shot after LeBron James missed, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities
Then Bosh tapped it to him
Chris Bosh passed the ball to Ray Allen, resulting in a successful play
You know what had happened to 'em, swish
Everyone is aware of the outcome, which was a successful shot
It's all about a swish
Success in life is similar to making a swish in basketball, emphasizing the importance of achieving one's goals
Know a nigga who would, you ain't even gotta wish
I am acquainted with someone who could make things happen for you, and you would not even need to hope or wish for it
It's more in the sea and I done had a lot of fish
There are plenty of opportunities available, and I have experienced numerous successes
How she act when you ain't up will tell a lot about a bitch
A woman's behavior towards you when you are not successful or in a high position reveals a lot about her character
Cause eagles don't fly with pigeons, they way higher
Eagles, symbolizing successful and powerful individuals, do not associate with pigeons, who represent ordinary and less ambitious people
All wings flap but you gotta stay flyer
Everyone may make efforts, but it is important to remain stylish, confident, and successful
Niggas broke as a joke, sitting laughin' together
People who are financially struggling often find solace in each other's misfortunes, laughing together as a form of coping
I started cheesin' after I turned my craft into chedder
I began to smile and feel satisfied after I successfully monetized my skills and turned them into financial success
I ran from the worst, chasing after the better
I escaped from a difficult situation and pursued a better life
Life is a bitch, I knew right after I met her
Life is challenging and unpredictable, and I quickly realized this fact after experiencing its difficulties
So what you have-nots know about having knots?
What could those who lack financial wealth understand about having considerable wealth?
Love for a hater only thing I haven't got
The only thing I lack is love or affection from those who dislike me or hold negative opinions about me
You know I get around baby, that's just how the life be
I am well-known and have many relationships, as that is how my lifestyle is
I like a couple towns but you know my city wifey
Although I may enjoy spending time in various locations, my true loyalty and commitment is to my hometown
And I ain't spent a month at home, still be in my comfort zone
Despite not staying in my hometown for extended periods, I still feel comfortable and at ease there
Fuck asking for a seat, you gotta come for thrones
I will not beg for power or positions of authority; if you want a place in the hierarchy, you must challenge and assert yourself
Kings don't speak English we speak Kinglish
Royalty and those in positions of power do not conform to traditional rules or norms; we have our own language and ways of communication
I scoop a chick from Queensbridge, she coming back a Queen bitch
When I pursue a woman from Queensbridge, she returns as a more confident and empowered individual
Think BIG and Kim, not think bigger than them
I reference the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. and his relationship with Lil' Kim, highlighting the importance of aiming high but not exceeding their success
Everybody wanna shine, gotta give these niggas a gym
Many individuals aspire to achieve success and stand out, but they must put in the effort and work to develop their skills
Never stressed of lil' things, like a hater
I am not bothered by insignificant issues or the opinions of those who dislike me
That's something that comes when you eatin', like a waiter
Being unbothered by trivial matters is a trait that develops when you are successful or financially stable, similar to how a waiter remains composed while serving others
Live from the 718
I am currently broadcasting or representing the area with the area code 718
It's the kid that always get the shoes early, I never run late
I am known for obtaining sneakers before their release, demonstrating that I am always punctual and on time
You see I big up the flows, every word is capital
I emphasize and elevate my style, with every word holding significance and power
I killed all them hoes, I'm the murder capital
Metaphorically, I have defeated and outperformed all my competition, establishing myself as the most successful and accomplished
I'm the name they bring up that they think their bird is flappin' to
When people discuss someone they believe their romantic partner is being unfaithful with, my name is often mentioned, implying my desirability and reputation
You the name that usually comes behind, 'word what happened to'
In contrast, you are the person often mentioned in conversations when people inquire about your well-being or current situation
Hah, y'all old washed niggas
Amusingly dismissing individuals who are past their prime or no longer relevant
Was the man now your all no washed nigga
You were once influential or respected, but now you are irrelevant or no longer highly regarded
That's why I'm on one like old Goerge Wash nigga
I am energetic and motivated, similar to how George Washington, a former leader, was determined and ambitious
If t's one they gotta chse it like John Walsh nigga
If there is a goal or opportunity, individuals have to pursue it with determination and effort, similar to how John Walsh, a television host who tracks down criminals, is relentless in his pursuits
I'm gone
I have left or moved on
If you [?] that you not getting somebody's [?]
