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."
Into You ft Tamia
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just what my dream are really made of (dreams are really made of)
Let's stay together you and me boy (oh)
There's no one like you around, oh baby
(Uh) oh, uh baby girl (I wanna love you, yeah yeah)
Uh, uh, (ooh)
Desert Storm, uh (oh woah)
Yeah, yeah, oh, uh (oh)
I can't really explain it
I'm so into you now, I wanna be more than a friend of you now
When they ask, I mention my baby girl in the interviews now
And I don't bring the problems from the 90's into 2 thou'
There's no reason to have a friend or two now
'Cause the kid's ready to tell you how he feel in a few vows
Maybe, I'm speaking general now
But girl I'ma do whatever just to keep a grin on you now
Where I go, they wear bikinis in the winter too now
What you think about, tan lines on the skin of you now
Why wouldn't I wanna spend a few thou'
On 5th Ave shopping sprees, and them dinners to Chow's
I ain't concerned what other men would do now
As long as when I slide up in you, you growl
And any dude with you, he better be a kin of you now
And I ain't jealous it's the principle now, I'm so into you
I really like
What you've, done to me
I can't really explain it
I'm, so into you
I really like
What you've, done to me
I can't really explain it
I'm, so into you
Come on ma, it's more than a flashin'
I woulda traded it all, in orderly fashion
My villa in Florida we crashin'
Just off the shore, so you can hear when water be splashin'
The drop top three and a quarter we dashin'
The flawless diamonds, and the border we flashin'
The money, we oughta be stashin'
I make sure every quarter be cashed in, I can't really explain it
My friend be thinkin' I'm slippin', these girls be thinkin' I'm trippin'
What kinda weed he be smokin', what type of drinks he be sippin'
Sweet thing, just to think of you dippin'
Would have me with the blues so hard, you would think I was crippin'
Now, you relaxin' in the Benz, credit cards with no limits
So you don't worry about maxin' when you spend
Ever since you've been askin' 'bout the friends
How'd you like it if, both our names had Jackson on the ends, uh
I really like (I really like)
What you've, done to me
I can't really explain it (I can't explain)
I'm, so into you (so into you)
I, really like
What you've, done to me
I can't really explain it
I'm, so into you
I don't wanna trip, but truth is
Girl the way you cook a steak, remind me of those strips in Ruth Chris
You love my smile, no matter how chipped my tooth is
With you, it ain't because my whips is roofless
Or sit on chrome dipped dub deuces
And you ain't flattered by Canary envy es dipped Jesus'
Other ballers look dumb when they press you, five and sixes
You don't let them kinda numbers impress you
Even though I was somewhat successful
Bein' a player was becoming too stressful
But ever since, the superwoman has come to my rescue
My winter's been wonderful, my summer's been special
Let's fly to St. Barts, while the villa be painted
Just so we can get really acquainted (really acquainted)
The love is real, there's no way it could feel like it's tainted
But I can't really explain it, uh, yeah
I really like
What you've, done to me
I can't really explain it
I'm, so into you
I really like
What you've, done to me
I can't really explain it (can't explain it)
I'm, so into you
I really like (ooh, ooh)
What I feel, when I'm with you (with you)
You're a dream come true (you're, oh yeah, yeah)
Don't you ever leave my side (ever leave my side, oh no)
'Cause it feel so right (oh baby, oh I)
I, really like
What you've, done to me (boy, you)
I can't really explain it (oh I can't explain it)
I'm so into you (I'm so into you baby)
I really like
What you've, done to me (you've done to me)
I can't really explain it (look what you've done to me)
I'm so into you (oh, I really like)
Oh I can't no no no
Into you, I really like
What you've done to me
Really explain it
In "Into You," Fabolous raps about his deep attraction and emotional attachment to a woman. The lyrics convey his desire to be more than just friends and to have a serious relationship with this person. He mentions how he talks about her to interviewers and is committed to keeping her happy. Fabolous describes his lavish lifestyle and the material things he can offer her, such as shopping sprees, expensive dinners, and vacations. He also acknowledges that other men may try to pursue her, but he is confident that no one can love her like he does.
The chorus, sung by Tamia, repeats the phrase "I really like what you've done to me. I can't really explain it. I'm so into you." This reflects Fabolous's sentiments and the inexplicable feeling that he has for this person. The song's smooth beat and melodic tone add to the romantic vibe and make it a popular choice for couples.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby girl (I really like)
I have a strong attraction towards you and hold you in high regards.
Desert Storm (yeah)
Refers to the record label that produced the song, which is meant to be a form of self-promotion.
I can't really explain it
The emotions I'm feeling are complex and hard to articulate.
I'm so into you now
I am deeply infatuated with you and have a strong desire to be with you.
I wanna be more than a friend to you now
I desire a romantic relationship with you as opposed to just a platonic one.
When they ask, I mention my baby girl in the interviews now
In public situations, I refer to you as my significant other to express how important you are to me.
And I don't bring the problems from the 90s in the two thou
I do not let past issues from the 90s affect our present relationship in the 2000s.
There's no reason to have a friend or two now
I do not need any extra friends aside from you because you fulfill all my needs.
'Cause the kid's ready to tell you how he feel and a few vows
I am ready to express my emotions and commitment to you through words and actions.
Maybe I speak in general now
I might be speaking in broad terms, not necessarily implying anything specific.
But girl, I'mma do whatever just to keep a grin on you now
I will do whatever it takes to keep you happy and smiling.
Where I go, they wear bikinis in the winter too now
I take you to places where people wear bikinis in the winter, implying luxury vacations.
