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."
One Day
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I remember takin 3, 4 trains to re cocaine
Standing in the lobby during sleet, snow, rain
Waiting for fiends with a pint of beef lomain
Breaking day on the grind, I used to be so drained
But ain't a Saturday I wasn't up to see Soul Train
Sometimes I ain't see no gain
I was lucky I ain't seized or maim
Get shot or stuck up standin at them see-Lo games
But now shit with these skios changed
I ain't know why the fuck they used to look at me so strange
Glanced at my neck and didn't see no chain
Be saying "That's nasty", wouldn't give me no brain
Ya'll surprised F-A-be -O's sane
In my rolla life, I done jumped in and out of 3, 4 lanes
I'm still here
[Chorus]
My momma used to tell me
"Son, you're gonna make it one day, it'll happen"
Who knew I'd have what it takes,
To be famous and one day I'd be rappin - no
My papa used to ask me "Son, are you prepared?
'Cause one day it could happen"
I dreamed about this game,
But who would of believed that one day I'd be trapped in - no
I just want some peace of mind
Nigga's will risk havin cuffs on their wrists for this masterpiece on mine
Know that I'm a squeeze until the top of my piece recline
I can't see myself in back of a Caprice confined
But on a small island, too far for police to find
With girls who look 'Rican and Guyanese combined
I gotta make sure my niece is fine
She get every doll for Christmas, new Jordans at Easter-Time
Some be like "At least you signed"
But that just make is easy to get pointed out at precinct lines
All ya'll can see if every piece be dime
And I be gettin Nikes before they even get released sometime
Youngsters, don't let these videos geese your mind
It ain't cool to end up deceased for shine
And if you can't get the whole pot, just take a piece and grind
Hold your head, your stress will cease in time
[Chorus]
Sometimes I wish I could go way back when
I could walk through and ain't nobody know Jay Jackson
Everything was OK back then
Now everybody playin a cool role and I know they actin
I gotta go back through my ol' way packin
These wolves know my jewels is filled with O shade Jacksons
I don't care as long as my dough stay stackin
But these niggas with me be eager to show they Mack 10s
And I'm the one the PO's stay trackin
Plus I got all these ducks around the ol' way quackin
These hoes may crack grins
But I swear to God I won't never take O.J's actions
If I would've let this flow stay packed in
I'd probably be with Nick and 'Rome, spending my whole day shacked in
For now I just roll on those eight Jacksons till Clue and Duro brings those
Gray plaques in
Yeah
[Chorus]
One day it'll happen
That One day I'd be rappin
No
One day it could happen
One day I'd be trapped in
No
In Fabolous's song "One Day," he reflects on his past experiences and how far he has come since those days. The first verse talks about Fabolous's past as a drug dealer, waiting for fiends in bad weather conditions. He acknowledges that he was fortunate to not have been caught or harmed in any way. However, he feels judged by others who look down on him for not having any jewelry or expensive belongings. The chorus represents Fabolous's parents' words of wisdom and encouragement, telling him that one day he will make it and fulfill his dreams, which he eventually does. The second verse continues to depict Fabolous's struggles and fears of being targeted by the police or rivals in the rap game. He wishes to go back to simpler times when he wasn't always in the spotlight and everyone acted genuine.
Moreover, the song is a reflection of Fabulous's life before he made it, revealing the struggles and hardships he faced. It is an inspiration to many aspiring artists, as his story is relatable to those aspiring artists. One interesting fact about the song is that it is part of Fab's second album, aptly named "Street Dreams," which was released in 2003. The album, which features the hit single "Can't Let You Go," peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Another interesting fact is that the song features production by Just Blaze, who is known for his work with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Eminem, among others.
Furthermore, "One Day" samples Rotary Connection's "Memory Band," which was an inspiration for many rap classics, the most notable being Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M." Additionally, "One Day" was released as a single in 2004, and a remix was made with singers Juelz Santana and Mariah Carey. Moreover, on his third album, "From Nothin' To Somethin'," Fabolous recreated his old drug-dealing days by showing 'money, drugs, and guns' in the music video for the lead single, "Make Me Better." Further, Fabolous has been releasing music for over 20 years, since his first mixtape in 2001, titled "Ghetto Fabolous."
The chords for the song are difficult to determine, as the official sheet music for the song is not publicly available.
Line by Line Meaning
It's easy to look at my life and don't see no pain
People may perceive that my life has been free of struggles and hardships.
I remember takin 3, 4 trains to re cocaine
I recollect traveling long distances through various modes of transportation to obtain and distribute cocaine.
Standing in the lobby during sleet, snow, rain
I have encountered various obstacles while waiting in drug-laden lobbies during difficult weather conditions.
Waiting for fiends with a pint of beef lomain
I have sold drugs and waited for customers, all the while carrying Chinese takeaway.
Breaking day on the grind, I used to be so drained
During my time selling drugs, I would often be exhausted by the end of the day.
