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."
My Life
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All my love is all I have
All my life I look for you
[Fabolous]
I'm just Fab, I see how Mary be now
But I can barely be found
And I rarely be round
And you can see how clear the Pile Vase, and the Canaries be now
The top on the 5 series be down
And I'm chillin' where them little houses on the prairie be now
Although there was a time I would barely see fowls
But I'm gettin' a multi-million dollar yearly fee now
Girls, don't even know me, want to marry me now
Dudes, I thought was homies, want to bury me now
That's why I keep a bulletproof vest, no matter where we be now
And I carry three pounds, and nearly three rounds
I take whatever the verdict from the jury be now
Rather than friends, it's pallbearers that carry me round
Everybody staring unnecessarily now
But there's no tints on my lights, so you can clearly see now
[Chorus: Mary J. Blige]
All my love is all I have
And my dreams are very special
All my life I looked for you
And today your dream come true
You need me and I need you
Lovin' us is very special
Lovin' life and life and livin'
Your very special
[Fabolous]
Y'all can never be built like me, even if Y'all look at my blueprint
But since Y'all watches look like its movement
I'll show you how video games look on the new Sprint
Flip out digital screens, look in the new Bent
100 and flat screens, look in the new Pint
Even our Air Forces lookin' to new tints
I stay away from anythin' that look like a nuisance
But y'all gotta peep this rookie's improvement
I tip it with you and
Cause most dudes was doin' verses for a few dollars and a hook for a few cents
All I do is try to teach and look to influence
But it look like the students are playin' hooky, and truin'
And some say that we lookin' like new gents
But money talks, and it don't look like Y'all fluent
And Y'all done seen how this young'n look in the new pints
But it's my life and you can't look in the new tints
[Chorus]
[Fabolous]
Uh, If I could say so myself, I came a long way
Even though I feel like the same old John J.
Nothin' change, when I aim, I'm gonna spray
When I eat, I order the same old entree
When I ride, I let the same old songs play
And when I work, I do the same old long days
From bein' Fab, to looked at by dames the wrong way
They know where we came, from the name they call me
I already know what these lames is gonna say
And I already seen what games they gonna play
Fuck with family, don't say the name the wrong way
And when you die, Y'all crackers gonna blame it on strays
[Mary J. Blige]
Cause love is life, and life is livin'
Your very special
[harmonizing]
[Chorus]
Me and Fab are very special
Me and Fab are very special
The song "My Life" by Fabolous featuring Mary J. Blige is about the ups and downs of his life, and how he has survived through tough times no matter what happens. Mary J. Blige provides the chorus, which talks about love and dreams coming true.
Fabolous starts off the song talking about how he rarely comes around and how he takes precautions because of his fame. He talks about his high earnings and the envy that comes with being famous. He keeps a bulletproof vest and three pounds with him as he walks around, facing the harsh reality of living in a dangerous environment.
He then talks about how he has worked hard to achieve his success and how no one can be like him. He is proud of his accomplishments and shows it off with physical possessions like his expensive car and digital screens. Fabolous also mentions how he is always trying to teach and influence people, but they don't take anything he says seriously.
The chorus sung by Mary J. Blige talks about how love and dreams are special and how she has been looking for a special someone her whole life. The two artists come together to sing about how they are special and how nobody could ever be like them.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just Fab, I see how Mary be now
Fabolous introduces himself and acknowledges the power of Mary J. Blige’s music.
But I can barely be found
Fabolous is elusive and difficult to track down.
And I rarely be round
Fabolous is not often seen.
But when I do, the jury be drowned
When Fabolous makes an appearance, he draws significant attention.
And you can see how clear the Pile Vase, and the Canaries be now
Fabolous's jewelry is impressive and noticeable.
The top on the 5 series be down
Fabolous is driving a classy convertible BMW.
And I'm chillin' where them little houses on the prairie be now
Fabolous is relaxing in a peaceful, rural setting.
Although there was a time I would barely see fowls
Fabolous used to struggle financially.
But I'm gettin' a multi-million dollar yearly fee now
Now, Fabolous is making a lot of money each year.
Girls, don't even know me, want to marry me now
Women are interested in Fabolous despite not knowing him personally.
Dudes, I thought was homies, want to bury me now
Some of Fabolous's former friends have become enemies who want him dead.
That's why I keep a bulletproof vest, no matter where we be now
Fabolous wears a bulletproof vest for his own safety.
And I carry three pounds, and nearly three rounds
Fabolous carries a gun and ammunition.
I take whatever the verdict from the jury be now
Fabolous accepts the consequences of his actions.
Rather than friends, it's pallbearers that carry me round
Fabolous is worried that he will be carried in a coffin instead of by friends.
Everybody staring unnecessarily now
Many people are watching Fabolous even when he's not doing anything noteworthy.
But there's no tints on my lights, so you can clearly see now
Fabolous values being transparent and honest.
Y'all can never be built like me, even if Y'all look at my blueprint
Fabolous recognizes that he is unique and cannot be replicated.
But since Y'all watches look like its movement
Others are watching Fabolous's every move.
I'll show you how video games look on the new Sprint
Fabolous is knowledgeable about the latest technology.
Flip out digital screens, look in the new Bent
Fabolous owns a luxurious car with advanced technology.
100 and flat screens, look in the new Pint
Fabolous's lifestyle includes owning many flat-screen TVs.
Even our Air Forces lookin' to new tints
Fabolous wears fresh pairs of sneakers.
I stay away from anythin' that look like a nuisance
Fabolous avoids negative situations.
But y'all gotta peep this rookie's improvement
Fabolous has been improving over time.
I tip it with you and
Fabolous is generous with the people he cares about.
Cause most dudes was doin' verses for a few dollars and a hook for a few cents
Fabolous values the art of rapping and is not motivated solely by money.
All I do is try to teach and look to influence
Fabolous is invested in sharing knowledge with others.
But it look like the students are playin' hooky, and truin'
Some people who Fabolous tries to teach do not take him seriously.
And some say that we lookin' like new gents
Others perceive Fabolous as a stylish, modern gentleman.
But money talks, and it don't look like Y'all fluent
Fabolous is more financially successful than some of his peers.
And Y'all done seen how this young'n look in the new pints
Fabolous is fashionable and certainly owns fresh sneakers.
But it's my life and you can't look in the new tints
Fabolous values his privacy and control over his own life.
If I could say so myself, I came a long way
Fabolous has made significant progress.
Even though I feel like the same old John J.
Despite his fame and success, Fabolous has not fundamentally changed.
Nothin' change, when I aim, I'm gonna spray
Fabolous remains true to who he is, even in difficult situations.
When I eat, I order the same old entree
Fabolous enjoys simple pleasures and routines.
When I ride, I let the same old songs play
Fabolous has a playlist of favorite songs he enjoys listening to.
And when I work, I do the same old long days
Fabolous is committed to hard work and putting in long hours.
From bein' Fab, to looked at by dames the wrong way
As Fabolous gained fame, he became subject to more scrutiny and criticism.
They know where we came, from the name they call me
People judge Fabolous based on his stage name and background.
I already know what these lames is gonna say
Fabolous is aware of his critics and the insults they will use.
And I already seen what games they gonna play
Fabolous is experienced at handling others' attempts to take him down.
Fuck with family, don't say the name the wrong way
Fabolous is fiercely protective of his family.
And when you die, Y'all crackers gonna blame it on strays
If anything happens to him, Fabolous believes that people will find a way to place blame elsewhere.
Love is life, and life is livin', your very special
Mary J. Blige highlights the importance and beauty of love.
[harmonizing]
Mary J. Blige sings a melodic arrangement to emphasize the meaning of her lyrics.
Me and Fab are very special
Mary J. Blige sings about the special bond between her and Fabolous.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOLDEN, FERGUSON, GRIFFIN, RIDEL, SANDSTROM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind