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."
Insecure
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He like I see you like his pictures, you must be one of his bitches
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
I mean correct me if I'm wrong, you always playing his song
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
That nigga all over the world and I heard he got a girl
How you (fuck that nigga?)
I know you (fuck that nigga)
I'm a dog, I can smell fear
Niggas sick and can't do nothing 'bout it, no healthcare
I start getting looks like I invited myself here
Once the kid come through, bitches on me like welfare
We ball but we ain't actually hoopers
I don't save 'em, but the bag be super
I'm the American Sniper, call me Fab-ly Cooper
Was playing Wu-Tang "Ice Cream" when she had me scoop her
Now it's too easy, ride or dies'll gladly Uber (yo, I'm outside)
Five stars for those who drive cars
For girls that's been drinking or hate to drive far
The ones who arrive are aware what the vibes are
If you ain't tryna cut, don't come where the knives are, baby
I'm Players Club like Lisa Raye
You insecure like Issa Rae
They don't want the bitch until somebody want the bitch
By the time you showin' love, she don't want the shit
He like I see you like his pictures, you must be one of his bitches
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
I mean correct me if I'm wrong, you always playing his song
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
That nigga all over the world and I heard he got a girl
How you (fuck that nigga?)
Last night I saw his Benz, you keep saying y'all friends
I know you (fuck that nigga)
Shawty be callin' him bro like nobody know she (fuck that nigga, ooh)
And we all know a hoe that think she loyal but (fuck that nigga)
If her MCM slide in your DM, you gon' (fuck that nigga, yeah, yeah)
I'm good, love, enjoy, all these hoes ain't loyal, they (fuck that nigga)
Niggas be like, "Are you done bein' a hoe?"
What, you fuckin' rappers now? What, you tryna be on a show? Oh
You on some Love & Hip Hop shit
You got this nigga walking 'round, Gucci flip flops shit
See, Lawrence hoe on the couch, she callin' homie a slouch
Some kid took her to Gucci, she came back home with a pouch
Betrayal is the new trend, loyalty is vintage now
If she owe you, she gon' pay you back with interest now
He like I see you like his pictures, you must be one of his bitches
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
I mean correct me if I'm wrong, you always playing his song
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
That nigga all over the world and I heard he got a girl
How you (fuck that nigga?)
Last night I saw his Benz, you keep saying y'all friends
I know you (fuck that nigga)
Niggas be like
Talk about you
What? What? Why?
You talking 'bout what the fuck I done did, what the fuck you done did?
I did what I did because you did what you did
So you did what the fuck you talking 'bout did?
Okay, I did what I did because you did what you did
But what did you do though?
What you mean what I did? I did me because you did you
But what did you do? (Whatever)
You fuck the nigga?
Yo, it's over (you fuck?), it's over, let's leave it alone, leave it alone
Oh, you fucked the nigga, so, you fucked him (Whatever)
I mean, that's obvious, you already talked about that, that's obvious
So why you keep tellin' me to leave it alone? What else you do?
(Leave it alone), you did somethin' else?
What you mean?
What, you suck a nigga dick or somethin'?
Whatever, whatever, leave it alone, leave it alone, for real
What you suck a nigga dick?
I mean that's a part of sex, right? You ain't know that?
Oh, you fuckin' bitch
I mean you act like I did it for that long
I couldn't even do it that long 'cause his dick was too big
You a fuckin' dick suckin' bitch (what?)
You out suckin' dick (Are you serious right now?)
Okay, you forgot you cheated on me, whatever
Bitch, maybe I should fuckin' knock your fuckin' forty off, bitch
Why is you actin' crazy right now?
I'm fuckin' hurt right now (you're hurt?)
I'm fuckin' hurt right now (you're hurt?)
That shit hurtin' me (you're hurt?)
Goddamn, that shit hurt
Okay, nigga, I know you ain't over there cryin'
You 'posed to be my motherfuckin' bitch, and you suckin' dick (nigga, are you over there cryin'?)
You fuckin' hurt me, man (okay, whatever)
God, take this fuckin' pain away from me right now
Nigga, stop talkin' stupid
If you don't take the pain away from me, God, I'ma do this shit myself
You're gonna do what?
I'm not a fuckin' hoe, yo
You're gonna do what?
I'm tellin' God I'm not no hoe, I'ma kill myself, bitch
You not gon' kill yourself, shut up
Bitch, you out here suckin' dicks and shit, bitch, talkin' 'bout dicks and talkin' all day and shit
I'm a fuckin' man with pride, you don't do shit like that
I said leave it alone
You don't just, leave a nigga sick like that
I said leave it alone
I was fuckin' on bitches, I was gon' get right back
Said leave it alone
You fuckin' dick sucker
The lyrics to Fabolous's song "Insecure" delve deep into themes of jealousy, insecurity, and betrayal within a relationship. The song begins with a confrontational tone as the singer questions the loyalty of their partner, accusing them of being involved with someone else. There is a sense of doubt and suspicion as the singer notices the signs that point to infidelity, such as liking another person's pictures and constantly playing their music. The repeated questioning of whether the partner has been intimate with the other person reflects a lack of trust and highlights the insecurities that have crept into the relationship.
As the song progresses, Fabolous paints a vivid picture of the complexities of modern relationships, likening himself to a dog who can sense fear and expressing frustration with the lack of loyalty and honesty in romantic connections. The lyrics touch on the transient nature of romantic interactions, likening them to a game where people are easily swayed by material possessions and external influences. References to popular culture, such as American Sniper and Players Club, add layers to the narrative, highlighting the performer's perception of love and loyalty in a superficial world.
The narrative takes a darker turn as Fabolous delves into the dynamics of a toxic relationship, where the partner is revealed to be engaging in deceptive behavior behind the singer's back. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who presents herself as loyal but is secretly involved with multiple men, exemplifying the theme of betrayal and deception. The imagery of material possessions, such as Gucci flip flops and designer pouches, symbolizes the shallow nature of the relationship and the transient nature of perceived loyalty.
Towards the end of the song, the heated argument between the singer and their partner escalates, delving into accusations of infidelity and emotional manipulation. The dialogue captures a raw and intense exchange between two individuals grappling with hurt, betrayal, and insecurities. The song's conclusion leaves the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and emotional turmoil, reflecting the complexities and challenges present in relationships tainted by jealousy and mistrust. Fabolous's "Insecure" offers a poignant commentary on the fragility of trust and the destructive nature of insecurity within romantic connections, exposing the intricate web of emotions that can entangle individuals in love and betrayal.
Line by Line Meaning
He like I see you like his pictures, you must be one of his bitches
Accusations flying, insinuating a romantic relationship based on social media interactions
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
Questioning the intimacy between the two individuals in question
I mean correct me if I'm wrong, you always playing his song
Noticing patterns of behavior that suggest a deeper connection
Did you (fuck that nigga?)
Reiterating the inquiry about the nature of the relationship
That nigga all over the world and I heard he got a girl
Mentions of the person's reputation and rumored commitment with someone else
How you (fuck that nigga?)
Expressing disbelief or questioning the decision-making process behind the alleged involvement
Last night I saw his Benz, you keep saying y'all friends
Observations of materialistic displays and denial of anything beyond friendship
I know you (fuck that nigga)
Final confirmation or assumption of the relationship based on gathered evidence
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind