Fabolous – Cold Summer

Born in Brooklyn, New York on November 18, 1977, John David Jackson, best known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper, actor, and designer who is signed to Def Jam Records and is nominated for a Grammy award. After releasing his first album, Ghetto Fabolous, in 2001, he went on to release three more albums: Street Dreams in 2003, Real Talk in 2004 and From Nothin’ To Somethin’ in 2007. These albums have together sold over four million copies in the US. Loso’s Way, his fourth studio album, was released in July 2009 and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

The ability to make the difficult path to success appear easy is a quality that sets performers like Brooklyn’s John Jackson, better known by his stage name Fabolous, apart from regular rappers. Rappers generally spend a lot of time trying to convince people of their “hustle,” but Fabolous lets his art do the talking. Despite having two platinum albums (Ghetto Fabolous, 2001; Street Dreams, 2003) and one gold album (Real Talk, 2004), the veteran hitmaker still has the charisma of a rookie of the year. Following his recordings for Atlantic Records and Elektra Records, Fab is now experiencing a homecoming with the storied Def Jam label. “If They Want It” from DJ Clue’s The Professional, which was released by Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam in 1998, was his first song to be recorded.

“I had people in my corner already over there,” Fab adds of the Desert Storm pair that found Fabolous, DJ Clue and A&R Skane. It wasn’t as though I was moving to a new neighborhood, then.

Although he doesn’t give a specific reason for his departure, Fabolous is keen to take advantage of the knowledge he has gained from his time in the business. “I haven’t reached my peak yet,” he says. “I was pleased with the results in the past, but I need to learn from some adversity going forward.”

Fabolous wants From Nothin’ to Somethin’ to be a rebirth for both his old and new listeners, so it makes sense that he is starting over for his most recent album. As Fabolous puts it, “everyone is trying to take what they have and make something more.” This explains the title of the album. “Everyone is working hard and returning to the gym in the new year. I’m trying to inspire them.” This is motivating music for working out and chasing your money as well.

Grammy Award-winning producer Timbaland is behind the first song, “Make Me Better,” which features Fabolous doing what he does best—fusing catchy, radio-ready soundscapes with witty, unforgettable lyrics. Rapping that “a Corretta Scott to make me King” is what Fab needs to get his female admirers to follow him where “Baby” left off. He describes the record as “a great feel-good record with a lot of style.” “I wanted a record that would demonstrate my ability to affect a variety of people through music.”

Having already established himself as a hitmaker, Fabolous is keen to showcase his versatility while adhering to his formula for success. In the arrogant song “Make Money,” he deftly parodies Notorious B.I.G.’s signature laugh to make a remark about how funny his rivals are: “These guys are stand-up rappers and hip-hop comedians; I start laughing as soon as I put your CD in.” The MC believes that people will eventually come around to his sense of wit and wordplay, even though they don’t get enough credit for it. “Someone knows it,” he claims, “but it’s like they’ll sing it in the shower but not outside.” All is well, though. You’ll get wasted one of these days and start belting out that tune.

This disc features a who’s who of guests, including Akon, Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo, and Junior Reed. Fabolous plays to a range of audiences, but it’s always clear that this is his show from start to finish. The fantastic song “Brooklyn” has an unnamed surprise guest, while “Change Up” has Fab in the company of superstar singer and producer Akon, who helps him think back on his life and career.

“Anytime you become successful, people might look at you and say you changed,” says Fabolous, referencing in the song’s lyrics the shooting that happened outside Justin’s restaurant in October 2006. “That record only discusses how people alter who they are, how they conduct themselves, and how they treat other people in order to gain money. I may have changed my residence or phone number, but I haven’t changed who I am as a person.I said a few things about what transpired in October, but I didn’t reveal anything about a bulletproof vest or anything.

R. Kelly’s chopped and screwed vocals from his blockbuster song “Ignition” are included on the lighthearted “Foggin Up The Windows,” produced by Miami’s The Runners, supporting Fabolous’ homage to more carnal parkin’ lot pimpin’.

He laughs and says, “I just took it back to trying to get some in the car.” “Everyone has attempted to get some in the car or has done it themselves. Although it wasn’t always the preferred location, everyone has a mobile hotel.

Rewind-worthy songs like Lloyd’s “Real Playa,” Young Jeezy’s “Diamonds,” and Just Blaze’s “Back To School” complete an amazing set that proves From Nothin’ to Somethin’ was worth the two-year wait. No musician has been able to replace his innocent charm, dry humor, and understated coolness, both on and off the mic, in his absence. Fabolous is “fresh to Def” with a new team and a pop of his collar.

With confidence, he declares, “I’m trying to bring good music back to the game.” “And the hype will follow anyone who is bringing good music.”