If you understand or recognize a particular behavior, it means you are not being deceived or manipulated by someone
Them say ooh God bless no man never curse
There is a saying that God blesses individuals and never curses them, implying that one should be grateful for the blessings received
Them say love yourself or you can't love nobody at all
It is commonly believed that one must love themselves before they can truly love others
If you ain't a hater, put your hands in the air right now
If you are not someone who dislikes or envies others out of bitterness, show your support and enthusiasm by raising your hands
Represent, represent
Emphasizing the need to express and embody one's identity and beliefs
Came through in '98, and I've been reppin' since
I arrived or established myself in 1998, and I have consistently represented or showcased my abilities since then
These cats ain't real, just found out they leopard print
These individuals are not genuine or authentic; they have just revealed their true nature, which resembles leopard print, symbolizing deception or a hidden agenda
Cause they always talk shit then ask you for peppermints
These individuals consistently talk negatively or gossip, but then they hypocritically ask for favors or benefits
Well, I can smell a hate on your breath
I can detect or sense the presence of animosity or envy in the way you speak or behave
And I'm all out of Tic Tacs
Metaphorically, I am no longer interested in masking or countering the negativity coming from others
All I got is click-clack
All I have left is my determination and readiness to take action
Put it to your mouth just like Cutti did to Anthony
I will assert myself and make others respect me, just as Cutti (an unknown individual) allegedly forced Anthony to comply
I tried to a friend mother fucker, you under handed me
I attempted to treat you as a friend and associate, but you betrayed or deceived me
Lucky this is personal and God got a plan for me
Fortunately, this situation is personal and not something that necessarily affects my overall well-being, as I trust that God has a plan for me
Cause I handle my business, never let my business handle me
I am in control and take charge of my professional endeavors, ensuring that they do not overpower or control my life
Saying your name could do more for you than it can for me
Mentioning your name or associating with you may have more benefits or advantages for you than it does for me
You give niggas and they forget your philanthropy
When you provide assistance or philanthropy to others, they easily forget or fail to acknowledge your generous actions
You don't have a penny till your name Anfernee
Your name or reputation will not contribute to your wealth or financial success until you personally take action and make it happen
Don't ever bite the hand that feed you and then stick out your hand for me
You should never mistreat or disapprove of someone who has provided you with support or assistance, only to expect help from me in return
We don't base, we throw niggas in the truck for real
We do not engage in superficial or shallow relationships; instead, we physically force individuals into our vehicles, representing a more serious or intense form of interaction
Chase you out the hood, make you live with uncle Phil
We will pursue and drive you out of the neighborhood, forcing you to rely on someone else for accommodation or support
Champagne every night, I done drunk a mil
I celebrate and indulge in champagne every night, having consumed or spent one million dollars
Yeah, now that's money wasted
Reflecting on how spending large amounts of money on luxurious items or experiences may ultimately be seen as wasteful
But now it's kinda hard for me to buy Ace
Currently, it is difficult for me to purchase Ace champagne, indicating a shift in financial circumstances
'Specially when I just seen Hov buy Ace
Especially since I recently witnessed Jay-Z, a successful and wealthy individual, purchase Ace champagne
Moves, time to make moves
It is time to take action and progress in my endeavors
No more jab steps, those is fake moves
I will no longer waste time with unnecessary or ineffective actions; instead, I will focus on genuine and impactful moves
Gotta make it happen, no time for what may work
I must ensure that I make things happen and not rely on uncertain or speculative approaches
My plan B's another way to make my plan A work
Even if my initial plan fails, I have alternative strategies or backup plans to still achieve my primary goal
I dot the job myself and I'm still boss
I handle or oversee the task personally, asserting my authority and maintaining control
You was in a win-win and you still lost
Despite being in a situation where success was guaranteed, you managed to fail or miss out on the opportunity
From Young OG to Young O'Genius
Transitioning and evolving from being a young original gangster to becoming a young genius
This is vintage shit, I don't think you young hoes seen this
This represents classic or timeless material, which I do not believe the young generation has experienced or fully appreciated
I funeral shit, y'all shoulda brung more Kleenex
I am delivering powerful and impactful music that may evoke intense emotions; the listeners should have brought more tissues to cope with their reactions
Even my junior ballin, yeah my sun so phoenix
Even my younger or less experienced counterparts are achieving great success, symbolizing their rise from the ashes like a phoenix
Threw stones in the cross, call my young o Jesus
Despite facing criticism or challenges, my young associate, similar to Jesus carrying the burden of the cross, remains strong and resilient
Foreign car work, hope you brung your visas, nigga
Foreign cars are functioning well, and I hope you have your travel visas prepared if you want to keep up or join me
I tossed pies, flung those pizzas
I made and sold drugs, metaphorically represented as tossing or flinging pizzas
My lady a work of art, call her a young Mo Lisa
My partner is exceptionally beautiful, comparable to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VELOUS, ANDERSON HERNANDEZ, JAHAAN SWEET, JOHN JACKSON, LEE ERWIN, TED CREECH, TERRELL ROBERTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Tr33Tr331
'my plan B is another way to make my plan A work' Fab is one of the best lyrically
@michaelmuller3228
James Curry shiit.lol
@joebenson69
Tr33Tr331 Yeah that line was crazy 🔥
@Reallife3D4K
SportsView💻tv u
@londynhoward9922
My fave verse amongst many he bodied this song!
@kerriejordan285
He really is. I have no idea why he gets slept on so bad. The dudes got bars for days. Be cool to see him drop some new shit. Been one of my favs since breathe came out (I’m old lol)
@Hsquared1000
I think it's time to put this guy in the TOP 5 DEAD OR ALIVE. Wild underrated!
@daja57
+Tyquan Harrison He been on mine idk whatchu talkin bout!
@ULOOKAFOOL
He's slowly creeping up my top five. He's the only rap dude I respect that's out right now.
@4everyung22
He been on mine before I even heard of a jcole or Kendrick. Imma rock wit Drake King Los Fab Logic and Ab soul for a long ass while (this just my opinion)