FABOLOUS - From Nothin To Somethin | Review By: Conan Milne


Release Date : June 12 2007

Label : Def Jam Records

Rating: 3/5

Dub Quotable: From Nothin’ To Somethin’ will undoubtedly entertain those keen to hear more punchlines explaining how rich the record’s creator is...those seeking a comfortable, cohesive collection of brooding bars and ‘dime’ dedications won’t be so satisfied.

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Much like his young, fly, and flashy peer, Cassidy, Fabolous has straddled the fine line between aggressive and accessible. Problems have arisen when the young rapper leans too heavily on either his street or sultry persona. Last album Real Talk brought solemn nods of approval for cuts like the bleak, hyperventilating “Breathe,” yet failed to yield mainstream recognition. Up-tempo hit singles like “Can’t Let You Go,” meanwhile, were too sloppy in their female-orientation for the gentlemen to approve. On From Nothin’ To Somethin’ Fab continues attempts to align the two contrasting identities.

F-A-B-O finds it easiest catering to his boastful side on “Change Up.” Hinting at menace in his first verse, Fab warns, “You don’t want to see me jump back in the streets/So be happy that I ride through, slumped back in the seat.” The artist’s tone is equally pompous when he declares, “They can’t say that nothin’ changed but my clothes/ Oh, I’m lying, I do change up my hoes.” Unfortunately, “Change Up” is riddled with a bland Akon chorus and hollow, unenthused horns.

Such problems are the total opposite of those that hinder cuts like first single, “Make Me Better.” Timbaland continues an impressive winning streak with his silenced drums and somewhat eerie, twirling strings. Over the wallowing cry, however, Fab’s commonplace rhymes are as sickly sweet as the confectionary he references: “Why have the cake if it ain’t got the sweet frosting?” Once again, Fab’s coos will register with the ladies, but leave some of his loyal male fans disappointed.

Later tracks confirm that Fab delivers his strongest material as the frankly arrogant youngster, and not when performing like a character from Shakespeare or Scarface. The rousing chants of “Brooklyn” bring out the MCs most complete and listenable stance. At his unaffected best, Fab brashly spits about altering the NYC area code, while name-checking several infamous BK dwellings.

As the definitive “Diamonds” attests, Fabolous is essentially a vain, materialistic artist. That could go some way to explaining why his numerous love songs and ‘soldier’ anthems can fail to ring true. The listener is frequently given the impression during such tracks that Fab would rather chirp about his own greatness – something he does pretty well. From Nothin’ To Somethin’ will undoubtedly entertain those keen to hear more punchlines explaining how rich the record’s creator is. Those seeking a comfortable, cohesive collection of brooding bars and ‘dime’ dedications won’t be so satisfied.

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