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."
Leaving You
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I kinda thought U had the same feelings I had
And U helped sell it, like a fly ad
but U was Mac'n at the house, iPad
let's just say that I canceled on a few appointments
I blew paper with U , not a joint bitch
I say "bitch" when I'm tryna make a point, bitch
other times, I call it how I see it
I won't give U the title if U don't know how to be it
which proves, I love it when the shit's SMOOTH
but show yo ass to yo nigga that's a bitch move
Imma ride, but what are U about Joe
U gon pull a Tre and say let me out tho
never saw it coming, what a cheap shot
your strongest enemy's the one who know your weak spot
I kinda wonder if I cross your mind
maybe U my X 'cause U crossed the line
maybe U just never saw the crossing signs
'cause the hand up measn don't walk
we don't talk, and somewhere there's a disconnection
U take it the wrong way so much misdirection
Baby what it is, tell me what it does
this is what it is, fuck what it was
but it was good while it lasted
but when it's dead let it go put it in a casket
and don't dig it back up
got my swagger back up
I pick up to call U then I hang it back up
and Imma get back to 'em
to know a backstabber gotta turn Ur back to 'em
or maybe it's just me and I'm going crazy
but let me ask U this; Where U going, Baby?
In these lyrics, Fabolous expresses his disappointment and frustration with a former love interest who he believed shared his feelings. He had done his best to make sure she was taken care of, but it turned out that she was playing him and seeing other people behind his back. He uses the metaphor of crossing the line to describe how she betrayed him by going beyond what was acceptable in their relationship. He now sees her as a backstabber and recognizes that the disconnection between them is irreparable. Despite his efforts to move on, he finds himself struggling to let go of the relationship and wondering if she thinks about him as he thinks about her.
The lyrics reveal how hard it can be to trust someone and the betrayal that can come with it when trust is broken. We learn that Fabolous is someone who is loyal and invested in his relationships, but he is not afraid to call out someone who has wronged him. He is also introspective and realizes that he may be going insane due to his inability to move on, which is a relatable feeling for anyone who has also struggled with letting go of a past relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I guess making sure that U good was my bad
I thought that checking in on you was the right thing to do, but maybe it wasn't.
I kinda thought U had the same feelings I had
I thought that you had feelings for me too.
And U helped sell it, like a fly ad
You seemed to be into me, like you were trying to convince me to be with you.
but U was Mac'n at the house, iPad
You were busy on your iPad, not paying attention to me.
not mad, but there's a few disappointments
I'm not angry, but there were things that didn't meet my expectations.
let's just say that I canceled on a few appointments
I didn't show up to a few planned meetings.
I blew paper with U , not a joint bitch
I smoked money with you, not weed.
I say 'bitch' when I'm tryna make a point, bitch
I use the word 'bitch' to emphasize my point.
other times, I call it how I see it
Sometimes I just say things as I see them.
I won't give U the title if U don't know how to be it
I won't call you my partner if you don't act like one.
which proves, I love it when the shit's SMOOTH
I prefer when things are smooth and easy.
but show yo ass to yo nigga that's a bitch move
But if you act inappropriately, that's not acceptable behavior.
Imma ride, but what are U about Joe
I'll still be here, but what's your deal?
U gon pull a Tre and say let me out tho
Are you going to abandon me like Tre did?
never saw it coming, what a cheap shot
I was blindsided by your actions.
your strongest enemy's the one who know your weak spot
Sometimes the person who knows your vulnerabilities will use them against you.
I kinda wonder if I cross your mind
I wonder if I ever cross your thoughts.
maybe U my X 'cause U crossed the line
Maybe you're my ex because you crossed a boundary.
maybe U just never saw the crossing signs
Maybe you didn't notice the warning signs.
'cause the hand up measn don't walk
When someone puts their hand up, it means stop.
we don't talk, and somewhere there's a disconnection
We don't communicate, and there's a gap between us.
U take it the wrong way so much misdirection
You misunderstand things, causing confusion.
Baby what it is, tell me what it does
What's going on, tell me the situation.
this is what it is, fuck what it was
This is the current situation, don't dwell on the past.
but it was good while it lasted
We had good times, but it's over now.
but when it's dead let it go put it in a casket
When something is over, let it go and move on.
and don't dig it back up
And don't dwell on the past.
got my swagger back up
I feel confident again.
I pick up to call U then I hang it back up
I try to call you, but then hang up without leaving a message.
and Imma get back to 'em
And I'll get back to you eventually.
to know a backstabber gotta turn Ur back to 'em
To truly know if someone will betray you, you have to trust them first.
or maybe it's just me and I'm going crazy
Or maybe I'm just being paranoid.
but let me ask U this; Where U going, Baby?
But let me ask you this - where are you headed, baby?
Contributed by Katherine P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paola Nunez
[Hook]
Leave you, I never mean to [4x]
[Verse 1]
I guess making sure that you good was my bad
I kinda thought you had the same feelings I had
And you helped sell it like a fly ad
But you was mackin at the house, Ipad
Not mad, but there’s a few disappointments
Let’s just say that I canceled all the few appointments
I blew paper with you, not a joint bitch
I say bitch when I’m tryna make a point bitch
Other times I call it how I see it
I won’t give you the title if you don’t know how to be it
Which proves, I love it when the shits smooth
But show yo ass to yo nikka that’s a bitch move
I’ma ride but what are you about yo
You gon pull a Trey and say let me out though
Never saw it coming, what a cheap shot
Your strongest enemies the one who know ya weak spot
[Hook]
Leave you, I never mean to [4x]
[Verse 2]
I kinda wonder if I cross ya mind
Maybe you my ex cause you crossed the line
Maybe you just never saw the crossing signs
Cause the hand up means don’t walk
We don’t talk
And somewhere there’s a disconnection
You take it the wrong way so much misdirection
Baby what it is, tell me what it does
This is what it is, fuck what it was
But it was good while it lasted
But when its dead let it go, put it in a casket
And don’t dig it back up
Got my swagga back up
I pick up to call you then I hang it back up
Yeah, and Imma get back to ‘em
To know a backstabber, you gotta turn ya back to ‘em
Well maybe its just me and I’m going crazy
But let me ask you this
Where you going baby?
[Hook]
Leave you, I never mean to [6x]
nostalgia's childhood
[Lyrics]
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
I guess making sure that you good was my bad
I kinda thought you had the same feelings I had
And you helped sell it like a fly ad
But you was mackin at the house, Ipad
Not mad, but there's a few disappointments
Let's just say that I canceled all the few appointments
I blew paper with you, not a joint bitch
I say bitch when I'm tryna make a point bitch
Other times I call it how I see it
I won't give you the title if you don't know how to be it
Which proves, I love it when the shits smooth
But show yo ass to yo nikka that's a bitch move
I'ma ride but what are you about yo
You gon pull a Trey and say let me out though
Never saw it coming, what a cheap shot
Your strongest enemies the one who know ya weak spot
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
I kinda wonder if I cross ya mind
Maybe you my ex cause you crossed the line
Maybe you just never saw the crossing signs
Cause the hand up means don't walk
We don't talk
And somewhere there's a disconnection
You take it the wrong way so much misdirection
Baby what it is, tell me what it does
This is what it is, fuck what it was
But it was good while it lasted
But when its dead let it go, put it in a casket
And don't dig it back up
Got my swagga back up
I pick up to call you then I hang it back up
Yeah, and Imma get back to 'em
To know a backstabber, you gotta turn ya back to 'em
Well maybe its just me and I'm going crazy
But let me ask you this
Where you going baby?
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
here4lolz
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
I guess making sure that you good was my bad
I kinda thought you had the same feelings I had
And you helped sell it like a fly ad
But you was mackin at the house, Ipad
Not mad, but there's a few disappointments
Let's just say that I canceled all the few appointments
I blew paper with you, not a joint bitch
I say bitch when I'm tryna make a point bitch
Other times I call it how I see it
I won't give you the title if you don't know how to be it
Which proves, I love it when the shits smooth
But show yo ass to yo nikka that's a bitch move
I'ma ride but what are you about yo
You gon pull a Trey and say let me out though
Never saw it coming, what a cheap shot
Your strongest enemies the one who know ya weak spot
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
I kinda wonder if I cross ya mind
Maybe you my ex cause you crossed the line
Maybe you just never saw the crossing signs
Cause the hand up means don't walk
We don't talk
And somewhere there's a disconnection
You take it the wrong way so much misdirection
Baby what it is, tell me what it does
This is what it is, fuck what it was
But it was good while it lasted
But when its dead let it go, put it in a casket
And don't dig it back up
Got my swagga back up
I pick up to call you then I hang it back up
Yeah, and Imma get back to 'em
To know a backstabber, you gotta turn ya back to 'em
Well maybe its just me and I'm going crazy
But let me ask you this
Where you going baby?
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Leave you, I never mean to
Chakra_khan
Here’s the checklist:
•download Marvin Gaye - Just to keep you satisfied
•chop and trim out this sample
•set tempo to about 122bpm
•normalize and up pitch to about .76
•set the project file from 4/4 to 3/4
•adjust sample back to fit into 4 bars
•now add drums and pizzicato string loop
•book fabolous in the studio
Done
Lou H
“Your strongest enemy is the one who knows your weak spot.” That line was 💯
Karen Riera
This whole song is the line real talk
Stephon Unique Najee
Still slaps over a decade later.
AmaZen FC
I appreciate those who appreciates the art of making beautiful music, not just rapping out of anger but passionate. Fab not just a rapper, he makes beautiful music! so underrated!! but than again we know what kind of society we are in! we know those haterz have an agenda, to keep the mass dumb, sick, ignorant and confuse!
Xylo 13
DOCTOR AKA FC thats real hip hop not what my generation thinks is rap
Joey 82
They wanna keep you glued to your social media. If you watching senseless shit truthfully we doing half the work for em they just slip the shit right on by
SelfAwareness333
Talk that shit!
Loose Lips Sink Ships
That rapping out of anger is here today and gone tomorrow
Cakee
💯
Desiree Diaz
I come back to this every few months throughout the year's. It's crazy songs hit harder with some time and experience. 💙