But ain't a Saturday I wasn't up to see Soul Train
I always made it a point to watch Soul Train every Saturday morning.
Sometimes I ain't see no gain
At times, I would not profit from my drug dealing endeavors.
'Cause I was runnin to Ralphies everytime my trees showed stains
I would frequently visit Ralphie's to purchase new clothing with the money I earned, rather than investing it in my drug business.
I was lucky I ain't seized or maim
Despite putting myself in volatile situations, I was fortunate to have never been arrested or injured.
Get shot or stuck up standin at them see-Lo games
I put myself at risk of being shot or mugged while playing street craps.
But now shit with these skios changed
I have transitioned from selling drugs to pursuing a career in music.
I ain't know why the fuck they used to look at me so strange
I did not understand why people would stare at me with suspicion when I was selling drugs.
Glanced at my neck and didn't see no chain
People would look at me and assume I was not wealthy or successful, due to the absence of any flashy jewelry.
Be saying "That's nasty", wouldn't give me no brain
Women would not want to engage in sexual activity with me because of their perceptions of me as a drug dealer.
Ya'll surprised F-A-be-O's sane
Despite my past associations with drugs and crime, people are surprised that I have managed to maintain my sanity and success.
In my rolla life, I done jumped in and out of 3, 4 lanes
During my time selling drugs, I traversed through various lifestyles and social classes, frequently changing my mindset and behavior.
My momma used to tell me
"Son, you're gonna make it one day, it'll happen"
Who knew I'd have what it takes,
To be famous and one day I'd be rappin - no
My papa used to ask me "Son, are you prepared?
'Cause one day it could happen"
I dreamed about this game,
But who would of believed that one day I'd be trapped in - no
Even though my parents encouraged and warned me about the future, I never imagined that I would one day become a famous rapper.
I just want some peace of mind
All I desire is to live a peaceful life, free of any danger or harm.
Nigga's will risk havin cuffs on their wrists for this masterpiece on mine
People are willing to commit illegal actions to obtain and listen to my music.
Know that I'm a squeeze until the top of my piece recline
I will continue to persevere and strive towards success.
I can't see myself in back of a Caprice confined
I cannot envision myself being arrested or confined to a prison cell.
But on a small island, too far for police to find
With girls who look 'Rican and Guyanese combined
I gotta make sure my niece is fine
She get every doll for Christmas, new Jordans at Easter-Time
I fantasize about escaping to a remote island with beautiful women, but still feel a sense of responsibility towards my family, particularly my niece.
Some be like "At least you signed"
But that just make is easy to get pointed out at precinct lines
Some may see my record deal as a sign of success, but it also puts me at risk of police attention.
All ya'll can see if every piece be dime
And I be gettin Nikes before they even get released sometime
People may perceive me as wealthy and successful, but I still face challenges and obstacles on my path to success.
Youngsters, don't let these videos geese your mind
It ain't cool to end up deceased for shine
I caution young people against being influenced by false images and perceptions they see in music videos, as it can lead to dangerous or fatal consequences.
And if you can't get the whole pot, just take a piece and grind
Hold your head, your stress will cease in time
If you are unable to achieve your goals all at once, it is important to make progress one step at a time in order to find eventual success and peace of mind.
Sometimes I wish I could go way back when
I could walk through and ain't nobody know Jay Jackson
Everything was OK back then
Now everybody playin a cool role and I know they actin
I sometimes miss the simplicity of my life before my fame, when I could walk around unnoticed. Nowadays, people often put on a facade and behave differently around me.
I gotta go back through my ol' way packin
These wolves know my jewels is filled with O shade Jacksons
I need to be cautious and retrace my steps from my days of selling drugs, since there are people who know I now have valuable possessions.
I don't care as long as my dough stay stackin
But these niggas with me be eager to show they Mack 10s
While I am only concerned with making money, some of the people around me are more reckless, and eager to show off their guns.
And I'm the one the PO's stay trackin
Plus I got all these ducks around the ol' way quackin
I am under constant police surveillance due to my past associations with drugs and crime, and there are people who talk too much and put me at risk.
These hoes may crack grins
But I swear to God I won't never take O.J's actions
Women may be interested in me due to my fame and wealth, but I will never commit a violent act like O.J. Simpson.
If I would've let this flow stay packed in
I'd probably be with Nick and 'Rome, spending my whole day shacked in
For now I just roll on those eight Jacksons till Clue and Duro brings those Gray plaques in
If I had given up my dream of being a rapper, I would have likely stayed in my old life, spending my days with old friends. But I am now focused on music, and continue to work hard until I achieve success.
One day it'll happen
That One day I'd be rappin
No
I never thought that I would one day become a successful rapper.
One day it could happen
One day I'd be trapped in
No
Although success is a possibility, I do not want to become trapped or compromised by my fame and wealth.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: S. BROWN, JOHN JACKSON, JOHN DAVID JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind