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."
streets on lock
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These haters just hating they ain't talking 'bout s***
I'm a grown a** man I flip my own ***
I don't need yo, help I can own my own ***
Ain't no mother*** help me write my rhymes
ain't no nobody pay for my studio time
Hunting took my chain yeah, mother*** right
You better off saying a *** took my life
Want to assassinate my character but I ain't acting
It ain't adding up so you can't subtracting
B.I.G. said it first more money more problems
The why I see it more problems more money, what's up
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
Eyes wide shut I don't see these haters
'Cause deep in your heart you want to be me player
Want to stand in my shoes, want to hit my ***
Want to live my life, want to rock my shows, no
Ya young punks with ya loose a** lips
I keep a are with them loose a** clips
What type of real G name himself after a bag
Homie you?s a hoe, a Loui Vuitton fag
My name ain't *** so keep it out ya mouth
It is what it is look I am Da South, that's right
Big Mac you boys small fries
You just another *** I'm more like the franchise
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
I was born in the Field raised in Atlanta
Pop busted a *** here so I was made in Atlanta
Mat Lew died so I stayed in Atlanta
Had a plug on the squares got paid in Atlanta
Twenty-two?s on the 2-door it sits so right
Ice tray on my wrist yeah, it shines so bright
Make moves in the day and I ball by night
9/11 Porsche I was on that flight
Five nine, six one I call 'em the twin towers
Had them on the triple stack, hit 'em both in the shower
Pedal to the medal 'bout a buck 85
Mr. 17-5 slow head well I drive, what's up
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
The lyrics of the song "Streets on Lock" by Fabolous feat. Young Jeezy talks about how they have gained success without any assistance from anyone. The lyrics state that they do not need anyone's help to make it in the industry because they are hard-working individuals that are living their lives on their terms. These artists rap about their journey to the top, the obstacles they faced, and the people that tried to bring them down.
The lyrics also mention how people want to claim their fame, but they are aware of their true intentions. They talk about the negativity that surrounds them and how they keep their focus on their respective acts. Jeezy proudly addresses himself as a representation of the streets of Atlanta and that his music is inspirational to his audience.
Overall, the lyrics exhibit the artists' pride in their achievements, and the song is an anthem for those who have put in the hard work and dedication to succeed on their terms!
Line by Line Meaning
These haters just hating they ain't talking 'bout s***
People who talk bad about me don't actually know anything.
I'm a grown a** man I flip my own ***
I'm self-sufficient and don't need anyone else's help.
I don't need yo, help I can own my own ***
I don't need anyone else's help to succeed.
Ain't no mother*** help me write my rhymes
I write my own music, no one else does it for me.
ain't no nobody pay for my studio time
I pay for my own recording studio and don't rely on anyone else to finance it.
See me at the top and want to claim my fame
People only try to associate with me because I'm successful.
Hunting took my chain yeah, mother*** right
Someone stole my jewelry and I'm not happy about it.
You better off saying a *** took my life
Having my jewelry stolen is a serious issue, it's like having someone take my life.
Want to assassinate my character but I ain't acting
People are trying to ruin my reputation, but they won't succeed.
It ain't adding up so you can't subtracting
The lies people spread about me don't make sense and are easily debunked.
B.I.G. said it first more money more problems
The more money you have, the more issues you face.
The why I see it more problems more money, what's up
In my experience, with more problems comes more opportunities to make money.
Eyes wide shut I don't see these haters
I choose to ignore the people who criticize me.
'Cause deep in your heart you want to be me player
Those who hate me are secretly jealous and want to be like me.
Ya young punks with ya loose a** lips
The young people who talk badly about me need to keep their mouths shut.
I keep a are with them loose a** clips
I always have a gun on me to protect myself.
What type of real G name himself after a bag
A true gangster wouldn't choose a fashion accessory as their name.
Homie you?s a hoe, a Loui Vuitton fag
You're fake, and your name is an insult to gangster culture.
My name ain't *** so keep it out ya mouth
Don't say my name in a negative way.
It is what it is look I am Da South, that's right
I'm proud to be from the South.
Big Mac you boys small fries
You're in over your head and can't compare to me.
You just another *** I'm more like the franchise
You're just another regular person, while I'm a successful business owner.
I was born in the Field raised in Atlanta
I was born in the Fields, a neighborhood in Atlanta.
Pop busted a *** here so I was made in Atlanta
My dad got in trouble with the law in Atlanta and I was born and raised there.
Mat Lew died so I stayed in Atlanta
After my friend Mat Lew died, I never left Atlanta.
Had a plug on the squares got paid in Atlanta
I used to sell drugs in Atlanta and made a good income.
Twenty-two?s on the 2-door it sits so right
I have 22-inch rims on my two-door car and they look great.
Ice tray on my wrist yeah, it shines so bright
I have a lot of diamonds on my watch and it sparkles.
Make moves in the day and I ball by night
I work hard during the day and party hard at night.
9/11 Porsche I was on that flight
I own a Porsche 911 and I love to drive it.
Five nine, six one I call 'em the twin towers
I have two tattoos on my arms that look like the Twin Towers in New York City.
Had them on the triple stack, hit 'em both in the shower
I have three stacks of money and I keep my guns hidden in the bathroom.
Pedal to the medal 'bout a buck 85
I drive my car really fast, up to 185 miles per hour.
Mr. 17-5 slow head well I drive, what's up
My nickname is Mr. 17-5, and I drive slowly and carefully.
I got the streets on lock, Atlanta on my back
I'm the one who runs the streets of Atlanta.
I do it for the hood, you got a problem with that
I'm doing this for the people of the neighborhood, and if you don't like it, that's your problem.
Real homies so this rap s*** easy, when I speak
I have real friends who make things easy for me when I'm writing songs.
These people believe me 'cause *** I'm Jeezy
My fans believe in me because I'm Jeezy.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: DARYL HALL, JOHN OATES, JAY JENKINS, ANDRE LYON, MARCELLO ANTONIO VALENZANO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@digboedavis7059
When Meech loves you he loves you. All of them were 10 years younger than Meech but Meech funded this whole thing. He wanted to see them be successful.
@inspectah2342
He wanted to clean his money
@sstworld08
Hop off his u know wat . . . There is no win in that life jail. . . Death . . Or find out they telling .
@bambam6537
But he wanted to see success also don’t be a hater. But let the one dude tell it, he made it all happen, he was gonna buy “so icy” but MEECH wasn’t payin 100K for it…but “he was gonna buy the song”…make it make sense.
@REDMAPLETV23
The dumbest thing Meech could have did. Meech was a big dumb goofy. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@malcolmwilliams5875
I miss these days. One of the hardest instrumentals. 🔥🔥🔥
@DiggsSuperproducer
One of my favorite beats
@spainman2020
I hate this aint on Spotify... one of my favorite work out songs.
@JohnDoe-qu5ik
Fabolous killed it on this track. BMF 4 life!
@PharoahsKingdom
Fabolous carried the entire song.