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."
How we do
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Icy blue rocks on my arm I shop at Malone for Louie Vinton
The diamond diva miss Cinderella, Versace gown by Donna Tella
And can't none of these hoes out floss me
Gator boots by Sergio Rossi
Ms. Trina I got to splurge, 58 frame baby watch the curves
Walk in the club don't waste no time
Hit the bar up two cases of wine
Drop to the beat pop to the base line
To all my girls that's kickin it
You got Chris in yo glass and you sippin it
You bout money and you gettin it
We tight that's right. Uh
[Fabolous & Trina]
(Hey) This how we do!
(Hooo) Yall can't deny
(Hey) This how we do (whoa)
I'm the baddest far from the average (Hey)
Diamond Princess (whoa)
Ghetto F-a-b (hey)
This how we do (whoa)
[Fabolous]
I like my ladies off the glass like shotin off the back board
Sexiest mommies beautiful as black broads
Cutest rude girl, thick as Caucasian
Pretty as conversions, slick as malatians
Ask them let them bitches say yes sir
Young and live among riches in West Jerve
Switch in the excurve
Strut through this bitch in the best furs
Bitch in a Lex Jerse
Twin gray crosses (bling) I'm the might cone
Brightly chrome vendaidoes
Cover your girl face
From the Bruce Lee Roy glow
On a mother a pearl face
All I do is say one word
Yall say it's foolish
I send splurge
I'm a lose 1/3
I never go broke my name got to o's
F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S
[Fabolous & Trina]
(Hey) This how we do!
(Hooo) Yall can't deny
(Hey) This how we do (whoa)
I'm the baddest far from the average (Hey)
Diamond Princess (whoa)
Ghetto F-a-b (hey)
This how we do (whoa)
[Fabolous & Trina]
(Hey) This how we do!
(Hooo) Yall can't deny
(Hey) This how we do (whoa)
I'm the baddest far from the average (Hey)
Diamond Princess (whoa)
Ghetto F-a-b (hey)
This how we do (whoa)
[Trina]
Nice lips, nice thighs, nice hips
Pussy tighter then a pair of vice grips
I don't pay niggas, niggas pay me
(I'm a hustler baby) like Jay-Z
It's the diamond princess million dollar mistress
From the M-I home of the stop bitches
Christal, and caviar bitches, twist this game for all you fly bitches
I Spit nuttin but the hot shit, you got the four dot get the four dot six
Maybe than you can ride with a hot bitch
VS from the anklet to the wrist
I been in the game just two years
End a few careers there it is
But now I'm back on top again
With some red hot shit for you can cop again (Yeah)
[Fabolous & Trina]
(Hey) This how we do!
(Hooo) Yall can't deny
(Hey) This how we do (whoa)
I'm the baddest far from the average (Hey)
Diamond Princess (whoa)
Ghetto F-a-b (hey)
This how we do (whoa)
[Fabolous & Trina]
(Hey) This how we do!
(Hooo) Yall can't deny
(Hey) This how we do (whoa)
I'm the baddest far from the average (Hey)
Diamond Princess (whoa)
Ghetto F-a-b (hey)
This how we do (whoa)
The song "How We Do It" by Fabolous featuring Young Jeezy, Slick Pulla, and Paul Cain is a celebration of luxurious lifestyles and how to flaunt them. The verses by Trina are all about highlighting her wealth and success, from her designer clothes to her expensive jewelry. She asserts her dominance over other women, claiming that none of them can outdo her in terms of style and wealth. She also talks about her sexual prowess, expressing her confidence and control in intimate situations. Fabolous adds his own bragging and boasts about his own success and sexual prowess, using clever wordplay and rhymes to assert his place in the upper echelon of the rap game.
Overall, the song is a flashy display of wealth and confidence, with each artist contributing their own unique style and swagger to the track. While it may not be the most substantive or thought-provoking song, it is certainly an entertaining and enjoyable listen for those who enjoy the bravado and opulence of modern hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Icy blue rocks on my arm I shop at Malone for Louie Vinton
I have expensive jewelry on my arm and I buy high-end designer items from Malone and Louis Vuitton
The diamond diva miss Cinderella, Versace gown by Donna Tella
I am a glamorous and beautiful woman, just like Cinderella, and I wear a Versace gown designed by Donna Tella
And can't none of these hoes out floss me
No other women can show off or display their wealth better than me
Gator boots by Sergio Rossi
I wear high-end designer gator boots made by Sergio Rossi
Ms. Trina I got to splurge, 58 frame baby watch the curves
As a woman of luxury, I enjoy spending my money extravagantly and am proud of my figure displayed in a 58-frame (watch) that accentuates my curves
Walk in the club don't waste no time
I confidently enter the club without hesitation
Hit the bar up two cases of wine
I order two cases of wine at the bar
Cute face thin waste line
I have a pretty face and a thin waist
Drop to the beat pop to the base line
I dance energetically and enjoy the music with a strong bass line
To all my girls that's kickin it
I greet and acknowledge all of my female friends who are hanging out with me
You got Chris in yo glass and you sippin it
You're drinking Cristal (expensive champagne) out of your glass
You bout money and you gettin it
You're also wealthy like me and thriving in life
We tight that's right. Uh
Our bond is strong and we are on the same page
I like my ladies off the glass like shotin off the back board
I like my women to be independent and not need others to support them
Sexiest mommies beautiful as black broads
I find attractive mothers and black women to be especially beautiful
Cutest rude girl, thick as Caucasian
I am attracted to confident women with a bit of an edge who have a curvaceous (thick) figure like Caucasian women
Pretty as conversions, slick as malatians
I like women who are pretty like expensive cars and also have a smooth and cool vibe like the culture of Malaysia
Ask them let them bitches say yes sir
I have control over women and can make them obey me
Young and live among riches in West Jerve
I am young and enjoying a life full of riches in West Jersey
Switch in the excurve
I have a fancy car with a stylish curve on the exterior
Strut through this bitch in the best furs
I walk through the club confidently wearing the best fur coats
Bitch in a Lex Jerse
I drive a Lexus in New Jersey
Twin gray crosses (bling) I'm the might cone
I have two gray diamonds as a necklace (bling) and feel powerful and superior
Brightly chrome vendaidoes
My car rims are shiny and chrome
Cover your girl face from the Bruce Lee Roy glow
My jewelry shines so brightly that it would blind your girlfriend
On a mother a pearl face
I have a shining and luminous pearl-like face
All I do is say one word, Yall say it's foolish
Whenever I speak, people think I'm speaking nonsense or foolishness
I send splurge
I give in to lavish spending habits
I'm a lose 1/3
I'm going to spend one-third of my money and lose money due to my indulgent lifestyle
I never go broke my name got to o's F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S
I will never run out of money, and my name is spelled in all capital letters and ends with multiple 'O's
Nice lips, nice thighs, nice hips
I have attractive features
Pussy tighter then a pair of vice grips
My vagina is very tight
I don't pay niggas, niggas pay me
I don't spend money on men, but they spend money on me
(I'm a hustler baby) like Jay-Z
I am a hustler, just like Jay-Z (famous rapper)
It's the diamond princess million dollar mistress
I am a high-end, luxurious woman with diamond jewelry and the title of 'diamond princess' and 'million dollar mistress'
From the M-I home of the stop bitches
I come from Miami, where there are many women who try to compete with me
Christal, and caviar bitches, twist this game for all you fly bitches
I drink Cristal (expensive champagne) and eat caviar while dominating my competition, the 'fly bitches'
I Spit nuttin but the hot shit, you got the four dot get the four dot six
I only deliver hot lyrics in my raps, and if you have a four-point-six GPA, that's impressive as well
Maybe than you can ride with a hot bitch
Perhaps then you'll be able to hang out with me, a hot and attractive woman
VS from the anklet to the wrist
I wear expensive and high-quality jewelry, from my anklet to my wrist
I been in the game just two years
I am still somewhat new to the music industry
End a few careers there it is
Despite only being in the industry for a short while, I have already put an end to a few people's careers
But now I'm back on top again
I have regained my position at the top of the music industry
With some red hot shit for you can cop again (Yeah)
I have new songs that people can buy and enjoy once again
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Andrey_SamZnaeshKakoi
King of freestyles
@indrashahrel2589
Style man
@israelshmueli7203
Fabulous Gangsta Rap
@S-OMINOUS1
S-Ominous
2023
@Karima12874
2023
@marianevick4992
I like that song
@altyshmpro2968
I thouht that its the song if 50 cent. Sorryy. So cool song, song of my childhood😍😍😍
@raydavis892
Hard as fuc* 💚💚💚🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
@Alvaro_61_
From wich mixtape is it ?
@a.y.y.e.d.r.e.
Dj Clue - The Incredible