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."
Trapline Bling
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Late night when you need those drugs
Call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs
I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
'Cause I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
Ever since I left the city you
You got a new connect now
Say you got that work and you got pounds now
I see you charged up 'cause you the plug now
Ever since I left the city you
Started getting money, now you got hoes
Spending hella bands at the Louis store
Hanging with some lames I've never seen before
You used to call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs
Call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs
I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
'Cause I know when that trapline bling
(Trapline bling)
That can only mean one thing
(Mean one thing)
When the pay callin', that's bae callin'
I played the field now I'm play callin'
In the old days it was Jays callin'
Now it's Lenny sayin' Jay's callin'
And some old hoe just hit this number
Want the wood, tryna get this lumber
Got me sounding like X in Belly
"How the fuck did you get this number?!"
Know these girls love a street mogul
That catch plays and eat noble
With the Balmains, knees ripped open
And the burnout, that flip open
Trap King, need a trap Queen
We call that trap royalty
If we lick together we'll be rich forever
Call that trap loyalty
So stay down, I'ma hit you back
Got one, tryna get two back
Whip a Benz, tryna get two back
Let a real nigga sit you back
Fly you in then get flew back
Got your ex tryna get you back
Grab the mic, tell that bitch move back
I would like to make a shout out to
All my hustlers out here that just love to grind
You gon' have to call me back another time
Bitch I got El Chapo on the other line
So only call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs
(Call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs)
I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
'Cause I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
Can you tell me somethin'?
Why all on my line
Tellin' me that I'm a liar
Thinking I'm out with these hoes
When I'm really at the studio
I'm out here in these streets risking my freedom just to
Give you a better future
Shawty I'm out trappin'
Which means I'm taking risks and prospering
You used to call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs
Call me on my trap phone
Late night when you need those drugs
I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
'Cause I know when that trapline bling
That can only mean one thing
You used to call me on my trap phone
The lyrics of "Trapline Bling" by Fabolous ft. Josh K depict a tale of a man who used to be the go-to person for drugs but lost his standing due to his decision to leave the city. The song highlights the transition of power from the singer to someone else, as he realizes that his former customer now has a new source of drugs. The lyrics also showcase the singer's feeling of neglect towards his work and the struggles he has to go through to maintain his criminal lifestyle. The song strongly emphasizes the struggle of drug dealers and the risks they take to prosper in their business.
The song's hook, "You used to call me on my trap phone / Late night when you need those drugs / Call me on my trap phone / Late night when you need those drugs / I know when that trapline bling / That can only mean one thing / 'Cause I know when that trapline bling / That can only mean one thing," is an allusion to Drake's hit song "Hotline Bling." Fabolous's lyrics also address the negative consequences of trapping, such as new connections resulting in the loss of customers, fake friends, and disloyalty.
Line by Line Meaning
You used to call me on my trap phone
You used to contact me through my phone dedicated to my illegal drug business
Late night when you need those drugs
You would reach out to me during odd hours when you require illegal substances
Call me on my trap phone
Contact me through my dedicated phone for my drug business
I know when that trapline bling
I recognize the sound and vibration of my trap phone indicating a message is coming in
That can only mean one thing
It unequivocally implies that the person contacting me is interested in purchasing drugs from me
'Cause I know when that trapline bling
I am aware that the ringing of my trap phone is likely related to my drug trade
Ever since I left the city you
After I left town to attend to my drug business elsewhere
You got a new connect now
You have found a new source to buy drugs from
Say you got that work and you got pounds now
You claim to have a large quantity of drugs available for sale
I see you charged up 'cause you the plug now
I observe that you are enthusiastic and motivated because you have become a drug dealer yourself
Started getting money, now you got hoes
You have now started earning money and attracting the attention of women
Spending hella bands at the Louis store
You are spending a significant amount of money at Louis Vuitton store
Hanging with some lames I've never seen before
You are socializing with people I am unfamiliar with and perceive as uncool
When the pay callin', that's bae callin'
When financial opportunities arise, that is equivalent to a lover calling me
I played the field now I'm play callin'
I have diversified my drug operation and now make managerial decisions
In the old days it was Jays callin'
In the past, it was the individuals who wished to buy drugs from me would call me
Now it's Lenny sayin' Jay's callin'
Presently, it is that middlemen now call me on behalf of the drug buyers
And some old hoe just hit this number
An individual whom I do not recognize has recently contacted me through my trap phone
Want the wood, tryna get this lumber
She is interested in engaging in sexual activities with me
Got me sounding like X in Belly
I am speaking in a manner similar to the lead character in the movie Belly
"How the fuck did you get this number?!"
