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."
Wolves In Sheeps Clothing
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeh
Them n-ggas is talking baby
Don’t listen to that sh-t
Don’t mind them, they just talking baby
They know they can’t f-ck with me baby
(That mean they can’t f-ck with you)
You tell them like that bitch told Scarface
“I don’t fuck with the help”
[Verse - Fabolous]
They say they out for dead presidents, never respected
First of all, Ben Franklin was never elected
That means him and Big Bills have never connected
They just say it cause they think it sounds clever on records
Secondly, God’s first should never be second
And if you living wrong, money can never correct it
I’mma say it once, then it’s whoever direct it
You never get off on me, I’m never the exit
All black everything in my black V
It ain’t a game and if it was, it’d be a black Wii
I’m on my “A” game, never on that “B” shit
You on that B-shit, never gonna be shit
That’s how I “C” shit, cause I am “D” shit
True story, like that Hollywood “E” shit
I say “F” n-ggas cause I’m on some “G” shit
Yeah, that red-and-green stripe double G shit
That was for my homie, just know I’m thinking of you
I told him “stay on top so they can’t get above you”
He told me “I dig that like a f-ckin shovel”
Why it take a n-gga go to jail to say he love you?
We be killing them, boy we be killing them!
Damn, we used to dream to have a million
Now the family get money like Will and them
Accounts rise like we filling them with helium
My baby girl got ass, it’s no secret that it
Make you look away and still be peeking at it
She said they come with painted faces trying to clown on you
How they under you but try to talk down on you
You see, a rat is gonna be that and go for any cheddar
Tell my bitch that I’m no good, as if they any better!
But her loyalty keep her from them other boys
Let em holla, she just gonna exist above the noise
The song "Wolves in Sheep Clothing" by Fabolous featuring Paul Cain is a powerful commentary on hypocrisy and deceit in the music industry. The lyrics speak to the idea that many rappers claim to be something they're not, using clever wordplay and flashy imagery to convince listeners of their authenticity. Fabolous, however, sees through this façade and calls out these "wolves in sheep's clothing," exposing their lies and false claims. He sets himself apart from these rappers by emphasizing the importance of honesty, loyalty, and staying true to oneself.
The first verse of the song focuses on the misrepresentation of wealth and power in hip-hop. Fabolous points out that many rappers claim to be motivated solely by money ("dead presidents"), but in reality, they have no real connection to historical figures like Benjamin Franklin. Furthermore, he argues that true wealth and success come not from money but from living according to God's principles. He acknowledges that money can be a corrupting influence but makes it clear that he will never compromise his values for financial gain. The second verse delves into the personal relationships of the rapper, particularly referencing friends who have been incarcerated. He speaks to the power of loyalty and the importance of being supportive of those who have always had your back. In contrast, he shows disdain for those who try to take advantage of others, putting themselves above their peers instead of building each other up.
Overall, "Wolves in Sheep Clothing" is a song that calls out the hypocrisy, deceit, and false claims made by many rappers in the music industry. It encourages listeners to stay true to themselves, focus on what's really important in life, and form genuine connections with others based on loyalty, honesty, and mutual respect.
Line by Line Meaning
They say they out for dead presidents, never respected
They claim to only be after money, but they don't have respect for anything else.
First of all, Ben Franklin was never elected
The people they reference on their tracks aren't even historically accurate.
That means him and Big Bills have never connected
They are just saying these things to sound cool.
They just say it cause they think it sounds clever on records
Their lyrics are just meant to impress people and not have a deeper meaning.
Secondly, God’s first should never be second
Your focus should be on religion and doing good, not solely on making money.
And if you living wrong, money can never correct it
Money can't solve all problems and won't necessarily make you a better person.
I’mma say it once, then it’s whoever direct it
I'll say what I want and whoever is offended can deal with it.
You never get off on me, I’m never the exit
You won't bring me down, I'll always be on top.
All black everything in my black V
I have an all black car and everything.
It ain’t a game and if it was, it’d be a black Wii
I take this seriously and I'm not playing around.
I’m on my “A” game, never on that “B” shit
I'm always giving my best and never slacking.
You on that B-shit, never gonna be shit
If you're not putting in the effort, you won't achieve anything.
That’s how I “C” shit, cause I am “D” shit
I see things clearly because I am the best.
True story, like that Hollywood “E” shit
This is a true story, like the exaggerated stories you see in Hollywood movies.
I say “F” n-ggas cause I’m on some “G” shit
I'm not afraid to say what I want or offend people.
Yeah, that red-and-green stripe double G shit
Referring to Gucci clothing and accessories.
That was for my homie, just know I’m thinking of you
This is a tribute to a friend who has passed away.
I told him “stay on top so they can’t get above you”
I encouraged him to be successful so no one can bring him down.
He told me “I dig that like a f-ckin shovel”
He liked what I said a lot.
Why it take a n-gga go to jail to say he love you?
Why does it take someone getting into trouble to express their affection for others?
We be killing them, boy we be killing them!
We are doing extremely well and succeeding.
Damn, we used to dream to have a million
We used to have more simple goals, but now we're reaching for higher aspirations.
Now the family get money like Will and them
Our family is now wealthy like Will Smith and his family.
Accounts rise like we filling them with helium
Our bank account balances are rising quickly.
My baby girl got ass, it’s no secret that it
My daughter has a curvy figure and it's obvious.
Make you look away and still be peeking at it
Even when you try not to look, you can't help but look at her.
She said they come with painted faces trying to clown on you
People are trying to make fun of you with fake personas.
How they under you but try to talk down on you
They are below you, but still try to bring you down.
You see, a rat is gonna be that and go for any cheddar
Some people are always going to be fake and pursue money at any cost.
Tell my bitch that I’m no good, as if they any better!
People try to say negative things about me, as if they are any better themselves!
But her loyalty keep her from them other boys
My girl is loyal and won't listen to other guys' negative comments.
Let em holla, she just gonna exist above the noise
She will ignore the negativity and just rise above it all.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MCLEOD, Odell Mcleod
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Campoy
This brings me back to the days where I downloaded this mixtape on datpiff
Jafet Rodriguez
Yezzir, I’ used to listen to fabolous for hours
Nu Mny
For real. I still have Datpiff
Stuart Kelly
The good old days 🙏
NobodyListens2CJD
@markcampoy stop 😢😢😢😢 #thegoodoldays 💯
Bradley McAleer
Lol word. Ahhhh 2010 man simpler times man simpler times
Godsgift95
This shit dropped when I was 14 and was like Bible verses to me, soul tapes forever classics
Pandari
Facts my guy! spoke for a hundred years on this on this
Cleaner Details LLC
haha i was 19 Youngster. You got good taste.
Joseph
Whoever produced this beat should deserve a Grammy or something