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."
Why Woudn't I
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yo Cain (what up nigga)
Why wouldn't these bitches love us nigga?
Why wouldn't these niggas hate us huh?
(Why wouldn't they Fab?)
Yeah, (Desert Storm), uh, yeah, uh
[Fabolous]
In a strawberry Range, pie crust piping on the cheesecake seats
I'm known for hittin' women's soft spots
With Princess cut Canaries the size of lemon cough drops
[Paul Cain]
I'm right behind 'em in the Porsche drop
Linen soft top, sick chain with 20 point rocks
Take your bitch, why wouldn't I?
The whip got chrome shoes, cream leather seats with old wooden sides
[Fabolous]
Uh, yeah, what's really poppin', usually boys know
This ghetto superstar with the Bruce Lee-roy glow
Niggas has to hate the outcome (yeah)
Plus I'm in a throwback from the same year they assassinated Malcolm
[Paul Cain]
Make so much ends, I got to find faster ways to count 'em (yeah)
A minute on the block, how fast I make a thousand? (Cain)
That nigga you love to hate, still hug blocks and bubble weight
Off the love I can't
[Fabolous]
Baby girl, why wouldn't fellas stop ya?
After we come through the hood in helicopters (yeah)
[Paul Cain]
The dro I got in this wood, is hela-proper
We do the damn thing, who could they tell us not ta
[Chorus - Fabolous (Paul Cain)]
Why wouldn't this joint make you want to dance?
Why wouldn't these jewels make you want to glance?
(Why wouldn't this whip make you want to ride?
And why wouldn't this thing be on my side?)
Why wouldn't this game have you on your knees?
Why wouldn't these 20's be on the V's?
(Why wouldn't this money make you want to hate?)
Why wouldn't I what?
[Paul Cain]
Why wouldn't I pull up to the spot, yellow is all (ok)
Dressed in yellow linen, covered in Canaries never a flaw (uh huh)
Why shouldn't I wear this much ice
The Princesses in my hair, are clear and cut, right?
Why wouldn't I talk this slick (why not?)
With a watch and bracelet this flooded, and a cross this sick?
So why wouldn't I get it homes (I mean)
To a nigga gettin' money like myself, a little brain that's minimal (yeah)
Might talk but I live it though, sick chain glitter roll
Never sleep and don't stop gettin' that
[Fabolous]
Uh, hold up Cain, uh, why wouldn't I have samples of raw (uh huh)
And academic sample the laws (uh huh)
Hypnotic samples the poor (woo)
The European sample is all (yeah)
Will on the right side do with the wings stamped on the door
It's the street family boss, I land by the shores
Get pampered by whores, eat scampy and claws
The kid's been trampeled before by a tramp with no flaws
That's up to they get cramps in they jaws
I keep kefs jammed in the four
Amp meter draw, end up in a wheelchair rammed by your dog
[Chorus: Fabolous (Paul Cain)]
Why wouldn't this joint make you want to dance?
Why wouldn't these jewels make you want to glance?
(Why wouldn't this whip make you want to ride?
And why wouldn't this thing be on my side?)
Why wouldn't this game have you on your knees?
Why wouldn't these 20's be on the V's?
(Why wouldn't this money make you want to hate?)
Why wouldn't I huh? Why wouldn't I what?
[Fabolous]
After a million scanned on it (yeah)
Why wouldn't the Range look like it got 20-inch ceiling fans on it (woo)
Only reason you in my face ma'am
Is cause I got the same mic/mike stat Jordan had on the "Space Jam"
[Paul Cain]
Why wouldn't I chase chips
Come through Aves, like "Pluto Nash" in Coupes that look like spaceships
Ridiculous bracelet and the outrageous
Watch with flawless rocks, invisible placement
[Fabolous]
Uh, I oughta feel like a boss (uh huh)
Why wouldn't I get a 100 an appearance, quarter mil a endorse
I oughta feel some remorse
Cause I'm killin' 'em out there, and a stick shift sport utility Porsche
[Paul Cain]
Yeah, I know when you see us, it be pissin' you off
Cause you would think we paid a fortune for the shit that we floss
Spend summers in my Sicily loft
Whole crib, interior decoration done by Christian Dior
(Baby girl), I got cops that's on the payroll
Jet skies, and speed boats docked up in Barbados
[Fabolous]
Green and cream Tims, brocolli and potatoes
Why wouldn't you see the Storm for the rocks and these tornadoes
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of the song “Why Wouldn’t I” by Fabolous and Paul Cain undoubtedly showcase their extravagant and lavish lifestyle, accomplishments in music, and obvious confidence in their swagger. The duo synergistically projects a braggadocious style of rap that signifies why they should be acknowledged for their accomplishments in the music industry. Faulous kicks off the lyrics by questioning why he wouldn't talk as greasy as cheese steak meat while driving around in his strawberry Range with cheesecake seats. He highlights his love for Princess cut Canaries and how they glitter in the midst of his earrings. Cain's verse portrays his love for yellow (yellow linen, canaries) and the fancy jewellery that he adorns himself with. The lyrics showcase their impressive achievement of success and provide enough reason to justify the manifestation of their dreams.
The chorus highlights the duo's lavish lifestyle and the material possessions they own that should make anyone want to dance, wear diamonds, buy a whip or roll with their squad. The verses entwine intense literary layers that exude their love for style, women, and the empire they created. Lyrics like “Why wouldn't I have samples of raw, and academic sample the laws?” suggest that Cain is conscious of the impact of his background on his music today. He speaks on how the law has affected his music, life, and career as a music artist. Overall, the lyrics to “Why Wouldn't I” demonstrate why Fabolous and Paul Cain feel they are exceptional, consistent, and deserving of their success.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yo Cain (what up nigga)
Fabolous greets Paul Cain and initiates the conversation
Why wouldn't these bitches love us nigga?
Fabolous wonders why women wouldn't love them
Why wouldn't these niggas hate us huh?
Fabolous wonders why men wouldn't hate them
(Why wouldn't they Fab?)
Paul Cain asks why Fabolous thinks that way
Why wouldn't I talk as greasy as cheese steak meat
Fabolous asks rhetorically why he wouldn't speak boldly like greasy cheese steak meat
In a strawberry Range, pie crust piping on the cheesecake seats
Fabolous describes his luxurious car with pastry-themed interior design
I'm known for hittin' women's soft spots
Fabolous boasts about his ability to charm women
With Princess cut Canaries the size of lemon cough drops
Fabolous further describes the jewelry he uses to attract women
I'm right behind 'em in the Porsche drop
Paul Cain describes being in a luxury sports car behind women that Fabolous is trying to impress
Linen soft top, sick chain with 20 point rocks
Paul Cain describes his own vehicle and jewelry
Take your bitch, why wouldn't I?
Paul Cain boasts about stealing another man's girlfriend
The whip got chrome shoes, cream leather seats with old wooden sides
Paul Cain describes the luxurious features of his car
Uh, yeah, what's really poppin', usually boys know
Paul Cain asks what's going on and suggests that other people are aware
This ghetto superstar with the Bruce Lee-roy glow
Paul Cain describes himself as a glowing superstar
Niggas has to hate the outcome (yeah)
Paul Cain acknowledges that people may be envious of his success
Plus I'm in a throwback from the same year they assassinated Malcolm
Paul Cain describes his vintage outfit and references Malcolm X's assassination in the same year
Make so much ends, I got to find faster ways to count 'em (yeah)
Paul Cain brags about making lots of money and needing efficient ways to count it
A minute on the block, how fast I make a thousand? (Cain)
Paul Cain boasts about how quickly he can make money
That nigga you love to hate, still hug blocks and bubble weight
Paul Cain acknowledges that people may have negative feelings toward him, but he continues to sell drugs
Off the love I can't
Paul Cain says he can't stop what he's doing because he loves it
Baby girl, why wouldn't fellas stop ya?
Fabolous asks why other men wouldn't try to stop a woman from leaving with him
After we come through the hood in helicopters (yeah)
Fabolous suggests that he and Paul Cain are so successful that they can afford to use helicopters to visit their old neighborhoods
The dro I got in this wood, is hela-proper
Fabolous boasts about the high-quality marijuana he is smoking
We do the damn thing, who could they tell us not ta
Fabolous suggests that they are successful and can't be told what to do
Why wouldn't this joint make you want to dance?
Fabolous wonders why someone wouldn't want to dance to the song
Why wouldn't these jewels make you want to glance?
Fabolous wonders why someone wouldn't look at their jewelry
(Why wouldn't this whip make you want to ride?
Fabolous wonders why someone wouldn't want to ride in their car
And why wouldn't this thing be on my side?)
Fabolous refers to a gun and suggests that he always has it with him
Why wouldn't this game have you on your knees?
Fabolous suggests that their lifestyle may be enviable
Why wouldn't these 20's be on the V's?
Fabolous wonders why someone wouldn't put expensive rims on their car
(Why wouldn't this money make you want to hate?)
Fabolous wonders why someone wouldn't be jealous of their wealth
Why wouldn't I pull up to the spot, yellow is all (ok)
Fabolous describes his yellow car and suggests that it is impressive
Dressed in yellow linen, covered in Canaries never a flaw (uh huh)
Fabolous describes his outfit and jewelry, suggesting that it is flawless
Why shouldn't I wear this much ice
Fabolous suggests that he should wear lots of jewelry
The Princesses in my hair, are clear and cut, right?
Fabolous describes the diamonds in his hair
Why wouldn't I talk this slick (why not?)
Fabolous wonders why he wouldn't speak confidently
With a watch and bracelet this flooded, and a cross this sick?
