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 personβ¦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."
the way
Fabolous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tune into the game
Call me Rose Bryant
Call Patron James
We walk up in the jawn thick
Tell em play my song quick
And we gone make a fuck'n movie
Like a porn flick
We on a mission
We the James Bond click
We kill'n til the bars close Convict
Shawty I was born slick
Short temper long dick
Hit you with this magic stick
After that we gone trick
Wala no leash on my colla
And if that bitch is molla
I'm single as a dolla
Smoke west coast kush
In my boy Impala
Got me in the Carmelo
Fuck'n with that Lala
Niggas say they can't be seen
Ain't nobody look'n though
Turn the heat up on that beef
Ain't nobody cook'n though
A section full of them bitches
That Yo Gotti Look'n foe
Yeah that's them 5 stars
The get money drive cars
They got them bang'n bodies
With out the knife scar
They take them shots to the head
And survive y'all nice
This the flyest shit you may have heard
We all the way up in this Too Short's favorite word
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
Hit the spot like a god knowin' hoes and greenery
Watch full of cuts blowin' spinach check the scenery
East side high tryin' not to spill my lean on me
Oh shit dope dick bet your woman feign on me
Mic check test 1, 2 blue sing on me
You destined for fame don't you be ashamed
Tune into the game if that's Patron James
Then call me Dewayne Spade
Ain't no body in my lane
Purple Rain True Trees Reggie Kush
She don't do me only Reggie Bush
I'm a fall back though I don't ever push
1 head 4 chicks 8 legs Octopus
Nigga you don't know all about that
I'm a Telemundo freakin' for the weekend
Eatin' clams mussels lobster
Kitchen bed sofa
Stretch'n like Rosa Acosta partna
You know I'm the coldest
On my North Pole shit
While you on your rock'n South Pole when it's cold shit
Don't ask me for hooks you can't afford my focus
Ya turns up Trigga turnt up
Shawty we
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
All the way turnt up
The lyrics of Fabolousβs song βThe Wayβ speak to the aggression and frustration felt by the rapper towards the industry and those within it. He begins by expressing his frustration towards the people who have changed him, those who he considered friends who have turned him into someone he doesnβt want to be. He continues to talk about how this industry is full of fake people who talk behind your back and pretend to be friends in front of you. He emphasizes that he has always been a self-made rapper and had no help from anyone, not even some of the biggest names in the industry. Fabolous talks about how he has been running the game for a long time and watching young rappers coming up. He even suggests that if he hadnβt been around, some of them wouldnβt be where they are today.
Moving on from the industry, Fabolous talks about the type of women he likes to have around him, calling them βbad bitches.β These women may be pretty and curvy and they have different labels and brands attached to them based on what they wear, such as L.V., D, or a double G. Fabolous then continues to talk about his success and how he communicates with people through the language of money. He emphasizes his sense of humor and his ability to keep calm in the industry, despite many people trying to bring him down. He ends the song by saying that heβs done talking, and itβs time for him to do things his own way.
Overall, the song speaks to the frustration and harsh reality of the industry, coupled with Fabolousβ sense of humor and his unapologetic attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
I said, fuck em all, motherfuck 'em all
I'm fed up with all of these people and their shit.
Y'all done turned a good guy into a Chuckie doll
You've transformed me from a nice guy into a vengeful killer.
I would've been your friend till the end bitch
I would have supported you through thick and thin, but now things have changed.
Guess there ain't no friends in this shit bidness
It seems like there are no real friendships in this industry.
Just a bunch of assholes in the shit bidness
Mostly just a bunch of selfish jerks in this industry.
But they won't flush me down the toilet bowl without my tissue
I won't be easily forgotten or discarded.
These bitches talk shit out the same mouth they kiss you
People who talk behind your back are often the same ones who act friendly to your face.
These niggas kiss ass with the same mouth that dis you
People who flatter you are often the same ones who will betray you.
Ew, you niggas disgust me
I am sick and tired of these people who are always playing games.
And they ain't talkin' bout shit unless they discuss me
Most people only talk about important things when it relates to me.
Let's talk about how, I'm killin' everything I touches
I am doing extremely well in this industry, consistently putting out hits.
Or how I walked in this game with no crutches
I started my career with no help, just my own talent and hard work.
And I'm still here
Despite all the obstacles, I am still in the game and thriving.
We still here
My team and I are still relevant and powerful.
What does this break dude?
What are we going to do next?
It's still here
Despite the ups and downs of this industry, I am still here making music.
And dude talk, concernin' New York
People love to talk about my hometown of New York, often without knowing anything about it.
When I was runnin' the city you was learnin' to walk
While I was at the top of the game in New York, others were still trying to make it.
So I watched you niggas take they first steps
I witnessed many of my current competitors starting out their careers.
And I was happy for ya, daddy was clappin' for ya
I supported many of these artists when they were starting out and struggling.
But, wasn't for me prolly wouldnt've happened for ya
If it weren't for my support and influence, some of these artists may not have made it in the industry.
So I rest my case
There's no arguing the fact that I am a respected and influential figure in the music industry.
I'm a rappin' lawyer
I am skilled at using words to build a case and defend myself.
That's unless you wanna talk bad bitches
Unless you want to change the subject to bad women...
Section full of bridezillas, that's mad bitches
There are plenty of high-maintenance women in my life and in this industry.
No words, I describe em with letters best
I can't even put into words how these women are best described.
They pretty as can be, curvy as the letter "S"
These women are stunningly beautiful and have curves in all the right places.
They keep it G, they sweet as T
These women are real and genuine, while also being sweet and kind.
Look good in the passenger seat of V
These women look great sitting shotgun in a nice car.
They ride double R, smell like double C
These women drive Rolls-Royces and wear Chanel perfume.
The Bags are L.V., D, or a double G
They carry Louis Vuitton, Dior, or Gucci handbags.
Fly as hell, shades wire cell
These women are incredibly stylish and wear designer sunglasses.
On E, sippin' P.J., high as hell
They are often intoxicated or high, drinking expensive champagne or cognac.
And please don't even talk about swag
And don't even get me started on their great sense of style and confidence.
I'm cool and collective
I am calm and composed at all times.
A Fool with perspective
Although I may seem foolish at times, I always have a big-picture perspective.
I'm far from being typical my respect is reciprocal
I am not your average artist, and I always show respect to those who respect me.
I already came up
I have already made it big in this industry.
You still on the zipper pull
You are still struggling and haven't made it yet.
And I would say my style is 5th Fab meets Brooklyn
My style is a combination of the cool sophistication of 5th Avenue and the raw energy of Brooklyn.
I keep the hood watchin', I got the streets lookin'
I am always being watched and admired by fans in both the urban and suburban neighborhoods.
They watch what I do, so they know what to do
Fans are always looking to me for inspiration and guidance.
Lil money never told big money what to do
Those with less money and less influence have no right to tell someone like me what to do.
Money talks, if u speak guapanese
Money is the universal language that everyone understands, even if you don't speak the same language.
A language better known if you gettin cheddar holmes
Those who have money and wealth are the ones who truly understand the power of money.
If not get a loan, use that like Rosetta Stone
If you don't have money, take out a loan and use that money to learn more about how money works.
And that way you can holla bout a dolla
If you understand how money works, you can make more of it and be able to talk about making money.
I hear em cryin' broke, they holla like a toddler
I hear people complaining about being broke, but it sounds like they are just whining and acting like children.
Come holla at yo gualla, don't holla at sovallas
Come to me for money and support, don't go to those who don't have money or influence.
You'll end up down under tryna holla at Koalas
If you go to the wrong people for help, you will end up with nothing, trying to talk to animals in Australia.
I keep that nine on me, Ala Iguodala
I always carry a gun with me for protection, like the basketball player Andre Iguodala.
We can get it jumpin like the drolics on Impala
We can start some trouble and get things heated up, like the jumping hydraulics on a car.
I feel like Neno lettin em rock wallas off the colla
I feel like the character Nino Brown from the movie 'New Jack City,' letting my guard dogs attack my enemies.
Somebody tell me something, What the fuck happened?
I am confused and angry about something that has happened, and I want someone to explain it to me.
Somebody talk to me, muthafuck rappin
Someone needs to talk to me about something real, not just about this music industry bullshit.
They infiltrated the game, but who let in the pookies?
People who are betraying and ruining the music industry have been allowed in, but who let them in?
Kingpins is snitchin' that shit is not lookey
Even the powerful and influential people are snitching and ruining the industry, which is not a good sign.
So fuck new friends unless they stay solo
I don't want to make any new friends in this industry, unless they stay independent and loyal to me.
Cause who gon' watch you back after you kill Manolo?
If you kill someone and get involved in dangerous activities, who will have your back in the end?
Isn't it ironic Santana's own fella stabbed him
It's ironic that the musician Carlos Santana was stabbed by someone he thought was a friend and trusted.
The king of New York die while I yellow cabbed him
I was there when the influential rapper Notorious B.I.G. was killed, which was a significant event in the music industry.
No Carlito's way
This isn't a movie like 'Carlito's Way,' this is real life.
When I spot a hater drop him like a hot potato
When I identify someone who is jealous or trying to bring me down, I will quickly distance myself from them.
You ahead, got me later
You may be doing better than me now, but I will eventually catch up and surpass you.
Yeah I keep it gangsta but I'm a do it my way
I maintain a hard and tough persona, but I am still going to do things on my own terms.
The new day of the week is called 'My day'
Every day is my day and I am always focused on my own success and goals.
So its my say, pass my K
I have the final say and control over everything, and I want someone to pass me my gun (K).
I'm through talkin'
I am finished with this conversation and am ready to take action.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Jackson, Tremaine Neverson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Wilson II
December 2020 and still a classic album intro
Andrew Flood
GREAT INTRO !!!
Guy Smith
Bad ass album right here!!!
Taabu
One of hardest intro EVER
I Come in Peace!
Fab always spit'n π₯π₯π₯
Rg Askari
Classic π₯π₯π₯
Bradycole13 (IM BACK)
Perfect soundtrack for a hero
EL Gordo 44
I'd put this intro against any intro in Hip hop history. Brooklyn!!!!
Bernard M
βThe Wayβ and βThe Wakeβ .. 2 hardest intros ever π₯ππ½
AB
this shit go hard as fuck 10 years later