I was beginning think that Fabolous was never going to drop this album. It was originally slated for late 06, then moved to February, then March… you get the picture. June is here, and so is the album.

Good things come to those who wait, right?

Real Talk was 3 years ago… and with his recent label change to Def Jam Fabolous is clearly out to take his career to that proverbial “next level”. Yep, I’m Back sets the tone- a confident, mature veteran with nothing to prove. Problem is, Yep I’m Back is the only solo track on the album (except for the intro). Change Up could be named Soul Survior Part 2. Akon dominates the track, Fab’s verses are an afterthought. Make Me Better is a bonafide hit: production, delivery…. everything. Ne-Yo co-wrote and stars on this one, and he does in fact make Fab better. Real Playa Like is real weak, (Lloyd is on this one, need I say more) and is a definite contrast to the other hard, macho beats on the album. First Time is a quality back-and-forth between Fab and Def Jam heiress Rhianna. It’s sexy but not slow, hot but not sleezy. Plus, its Fab on his most passionate topic: women. T-Pain shows up on Baby Don’t Go, a wonderfully ridden track with an infectious hook from the Tallahassee hero. The quips and vintage Fab flow are sure to have the hardest thug bouncing.

Return of the Hustle is a casualty of the push-back (its not a new year anymore Swizz). It’s nice enough, but a) it already dropped on a mixtape way back in February and b) the Wu -referenced “cash rules everything around me, CREAM”, chorus comes off as recycled. Gangsta Don’t Play is a clear low-point: a pseudo-reggae track with Junior Reid with a organ bass-line that eats at your nerves. Fab spits his heart out though, that’s for sure: “I could be in Figi, one call to GG, she on some Belly shit like X with a Squeegee/they say its gangsta, but its just a way of life/ if life’s a bitch, better make everyday your wife/ I’m from the era of the shoot-outs for drug spots/ happy to be here so I smile in my mug shots/ the David Dinkins years, I even dug Koch/before the George Bush drug watch, Blod cot.”

Diamonds (feat. Young Jeezy) was the first single, and the duo doesn’t disappoint. Dope boys from Brooklyn to Buckhead will like this one. Brooklyn does (disappoint). The Biggie loop is way too repetitive for it’s own good. I’m sorry, but a track called Brooklyn, featuring Jay-Z, needs to be GREAT. Instead it’s just, just okay. In fact, President Carter’s verse is non-chalant, and Uncle Murda sounds out of place. Continued on page 2 »