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."
Guess Who's Bizzack
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So if you ain't heard from me then you're probably one of them
Niggas want different results but do the same shit
They wait for it to come, I became it
Guess whos bizzack nigga?
You back in it all I know
Everything was going too good to know
I just want the old you right now
The new you, I can't do, I knew you, this ain't you
I'm not no angel but always remain true
You hear what they say, my only complaint you
Wasn't just listening, you let that shit taint you
We fell out like faints do, I lost all respect
For niggas that's bitches, so don't call or text
Them bitches get checked like they all correct
But they be wrong that's why they're called your ex
You know talk is cheap so I call direct
And you niggas broke. Ya'll call collect
I'm watching my close friends like strangers, for bread
You said you'd never change, now don't change what you said
Face it ya'll all your bitches basic ball
But then you block it like you're 8 feet tall, homie
I'm in the truck with the Soul Tape on
Hoodie up, rest your soul Trayvon
I'm that cool I said guess who's bizzack
You back in it all I know
Back on that bullshit you're always on
Everything was going too good to know
I just want the old you right now
I can try to erase your pain
But you and I, we've made some mistakes
I fucks with the old you, the new you is lame
What did you say? You said that you'll never change
But you did soon as you got a chance
Why you poppin shit? you should poppin bands
Living that good life without a care
The new you is hot headed and I'm not a fan
But I still keep it cooler, I think you should cool out
For real, cause that ain't you though
Since you've been on that high horse your life been at a new low
And I've been chucking deuces from that 2 door with my new ho
Swear to God I ain't losing no sleep
I know you heard what I do to those freaks
I don't beat it up, I kill the shits, cause a funeral in those sheets
You mess with lames, they seven days, I swear them dudes so weak
It can all be so sweet, but baby, do your thing
And miss me with that bullshit that you be saying
You complain and pointing your finger when you're the blame
You know I got that comeback, boomerang
Baby, what's up?
You back in it all I know
Back on that bullshit you're always on
Everything was going too good to know
I just want the old you right now
I can try to erase your pain
But you and I, we've made some mistakes
I fucks with the old you, the new you is lame
What did you say? You said that you'll never change
In "Guess Who's Bizzack," Fabolous talks about changing his life and making decisions he doesn't regret. He addresses those who have not heard from him, indicating that they are not a part of his inner circle anymore. He also points out how some people hope for different results while still doing the same thing, whereas he creates his chance instead. The chorus "Guess who's bizzack nigga?" is a reference to his return to the rap scene while still managing to maintain integrity and authenticity.
The first verse highlights his frustration with the changes he witnessed in his surroundings while he was away. Fabolous expresses disappointment that things are not as he left them and that people he knew before have changed. He sings about losing respect for people who talk behind his back and comparing them to rumors of ex-girlfriends. Fabolous confronts his friend in the second verse and tells him he misses the old him. He asks his friend to be true to himself and not change what he said.
Overall, the lyrics in "Guess Who's Bizzack" talk about the importance of authenticity, consistency, and creating opportunities. Fabolous recognizes the changes that occurred around him but continues to remain true to himself and his art.
Line by Line Meaning
I made some changes in my life, don't regret none of them
I don't regret making changes in my life, if you haven't heard from me, then you're probably one of the people I've moved on from.
Niggas want different results but do the same shit
People want different outcomes, but continue to repeat the same actions.
They wait for it to come, I became it
They wait for success to come to them, whereas I worked hard and became successful.
Guess who's bizzack nigga?
You should know who's back
You back in it all I know
You're back to your old ways.
Back on that bullshit you're always on
You're back to doing the same old bad things again.
Everything was going too good to know
Everything was going well until now.
I just want the old you right now
I prefer the old you.
I'm not no angel but always remain true
I'm not perfect, but I always stay true to myself.
You hear what they say, my only complaint you
I've heard what others say about you, my only complaint is about you.
Wasn't just listening, you let that shit taint you
You didn't just listen, you allowed that negative talk to influence and change you.
We fell out like faints do, I lost all respect
We fell out like someone losing consciousness, I lost all respect for you.
For n***as that's b*****s, so don't call or text
I have no time for people who are disloyal or fake, do not contact me.
Them b*****s get checked like they all correct
I call out the girls who act as if they're always right.
But they be wrong that's why they're called your ex
They're wrong, that's why they're your ex.
You know talk is cheap so I call direct
Talk is easy, so I call straight to the point.
And you n****s broke. Ya'll call collect
You guys are broke, and can only make collect calls.
I'm watching my close friends like strangers, for bread
I'm keeping an eye on my friends whom I am close with, to make sure they don't betray me for money.
You said you'd never change, now don't change what you said
You used to say that you would never change, so don't go back on your words.
I can try to erase your pain
I'll do what I can to help you forget the bad things.
But you and I, we've made some mistakes
We've both made mistakes in the past.
I fucks with the old you, the new you is lame
I prefer the old you, the new you is not as good.
Why you poppin shit? you should poppin bands
Why are you acting like you're better than you are? You should be making money instead.
Since you've been on that high horse your life been at a new low
Since you've started acting like you're better than everyone else, your life has gotten worse.
And I've been chucking deuces from that 2 door with my new ho
I've been saying goodbye to people from my car, with my new girlfriend.
Swear to God I ain't losing no sleep
I promise you, I'm not losing any sleep over you.
I know you heard what I do to those freaks
You've heard about what I do with those girls.
I don't beat it up, I kill the shits, cause a funeral in those sheets
I don't just have sex with them, I'm really good at it and make them feel like they're going to die from pleasure.
You mess with lames, they seven days, I swear them dudes so weak
You date boring and weak guys, I swear they're so weak.
It can all be so sweet, but baby, do your thing
Things could be perfect, but do whatever makes you happy.
And miss me with that bullshit that you be saying
Don't even try to give me any of your lies or excuses.
You complain and pointing your finger when you're the blame
You're always complaining and blaming others, when really you're the one at fault.
You know I got that comeback, boomerang
You know I always have a response to whatever you say, like a boomerang.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ANTHONY HENDERSON, BOB FELDMAN, BRYON MC CANE, GERALD GOLDSTEIN, R. MURRAY, RICHARD GOTTEHRER, STEVEN HOWSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charlotte William
2023 still on my playlist 🔥
Fabolous be straight slayin' the game, no doubt! AUTHENTIC VIEWS gave him a boost, but his raw talent remains unchanged. He's holdin' it down like a true boss! Drop a thumbs up if you're vibin' with it, fam!
Jimmy Johnson
In the truck with the soul tape on,
Hoodie up,
Rest in peace Travon!
2021 still on repeat.
Abel Harrison
This one resonates so well to certain situations even today crazy🔥
znotednb
Damn, such great production on the whole soul tapes2 album. . very impressed. Fabolous had always been in my top, definitely going to be keeping up with his tracks more often.
MrYouknowwhatsgood
FABOLOUS IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED RAPPERS..HE COMES WITH HIS MAINSTREAM AND HIS UNDERGROUND..N SLAUGHTERS THEM BOTH
camrin ross
Factz
Digital Bath
big fact
lill Bunnyhop
Brings me back man. What a great fuckin song. Whole mixtape was perfection.
QuietStorm
Man, he went tf off on this one 🔥💯
Krystal Damaris
I made some changes in my life don’t regret none of them, so if you ain’t heard from me than you prolly one of them 💯