Fabolous - Ghetto Fabolous

Fabolous has been compared often to self-exiled MC Mase, but though his flow is reminiscent of the ex-Bad Boy's laid-back delivery, all similarities end there. Ghetto Fabolous might be an album that appeals to younger hip-hop heads, but more-discerning fans will find that the freshman artist makes several mistakes that blunt his debut's impact. The missteps include uninspired subject matter (illegal business dealings, ghetto flossing, and fighting off persistent groupies); gratuitous use of the words "thug," "gangsta," and "playa"; and an entire song centered around a Notorious B.I.G. riff ("Get Right" is a mediocre "Players Anthem" knockoff). On the plus side, the album's chock-full of guest appearances designed to please those aforementioned youngsters; Ja Rule's strident vocals on "Ride for This" almost drown out his host's more meticulous delivery. The album's one true bright spot is the dance-floor-friendly "Now and Later." With this one song, Fabolous lives up to the hype. --Rebecca Levine Amazon.com

This was 2001, pre-Sept. 11 hip hop

I was one of those feelin' da F-A-B-O back in tha day when he first came out.

It was never that Fab was trailblazin' a new path or was some kinda great rapper that just stood out from the pack. But he did have flow, had clever wordplay and, in general, just made fun music.

I don't listen to this LP half as much since '02/03, but it's not a bad album by any means.

Lyrically, Fab's not a Nas, TuPac, JayZ or Biggie, but he's not fugazy like Ja Rule or a Lil Zane either.

I listen to this album now and it's just a consistent reminder of where hip hop was circa summer 2000-2001 (pre-Sept. 11). It was at a somewhat innocent, glossy and somewhat shallow & materialistic state.

(I know, some of you are thinking how's that different from hip hop's eternal image? LOL)

Seriously though, Sept. 11, the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina has changed the game just like it's had effects on every angle of American society and particularly a naive youth culture that's slowly started to see the world's not as rosey as they probably thought.

"Ghetto Fabolous" would probably be considered weak by 2004-06 standards, but just take it for what it was back in tha day.

My personal favorite tracks are "Ma Be Easy," "(Holla Back) Young'n," "Keepin' It Gangsta" and "We Don't Give A ..."

Note that "Trade It All" with Jagged Edge was later the soundtrack theme to 2002's hit movie "Barbershop."

And I'm hatin' that Fab's collaboration with Lil Mo "Superwoman" wasn't on this LP ... that was what put most up on da F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S anyway.

I haven't bought a Fab album since and don't plan on it, but if you have to have one "Ghetto Fabolous" is probably the way to go. March 20, 2006

Great Debut

I first heard the song "Can't Deny It" and I said to myself I have to get this album and I am glad I did because there are a lot of songs I like. My personel favorites are Click and Spark,
Keeping It Gangsta,Young'N,Ride For This,Can't Deny It and the rest are average. Recommend you buy this because it is a great album. HOLLA!



February 9, 2006

A rap album that's surpisingly good - there's a lot to like here even if it's not a "classic" - 4.5 stars

Like most people who've heard of Fabolous, you've probably only heard his hit song "Young'n"; the rest of the album, however, is actually pretty good! It turns out that "Young'n" isn't necessarily the best song on the album as many of the other tracks are just as fun and catchy (the most notable ones are "Get Right", "Ma' Be Easy", "Keepin' In Gangsta" and "Can't Deny It"). Fabolous has a slightly sissy sounding voice, but he still manages to have enough charisma and charm to win you over. He also has very good delivery, and the lyrics, though relatively cheap, are at least very fun and memorable. You'll be humming a lot of the lyrics and beats in your head afterwards, I can guarantee it. The production is sort of like electronic-based beats, and although they aren't "great" they get the job done. Pretty much every song here is good, too. It's not entirely original or worthy of analysis, so that hurts the rating and its value. If you're looking for a very good rap album, though, this is a great choice. Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album! January 8, 2006

Good CD

Now I'm not prone to hip-hop or rap much (unless it's a certain style and has a good backing melody). Not because I think it's stupid, it just ain't my cup of tea. But Fabolous caught my ear in 2001 and I haven't been able to get over this CD ever since. "Can't Deny It" is by far one of the best tracks on the entire album, but "Young'n," "Get Smart" and "Ma' Be Easy" are all great cuts too. This album is the dope and is a great buy for any hip-hop or rap music listener. October 13, 2005

Solid debut to say the least.

Fabolous brought really good work with this one. Though not many songs have content in them he still make the best of the type of music he writes. I think this is one of the greatest debuts albums from a rapper in a while, and Fab has earned his self a spot in rap music for some time. Theres a certain style about F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S that draws people to him and once the select few of those people buy this cd they will fall in love with him. GREAT ALBUM... September 4, 2005

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