What you think about tan lines on the skin of you now?
I am complimenting your body and appearance and asking for your opinion.
Why wouldn't I wanna spend a few thou
I would gladly spend thousands of dollars on you to show my love and appreciation.
On Fifth Ave, shopping sprees and them dinners to Chow's
I am willing to indulge and spoil you with luxurious experiences like shopping on Fifth Avenue and dining at fancy restaurants like Chow's.
I ain't concerned what other men would do now
I am not worried about what other men might do or offer because I am confident in my love for you and our relationship.
As long as when I slide up in you, you growl
As long as we have a passionate and pleasurable sexual relationship, I am satisfied.
And any dude with you, he better be a kin of you now
Any man you are with should be closely related to you because I cannot stand the thought of another man with you.
And I ain't jealous, it's the principle now
I am not jealous, but it is a matter of principle that no one else should have you.
Come on ma, it's more than a flashin'
Our relationship is about more than just material goods and flashy things.
I would've traded it all, in orderly fashion
I would give up all my wealth and material possessions to be with you in a more organized and formal fashion.
My villa in Florida we crashin'
Let's stay at my luxurious Florida villa together.
Just off the shore, so you can hear when the water be splashin'
I chose a villa close to the water so that we can hear the ocean sounds.
The drop top three and a quarter we dashin'
We will ride in my expensive car, the 3/4 drop top, to travel around Florida.
The flawless diamonds, and the border we flashin'
We will wear high-quality diamonds and flaunt our expensive possessions around others.
The money, we oughta be stashin'
We should be saving money instead of spending it carelessly.
I make sure every quarter be cashed in, I can't really explain it
I ensure that I utilize all my resources and maximize my earnings, but cannot really explain why.
My friend be thinkin' I'm slippin', these girls be thinkin' I'm trippin'
My friends think I am losing control and falling for you, while other girls are in disbelief that someone like me is with someone like you.
What kinda weed he be smokin', what type of drinks you be sippin'
Other people question my values and intent, as they cannot imagine why I am with you.
Sweet thing, just to think of you dippin'
The thought of you leaving me is unbearable, sweetie.
Would have me with the blue's so hard, you would think I was Crippin'
I would be so deeply saddened if you left me that I would be in a state of depression similar to that of the Crips gang's color blue.
Now, you relaxin' in the Benz, credit cards with no limits
You can now relax in my luxury car while enjoying unlimited spending on your credit cards.
So you don't worry about maxin' when you spend
You do not have to worry about spending too much or reaching your credit card limit because it is unlimited.
But since you've been askin' 'bout the friends
You have been inquiring about my friends and social circle.
How'd you like it if, both our name's had Jackson on the ends, uh
Are you open to the idea of us getting married, and both taking Jackson as our last name?
I don't wanna trip, but truth is
I do not want to overthink this, but the reality is that I am deeply in love with you.
Girl the way you cook a steak, remind me of those strips in Ruth Chris
I am impressed with how well you cook steaks, reminiscent of the high-quality steakhouse chain Ruth Chris.
You love my smile, no matter how chipped my tooth is
You appreciate and love me for who I am, including my physical imperfections like a chipped tooth.
With you, it ain't because my whips is roofless
You are not with me simply because I have expensive cars with no roofs.
Or sit on chrome dipped dub deuces
You do not care about sitting in flashy, expensive cars with large chrome wheels.
And you ain't flattered by Canary envy es dipped Jesus'
You are not impressed by my expensive jewelry, including my diamond-studded watch (Canary Envy) and necklace (Jesus piece).
Other ballers look dumb when they press you, five and sixes
Other men who try to impress or pursue you come off as foolish when compared to me.
You don't let them kinda numbers impress you
You are not swayed by high-priced material goods or money and do not let those things impress you.
Even though I was somewhat successful
Despite being partially successful, I still felt lonely and incomplete in life.
Bein' a player was becomin' too stressful
Playing the field and having multiple romantic encounters was causing me too much anxiety and difficulty.
But every since, the superwoman has come to my rescue
Being with you has saved me from my negative and destructive past lifestyle and has helped me find true happiness.
My winter's been wonderful, my summer's been special
Being with you in all seasons of the year has brought me joy and meaningful experiences.
Let's fly to St. Bart, while the villa be painted
Let us fly to the Caribbean island of St. Bart and stay in a luxurious villa while we get it freshly painted.
Just so we can get really acquainted
I want to spend quality time with you and get to know you on a deeper level.
The love is real, there's no way it could feel like it's tainted
Our love is genuine and pure, and there is no way it could feel fake or tainted.
But I can't really explain it, uh, yeah
Even though I cannot explain it, my love for you is still real and true.
Ohhhh, no no no no nooooo
Vocalization expressing emotional intensity.
Ooooohhhh no no
Vocalization expressing emotional intensity.
So into you
Repeated line indicating how deeply infatuated the singer is with the subject.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lionel Richie, Ronald Laprade, Tamia Washington, Bob Robinson, Tim Kelley, David Shaw, Ken Ifill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-qd3tg4op7e
Who's listened to it in 2024??
@PrettyNicky50
I'm here in Feb a month after u were😂
@practicalmagic9880
Same
@fanilochidoda6162
Always here ❤
@ronetteskiestante4064
present! :)
@kendallsquire6159
Played it going down the road also slow motion
@smoothrich265
It's 2024 and I am here to tell Fabulous thanks for filling the world with sweet music!!
@crazykidskomedy
😢
@PrettyNicky50
And thanks for getting his tooth fixed even tho the chic he spoke upon in this song didn't care!😂
@applelinasmith
Wrd