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."

I Usually Don
Fabolous Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh, uh, uh
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ha, ha

I beep my horn and they come to the car
Damn right, they come to a stall
That's right, it come with the car
Now tell your boss, you can't come in tomorrow

My dro come by the jar
They bring me drinks, why come by the bar?
Nah, nigga I ain't come here to spar
These hallow tips will come where you are

I stomp through smooth with the soldiers
Two steppin', movin' my shoulders
Now the money's rollin' in
We got bottles lined up like bowlin' pins

Mami, you standin' with a slouch
Starin' at me while I'm standin on the couch
Come and get in the blue flames
Have a sip of this blue shit and let's rock

Now you know I don't usually do this
But you lookin' good tonight
And you know I don't usually do this
But you gon' smoke tonight

And you know I don't usually do this
But you gon' drink tonight
And you know I don't usually do this
But you gon' fuck tonight

Now who's hot? Who's not?
I can take the few shots you've got
I can burn a few knots you've got
I can blow the few spots you've got

But I chill, I will
Get it to poppin' whenever I feel
I still shut it down
And I white and yellow stud it down

Watch them pretty girls strut it 'round
Take the birdies and putt it down
Like Tiger Woods did it but I'm hood with it
You've never seen a thug look as good with it

And I promise that, fuck with me
You better move where Osama's at
You see I'm in here with the white ones on
Tryin' to get fucked up 'for the lights come on, let's go

Now you know I don't usually do this
But you lookin' good tonight
And you know I don't usually do this
But you gon' smoke tonight

And you know I don't usually do this
But you gon' drink tonight

And you know I don't usually do this
But you gon' fuck tonight

Overall Meaning

In "I Usually Don't," Fabolous raps about a night out where he breaks his usual habits. As a successful rapper, he is used to luxuries such as people coming to his car and club drinks being brought to him instead of going to the bar. He is also comfortable enough to call out of work anytime he wants. Fabolous then goes on to describe the scene in the club where he and his crew are partying with bottles lining up like bowling pins. He invites a girl to join him on the couch and to partake in drinking, smoking, and sex, despite it not being his typical behavior.

The lyrics can be interpreted in a few different ways. One interpretation is that Fabolous is living life on his own terms and enjoying the perks of his success. He is taking advantage of all the things that have come his way and is not living by anyone else's rules. This could also be a cautionary tale about the dangers of living an indulgent lifestyle, as it can lead to dangerous situations.

Interestingly enough, the song's music video was shot at a strip club, but was later aired on MTV with slight changes to remove the more explicit content. Additionally, the song samples the beat from LL Cool J's "Going Back to Cali" and contains references to hip hop legends like Biggie and Tupac.

Line by Line Meaning

I beep my horn and they come to the car
I am so respected and powerful that people come towards me wherever I go.

Damn right, they come to a stall
Yes, they will come to a halt in their tracks when they see me.

That's right, it come with the car
My power and status comes with my luxurious car.

Now tell your boss, you can't come in tomorrow
I am so important that I can control other people's lives and schedules.

My dro come by the jar
I receive my drugs in large quantities.

They bring me drinks, why come by the bar?
Why should I bother going to the bar when people will bring me everything I need?

Nah, nigga I ain't come here to spar
I am not interested in small talk or friendly debates.

These hallow tips will come where you are
I am heavily armed and prepared to use my weapons at any moment.

I stomp through smooth with the soldiers
I parade confidently with my group of associates.

Two steppin', movin' my shoulders
I am dancing confidently with style and swagger.

Now the money's rollin' in
I am making a significant amount of money with ease.

We got bottles lined up like bowlin' pins
We have an abundance of alcohol just waiting to be consumed.

Mami, you standin' with a slouch
You look relaxed and unimpressed, but I am still interested in you.

Starin' at me while I'm standin on the couch
Despite my obnoxious behavior, you still can't take your eyes off of me.

Come and get in the blue flames
Join me in this wild and heated moment.

Have a sip of this blue shit and let's rock
Drink this blue-colored alcohol with me and let's have a good time.

Now you know I don't usually do this
I am stepping out of my normal behavior to take advantage of this situation.

But you lookin' good tonight
You caught my eye and I am attracted to you physically.

But you gon' smoke tonight
I am offering you drugs, despite not usually doing so.

But you gon' drink tonight
I am offering you alcohol, despite not usually doing so.

But you gon' fuck tonight
I am making a sexual advance towards you, despite not usually doing so.

I can take the few shots you've got
I can handle and consume a small amount of alcohol or drugs without a problem.

I can burn a few knots you've got
I am financially stable enough to get rid of some of your small debts or financial issues.

I can blow the few spots you've got
As an influential individual, I can remove some of your problems or enemies.

But I chill, I will
Despite my power and influence, I am able to remain calm and collected.

Get it to poppin' whenever I feel
Whenever I am ready, I can make things happen or create excitement.

I still shut it down
I am still able to end things or situations with my influence and power.

And I white and yellow stud it down
I am adorned with fancy white and yellow jewelry to show my wealth and status.

Watch them pretty girls strut it 'round
I am enjoying the sight of attractive women confidently moving around.

Take the birdies and putt it down
I am able to attract and have intimate relationships with attractive women with ease.

Like Tiger Woods did it but I'm hood with it
I am just as successful with women as Tiger Woods, but I come from a more humble background.

You've never seen a thug look as good with it
Despite my rough exterior, I am able to present myself and dress well.

And I promise that, fuck with me
I am not to be messed with and anyone who tries to go against me will face consequences.

You better move where Osama's at
You had better move to a place where it is impossible for me to find you.

You see I'm in here with the white ones on
I am wearing expensive and flashy white clothing.

Tryin' to get fucked up 'for the lights come on, let's go
I am trying to enjoy myself and indulge in substances before the night is over and everyone has to leave.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN JACKSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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