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 PT2
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be fooled
I'd rather have you ma'
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 be beepin' the horn, rollin' down the windows for
Never been no whore
So to get you in closed doors, I buy you everything in those stores
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, nah mean?
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 dreams (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 (you can have it all)
All, even give up my street dreams
All, anything to have you on my team (baby, know that I love you)
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
Even give up my good green (harmony)
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (is you by my side)
All, anything to have you on my team (baby, baby)
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all ('cause you can have 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 rumors 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 (I'd trade it all)
All, even give up my street dreams (trade it all)
All, anything to have you on my team (yeah)
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all (girl, I'd trade it)
Even give up my good green (all my cars, girl)
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring (all of my money)
All, anything to have you on my team (everything, girl)
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
Money, cars and everything (everything)
All, even give up my street dreams (everything, girl)
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all (trade it all)
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
Money, cars and everything
All, even give up my street dreams
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
Even give up my good green
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring
All, anything to have you on my team
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
"I am the DX21 crazo schizophrenic
And this is breaking news from the Back Staircase Broadcasting Network
Brooklyn born rapper Fabolous
Who's Debut Album 'Ghetto Fabolous' is being bumped at hooky parties
And street corners cyphers throughout the projects
As well as in gated suburban communities
Has been arrested and arraigned in connection
With an alleged hijacking
Of a truckload of ranch and cheddar cheese flavored sunflower seeds
And quarter water juices
In addition to these charges
Fabolous has been accused of stealing over $53
In cash and coins left as tips for bartenders at various New York nightclubs
Fabolous who has been seen staggering across dancefloors nationwide
Inebriated off of Crystal and second-hand hydro smoke
Also stands accused of selling defective slip mats to DJs
And counterfeit cardboard mats to Puerto Rican break dancers
Here's what one Brevard Projects resident had to say about Fabolous"
"Yeah, man, he be selling drugs to all the fiends
Trading them for my stereo systems and all that
You know what I'm saying?
Stealing rims and he coming through in all kinda whips
I mean crazy lightshows
I mean, it be, it be looking like, you know what I'm saying
Like spaceships is coming to the projects at nighttime
I can't even sleep sometimes, man
And I don't know what to do, man"
"Fabolous recently came under assault from the Parental Council Against Ebonics
For his seemingly illiterate spelling of what they have termed
A gangster wrapped contortion of the word fabulous
When asked for a comment Fabolous simply said
'It's the F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S' and declined further comment
I am the DX21 crazo schizophrenic
Reporting for the Back Staircase Broadcasting Network"
In his song "Trade It All Pt2," Fabolous expresses his deep love for his woman and declares that he is willing to give up everything, from his street dreams to his cars and even his money, just to have her on his team. He admires her pure skin and describes her as the type of woman men go for, the kind that makes him slow down in his Benz just to get a closer look. Unlike other men who are just after sex, Fabolous sees his woman as his queen and is determined not to let anyone or anything come between them. He willingly gives her all he can to make her happy, including expensive gifts from stores and showing her off with a ring and green. He promises never to disrespect her and will always put her first. Fabolous admits his wrongs and is determined to make things right for his baby. He is truly in love, and nothing compares to what he feels for her.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be fooled
Do not be deceived
I'd rather have you ma'
I would prefer to have you, my dear
Than everything
Than possessing all material things
I'd give it all, just for you, yeah
I would sacrifice everything solely for you
You're the one baby girl, I've never been so sure
You are the woman who I am certain about
Your skin's so pure, the type men go for
Your complexion is flawless, the kind that men desire
The type I drive the Benz slow for
The kind of woman I would drive my luxury car slowly for
The type I beep the horn, rollin' down the windows for
The type of woman I would honk my horn for, rolling down the windows
Never been no whore
I have never been promiscuous
So to get you in closed doors, I buy you everything in those stores
To have an intimate relationship with you, I would purchase everything from those stores
This, that, and those yours
All of these items are yours
As long as Fabolous the only one you let that grin show for
As long as I am the only one who can make you smile like that
You ain't gotta spend no more, I'm a put a rock on your hand
You don't have to spend money anymore, I will give you an engagement ring
You ain't gotta say 'we just friends' no more
You don't have to claim we are just friends anymore
I shine, you shine, it never been no flaws
I succeed, you succeed, there have never been any imperfections
I ain't like most who just wanna get in those drawers
I am not like most men who just want to have sexual relations
'Cause every king need a queen
Because every king requires a queen
And with me and you, girl, I ain't tryna let a thing in between
And with you and me, I don't want anything to come between us
It ain't a thing, nah mean?
It's not a problem, do you understand?
Chicks hate, show 'em the ring and the green
Other women envy us, show them the engagement ring and the wealth
And let your middle finger be seen, it's on
Raise your middle finger as a sign of defiance, we are ready
Girl, I'd trade it all, money, cars and everything
I would give up all my wealth, possessions, and everything else
All, even give up my street dreams
Even surrender my aspirations and desires for success in the streets
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you by my side, supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would sacrifice everything for you, my love
Even give up my good green
Even abandon my lucrative illegal activities
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring
I would give away my expensive watch and pinky ring
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would give up everything for you, my love
Uh, don't front ma'
Do not pretend, my dear
You know the way I ball's to pick and roll
You are aware of how I excel in basketball with my pick and roll technique
Like Stockton and Malone when we play the mall
Like the basketball duo of Stockton and Malone when we shop in the mall
I be goin out my way to call
I make an effort to call you
'Cause I love the way your hips make your jeans seem like they too small
Because I adore the way your hips make your jeans appear tight
Them see-through tops with your titties exposed
Those transparent tops that reveal your breasts
When you kick off them shoes there ain't bitty whose toes as pretty as those
When you take off your shoes, there is no other woman with such beautiful toes
That blonde hair look good, straight down, bun or the braids
Your blonde hair looks amazing, whether it's straight, in a bun, or in braids
And I ain't gon' talk about them light-browns under your shades
I won't mention the attractive light-brown eyes hidden behind your sunglasses
Bust right, thus tight
Your bust is perfectly proportioned, and your body is attractive
Got a thick set of thighs and struts like, uh
You have thick thighs and walk confidently
Yo, the game taught this brother to mack
The streets taught me how to charm women
But I think I slipped when I saw them full lips covered with Mac
But I was captivated when I saw your lips covered in lipstick
You got everything that others would lack
You possess qualities that others do not have
Along with the F-A, B-O, L-O, U-S
In addition to the letters that spell 'Fabolous'
Your patience I personally admire
I personally appreciate your patience
'Cause I started out a player now I'm 'bout to have my jersey retired, for real
Because I used to be a player, but now I am ready to settle down, seriously
There ain't no 'mights' or 'maybe'
There is no uncertainty
I done did wrong, so I'm a make sure it's right for my baby
I have made mistakes in the past, so I will ensure things are right for you, my love
You know how tight that my day be
You are aware of how busy and stressful my day is
And how long and stressin' them flights to L.A. be
And how long and tiring the flights to Los Angeles are
Ain't no rumors gon' get back to your friends
No rumors will reach your friends
Before I let a nigga disrespect you I be back in the pen
I would rather go back to prison than let anyone disrespect you
Front to back, you a ten
From every angle, you are perfect
You got me thinkin 'bout puttin' a car seat in back of the Benz, uh
You have me considering installing a car seat in the back of my luxury car
Money, cars and everything
Wealth, luxury vehicles, and all material possessions
All, even give up my street dreams
Even sacrifice my ambitions for success in the streets
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would exchange everything for you, my love
Even give up my good green
Even relinquish my profitable illegal activities
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring
I would give away my expensive watch and pinky ring
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you by my side, supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would trade everything for you, my love
Money, cars and everything
Wealth, luxury vehicles, and all material possessions
All, even give up my street dreams
Even sacrifice my ambitions for success in the streets
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would exchange everything for you, my love
Even give up my good green
Even relinquish my profitable illegal activities
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring
I would give away my expensive watch and pinky ring
