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 Wouldn'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]
In the song "Y" by Fabolous (featuring Paul Cain), the rappers question why anyone wouldn't love or hate them. They use material possessions as evidence of their success, such as a strawberry Range Rover with "pie crust piping on the cheesecake seats" and a chain with "20 point rocks," as well as their ability to make money quickly ("a minute on the block, how fast I make a thousand?") and their influence on women. They assert their dominance and boast about their lavish lifestyle, with lyrics discussing their yachts, helicopters, luxurious homes, and designer items, all while demanding to know why anyone would question their success.
Overall, the song seems to be about Fabolous and Paul Cain defending their extravagant lifestyles and asserting their dominance over others. The repetition of the question "Why wouldn't I...?" speaks to their confidence in their wealth and status.
Line by Line Meaning
Why wouldn't I talk as greasy as cheese steak meat
Why wouldn't I speak boldly and confidently like the juicy, flavorful meat on a cheesesteak?
In a strawberry Range, pie crust piping on the cheesecake seats
In a luxurious red Range Rover with red upholstery resembling a strawberry, and diamond-studded accents on the seats like the crust of a delicious cheesecake.
I'm known for hittin' women's soft spots
I have a reputation for seducing women and finding their vulnerable and sensitive areas.
With Princess cut Canaries the size of lemon cough drops
I adorn women with diamond jewelry, specifically Princess-cut diamonds that are as dazzling as lemon cough drops.
I'm right behind 'em in the Porsche drop
I follow them closely in a convertible Porsche, showing off my wealth and style.
Linen soft top, sick chain with 20 point rocks
The convertible roof is made of soft linen material, and I wear a stunning chain with diamonds that are 20 points in size.
Take your bitch, why wouldn't I?
Of course, I would take your girlfriend, why wouldn't I? I exude charm and have alluring qualities.
The whip got chrome shoes, cream leather seats with old wooden sides
The car I drive has shiny chrome rims, cream leather seats, and classic wooden panels on the sides, showcasing its elegance and vintage style.
Uh, yeah, what's really poppin', usually boys know
Hey, you know what's truly popular and happening in the streets, boys are usually aware of it.
This ghetto superstar with the Bruce Lee-roy glow
I am a renowned figure in the ghetto, shining brightly like Bruce Lee-Roy, a character from the movie 'The Last Dragon'.
Niggas has to hate the outcome
People are bound to feel envious and resentful of my success and achievements.
Plus I'm in a throwback from the same year they assassinated Malcolm
Additionally, I am wearing a vintage outfit from the exact year when Malcolm X was assassinated, demonstrating my stylish and historical significance.
Make so much ends, I got to find faster ways to count 'em
I earn so much money that I need to find quicker methods to calculate and manage my wealth.
A minute on the block, how fast I make a thousand?
I can generate a thousand dollars within a minute of conducting business on the street.
That nigga you love to hate, still hug blocks and bubble weight
I am the person you love to envy and despise, yet I still control and dominate the drug trade.
Off the love I can't
I thrive and succeed due to the admiration and support I receive from my loyal followers.
Baby girl, why wouldn't fellas stop ya?
Hey, sweetheart, why wouldn't guys be captivated and drawn to you?
After we come through the hood in helicopters
Once we make a grand entrance in helicopters, flying over the neighborhood, everyone will pay attention and be impressed.
The dro I got in this wood is hela-proper
The marijuana I possess in this cigar is of exceptional quality and potency.
We do the damn thing, who could they tell us not ta
We are incredibly successful in our endeavors, and no one has the authority or credibility to suggest otherwise.
Why wouldn't this joint make you want to dance?
Why wouldn't this song make you feel inclined and excited to dance?
Why wouldn't these jewels make you want to glance?
Why wouldn't these exquisite jewelry pieces grab your attention and make you want to take a closer look?
Why wouldn't this whip make you want to ride?
Why wouldn't this luxury car make you eager to take a ride in it?
And why wouldn't this thing be on my side?
And why wouldn't this firearm be with me to ensure my safety and protection?
Why wouldn't this game have you on your knees?
Why wouldn't this lifestyle and success make you feel submissive and enamored?
Why wouldn't these 20's be on the V's?
Why wouldn't these 20-inch rims be showcased on the V-shaped luxury cars?
Why wouldn't this money make you want to hate?
Why wouldn't this abundance of wealth and riches make others feel envious and resentful?
Why wouldn't I huh? Why wouldn't I what?
Why wouldn't I possess all these lavish and glamorous attributes? Why wouldn't I indeed?
Why wouldn't I pull up to the spot, yellow is all (ok)
Why wouldn't I arrive at the location with all yellow everything, showcasing opulence?
Dressed in yellow linen, covered in Canaries never a flaw
I am dressed in fine yellow linen fabric, adorned with flawless canary diamonds, exhibiting impeccable style.
Why shouldn't I wear this much ice
Why would it be wrong for me to wear an extensive amount of diamond jewelry (also referred to as 'ice')?
The Princesses in my hair, are clear and cut, right?
