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."
Paperman
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
they call me paperman paperman
in that brand new chevy suddan
my money stack up so tall like new york scryscrappers man
i keep me a fresh tapper man
rich yung are them basics man
greatest player at home like kobe in staples man
he be tryna lock her down she tryna escape the man
i pick that paper up in the mornin she is like my paper stand
they say money shapes a man
keep them squares out yo circle
and work ya money nigga just dont let ya money work you
they call me paperman
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
they call me paperman
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
i'm a man to blow 2 grand or so on sneakers made from animal
even if they dont understand the flow
bet them hoes understand the doe
every motherf**ker on this planet know
money keeps the world on spin
if i put the spur on in aint no doubt yo girl gone grin
they like my shine
they like my grind
i take yo girl i bring her back
aint it like she mine
ya hoes to blame
you know the game
its loso rich but if u wana know the name i say
they call me paperman
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
they call me paperman
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
now i dip through strips in a whip wit black 22's and chrome on the lip
dont slip dont trip cuz the tips are hollow in this chrome on my hip
i lean so mean so clean that there aint a stane on these clothes
hoes run throw some throw ones we makin it rain on these hoes
i ride through slow
just hide ya hoe
dont let yo hoe see loso
i think im this i think im that
man i dont think i know so
i let them know
we let them go
so please dont play wit them boys
she wana come just let her come over and play wit them boys
they call me paperman
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
they call me paperman
i get that paper man
yo shawty starin homie
don't make me take her man
but i'm just on the low
and you already know
ya bitch choosin pimpin
thats just the way it go
The lyrics to Fabolous's song "Paperman" are about his pursuit of money and the lifestyle that comes with it. Fabolous introduces himself as "paperman", someone who is always making money, and admits that women are drawn to him because of his wealth. He describes himself driving through the streets in a brand new Chevy and wearing the freshest clothes and sneakers, all bought with his money. He warns others not to get in his way because he will not hesitate to take what is his.
Fabolous then talks about the importance of money in the world, saying that everyone knows it makes the world go round. He boasts about how much money he has, saying that even if people don't understand his flow, they understand the money he's making. To him, money is a tool to acquire the things he wants in life, even if that means buying expensive sneakers made from animal materials. To him, money is a way to impress others and enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
Overall, "Paperman" is a song about Fabolous's pursuit of wealth and the way money shapes his life. It's a celebration of financial success and what it can buy.
Line by Line Meaning
they call me paperman
I have earned the nickname 'paperman' due to my ability to accumulate large sums of money.
i get that paper man
I make a lot of money and am successful in growing my wealth.
yo shawty starin homie
A woman is looking at me and my success, perhaps with interest.
don't make me take her man
I am warning another man not to compete with me for the attention of the woman who is interested in me.
but i'm just on the low
Despite my success, I am not overly flashy or public about my wealth.
and you already know
People are aware of my success and wealth; it is not a secret.
ya bitch choosin pimpin
Women are attracted to me and my money, and may be willing to engage in a transactional relationship.
thats just the way it go
This is the reality of my situation and the culture I exist within.
in that brand new chevy suddan
I am driving a new, expensive car.
my money stack up so tall like new york scryscrappers man
My earnings are significant and impressive, akin to the height of skyscrapers in large cities.
i keep me a fresh tapper man
I have a personal stylist who keeps my attire up-to-date and fashionable.
rich yung are them basics man
Being wealthy and successful is a basic, expected aspect of my persona and lifestyle.
greatest player at home like kobe in staples man
I am highly successful in my personal life, like Kobe Bryant was on the court in the Staples Center.
he be tryna lock her down she tryna escape the man
Another man is trying to secure a relationship with a woman I am interested in and pursuing.
i pick that paper up in the mornin she is like my paper stand
I easily and consistently make money through various means, with the woman serving as a metaphorical supporter and beneficiary of my success.
they say money shapes a man
Wealth and success can significantly impact one's identity and persona.
keep them squares out yo circle
Do not associate with individuals who are not trustworthy or valuable to your personal or professional network.
and work ya money nigga just dont let ya money work you
It is important to be strategic and purposeful in managing your money, rather than being controlled by your wealth.
i'm a man to blow 2 grand or so on sneakers made from animal
I have an extravagant, luxurious lifestyle and am willing to spend significant sums on expensive, unnecessary items like animal-skin sneakers.
even if they dont understand the flow
Others may not understand or appreciate my fashion choices and spending habits.
bet them hoes understand the doe
Despite possible criticism, women are still attracted to my wealth and will ignore other perceived flaws.
every motherf**ker on this planet know
My success and wealth are known and recognized universally.
money keeps the world on spin
Economic wealth and success are critical for maintaining the current societal structures and power dynamics.
if i put the spur on in aint no doubt yo girl gone grin
If I flirt with or express interest in a woman, she will likely respond positively or excitedly.
they like my shine
Others are attracted to my success, wealth, and charisma.
they like my grind
Others are impressed by my work ethic and perseverance in achieving success.
i take yo girl i bring her back aint it like she mine
I may pursue or engage with a woman who is currently in a relationship, temporarily possessing her attention and affection.
ya hoes to blame
In this culture, women are often held responsible or blamed for sexual dalliances and unfaithfulness.
now i dip through strips in a whip wit black 22's and chrome on the lip
I drive around through different neighborhoods in a car with distinct, flashy features.
dont slip dont trip cuz the tips are hollow in this chrome on my hip
I am armed with a gun or weapon, and must remain cautious and careful in order to not get caught or arrested.
i lean so mean so clean that there aint a stane on these clothes
My style and presentation are impeccably clean and impressive, without any visible imperfections.
hoes run throw some throw ones we makin it rain on these hoes
Women are attracted to our group and our wealth, and we are showering them with money and gifts.
just hide ya hoe
Other men should be wary and protective of their female companions or partners when in my presence.
dont let yo hoe see loso
Women may be especially attracted to me and my success and I should be avoided.
i think im this i think im that man i dont think i know so
There may be a disconnect between my perception of myself and my actual abilities or accomplishments.
i let them know we let them go
Others are aware of my success and accomplishments, but I ultimately do not let it get to my head or define my character.
so please dont play wit them boys
Other men should be wary and respectful of my power and success.
she wana come just let her come over and play wit them boys
Women are invited to engage with and explore our culture of luxury and success.
Contributed by Audrey O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
radaprince
his production levels are always on point nothing ever clashes, crisp
Joe Booker
This song goes so hard even in 2021 🔥
Adam Dukes
This whole album was 🔥🔥🔥
Even in 2022!
Kayla Vargas
Still fire in 2019 🔥🔥🔥
MakBuilt2Win
2022 get it right 😂
LOE Financial
Came back for this classic at the end of 2022. Happy New Year to all! Hope the new year brings opportunities and blessings!
Fab did his thing on this as always, niceeee
Reggie
This beat is crazy.
KingJ#22
that Kobe line always in my head, especially since it's his last season GOAT Song GOAT player
jj mak
And now he gone sad
MajesticMechedUpMitch
This is the theme everyday!