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."
This Is My Party
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro: Fabolous]
Hey-hey-hey yo [Repeat: x3]
F-A-be
Hey-hey-hey yo [Repeat: x2]
F-A-be
Hey-hey-hey yo [Repeat: x2]
[Fabolous]
Ain't no tellin' what this hip lowered do to me
I'm feelin' like I can do what I want now
Dip-low immunity
Shorty! just shake your hips slow and move wit me
Take a hit a this and sip slow and thoroughly
You're sneakin' out on your man, tip-toein' to the V
Cause I know you got him whipped though like wannabe
Let's put on a live strip show just you and me
But girl, I'm lookin' at them lips though like who is he?
They ain't never seen a whip, clothes or jewelry
So when I ask "you want to leave the zip-code?"
Say "sure" and be me
[Chorus 1: Fabolous]
But this is my party
Stroll by if you want to
Or y'all can stay home
But why would you want to?
[Fabolous]
We gon' party, till we laid in graves
Sweat out our doobie braids and waves
Then scream "hey-hey-hey yo"
That groupie made her wait
Cause when she seen the whips and chains
She started talking 'bout she ready to be made a slave, c'mon
[Chorus 2: x2]
This is my party
So get fly if you want to
Get high if you want to cause I know you want to
Put your hands up as high as you want to
And if it feels good scream "hey-hey-hey yo"
[Fabolous]
I don't know about y'all
But we doin' it over here
All the glasses got liquid that brewin' it over here
Cigars got somethin' sticky that's glueing it over here
Ladies movin' it over there, movin' it over here
I can fit a few in a Rover's rear
We havin' a good time, don't ruin it overs this
You see why we asks is to see ID
Cause girls will do anything for some VIP access
Me I relax this (easy)
Cause I'm used to ballin'
You could tell that these guys need practice
But if it was a problem then I would confront you
You saying "over" bet ya I say "you want to"
But a pitcher that probably slugs, pitches and talk a put
I ride wit the top down and switch to the top-up look
Would you believe most these bitches go bop up shook
Their asses pokin' out like them pictures in pop up books
[Chorus 2]
[Fabolous]
Oh yea! We's off the Richter Scale
Hate will get you, put in coffins quick as hell
If the ladies would show it off and thick as hell
For my hustlers knockin' off them bricks as well
And everybody, up north that's sick in jail
I probably feel y'all, send you all of the flicks in mail
The Street Family speed off six SL's
To all them chicks at Yale "hey-hey-hey-hey yo"
Shake your glasses back and forth to mix it well
Shake your ass back and forth as quick as hell
And just from lookin' at them thighs from the front view
Girl I know that these guys say they want you
If I wake up in the sand, clothes from yesterday
Same hoes from yesterday
Lightin' clips to the same dro' from yesterday
Her hang-overs yesterday
You ain't mistaken we in Benz's today
But we had them Range Rovers yesterday
[Chorus 2]
[Fabolous]
Hey-hey-hey yo
Hey-hey-hey yo
In Fabolous's song "This Is My Party," he celebrates his success and the freedom that comes with it. The lyrics speak to the lavish lifestyle that he leads, where he can do what he wants and live life without consequences. He starts off by saying that there is no telling what the "hip lowered" will do to him, but he's feeling untouchable and has "dip-low immunity." As the song goes on, he invites a woman to sneak out on her man and come party with him. He talks about the toys he has, the party scene he's in, and the fun he's having. The chorus of the song speaks to the idea that this is Fabolous's world, and he invites people to join him but doesn't care if they don't.
The song and its lyrics speak to the idea of money and materialism being everything in life. Fabolous celebrates these things throughout the song, bragging about his possessions and the power they provide him. Despite the materialistic nature of the song, it speaks to the idea that everyone deserves to live their life and enjoy their success without judgment. While some may view his actions as selfish or immoral, Fabolous is simply living in the moment and enjoying his life without restrictions.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no tellin' what this hip lowered do to me
I don't know how the alcohol and high music will affect me.
I'm feelin' like I can do what I want now
I am free to do what I want during this party.
Dip-low immunity
I am immune to the effects of alcohol since I am a rapper.
Shorty! just shake your hips slow and move wit me
Hey, dance with me and move your hips slowly, girl.
Take a hit a this and sip slow and thoroughly
Take a sip of this drink and enjoy it slowly.
You're sneakin' out on your man, tip-toein' to the V
You are secretly leaving your man and coming to party with me.
Cause I know you got him whipped though like wannabe
I know you have your man under your control and he will do anything you say.
Let's put on a live strip show just you and me
Let's have a private striptease performance with only you and me.
But girl, I'm lookin' at them lips though like who is he?
I am fascinated by the beauty of your lips and am wondering who created such perfection.
They ain't never seen a whip, clothes or jewelry
These people have never seen the kind of cars, clothing or jewelry that I own.
So when I ask 'you want to leave the zip-code?'
When I ask if you want to travel far away with me, will you agree?
Say 'sure' and be me
Just say 'yes' and be my partner for the journey.
We gon' party, till we laid in graves
We will party until we die, we won't stop.
Sweat out our doobie braids and waves
We will sweat and dance so much that our braids and hair waves will become undone.
Then scream 'hey-hey-hey yo'
We will shout 'hey-hey-hey yo' while dancing and having a good time.
Cause when she seen the whips and chains
When she saw my luxurious lifestyle and possessions, she became interested in slavery.
Get high if you want to cause I know you want to
You can consume drugs if you want to, I am aware that you crave it.
Put your hands up as high as you want to
Raise your hands as high as you want to show your enthusiasm.
And if it feels good scream 'hey-hey-hey yo'
Shout 'hey-hey-hey yo' if you feel good and enjoy the music.
All the glasses got liquid that brewin' it over here
All the drinks we have are brewed with high-quality ingredients.
Cigars got somethin' sticky that's glueing it over here
Our cigars have a sticky substance that keeps them from falling apart.
Ladies movin' it over there, movin' it over here
The ladies are dancing and moving their bodies everywhere.
You could tell that these guys need practice
It is obvious that my competitors need more practice to match my abilities.
But if it was a problem then I would confront you
If someone had a problem with me, I would speak to them in person.
Cause girls will do anything for some VIP access
Women are willing to do anything to get VIP treatment at a party.
Me I relax this (easy)
I am relaxed and take things easy.
Would you believe most these bitches go bop up shook
It is surprising how scared and shaken these women get.
If I wake up in the sand, clothes from yesterday
I could end up waking up on the beach, still wearing yesterday's clothes.
Same hoes from yesterday
I may also be with the same women from yesterday.
Lightin' clips to the same dro' from yesterday
We will likely smoke the same marijuana as we did yesterday.
Her hang-overs yesterday
These reoccurring events from yesterday may cause a hangover.
You ain't mistaken we in Benz's today
It's not a mistake, we are driving Mercedes-Benz cars today.
But we had them Range Rovers yesterday
However, yesterday we drove Range Rovers instead of Mercedes-Benz cars.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN R GLUCK, WALLY GOLD, S. GOTTLIEB, TAIWAN GREEN, JOHN JACKSON, JOHN DAVID JACKSON, HERB WIENER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind