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 personโฆI 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."
Look At Her You Be Killin Em
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I dead 'em all now, I buy the caskets
They should arrest you or whoever dressed you
Ain't gon' stress you, but I'm a let you know
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You ain't gotta worry bout her, shorty straight
Been chasing her for two days, first forty eight
A bad bitch cost, she worth every cent
She look like the best money that I ever spent
Just watching my cutie pie get beautified
Make me want better jewels, a newer ride
Louis Vuitton shoes, she got too much pride
Her feet are killing her, I call it shoe'icide
Looking good has it's sacrifices
Chilly weather bring four figure jacket prices
Her body nice, face dime
Give you that iPhone four, face time
Shorty in the streets, still handle the home
Enough class for wine, still handle Patron
When them other hos call I hand her the phone
And she hand 'em the tone
You what's up girl, ain't gotta ask it
I dead 'em all now, I buy the caskets
They should arrest you or whoever dressed you
Ain't gon' stress you, but I'm a let you know
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
Yeah I know that's what they all says
She gotta donkey with her, Juan Valdez
Keep it clean cut like bald heads
Been playin' with that green long as Paul Pierce
So you gotta ball harder than them ball players
All she wanna know is there a mall near us
Can't fault her, the last nigga spoiled her
But he ain't beat it up, I assault her
Shoulda seen her come to me when I called her
Slow strut like she walking to the altar
Hand bag on her arm cost four bills
And she ain't gotta beg, borrow or steal
Often imitated, never duplicated
They say she a dime, I say she underrated
I just met her so the next solution
Dead my old chick, execution
You what's up girl, ain't gotta ask it
I dead 'em all now, I buy the caskets
They should arrest you or whoever dressed you
Ain't gon' stress you, but I'm a let you know
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Had to let you know
You be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
All the ladies (to all the ladies)
You be killin' 'em
You be killin' 'em
I'd like to congratulate you
Congratulations
You be killin' 'em
Girl you be killin' 'em
And you just came from the gym clothes
In a fitted cap and some Timbo's
And a pair of flats, well trimmed toes
Camera in the mirror, B.B.M. Pose
Still killin' 'em hoes
You still killin' 'em hoes
You still killin' 'em hoes
The song "You Be Killin Em" by rapper Fabolous is an ode to a woman who he believes is absolutely stunning and eye-catching. The lyrics speak about how the singer sees the woman as someone who is worth the money he has spent on her, as well as being so naturally beautiful that she "kills" all other women around her. The phrase "you be killin' em" is repeated throughout the song as a constant reminder of how attractive the woman in question is.
The song starts with the singer complimenting the woman's dress sense by saying that the person who dressed her should be arrested because of how good she looks. As the song continues, he compares her to other women he's been with and mentions that she's worth the extra cost. The lyrics also refer to how the woman is independent and can handle herself both at home and in the streets. The man is mesmerized by her beauty and can't help but tell her that she's "killing it".
Overall, the song is a typical hip-hop track that focuses on feelings of admiration and desires for materialistic lifestyles. However, the chorus is catchy and the lyrics are well-defined, making it a popular song among many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
You what's up girl, ain't gotta ask it
I know how great you are.
I dead 'em all now, I buy the caskets
I'm killing your competition.
They should arrest you or whoever dressed you
Your fashion is a crime.
Ain't gon' stress you, but I'm a let you know
I'm gonna reassure you without nagging you.
Girl you be killin' 'em
You're killing it, girl.
You ain't gotta worry bout her, shorty straight
You don't need to worry about anyone else, shorty.
Been chasing her for two days, first forty eight
I've been pursuing her for two days straight.
A bad bitch cost, she worth every cent
She's an expensive, valuable woman.
She look like the best money that I ever spent
Investing in her was a great decision.
Just watching my cutie pie get beautified
Watching you get ready is entertaining.
Make me want better jewels, a newer ride
Being with you inspires me to upgrade my possessions.
Louis Vuitton shoes, she got too much pride
She has great taste and is proud of it.
Her feet are killing her, I call it shoe'icide
Her shoes are so nice that she endures the pain.
Looking good has it's sacrifices
Looking good often requires some discomfort.
Chilly weather bring four figure jacket prices
The cost of a nice jacket increases in cold weather.
Her body nice, face dime
Her body is great, and her face is beautiful.
Give you that iPhone four, face time
I'll give you a fancy phone so we can video chat.
Shorty in the streets, still handle the home
She's a boss outside and inside the house.
Enough class for wine, still handle Patron
She can enjoy fancy wine but also handle strong tequila.
When them other hos call I hand her the phone
I trust her to handle other women who call me.
And she hand 'em the tone
She has a firm and assertive demeanor with other women.
Yeah I know that's what they all says
I know everyone says that about you.
She gotta donkey with her, Juan Valdez
She has a voluptuous figure like the Colombian coffee symbol.
Keep it clean cut like bald heads
She keeps it simple and straightforward like a shaved head.
Been playin' with that green long as Paul Pierce
I've been dealing with money as long as the basketball player Paul Pierce.
So you gotta ball harder than them ball players
You need to work hard and succeed like basketball players.
All she wanna know is there a mall near us
Her main concern is whether there is a shopping mall nearby.
Can't fault her, the last nigga spoiled her
I can't blame her since the last guy spoiled her.
But he ain't beat it up, I assault her
I can satisfy her physically in a way the last guy couldn't.
Shoulda seen her come to me when I called her
She readily responds to me when I contact her.
Slow strut like she walking to the altar
She has a confident, slow walk like she's walking down the aisle.
Hand bag on her arm cost four bills
Her purse costs four thousand dollars.
And she ain't gotta beg, borrow or steal
She can afford luxury items without resorting to desperate measures.
Often imitated, never duplicated
Others try to copy her, but she's one of a kind.
They say she a dime, I say she underrated
People say she's a perfect ten, but I think she's even better.
I just met her so the next solution
Since I just met her, I need to move on from my ex.
Dead my old chick, execution
I need to end things with my previous girlfriend completely.
You be killin' 'em
You're killing it, girl.
Had to let you know
I needed to tell you how great you are.
All the ladies (to all the ladies)
This song is dedicated to all the women.
I'd like to congratulate you
I want to give you a well-deserved congratulations.
Congratulations
Congratulations!
And you just came from the gym clothes
You look great even when you're dressed for the gym.
In a fitted cap and some Timbo's
You can still look cool in a hat and Timbaland boots.
And a pair of flats, well trimmed toes
You can also look chic and stylish in flat shoes with a fresh pedicure.
Camera in the mirror, B.B.M. Pose
You know how to take a great photo and post it on BlackBerry Messenger.
Still killin' 'em hoes
You're still killing it, girl.
You still killin' 'em hoes
You're still killing it, girl.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN JACKSON, RYAN LESLIE, H ROONEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mclvn99
This beat was ahead of its time and can never forget about it.
@realdneill
Ryan Leslie so underrated
@mekasims1981
๐๐ฏ
@SoulWarriorSF
Especially, the endโค
@FelixRodriguez-ke1ol
Fr fr thought bout it today
@takalaninetshivhodza8481
A touch of Ryan leslie will do that
@toastdee.
Fabolous is mad underrated
@jarrodgalack1184
Shut the fuck up loser
@toastdee.
Devon Smith Umm who are you again?
@menzido6673
True, KILL THE HATERS