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."
Young & Sexy
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's right man, the young and sexy
You're only young as you feel, haha, ya know?
Let's get it in, 25 and younger
I see you smiling shorty, I see it in your eyes
Security let her through, trust me man she's alright
(She's alright, she's alright, she's alright)
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
I'm so VIP, and Notorious for doing it BIG girl
You ain't gotta see ID, I'm a rich young man
Clean button up wit the rich young pairs
Out of you young ladies, which one can do it to the beat y'all
Young niggaz get funny, just to get a name
So you know I came with the heat y'all
You know I got a little money, got a little fame
But you know I came from the streets y'all
If you want to act funny, I can do the same
And when Pharrell let the beat fall
Let me see you get your hands up high y'all
Just like you're reaching for the sky y'all
For the young sexy and fly y'all
Roll another one, let's get high y'all
I see you smiling shorty, I see it in your eyes
Security let her through, trust me man she's alright
(She's alright, she's alright, she's alright)
(Cause she's gon ride, she's gon ride, she's gon ride)
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
From the high heels and the low cuts
To the dude in the fast car and the slow strut girl
They want to catch J Jackson
But the money's longer than a stretch Maybach Benz
They say I'm fly enough to do better
But pimp enough to not give a fuck
And I'm old enough to know better
But young enough to not give a fuck
Tell Stella to move back, less she want Her Groove Back
I get my young man on, then the young man gone
Let's get money again, and even if you ain't
I'll make you feel twenty again, so
Let me see you get your hands up high y'all
Just like you're reaching for the sky y'all
For the young sexy and fly y'all
Take another shot, let's get high y'all
I see you smiling shorty, I see it in your eyes
Security let her through, trust me man she's alright
(She's alright, she's alright, she's alright)
(Cause she's gon ride, she's gon ride, she's gon ride)
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
I'm too young to be sprung
And you can tell I'm too blessed to be stressed
My move is too smooth, on top of that I dress to impress
The walk is so chilled, not to mention the Talk is so Real
We all gotta get old, but before I do I'm a ball outta control
I see you smiling shorty, I see it in your eyes (live young die rich woo)
Security let her through, trust me man she's alright
(She's alright, she's alright, she's alright)
(Cause she's gon ride, she's gon ride, she's gon ride)
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
To the beat y'all, til' the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone
The song "Young & Sexy" by Fabolous is an upbeat and celebratory tune that champions the youth and vitality of those who are 25 and under. In the intro, Fabolous asserts that you're only young as you feel and then proceeds to encourage listeners to party and dance until the champagne and weed run out. The chorus features Mike Shorey and Pharrell Williams singing about a girl who catches their attention and how they know she's alright. Fabolous then takes over the verses, boasting about his VIP status and not needing to show ID because he's a rich young man. He also acknowledges that some young people get caught up in chasing fame and fortune, but he's there to bring the heat with his skills and experience from growing up in the streets. The song ends with Fabolous proclaiming that he's too young to be sprung and wants to ball out of control before he gets old.
The lyrics of "Young & Sexy" celebrate youthfulness and living life to the fullest. It is a party anthem that encourages people to have a good time and embrace their youth. Fabolous uses his experiences growing up in the streets and his rise to fame to demonstrate that he's young, but also has the knowledge and skills to succeed in the game. His lyrics are confident and boastful, but also acknowledge the importance of enjoying the present and not worrying about the future. The chorus provides a catchy hook that emphasizes the fun and carefree nature of the song and encourages listeners to dance and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
Young money on the floor! Trak money on the beat
Fabolous states that the song has been created with the contribution of young and fresh money for the tune
That's right man, the young and sexy
Fabolous affirms that the theme of the song is based on young people who are energetic and attractive
You're only young as you feel, haha, ya know?
The rapper asserts that age is a mindset, and it's up to how an individual feels about their own self
Let's get it in, 25 and younger
Fabolous declares that the song is exclusive to the audience aged 25 and below
I see you smiling shorty, I see it in your eyes
Mike Shorey remarks that he notices the joy and happiness of a young lady from her happy facial expressions
Security let her through, trust me man she's alright
Pharrell Williams assures the security personnel that they can let a young lady pass through the security check since she is not a threat
(She's alright, she's alright, she's alright)
Pharrell Williams continues to affirm that the young lady is okay to get into the premises
(Cause she's gon ride, she's gon ride, she's gon ride)
Pharrell Williams hints that the young lady will let herself loose and have some fun
To the beat y'all! Till the motherfucking champagne and weed is gone!
