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."
You Know
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And why the fuck he ain't in the feds already? (Hah)
And why that motherfucker ain't dead already? (Hah)
And why you ain't ran through his fuckin bread already? (Let's go!)
(I'm the motherfucking, man, nigga, all these hoes know it) Know it
I ain't with the game, nigga, all my folks know it ha ha!
(Anything for my gang, nigga, all my bros know it) Yeah
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know, time to talk that shit
They don't wanna see Snow, you know (yeah)
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know yeah
These other niggas cool, but they ain't low so
You know
You know you doing something right when they gossiping every night (night)
Back and forth shit niggas caught up in all the hype
Niggas don't know shit about shit
Let these motherfuckers know every chance I get
Bitch, I'm self made (that's right)
See, I pried myself then I got paid (paid)
Then I copped me a Lex, then I got laid (woo)
Mars tried to catch me slipping, I almost got sprayed (sprayed)
They ain't playing around here, this ain't the arcade
See, half of these niggas really bitch made (bitch made)
Talking like they open keys with a switchblade (damn!)
Put 'em on Netfix where them movies are (yeah)
Fuck you know about bricks? You a movie star (oh!)
(I'm the motherfucking, man, nigga, all these hoes know it) know it
I ain't with the game, nigga, all my folks know it ha ha!
(Ain't a thing for my gang, nigga, all my bros know it) Yeah
Never fronted me a thing, nigga, I'mma pay for it, hah ay!
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know, time to talk that shit
They don't wanna see Snow, you know (yeah)
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know yeah
These other niggas cool, but they ain't low so
You know
You niggas trying to get noticed (hah)
I'm here to be remembered (remember)
Came through in June, they still talking in December (remember)
Ain't no weak links over here
We all solid, nigga, we the Cuban links over here
We don't blink over here
We've seen it all
And ya ain't seen shit yet (ya ain't seen shit)
Little niggas trying on my shoes, they don't fit yet (they don't fit)
When you get shit, guess that's how shit get (oh word)
Trigger finger to your pussies, get your shit wet
Straight up, I ain't never been a slouch nigga
And your wifey just hit me, ouch, nigga
Putting footprints all up in the couch, nigga
Shit these shoes cost more than the couch, nigga
(I'm the motherfucking, man, nigga, all these hoes know it) Know it
I ain't with the game, nigga, all my folks know it ha ha!
(Ain't a thing for my gang, nigga, all my bros know it) Yeah
Never fronted me a thing, nigga, I'mma pay for it, hah ay!
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know time to talk that shit
They don't wanna see Snow, you know (yeah)
And you know, you know, you know, you know (true nigga)
You motherfuckers better act like you know yeah (it's in prove nigga)
These other niggas cool, but they ain't low so
You know
Fuck that shit, real niggas get ready (ready)
And why the fuck he ain't in the feds already? (Hah)
And why that motherfucker ain't dead already? (Hah)
And why you ain't ran through his fuckin bread already? (Let's go!)
Fuck that shit, real niggas get ready (ready)
And why the fuck he ain't in the feds already? (Hah)
And why that motherfucker ain't dead already? (Hah)
And why you ain't ran through his fuckin bread already? (Let's go!)
(I'm the motherfucking, man, nigga, all these hoes know it) Know it
I ain't with the game, nigga, all my folks know it ha ha!
(Anything for my gang, nigga, all my bros know it) Yeah
Never fronted me a thing, nigga, I'mma pay for it, hah ay!
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know, time to talk that shit
They don't wanna see Snow, you know (yeah)
And you know, you know, you know, you know
You motherfuckers better act like you know yeah
These other niggas cool, but they ain't low so
You know
In Fabolous's song "You Know," the rapper is trying to get to know a woman better. He starts off by asking her basic questions about her physical features and her favorite designer before delving deeper into her life. He's curious about her dating status, her education, and what she would do if she were rich. He also asks about her sexual preferences and whether she would kiss him right after sex. Fabolous reveals his insecurities by asking if she is into guys who have money and whether she is looking for a relationship. He admits that he is trying to get to know her better and won't make any moves until he feels comfortable.
Line by Line Meaning
Haha, yeah, I'mma let it ride
The singer acknowledges that he is about to start a conversation about getting to know someone better.
I'm just tryna know you better
The singer wants to deepen his understanding of the person he's talking to.
Let's start with the basics, your in seam, where your waist is
The singer wants to know the physical details of the person he's talking to, specifically about their waist and leg measurements.
Nail color, shoe size, what designer's your favorite?
The artist is asking for more personal information about the person's fashion, including their nail polish choice, shoe size, and favorite designer brand.
Trick dollar, I plays this, couple niggas you played with
The artist is acknowledging that he can play games like other guys. He also wonders if the person he's talking to has dated people who behave similarly.
Kenzo, gift bags for all the bitches you came with
The singer comments on the use of designer gift bags for the people who accompanied the person he's talking to, implying a level of glamour or status.
These niggas on the same shit, Red Lobster, red bottom
The singer is noting that other guys are all the same, and only take their dates to low-end restaurants or give them inexpensive gifts. The singer wants to stand out and give the person he's talking to something better.