Fabolous describes his jewelry, suggesting that it is impressive
So why wouldn't I get it homes (I mean)
Fabolous wonders why he wouldn't pursue his desires
To a nigga gettin' money like myself, a little brain that's minimal (yeah)
Fabolous suggests that because he is wealthy, he can afford to be less intelligent
Might talk but I live it though, sick chain glitter roll
Fabolous acknowledges that he talks a lot, but insists that he lives up to his words
A minute on the block, how fast I make a thousand? (Cain)
Paul Cain boasts about his ability to make money quickly
That nigga you love to hate, still hug blocks and bubble weight
Paul Cain acknowledges that people may have negative feelings toward him, but he continues to sell drugs
Off the love I can't
Paul Cain says he can't stop what he's doing because he loves it
Baby girl, why wouldn't fellas stop ya?
Fabolous asks why other men wouldn't try to stop a woman from leaving with him
After we come through the hood in helicopters (yeah)
Fabolous suggests that he and Paul Cain are so successful that they can afford to use helicopters to visit their old neighborhoods
The dro I got in this wood, is hela-proper
Fabolous boasts about the high-quality marijuana he is smoking
We do the damn thing, who could they tell us not ta
Fabolous suggests that they are successful and can't be told what to do
Why wouldn't I huh? Why wouldn't I what?
Fabolous asks why he wouldn't pursue his desires
After a million scanned on it (yeah)
Fabolous boasts about making a lot of money
Why wouldn't the Range look like it got 20-inch ceiling fans on it (woo)
Fabolous describes his car with large rims
Only reason you in my face ma'am
Fabolous suggests that a woman is in his face because of his wealth
Is cause I got the same mic/mike stat Jordan had on the Space Jam
Fabolous references Michael Jordan's basketball shoes from the movie 'Space Jam' to describe his own expensive jewelry
Why wouldn't I chase chips
Fabolous wonders why he wouldn't pursue wealth
Come through Aves, like "Pluto Nash" in Coupes that look like spaceships
Fabolous references the movie 'Pluto Nash' and describes his car as looking like a spaceship
Ridiculous bracelet and the outrageous
Fabolous describes his jewelry
Watch with flawless rocks, invisible placement
Fabolous describes his watch with perfectly cut and placed diamonds
Uh, I oughta feel like a boss (uh huh)
Fabolous suggests that he should feel important
Why wouldn't I get a 100 an appearance, quarter mil a endorse
Fabolous wonders why he wouldn't make a lot of money from appearances and endorsements
I oughta feel some remorse
Fabolous suggests that he should feel guilty for his wealth and lifestyle
Cause I'm killin' 'em out there, and a stick shift sport utility Porsche
Fabolous describes his car and brags about his success
Yeah, I know when you see us, it be pissin' you off
Fabolous suggests that people may be jealous of his success
Cause you would think we paid a fortune for the shit that we floss
Fabolous describes their expensive clothing and jewelry
Spend summers in my Sicily loft
Fabolous suggests that he spends summers in a luxurious place
Whole crib, interior decoration done by Christian Dior
Fabolous describes his home being decorated by a high-end fashion brand
(Baby girl), I got cops that's on the payroll
Fabolous suggests that he pays police officers to protect him
Jet skies, and speed boats docked up in Barbados
Fabolous describes his luxury vehicles in a foreign country
Green and cream Tims, brocolli and potatoes
Paul Cain describes his outfit and food preferences
Why wouldn't you see the Storm for the rocks and these tornadoes
Paul Cain suggests that their group (Desert Storm) is impressive and should be recognized
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN JACKSON, JOHN DAVID JACKSON, PAUL CAIN, S. BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
C Smith
Birdman speakin facts tho! I ain’t steppin in another nigga business
Troy Will
What do you think Rappers Do sometimes?
flyazzplayboy
Depends on the type of relationship we have with people, Birdman have been involved in Wayne's personal and business relationships. Just saying.. He's not speaking facts concerning himself 🤣
Long Chouskii
Folks claiming Ross owe them money look like he took a page from birdman book (allegedly)
Keed Johnson
can't speak for nowhere else but in da NO we were raised to stay out of other people business, that shit could be deadly especially when it's bout money or family
Chris Hayden
Lol I still got mix cds when birdman was talking salty about Jay Z 🤷🏾♂️
Willie Mack
🤷🏿♂️
Jay Brad
I got a question Birdman … If you know how hard the music business is then why “violate” your “Son” ? Huh huh 🤔
Eskimo Zoe
Lol.. Birdman says he want to see niggas come up. He couldn't be speaking on money.. That he robbed from his artists
Quinsolae
I feel Rick Ross like how you going to put a hit out on Lil wayne just because of money. Ross knows what's up. They tried to assisted Wayne, his tour bus got shot up. He tried to do wayne like udid nip.