The diamonds in my hair (referring to hair accessories) are clear and expertly cut, aren't they?
Why wouldn't I talk this slick
Why wouldn't I speak in a smooth and sophisticated manner?
With a watch and bracelet this flooded, and a cross this sick?
Wearing a watch and bracelet adorned with excessive diamonds, along with a remarkable and impressive cross pendant.
So why wouldn't I get it homes
So why wouldn't I acquire wealth and success, my friend?
To a nigga gettin' money like myself, a little brain that's minimal
For someone like me, who is financially prosperous, the intelligence of a woman is of minimal importance.
Might talk but I live it though, sick chain glitter roll
I might talk about my lavish lifestyle, but I actually live it, as seen by my stunning and sparkling gold chain.
Never sleep and don't stop gettin' that
I am always active and relentless in my pursuit of acquiring wealth.
Uh, hold up Cain, uh, why wouldn't I have samples of raw
Wait a minute, Cain, why wouldn't I possess samples of uncut drugs for distribution?
And academic sample the laws
And even academics and scholars are influenced by and study the dynamics of street laws and illegal activities.
Hypnotic samples the poor
The popular alcoholic beverage brand Hypnotic targets and appeals to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The European sample is all
The European fashion and culture influence and inspire various aspects of urban lifestyle and aesthetics.
Will on the right side do with the wings stamped on the door
A luxury car brand named Will has its emblem, resembling wings, prominently displayed on the right side of the doors.
It's the street family boss, I land by the shores
As the leader of the street family, I make a grand entrance and arrive at destinations with utmost confidence and authority.
Get pampered by whores, eat scampy and claws
I indulge in the company of prostitutes who cater to my every desire, and I enjoy feasting on gourmet seafood dishes.
The kid's been trampeled before by a tramp with no flaws
I have experienced setbacks and challenges in relationships due to being involved with a promiscuous woman who lacks any obvious flaws.
That's up to they get cramps in they jaws
To the point that they become speechless and envious beyond measure.
I keep kefs jammed in the four
I always have firearms (specifically referring to a .44 caliber gun) loaded and ready for use.
Amp meter draw, end up in a wheelchair rammed by your dog
My presence and actions generate so much attention and animosity that someone may resort to attacking me, eventually leading to me being seriously injured by someone's pet dog while using a wheelchair.
After a million scanned on it
After a million dollars have been counted and verified as authentic.
Why wouldn't the Range look like it got 20-inch ceiling fans on it
Why wouldn't the Range Rover car appear as if it has massive 20-inch fans attached to its ceiling?
Only reason you in my face ma'am
The only reason why you are approaching and interacting with me, ma'am,
Is cause I got the same mic/mike stat Jordan had on the 'Space Jam'
Is because I am wearing a similarly prestigious microphone that Michael Jordan used in the movie 'Space Jam'.
Why wouldn't I chase chips
Why wouldn't I constantly pursue wealth and financial gains?
Come through Aves, like 'Pluto Nash' in Coupes that look like spaceships
I drive through the avenues in cars that resemble spaceships, just like the character Pluto Nash from the movie, showcasing my impressive and futuristic style.
Ridiculous bracelet and the outrageous
Wearing an extravagant and extravagant bracelet, along with an outrageous and eye-catching appearance.
Watch with flawless rocks, invisible placement
Wearing a watch adorned with perfect diamonds, carefully positioned in a manner that seems almost invisible.
Uh, I oughta feel like a boss
Uh, I should feel like a top-tier leader and authority figure.
Why wouldn't I get a 100 an appearance, quarter mil a endorse
Why wouldn't I demand and receive $100,000 for each appearance or make $250,000 from endorsements?
I oughta feel some remorse
It would be reasonable for me to experience a sense of guilt or regret.
Cause I'm killin' 'em out there, and a stick shift sport utility Porsche
Because I am dominating and impressing everyone, while driving a sporty Porsche with manual transmission.
Yeah, I know when you see us, it be pissin' you off
Yes, I am aware that our presence and success angers and frustrates you.
Cause you would think we paid a fortune for the shit that we floss
Because you assume that we spent a tremendous amount of money on the extravagant and ostentatious items we showcase.
Spend summers in my Sicily loft
I enjoy my summers residing in a luxurious loft situated in Sicily, Italy.
Whole crib, interior decoration done by Christian Dior
The entire house's interior design and decor are handled by the prestigious fashion brand Christian Dior.
Baby girl, I got cops that's on the payroll
Darling, I have police officers who work for me and receive payment from me.
Jet skies, and speed boats docked up in Barbados
I have personal watercrafts such as Jet Skis and speed boats that are anchored and available for use in Barbados.
Green and cream Tims, brocolli and potatoes
Wearing Timberland boots in green and cream colors, symbolizing gardens and healthy food.
Why wouldn't you see the Storm for the rocks and these tornadoes
Why wouldn't you recognize and appreciate the talent and success of my crew (Desert Storm) amidst the chaos we bring?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN JACKSON, JOHN DAVID JACKSON, PAUL CAIN, S. BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind