Fabolous:
Street Dreams

Release Date: 28 February 2003

Reviewed By: Spyce

1. Intro

2. Not Give A F**+

3. Damn

4. Call Me

5. Can't Let You Go (feat. Mike Shorey, Lil' Mo)

6. Bad Bitch

7. Why Wouldn't I (feat. Paul Cain)

8. Up On Things (feat. Snoop Dogg)

9. Sickalicious (feat. Missy Elliot)

10. This Is My Party

11. Into You (feat. Ashanti)

12. Change You Or Change Me

13. Respect

14. Forgive Me Father

15. Never Duplicated

16. My Life (feat. Mary J. Blige)

17. Throw Back

18. Keepin' It Gangsta (remix, feat. Styles, Jadakiss, MOP)

19. Trade It All, Pt.2 (feat. P Diddy, Jagged Edge)

Fabolous - Street Dreams

The name Fabolous may be new to many and an artist which you would not expect to last as long as one of Jennifer Lopez’s husbands. But at the tender age of 22 and hailing from the streets of Brooklyn New York, Fabolous’ flavourful rap style and unique sense of humour are paying dividends in the Hip Hop world. After his first offering, “Ghetto Fabolous” which affirmed himself in the minds of many fans, he has returned with his next contribution “Street Dreams” an enjoyable jaunt into the party world of this young artist.

The album starts enthusiastically enough and it is not long before the rewards are given. The real gems start to flow as soon as Fabolous graces us with “Can’t let you go” Featuring Lil’ Mo and Mike Shorey, which he deals with two women he has strong feelings for. Lil Mo provides her own blend of expertise and energizes the track. The strength continues with “Why Wouldn’t I” featuring Paul Cain, but where Fab stands out is with his party joints.

“This is my party” the track which is currently doing the rounds and is a guaranteed floor filler for all clubs and with good reason. Then there is “Into you” with Ashanti, which again displays Fabolous’ talent where he delves into aspects of love. Even though this is a definite play to his female fans he holds the tune well and gives all fans something to think about.

With current artists controlling the industry at the moment, with the likes of Nas, Jay-Z and 50 Cent, nobody can expect Fabolous to come into direct competition with them. But he has put out a reasonable second attempt and lay firm foundations for his future. The industry is such a hard place at present time and he has done well to keep his name in the hat in such conditions. Fab’s collaborations are all good investments and give the album a clean modern edge. Expect to hear, Snoop, on 'Up on Things', which has a classic Snoop feel to it. Missy Elliot on 'Sickalicious' which is a pumped up head banger and Mary J Blige on “My Life'. 'Street Dreams' maintains the notion that Fabolous is here to stay and will be a worthy adversary in the years to come. Though the album will never be a classic, it has more than enough joints to keep that party going.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Favourite three tracks:
10. This is my party
11. Into you (featuring Ashanti)
19 (Bonus Track) Trade It All Part 2 (featuring Jagged Edge)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z