I am wondering how this unknown individual obtained my trap phone number
That catch plays and eat noble
I am a skilled drug dealer who makes profitable transactions and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle
With the Balmains, knees ripped open
I am the epitome of fashion, wearing high-end clothing such as Balmains with ripped knees
And the burnout, that flip open
My luxurious car has the feature of instantly flipping open its doors and windows
Trap King, need a trap Queen
As a successful drug dealer, I require a woman who understands and supports my illicit business
We call that trap royalty
We consider ourselves as sophisticated and highly esteemed individuals within the drug trade
If we lick together we'll be rich forever
If we collaborate and work together to sell drugs, we will achieve financial stability
Call that trap loyalty
We consider mutual support, trust, and dedication as essential values within the drug trade
So stay down, I'ma hit you back
Be patient, I will respond to your message/phone call as soon as possible
Got one, tryna get two back
I am currently in the process of selling/drug dealing with one customer, but I am motivated to acquire more clients
Whip a Benz, tryna get two back
I am driving a high-end luxury car and aspiring to generate more sales
Let a real nigga sit you back
Allow me, an authentic and successful drug dealer, to be of assistance to you
Fly you in then get flew back
I will arrange for you to travel, but you will also need to reciprocate the favor
Got your ex tryna get you back
Your former romantic partner is interested in reconciling with you
Grab the mic, tell that bitch move back
I am commanding an individual in the audience to move away from the microphone
I would like to make a shout out to
I want to acknowledge and recognize the effort and dedication of all the hustlers involved in the drug trade
All my hustlers out here that just love to grind
I am referring to individuals who are passionate and dedicated to achieving their goals in the drug trade
You gon' have to call me back another time
I am currently preoccupied and unable to entertain calls/messages through my trap phone
Bitch I got El Chapo on the other line
I am receiving another call and the caller is rumored to be El Chapo, a notorious drug lord
Can you tell me somethin'?
May I ask you a question?
Why all on my line
Why are you constantly contacting me?
Tellin' me that I'm a liar
Accusing me of being dishonest
Thinking I'm out with these hoes
Suspecting that I am spending time with women
When I'm really at the studio
I am actually focusing on my music career and working at the recording studio
I'm out here in these streets risking my freedom just to
I am actively engaging in illegal drug dealings while being under the constant threat of getting caught and imprisoned
Give you a better future
To make a substantial income to provide a financially stable life for the person I am in communication with
Shawty I'm out trappin'
I am actively involved in drug dealing
Which means I'm taking risks and prospering
By participating in drug dealing, I am undertaking major risks, but I am also making significant profits
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN DAVID JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Khalil Bayyan
THIS MAN IS SO UNDERRATED STRIGHT FIRE
Luke John
Too many people been sleeping on fab this remix is underrated Drake ain't got shit on fab 💯🔥
Larian McNeil
Ridiculous Fab still underrated
Matthew Di Meo
💯💯
ANTONIO martinez
Better than the original
Nick E.F.C Mort
Love this!.Better than Drake's!.. Still got everything or nearly everything from fab!...Bout 19 albums!..Sure there's some mix tapes I'm missing tho!.?!?......
VIBZ
still heat
chino o
straight flames
Tyrell Friend
I just made this shit up in my head only to come hear and see fab did it first 😒😒😒 I'm ok tho, he did it justice F.A.B.O.LO.U.S.
George Brown
I swear, I use to sing this hook before it was a song.