Fabolous exclaims the audience to keep dancing to the beat of the song with the drinks till it lasts
I'm so VIP, and Notorious for doing it B.I.G. girl
Fabolous boasts of his VIP status and hints that he has a reputation for living large
You ain't gotta see ID, I'm a rich young man
Fabolous implies that he is wealthy enough and does not have to prove his identity, especially to women
Clean button up wit the rich young pairs
Fabolous describes his outfit, a clean mixture of luxurious button-up shirt and fancy shoes
Out of you young ladies, which one can - do it to the beat y'all
Fabolous challenges the young ladies in the audience to show him their dancing skills according to the song's beat
Young niggaz get funny, just to get a name
Fabolous points out that young men these days try to be funny and entertaining to gain fame
So you know I came with the heat y'all!
Fabolous asserts that he has come with the necessary attitude and actions to entertain the audience
You know I got a little money, got a little fame
Fabolous acknowledges that he has earned some fortune and fame from his music career
But you know I came from the streets y'all
Fabolous reminds that despite his current financial status, he has roots from the streets where he struggled and worked hard to succeed
If you want to act funny, I can do the same
Fabolous warns the audiences that if they try to be funny with him, he is prepared to respond in the same way
And when Pharrell let the beat fall
Fabolous awaits the moment when Pharrell would lower the song's beat
Let me see you get your hands up high y'all
Fabolous urges the audience to raise their hands in the air
Just like you're reaching for the sky y'all
The rapper implies that the audience must try to achieve great things with their lives
For the young sexy and fly y'all
Fabolous mentions that this song is particularly for the younger audience who are fashionable, active and appealing
Roll another one, let's get high y'all
Fabolous proposes the audience to smoke more to make the party more exciting and enjoyable
From the high heels to low cuts
Fabolous portrays the different types of footwear choices available for women, which ranges from high heels to low cut shoes
To the dude in the fast car wit the slow strut girl
Fabolous describes a man who is driving a fast car but still has a relaxed and composed way of walking
They want to catch J. Jackson
Fabolous implies that he is becoming famous, and people want to catch him
But the money's longer than a stretch Maybach Benz
The rapper hints that he has enough money, which can even be compared to a luxurious and opulent vehicle like the Maybach Benz
They say I'm fly enough to do better
Fabolous mentions that people consider him to be good-looking and successful enough to keep improving himself
But pimp enough to not give a fuck
Fabolous portrays a self-confident attitude where people can say things about him but he manages to brush it off easily
They say I'm old enough to know better
The rapper acknowledges others' expectations of him since he has matured over time
But young enough to not give a fuck
However, Fabolous dismisses their concerns by asserting that he is still young and energetic enough to live life the way he wants
Tell Stella to move back, if she want Her Groove Back
Fabolous refers to the novel 'Waiting to Exhale' by Terry McMillan and suggests that if a woman wants her groove back, she must let go of the past and move on with her life
I get my young man on, then the young man gone
The rapper expresses the fleeting nature of youth and how it goes away quickly
Let's get money again, and even if you ain't
Fabolous proposes to accumulate more wealth together and then suggests that even if someone does not have enough money, he will make them feel young again
I'll make you feel twenty again, so!
The rapper exclaims that he has the power to make the people in the audience feel young and energetic again
I'm too young to be sprung
Fabolous considers himself too young to be completely smitten with someone
And you can tell I'm too blessed to be stressed
The rapper implies that despite his busy life, he feels grateful for everything and is never stressed out
My move is too smooth, on top of that I dress to impress
Fabolous suggests that he has irresistible charm and makes sure to dress appropriately for any occasion
The walk is so chilled, not to mention the Talk is so Real
The rapper suggests that he is secure and confident in his walk and candid in his talk
We all gotta get old, but before I do I'm a ball outta control
Fabolous affirms that everyone ages over time, but before he does, he is planning to live life to the fullest
Live young! die rich! woo!
The rapper concludes with his life's motto that he wants to live young and free-spirited, and when he passes away, he wants to do so with riches and prosperity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Jackson, Pharrell Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind