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."
In The Morning
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shawty you autumn time cool
But they dont see your beauty f-ck all them blind fools
Body so mean that its border line cruel
Work 8 to 3, then from 4 to 9 school
Dominican girl who knows more than mongul
She say lets stay in the room and order Dom Cruz
It sounds like a plan
That guy who spot you at the gym cant put it down like I can
I wanna take you places further than where your feet walk
Why scream when your voice is better for sweet talk
A little accent, cute ass lisp
First a toast is said then a flute glass kiss
I like it when you whip yo hair, but thats Willow fault
I speak body language, f-ck pillow talk
We can wake up 'round noon on a saturday
And make a f-ckin movie, now thats a matinee
But on the weekdays I wanna be yo' wake up call
Kiss yo' face before you put that make up all over it
You go from gettin' ready at the bathroom sink to gettin' bent over it
Then its over with
Now you rushin' to work, iPod touchin' yo purse
Ima let you go but not without touchin' it first
When you think 'bout it later you blush and you smirk
Your co-workers thinkin' you got a crush on the clerk
You always talk about yo boss, about how much of a jerk he is
But tell me baby does he touch you and flirt?
'cause thats how such and such get hurt
And lame ass n-ggas start bringin' crutches to work
I know you got it girl, I trust in your work
Ladies is pimps too, go 'head brush off the dirt
I be here when you get off with dutches and purp
I want you after dinner, your such a dessert
The night is lookin' sweet the only thing Im tryna bite is yo physique
And in most cases with you
Only thing I wanna fight is gettin sleep 'cause I eat and go to sleep
You know I is in the sheets, niceeeee
Dont touch it, let my eyes do the undressin'
Play Usher and take ya back to confessions
I wanna crush ya' nevermind the tongue wrestlin'
Wont rush ya, one question
[Hook]
Can I Hit it in the mornin'
Can I Hit it in the mornin'
Can I Hit it in the mornin'
Sun risin' while you yawnin'
Shawty, can I Hit it in the mornin'
Shawty, can I Hit it in the mornin'
Shawty, can I Hit it in the mornin'
Shawty sun risin' while you yawnin'
In "In The Morning," Fabolous is rapping about a woman he's interested in who works hard, goes to school, and possesses undeniable beauty. Despite her busy schedule, he longs to take her out and show her a good time beyond the limits of her daily routine. He appreciates her speaking voice, her accent, and her cute lisp. Fabolous wants to make a film with her while they're waking up late on a Saturday morning, and he wants to be her wake-up call on weekdays, kissing her and touching her before she gets ready for work. He wants to be more than just a fling, saying that he trusts her and that he'll be there for her after work.
Throughout the song, Fabolous also warns the woman to be careful at work and away from lame men who want to bring crutches into the building. He respects the woman's work and doesn't want to do anything to hinder her success. Finally, he asks permission to sleep with her in the morning, as the sun rises while she wakes up. He wants to take his time with her and not rush her into anything. Fabolous ends the song with a nod to Usher's Confessions album, promising to appreciate her body without just trying to tongue wrestle with her in bed.
Line by Line Meaning
Shawty you autumn time cool
You are cool in a sophisticated, composed manner.
But they dont see your beauty f-ck all them blind fools
Other people fail to see your inner beauty, and their opinions are not important.
Body so mean that its border line cruel
Your body is so attractive that it appears almost cruel or unfair to others who do not possess such beauty.
Work 8 to 3, then from 4 to 9 school
You work and study hard, balancing responsibilities effectively.
Dominican girl who knows more than mongul
You are a knowledgeable and intelligent person, despite being stereotyped by others for your ethnicity.
She say lets stay in the room and order Dom Cruz
You suggest they drink Dom Cruz together and spend time in the bedroom.
It sounds like a plan
The suggestion seems like a good idea, and you agree to it.
'cause girl once I got you by your limbs
You feel safe and secure in his arms and enjoy being held.
That guy who spot you at the gym cant put it down like I can
You believe that no one else can satisfy you in bed as well as he can.
I wanna take you places further than where your feet walk
You want to explore new experiences and places, beyond your daily routine.
Why scream when your voice is better for sweet talk
Rather than screaming, you prefer sweet and seductive talk during intimate moments.
A little accent, cute ass lisp
Your accent and slight speech impediment makes you even more adorable and endearing to him.
First a toast is said then a flute glass kiss
Before taking a sip of champagne, you share a quick kiss through the glass.
I like it when you whip yo hair, but thats Willow fault
He enjoys watching you whip your hair around, but humorously blames Willow Smith for starting the trend in her song 'Whip My Hair'.
I speak body language, f-ck pillow talk
He prefers nonverbal communication and physical intimacy to talking about his feelings after sex.
We can wake up 'round noon on a saturday
On weekends, you can sleep in and spend lazy mornings together.
And make a f-ckin movie, now thats a matinee
You can record yourselves having sex to watch later, like your own private matinee movie.
But on the weekdays I wanna be yo' wake up call
On workdays, he wants to wake you up with a kiss and help you start your day on a positive note.
Kiss yo' face before you put that make up all over it
He wants to kiss you while you still have a bare face, before you cover it with makeup for work.
You go from gettin' ready at the bathroom sink to gettin' bent over it
He wants to transition from watching you get ready for work at the bathroom sink, to having sex bent over the sink.
Then its over with
After sex, you'll have to go to work and the moment will be over.
Now you rushin' to work, iPod touchin' yo purse
You are in a hurry to get to work and have your iPod in your purse, ready to listen to music to pass the time.
Ima let you go but not without touchin' it first
He allows you to leave, but not before touching you intimately one more time.
When you think 'bout it later you blush and you smirk
After the encounter, you feel embarrassed but also smile to yourself, reflecting on the intimate moment.
Your co-workers thinkin' you got a crush on the clerk
Your coworkers assume you have a crush on the clerk who you always talk about.
You always talk about yo boss, about how much of a jerk he is
You often talk about your boss, who you think is mean and difficult to work with.
But tell me baby does he touch you and flirt?
He suggests that maybe your boss touches you inappropriately, and he doesn't want you to be in that situation.
'cause thats how such and such get hurt
He warns you that being in that situation could result in harm or danger.
And lame ass n-ggas start bringin' crutches to work
Men who do not have a chance with you might bring crutches to work, signaling that they are willing to be your support system.
I know you got it girl, I trust in your work
He believes in you and trusts that you can handle any situation at work.
Ladies is pimps too, go 'head brush off the dirt
Women can be confident and successful just like men, and they should not let anyone diminish their accomplishments.
I be here when you get off with dutches and purp
He will be there for you after work, ready to smoke and relax together.
I want you after dinner, your such a dessert
After dinner, he wants to have sex with you, considering you to be as sweet as dessert.
The night is lookin' sweet the only thing Im tryna bite is yo physique
He wants to have sex with you and compliments your attractive body.
And in most cases with you
Usually, sex with you is a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Only thing I wanna fight is gettin sleep 'cause I eat and go to sleep
He is so satisfied after sex that he falls asleep, but he wants to stay awake and spend more time with you.
You know I is in the sheets, niceeeee
He is a skilled and satisfying partner in bed.
Dont touch it, let my eyes do the undressin'
He wants to take his time admiring your body before actually undressing you with his hands.
Play Usher and take ya back to confessions
He wants to listen to Usher's album Confessions and have an intimate conversation with you, revealing secrets and desires.
I wanna crush ya' nevermind the tongue wrestlin'
He wants to have sex with you intensely and passionately, without spending time engaging in foreplay.
Wont rush ya, one question
He will take his time during sex and wants to ask one question before they continue.
Can I Hit it in the mornin'
He wants to have sex with you in the morning.
Can I Hit it in the mornin'
He repeats his request to have morning sex.
Can I Hit it in the mornin'
He reiterates his desire to have sex in the morning.
Sun risin' while you yawnin'
The sun will be rising while they have sex in the morning, as she may still be tired and yawning.
Shawty, can I Hit it in the mornin'
He asks her one more time if he can have morning sex.
Shawty, can I Hit it in the mornin'
He repeats his question about having morning sex to her.
Shawty, can I Hit it in the mornin'
He asks her a final time if they can have sex in the morning.
Shawty sun risin' while you yawnin'
She may still be tired and yawning while the sun will be rising during their morning sex.
Contributed by Mackenzie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
herbert melo
[Verse]
Shawty you Autumn-time cool
But they don't see your beauty, fuck all them blind fools
Body so mean that it's borderline cruel
Work 8 to 3, then from 4 to 9 school
Dominican girl who knows more than Mangu
She say lets stay in the room and order Dom Cruz
It sounds like a plan
'Cause girl once I got you by your limbs
That guy who spot you at the gym can't put it down like I can
I wanna take you places further than where your feet walk
Why scream when your voice is better for sweet talk
A little accent, cute ass lisp
First a toast is said then a flute glass kiss
I like it when you whip yo hair, but that's Willow fault
I speak body language, fuck pillow talk
We can wake up ’round noon on a Saturday
And make a fuckin movie, now that's a matinee
But on the weekdays I wanna be yo’ wake up call
Kiss yo’ face before you put that make up all over it
You go from getting ready at the bathroom sink
To getting bent over it
Then its over with
Now you rushing to work, iPod touching your purse
I'ma let you go but not without touching it first
When you think ’bout it later you blush and you smirk
Your co-workers thinkin’ you got a crush on the clerk
You always talk about yo boss, about how much of a jerk he is
But tell me baby does he touch you and flirt?
’Cause that's how such and such get hurt
And lame ass niggas start bringin’ crutches to work
I know you got it girl, I trust in your work
Ladies is pimps too, go ‘head brush off the dirt
I be here when you get off with dutches and purp
I want you after dinner, your such a dessert
The night is looking sweet the only thing I'm tryna bite is yo physique
And in most cases with you
Only thing I wanna fight is getting sleep
Cause I eat and go to sleep
You know it is in the sheets, nice
Won't touch ya, let my eyes do the undressing
Play Usher and take ya back to confessions
I wanna crush ya' never mind the tongue wrestling
Won't rush ya, one question:
[Chorus]
Can I hit it in the morning?
Can I hit it in the morning?
Can I hit it in the morning?
Sun rising while you yawning
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Ashley Romero
Shawty you Autumn-time cool
But they don't see your beauty, fuck all them blind fools
Body so mean that it's borderline cruel
Work 8 to 3, then from 4 to 9 school
Dominican girl who knows more than Mangu
She say lets stay in the room and order Dom Cruz
It sounds like a plan
'Cause girl once I got you by your limbs
That guy who spot you at the gym can't put it down like I can
I wanna take you places further than where your feet walk
Why scream when your voice is better for sweet talk
A little accent, cute ass lisp
First a toast is said then a flute glass kiss
I like it when you whip yo hair, but that's Willow fault
I speak body language, fuck pillow talk
We can wake up ’round noon on a Saturday
And make a fuckin movie, now that's a matinee
But on the weekdays I wanna be yo’ wake up call
Kiss yo’ face before you put that make up all over it
You go from getting ready at the bathroom sink
To getting bent over it
Then its over with
Now you rushing to work, iPod touching your purse
I'ma let you go but not without touching it first
When you think ’bout it later you blush and you smirk
Your co-workers thinkin’ you got a crush on the clerk
You always talk about yo boss, about how much of a jerk he is
But tell me baby does he touch you and flirt?
’Cause that's how such and such get hurt
And lame ass niggas start bringin’ crutches to work
I know you got it girl, I trust in your work
Ladies is pimps too, go ‘head brush off the dirt
I be here when you get off with dutches and purp
I want you after dinner, your such a dessert
The night is looking sweet the only thing I'm tryna bite is yo physique
And in most cases with you
Only thing I wanna fight is getting sleep
Cause I eat and go to sleep
You know it is in the sheets, nice
Won't touch ya, let my eyes do the undressing
Play Usher and take ya back to confessions
I wanna crush ya' never mind the tongue wrestling
Won't rush ya, one question:
[Chorus]
Can I hit it in the morning?
Can I hit it in the morning?
Can I hit it in the morning?
Sun rising while you yawning
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
TyCoon 21
This mixtape got me through a rough time in my life. Soul Tape saved my soul 💯💯💯
Peter Morales
this might be true
Manuel Anthony
Same for me
Fidel Andrade
Classic Mixtape, all the Soul Tapes are fire 🔥🔥
Shawndra A.
Good music never grows old :)
gucci hobo115
:D
herbert melo
[Verse]
Shawty you Autumn-time cool
But they don't see your beauty, fuck all them blind fools
Body so mean that it's borderline cruel
Work 8 to 3, then from 4 to 9 school
Dominican girl who knows more than Mangu
She say lets stay in the room and order Dom Cruz
It sounds like a plan
'Cause girl once I got you by your limbs
That guy who spot you at the gym can't put it down like I can
I wanna take you places further than where your feet walk
Why scream when your voice is better for sweet talk
A little accent, cute ass lisp
First a toast is said then a flute glass kiss
I like it when you whip yo hair, but that's Willow fault
I speak body language, fuck pillow talk
We can wake up ’round noon on a Saturday
And make a fuckin movie, now that's a matinee
But on the weekdays I wanna be yo’ wake up call
Kiss yo’ face before you put that make up all over it
You go from getting ready at the bathroom sink
To getting bent over it
Then its over with
Now you rushing to work, iPod touching your purse
I'ma let you go but not without touching it first
When you think ’bout it later you blush and you smirk
Your co-workers thinkin’ you got a crush on the clerk
You always talk about yo boss, about how much of a jerk he is
But tell me baby does he touch you and flirt?
’Cause that's how such and such get hurt
And lame ass niggas start bringin’ crutches to work
I know you got it girl, I trust in your work
Ladies is pimps too, go ‘head brush off the dirt
I be here when you get off with dutches and purp
I want you after dinner, your such a dessert
The night is looking sweet the only thing I'm tryna bite is yo physique
And in most cases with you
Only thing I wanna fight is getting sleep
Cause I eat and go to sleep
You know it is in the sheets, nice
Won't touch ya, let my eyes do the undressing
Play Usher and take ya back to confessions
I wanna crush ya' never mind the tongue wrestling
Won't rush ya, one question:
[Chorus]
Can I hit it in the morning?
Can I hit it in the morning?
Can I hit it in the morning?
Sun rising while you yawning
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
Shawty, can I hit it in the morning?
ceris sawyers
Thank you
Christina Brown
I need a mornin session like this💦😌
Keshun Gaskin
Still bumpin to this in 2020 cause we need to listen to some heat with a positive vibe