In 2001, a skinny, chip-toothed kid from Brooklyn known as Fabolous became an overnight superstar by cashing in on hip-hop’s crossover potential. The catchy singles of Fabolous’s debut, Ghetto Fabolous – “Holla Back Young’n,” “Can’t Deny It” and “Keepin’ It Gangsta” – received heavy radio play, pubescent girls across the country swooned for his baby face and hip-hop heads appreciated his well-constructed verses.
But while Fabolous used the same formula to achieve a platinum follow-up, 2003’s Street Dreams, his 2004 effort, Real Talk sold poorly, despite receiving critical acclaim for its powerful single, “Breathe.”
And although Fabolous blames Atlantic Records, his former label, for the disappointment of Real Talk, the real reason for the lack of sales is more close to home – Fabolous has never locked down a loyal fanbase. Fabolous records too many pop songs to be a rap star, and too many street songs to be a pop star. To say Fabolous is stuck between a rock and a hard place would be letting him off the hook.
But in his fourth album and Def Jam debut, From Nothin’ to Somethin’, Fabolous attempts to use his versatility the best he can – and the album shows his growth as an artist. From Nothin’ to Somethin’ features the perfect blend of brash and sensitive hip-hop, and Fabolous knows it. On the thumping violin-filled “Yep I’m Back,” he proclaims, “There’s something about me, you just can’t go without me” – and it’s the truth.
Other album standouts include “Change Up,” with Akon (now infamously known for throwing a heckling fan off stage and doing the bump-and-grind with a scantily clad 14-year-old minister’s daughter on stage). In the song, Fabolous explains how he would overcome Biggie’s infamous mo’ money, mo’ problems syndrome: “I’m making money, I don’t let it make me/ So if I ever go broke, I won’t let it break me,” Fabolous raps.
But these on-point lyrics do more than make up for Fab’s monotone delivery, which is still a downgrade. Nevertheless, his constant basketball references – “My money stack high/ How high, Shaq high/ Yao high, that’s why/ You’re just Bow Wow high” – are a good thing, and he also holds his own alongside the legendary Jay-Z on the hometown banger “Brooklyn.”
Nevertheless, though From Nothin’ to Somethin’ takes advantage of Fab’s wide range – and even bares a little of the rapper’s soul – he still may not grab a fan base with this album, either.
In fact, Fab is still very much a trend rapper, now using standard Southern beats and cameos from singers to bolster otherwise not-so-impressive songs. And while this shows Fab can adapt with the times, it still doesn’t guarantee him repeat listeners.
Contact reporter Alex Rush at diversions@dbk.umd.edu.