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you by my side, supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would trade everything for you, my love
Money, cars and everything
Wealth, luxury vehicles, and all material possessions
All, even give up my street dreams
Even sacrifice my ambitions for success in the streets
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would exchange everything for you, my love
Even give up my good green
Even relinquish my profitable illegal activities
All, and I'd give the watch and pinky ring
I would give away my expensive watch and pinky ring
All, anything to have you on my team
Anything to have you by my side, supporting me
All, baby girl, I'd trade it all
I would trade everything for you, my love
"I am the DX21 crazo schizophrenic
This is the introduction of a radio broadcast by a person named DX21
And this is breaking news from the Back Staircase Broadcasting Network
This broadcast brings the latest news from the Back Staircase Broadcasting Network
Brooklyn born rapper Fabolous
Fabolous, a rapper from Brooklyn
Who's Debut Album 'Ghetto Fabolous' is being bumped at hooky parties
The first album of Fabolous, called 'Ghetto Fabolous', is favored at parties
And street corners cyphers throughout the projects
And rap battles on the streets in urban residential areas
As well as in gated suburban communities
As well as in exclusive neighborhoods
Has been arrested and arraigned in connection
Fabolous has been taken into custody and formally charged
With an alleged hijacking
For supposedly stealing
Of a truckload of ranch and cheddar cheese flavored sunflower seeds
A large shipment of sunflower seeds flavored with ranch and cheddar cheese
And quarter water juices
And small inexpensive fruit-flavored drinks
In addition to these charges
Furthermore, he is accused of
Fabolous has been accused of stealing over $53
Fabolous is alleged to have stolen more than $53
In cash and coins left as tips for bartenders at various New York nightclubs
In tips that were left as cash and coins for bartenders in multiple New York nightclubs
Fabolous who has been seen staggering across dancefloors nationwide
Fabolous, who has been observed stumbling on dance floors all across the country
Inebriated off of Crystal and second-hand hydro smoke
Intoxicated from consuming the drug Crystal and inhaling second-hand smoke from marijuana
Also stands accused of selling defective slip mats to DJs
Also faces charges of selling faulty slip mats to DJs
And counterfeit cardboard mats to Puerto Rican break dancers
As well as selling fake cardboard mats to Puerto Rican break dancers
Here's what one Brevard Projects resident had to say about Fabolous"
One resident from Brevard Projects shared their thoughts on Fabolous
"Yeah, man, he be selling drugs to all the fiends
"Yes, he sells drugs to all the addicts
Trading them for my stereo systems and all that
Exchanging the drugs for my audio equipment and other possessions
You know what I'm saying?
Do you understand what I mean?
Stealing rims and he coming through in all kinda whips
Stealing vehicle rims and driving various luxury cars
I mean crazy lightshows
I mean extravagant car lighting displays
I mean, it be, it be looking like, you know what I'm saying
It appears as if, you understand what I'm trying to say
Like spaceships is coming to the projects at nighttime
Like spaceships are arriving in the housing projects during the night
I can't even sleep sometimes, man
Sometimes I cannot sleep, my friend
And I don't know what to do, man"
And I don't know how to handle the situation, my friend
"Fabolous recently came under assault from the Parental Council Against Ebonics
"Fabolous recently faced criticism from the Parental Council Against Ebonics
For his seemingly illiterate spelling of what they have termed
For his apparent uneducated way of spelling the word that they refer to as
A gangster wrapped contortion of the word fabulous
An urban-influenced distortion of the word fabulous
When asked for a comment Fabolous simply said
When asked to comment, Fabolous replied
'It's the F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S' and declined further comment
"It's spelled F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S", and refused to provide more information
I am the DX21 crazo schizophrenic
The singer identifies themselves as the DX21 crazo schizophrenic
Reporting for the Back Staircase Broadcasting Network
Providing reports for the Back Staircase Broadcasting Network
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Ken Ifill, John Jackson, Ernesto Shaw
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