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."
Trade It All Part 2
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Than everything, I'd give it all, just for you, yeah
You're the one baby girl, I've never been so sure
Your skin's so pure, the type men go for
The type I drive the Benz slow for
The type I be beepin the horn, rollin down the windows for
Never been no whore
This, that, and those yours
As long as Fabolous the only one you let that grin show for
You ain't gotta spend no more, I'm a put a rock on your hand
You ain't gotta say "we just friends" no more
I shine, you shine, it never been no flaws
I ain't like most who just wanna get in those drawers
'Cause every king need a queen
And with me and you girl I ain't tryna let a thing in between
It ain't a thing, nahmean, chicks hate, show 'em the ring and the green
And let your middle finger be seen, it's on
Girl I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
All, even give up my street dream (my dream)
All, anything to have you on my team (I don't care baby)
All, baby girl I'd trade it all (I'd trade it, yeah)
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (oh yeah)
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl I'd trade it all
Uh, don't front ma', you know the way I ball's to pick and roll
Like Stockton and Malone when we play the mall
I be goin out my way to call
'Cause I love the way your hips make your jeans seem like they too small
Them see-through tops with your titties exposed
When you kick off them shoes there ain't bitty whose toes as pretty as those
That blonde hair look good, straight down, bun or the braids
And I ain't gon' talk about them light-browns under your shades
Bust right, thus tight
Got a thick set of thighs and struts like......uh
Yo' the game taught this brother to mack
But I think I slipped when I saw them full lips covered with Mac
You got everything that others would lack
Along with the F-A, B-O, L-O, U-S
Your patience I personally admire
'Cause I started out a player now I'm 'bout to have my jersey retired, for real
Girl I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
All, even give up my street dream (my dream)
All, anything to have you on my team (I don't care baby)
All, baby girl I'd trade it all (I'd trade it, yeah)
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (oh yeah)
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl I'd trade it all
There ain't no "mights" or "maybe"
I done did wrong, so I'm a make sure it's right for my baby
You know how tight that my day be
And how long and stressin them flights to L.A. be
Ain't no rumor gon' get back to your friends
Before I let a nigga disrespect you I be back in the pen
Front to back you a ten
You got me thinkin 'bout puttin a car seat in back of the Benz, uh
Girl I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
All, even give up my street dream (my dream)
All, anything to have you on my team (I don't care baby)
All, baby girl I'd trade it all (I'd trade it, yeah)
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (oh yeah)
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl I'd trade it all
Girl I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
All, even give up my street dream (my dream)
All, anything to have you on my team (I don't care baby)
All, baby girl I'd trade it all (I'd trade it, yeah)
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (oh yeah)
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl I'd trade it all
Girl I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
All, even give up my street dream (my dream)
All, anything to have you on my team (I don't care baby)
All, baby girl I'd trade it all (I'd trade it, yeah)
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (oh yeah)
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl I'd trade it all
The song "Trade It All Pt. II" is a love song where Fabolous expresses his love and affection for a girl that he has fallen in love with. He emphasizes that he would rather have this girl than everything he owns or any other girl in the world. The girl in question is pure, and Fabolous admires her beauty and elegance. He promises to buy her everything she likes and ensure that she is always happy.
Fabolous also emphasizes the importance of a deep connection with a partner, rather than just a physical attraction. He wants this girl to be his queen and promises to treat her as such. He is willing to give up his street dreams and other material possessions if it means being with her. Towards the end of the song, Fabolous mentions that he is willing to go to any length to protect her and make sure no one disrespects her.
The lyrics of the song showcase Fabolous' appreciation for a genuine connection with a partner and the lengths he is willing to go to ensure his love's happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Fabolous, Jagged Edge, don't be fool, I'd rather have you ma'
I want you more than anything, don't be fooled by anyone else.
Than everything, I'd give it all, just for you, yeah
I would give up everything I have for you, no questions asked.
You're the one baby girl, I've never been so sure
I know for sure that you're the one for me, baby girl.
Your skin's so pure, the type men go for
You have beautiful, pure skin that men desire.
The type I drive the Benz slow for
You are the kind of woman that makes me slow down and appreciate the moment.
The type I be beepin the horn, rollin down the windows for
You make me so happy that I want to beep my horn and roll down the windows for everyone to see.
Never been no whore
I have always had respect for women and have never been promiscuous.
So to get you in closed doors, I buy you everything in those stores
To make you mine, I will buy you anything you want from any store.
This, that, and those yours
Anything you want from this store, that store or those stores is yours.
As long as Fabolous the only one you let that grin show for
As long as I am the only one that can make you smile like that, I will give you anything you want.
You ain't gotta spend no more, I'm a put a rock on your hand
You don't have to spend your money anymore because I will buy you a diamond ring.