Sell dope, dough fake; next day fed's got 'em
The artist comments on the dangers of dealing with drug trafficking and the potential of getting caught by the police.
Rrrrah, but I'm still here, you see I'm still here
The artist asserts his resilience and presence, regardless of the challenges posed by street life.
A lot of niggas just came and went but at least you know that it's real here
The artist points out that many other guys have come and gone, but he's still around. He hopes that this shows the person he's talking to that he's being genuine.
Fly you down to where the Heat go, lay you out to where the beach go
The singer is proposing traveling with the person he's talking to, to go somewhere warm and sunny.
Jet ski, parasail, yacht as big as my ego (wooh!)
The artist plans to engage in adventurous activities of high energy, and demonstrates his own sense of self-importance.
Heart cold as ever, but I can show you better
The singer admits that he can come across as emotionally distant, but claims that he has the ability to prove his affection in actions.
If we're gonna roll together, I gotta get to know you better
The singer emphasizes that before things between them can progress, he needs to know more about the person he's talking to.
Tell me what's your name, tell me, tell what's your sign
The singer asks for basic information about the person, starting with their name and astrological sign.
Tell me what you into, tell me, tell what you like
The artist wants to know what the person enjoys doing and what their general interests are.
If you were rich tomorrow tell me what would you do with it?
The artist is curious about what the person would do if they suddenly became wealthy.
And if you could see the future, baby do you see me in it?
The singer is playfully asking if the person he's talking to imagines a future with him in it.
Would you date me for a minute? Girl before you let me hit it?
The singer asks if the person would date him before engaging in sexual activity.
Are you single? Are you taken? Working towards your education?
The artist wants to know if the person is single or in a relationship, and if they are focused on their education.
I'm just askin, I'm just sayin, what's your current situation?
The artist reiterates that he is simply asking about the person's current status.
Cause I see you 'cross the room and you the baddest in the building, what's up?
The artist is intrigued by the person he's talking to, whom he considers to be the most attractive in the room.
See I don’t wanna get into your draws yet (Oh yeah)
The singer is making it clear that he is not just after sex, but rather wants to get to know the person better.
Are you one of them girls that’s askin' where the bread's at? (Oh yeah)
The artist is questioning if the person is mainly interested in his money.
See first I need to know the way your head at
The singer emphasizes that he needs to understand the person's state of mind before he can engage in any physical interaction with them.
Before you give me some (Ha, I’m playin')
The singer is jokingly referencing sex, and acknowledges that he is not being serious.
If I told you my secrets, shawty would you keep it?
The singer is curious if the person can be trusted with his personal secrets.
Are you the type to kiss me right after I beat it, yeah?
The artist wants to know if the person is affectionate or interested in him beyond sexual encounters.
Tell me where you goin', tell me, tell me where you from
The artist is asking about the person's background, including where they are from and where they are going.
Are you a smoker or a drinker? Are you none of the above?
The singer wants to know if the person has any vices, such as smoking or drinking.
Are you more domesticated? Do you love to hit the club?
The singer is asking what type of lifestyle the person prefers, between staying in or going out.
Tell me do you like to fuck, or do you just like making love?
The artist wants to know if the person has a preference between more casual sex or emotional intimacy during sex.
Tell me do you have some kids? And if so girl, how many?
The artist wants to know if the person has any children, and how many if they do.
And if not, then shawty tell me, can I be your baby daddy?
The artist is making a joke about wanting to have a child with the person.
I’m just playin less you let me, I won’t know unless you tell me
The singer is trying to make the person laugh, and points out that he won't know what they want unless they tell him.
In a time where everybody’s high and nothing’s on the low
The artist is observing that in contemporary times it's easy for people to be open about themselves and their feelings.
And the always on the go, snappin' pictures in Miami
The singer acknowledges the culture and habit of people always being on the move and taking photos in Miami.
Swear you take the best pictures, you should win a Instagrammy
The singer compliments the person on their great social media photos.
And I give her compliments while wonderin' who bought her that
The singer admires the person's fashion, and wonders who provided them with such expensive clothes or accessories.
Let her do that thing I like, wonderin' who taught her that
The artist enjoys the person's sexual performance, and muses over who might have taught her such things.
Wanna know you better (know you better), but I know better (I know better)
The artist wants to learn more about the person, but acknowledges that sometimes it's better to hold back and move slowly.
Cause I left her (I left her), then O met her
The singer is referencing his own past relationships, implying that he has learned from his mistakes and hopes to have better outcomes in future relationships.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing
Written by: Jay Wayne Jenkins, John David Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Game Affiliated
2023 and this is still 🔥
Sean Webb
Hell yeah
VENTOTV
Jeezy and Fab need to do an album together ASAP
ronnell goodwin
Super faxxx
Kevin Anderson
This will never get old. The piano intro is classic fabolous been underrated for the longest but yet still relevant
Anthony Moreland
Still banging this. Real music never fades. Ill still be banging this in 10 years talking that "back in my day shit"
Maurice
Wouldn't mind having this as the main song for my funeral ✊🏿🏁
derek
This is an acceptable rap song to play when ladies are in your car. 💯 RNS approved.
El boogi
Derek
El boogi
Derek A