You ain't gotta say "we just friends" no more
We don't have to pretend like we're just friends anymore, we can be together for real.
I shine, you shine, it never been no flaws
We both shine and there's never been any issues or problems between us.
I ain't like most who just wanna get in those drawers
I'm not like other guys who just want to have sex with you.
'Cause every king need a queen
Every man needs a woman by his side.
And with me and you girl I ain't tryna let a thing in between
I don't want anything to come between us, baby girl.
It ain't a thing, nahmean, chicks hate, show 'em the ring and the green
There's nothing to worry about, baby girl. Show off your diamond ring and the money I give you to anyone who hates on our relationship.
And let your middle finger be seen, it's on
Don't let anyone disrespect you, baby girl. Show them your middle finger if they do.
Girl I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
I would give up all my money and material possessions just to be with you.
All, even give up my street dream (my dream)
I would even give up my dream of becoming a successful rapper to be with you.
All, anything to have you on my team (I don't care baby)
I would do anything to be with you, even if it means giving up everything I have.
All, baby girl I'd trade it all (I'd trade it, yeah)
All I want is to be with you, and I'm willing to give up everything to make that happen
Even give up my good green
I would even give up my marijuana if it meant being with you.
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (oh yeah)
I would even give up my watch and pinky ring for you.
Uh, don't front ma', you know the way I ball's to pick and roll
Don't play games, baby girl, you know I'm great at basketball.
Like Stockton and Malone when we play the mall
We make a great team like John Stockton and Karl Malone when we play basketball at the mall.
I be goin out my way to call
I always make an effort to call you, even if I'm busy.
'Cause I love the way your hips make your jeans seem like they too small
I love the way your hips look in your jeans, they seem almost too small for you.
Them see-through tops with your titties exposed
I love it when you wear see-through tops that expose your breasts.
When you kick off them shoes there ain't bitty whose toes as pretty as those
When you take off your shoes, your toes are the prettiest I've ever seen.
That blonde hair look good, straight down, bun or the braids
Your blonde hair looks good no matter what style it's in, straight, in a bun or in braids.
And I ain't gon' talk about them light-browns under your shades
I'm not going to talk about your light-brown eyes that are visible under your sunglasses.
Bust right, thus tight
You have a tight, attractive body.
Got a thick set of thighs and struts like......uh
You have thick, sexy thighs and a confident walk.
Yo' the game taught this brother to mack
The rap game taught me how to be a ladies' man.
But I think I slipped when I saw them full lips covered with Mac
But I think you caught me off guard with your full lips covered in lipstick.
You got everything that others would lack
You have traits and qualities that other women lack.
Along with the F-A, B-O, L-O, U-S
You have me, Fabolous, in your life.
Your patience I personally admire
I personally admire your patience.
'Cause I started out a player now I'm 'bout to have my jersey retired, for real
I used to be a player, but now I'm serious about our relationship.
There ain't no "mights" or "maybe"
There's no uncertainty or doubt in my feelings for you.
I done did wrong, so I'm a make sure it's right for my baby
I may have made mistakes in the past, but I will do everything to make things right for you, my baby.
You know how tight that my day be
You know how busy and stressful my day can be.
And how long and stressin them flights to L.A. be
You know how long and stressful my flights to Los Angeles can be.
Ain't no rumor gon' get back to your friends
I will not let any rumors about our relationship get back to your friends.
Before I let a nigga disrespect you I be back in the pen
I would go back to jail before I let anyone disrespect you.
Front to back you a ten
You are a perfect ten from head to toe.
You got me thinkin 'bout puttin a car seat in back of the Benz, uh
I'm thinking about starting a family with you and putting a car seat in the back of my Benz.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRANDON CASEY, BRANDON D CASEY, BRIAN CASEY, BRIAN D CASEY, ERNESTO SHAW, JOHN JACKSON, JOHN DAVID JACKSON, KEN IFILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DrBeauHightower
You telling me fab didn't write all of puffys lyrics on this one?
@donnieloupo
Puff lol presence on the song in the video was bigger then anything lil nigga
@znhait
It could have been someone else, e.g., Loon.
@dameonjones3102
Nobody never said he didn’t goofy!Everybody know fab wrote that let alone u hear fab voice as diddy raps.
@WorldWarr80
Yea, Fab def wrote PD verses on this 1
@christianjames92
Writing credits have Loon writing Puff's verse.
@jamareer
The 90s & the early 2000s are hip hop’s GOLDEN YEARS 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@MB-gd6be
That's a Fact. Sprinkled in with some 80's flavor
@aqariusvalentine3545
30s here 😅
@magicvampirelver1321
Hell yeah I love it n miss it best times