Avg Rating: 
4.2 ( 24 total votes )
Money, power and respect are the key to life, and most men die trying to get that key. Money’s the easy part; it can be earned, or stolen, or just lucked into. Power can simply be taken, by force if necessary. But respect, respect can only be given. That’s why it’s such a rare commodity, and after selling over three million albums it’s apparently the only commodity Fabolous feels he’s lacking. It’s easy to see why. Hip-hop has always been unsure about what to make of Fabolous. As a rapper his wordplay is almost unparalleled, … ...Read the full album review
Fans can also check out Fabolous's previous albums: Fabolous - The Soul Tape 2 | Fabolous - From Nothin’ to Somethin’
DJBooth Album Review
Money, power and respect are the key to life, and most men die trying to get that key. Money’s the easy part; it can be earned, or stolen, or just lucked into. Power can simply be taken, by force if necessary. But respect, respect can only be given. That’s why it’s such a rare commodity, and after selling over three million albums it’s apparently the only commodity Fabolous feels he’s lacking. It’s easy to see why. Hip-hop has always been unsure about what to make of Fabolous. As a rapper his wordplay is almost unparalleled, the man’s a punchline machine, but he’s always been too polished for the lyrical heads. Despite a slew of mainstream hits he’s too conceptual for the teenage girl set, and he’s a little too pop for the street soldiers (despite actually getting shot). Is Fabolous a gifted lyricist with a knack for making radio hits, or a pretty boy masquerading as an elite rapper? Hip-Hop’s been asking that question for almost a decade now.
It’s no wonder then that Fab rides into his fifth album, the inconsistent but often dope Loso’s Way, with a noticeable chip on his shoulder. Unfortunately, Fab fails to channel his anger on Loso’s Way, allowing it to spray haphazardly or ebb and flow. For example, Loso’s Way was supposed to be a concept album mirroring the seminal gangster flick Carlito’s Way (like Jay’s American Gangster), but Loso’s Way is ultimately a concept album only to the extent that it’s an album, and the concept is songs featuring Fabolous. That failure of focus and cohesion is indicative of the album as a whole: when Fabolous is fully invested there aren’t many better, but he’s on cruise control too often to be truly great.
The first half of the album is a testimony to this inconsistency, starting with the lead single My Time. My Time’s quasi-inspirational hook would typically be done by either Akon or T-Pain, but here the birthday boy himself Jeremih takes up the call, mistakenly going down the auto-tune route in the process . It’s not a bad cut, but you could picture almost any rapper on My Time, and that’s never a good sign. I feel the same way about the bouncing Keri Hilson does a perfectly decent job, and while Fabolous gets in a few good lines, he sounds strangely uninterested. Even the Lil Wayne collabo, the militaristic Salute, comes off a little flat. It’s not bad enough to hate, not good to enough to love, it just…is.
No Fabolous album would be complete without some tracks for the ladies, and Loso’s Way delivers capably. The album’s two biggest ladies’ jams, and potential hits, are both reunions of sorts, starting with The-Dream’s work on Throw It In The Bag. The record won’t go down as one of The-Dreams best, it wouldn’t have made it onto Love vs. Money, but the brightly bouncing beat is the perfect contrast to Fabo’s slow flow, a technique he’s been using since Can’t Let You Go to enormous success. Much better is the baby-maker Makin Love, a burner of a track that Fabolous sets up beautifully and Ne-Yo knocks out of the park, resulting in the album’s surest bet. Even the grittier Last Time is a Killer, thanks in no small part to a dynamic appearance from Trey Songz. Loso has always had a way with the ladies, and Loso’s Way is no different. (Now if we could only make that Lil’ Mo reunion happen.)
If that’s all Loso’s Way was this review would be a wrap and we’d move on, but at times Fabolous stops cloaking himself in Louis Vitton-coated swagger and reveals himself to be an enormously talented artist. After one listen Stay became my favorite Fabolous song of all time: Fabolous tells the story of his childhood and newfound fatherhood with gripping skill and honesty, and Marsha Ambrosius absolutely kills the vocals. It’s an almost flawless track. In a similar vein is the soulful confessional Pachanga, and the epic I Miss My Love. In other words, if the entire album was as dope as the last five tracks, we’d be talking about a classic. Unfortunately that leaves us at the same place we started, unsure if Fabolous is an elite rapper who sometimes gets lazy, or a decent rapper who occasionally overachieves. Loso’s Way won’t answer any questions, but it will bring Fabolous just a little but closer to the one thing he really wants. Money, power, and……
Listen to More: Fabolous Written by Nathan S.
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Member Reviews and Ratings
Average Member Rating: Total Ratings: 24
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DJ Booth Member |
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Fabolous' fifth disc isn't a bad one by any means, but like Nathan said, it's quite inconsistent. The introduction was good, "My Time" is a solid joint, and "Imma Do It" also proves to be a worthy single. The middle of the album tended to be the weakest part, resulting in many average-at-best offerings. "Salute" with Weezy was adequate, "There He Go" had some strong production, but ended up being only decent, and the Ne-Yo collaboration "Makin' Love" truly wasn't that great for me. However, the album did feature some impressive material, as the respectable "Stay" includes solid lyrics and Marsha Ambrosius singing with soulful vocalism. The album closes with one of the best tracks, "I Miss My Love", which consists of some excellent story-telling from Fab. Fab can undoubtedly produce a close to Classic album if he can work on making more memorable tracks with stronger substance, but Loso's Way ends up being decent.
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| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1345 |
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I do have to agree, a bit of inconsistency, but as far as quality, its above average. Most tracks are FIRE. His best bets at singles would be "Last Time (Gotta Go)" and "Makin Love", but I have to admit "Lullaby" hits pretty hard as well. Solid album, not the best, he lost me after "Pachanga" from that song til the end is crap.
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| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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Rating was right on point kinda inconsistent Standout tracks to me is (Stay,Pachanga,The Fabolous Life,Last Time)everything else was look warm i think that he could've used more punchlines on this album and better concepts but dats jus me
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| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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Tracks are definately his best . Intro was sick. Started strong . Solid
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| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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This album will be interesting only until more high-profile offerings come in the next month and a half.
I've never really been impressed with this dude. He doesn't really go hard on the beats that demand it. Compare his When the Money Goes Remix to the version leaked months ago, and it feels like a let-down that this is on Fab's album instead of Hov's. On other tracks that should be certified classics Feel Like I'm Back, he doesn't just sound lazy. He sounds like he doesn't have much to talk about. Plus these songs are filled with corny lines. On first listen, I was disappointed with a lack of passion and some weak production, like in the Intro and My Time. Then I listened to it more and liked it more. Now, I'm back to my original opinion. This album is kinda like watching previews before the feature presentation. Just something to keep you from falling asleep till Blueprint 3 and others come out in September. Stand-Out Tracks: Feel Like I'm Back The Fabolous Life (more than just another "Good Life" track) When the Money Goes Remix |
| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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the only problem i really have with this album is Makin Love, it kind of comes out of nowhere and its a bad song, but the rest is good and he proves himself as a lyricist in my opinion
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| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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yo, i agree that Loso does have some inconsistency to his game and has some inconsistency on this album, but the inconsistency consists of a very small part of this album. (every rapper has some inconsistency.)
Like Dillon said, "most tracks are fire." i def agree. im kinda surprised no one is talkin bout "Everything..." that is the best track on the album. i thought Loso had sick flow throughout. He already has 3 singles out. i see at least 2 more (Makin Love, Last Time)= 5 singles. that sounds like quality to me. i think Loso has proven himself as a great rapper. i think its funny that so many ppl on this site say Loso is underrated and then rate or comment on this album and say he and the album isnt that good. Loso earned my respect a long time ago. if he hasnt earned ur respect yet, he should wit this album. if 5 albums all consisting of hits, one of the catchiest flows in the game, the top feature out there for ladies jams, the ability to put out street/club/ladies jamz w/quality doesnt earn ur respect, ur jus hatin or dont like hip-hop. fav tracks:Everything...,Throw It In The Bag,Makin Love,My Time,Last Time, Money Goes, Honey Stay, The Fabolous Life. |
| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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I agree wit donjonjon with the "money goes remix" , that was like a filler track. Jay's version was so much better, and it be nice to hear fab and jay ona real record and a 16 from jay. TO me, fabolous never had a wack album, and "REAL TALK" is still his best.
But he's got some hits on this one too. He is one of the best in the game. This is the cat that every rnb singer wants on they single. TOP 5 in order (aside from throw it in the bag) 1. STAY (nice to hear loso get personal bout fatherhood, he finally opens up on soem real talk, deep) 2. SALUTE (wow) 3. MAKIN' LOVE (he said he workin on a album with neyo) 4. LAST TIME (his tone is on point on this) 5. I MISS MY LOVE (Ill storytellin, hot beat) |
| Posted on Jul 29, 2009 |
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Im feeling this album right now its cool wit me... it has plenty of tracks i can ride to and some tracks i can ride to with my girl so its a banger for me
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| Posted on Jul 30, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 14 |
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I think the album is dope. He has the perfect beats 4 his smooth rap style & his lyrics were on point like usual. But the reason I think people underrate him cuz he has great wordplay. So if u dont listen 2 what he is sayn it can throw u off.
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| Posted on Jul 30, 2009 |
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Album is hot. Favorite tracks in no particular order:
The Way My Time Feel Like I'm Back Last Time Stay I Miss My Love Everything, Everyday, Everywhere Fab is ALWAYS solid. |
| Posted on Jul 30, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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Loso's Way of giving us More Of The Same.
I bootlegged it, listened to it, I read the review, saw some peeps rated it CLASSIC, went back to check out lyrics and I agree completely with Nathan. Its just a average album from an above average artist. Fabolous is a talented rapper who's never managed to streamline enough dedication and focus to craft a great album. Loso’s Way just sounds like a regular album with no theme whatsoever. He's still the same Loso he's always been and that isn't a bad thing at all ... for now. “Loso's Way” is far from a bad album, it is actually pretty good in its own right, the songs are enjoyable and it has the potential to stay relevant for the entire summer and into the fall because of all the radio songs on it. But this is Fabolous 5th album, and outside of two songs he really shows no growth. You have your songs for the ladies, and then there are the radio singles, the gangsta gangsta songs, the one song where he tries to put his people on, and the braggadocios tracks and the occasional moment of introspection. However, I was hoping Fabolous could take his lyrics and content to another level on Loso’s way. It didn’t happen .... Beat-wise, you won't be dissapointed. Every track feels diferent from each other and overall the production is definitely high quality stuff. The album definitely bangs, and if you came for beats you came to the right place. (if all of this sounds kind of familiar, then it shouldn't surprise you: this is pretty much the same recipe fab follows). However, the beats are not as tightly wound and memorable as some of his past work. Lyrically, As far as commercial albums go, who else has their bragging albums dressed in wordplay as good as his? Who else brags as cleverly as Fab? Fab may not be a conscious rapper or have deep lyrics, but his skills do lie in metaphors and wordplay. To me, Fab is one of the best at what he does, and you will mos def get some enjoyment out of listening his verses on this album .... BUT dont feel surprised if you find someone's around ya saying that his raps/punchlines/wordplay has gone weak cos they mos def be referring to any track between 2 to 12 .... He could put more excitement in his voice and he could try to rap on new topics and I certainly feel like he took a couple steps back lyrically. The Good news is Fabolous wraps up the album quite well, the last leg of this LP is actually pretty damn! good. Things improve and his punchlines def gets tighter as we approach "Pachanga". "Lullaby" could have been so much better but that chorus certainly ruined the whole vibe/flow of the track for me. Despite his record exec. molded tracklist Fab shows potential with "Stay" and "I Miss My Love" he needs more songs like this to humanize himself cuz for as many albums as he has, you barely know anything about him .... If you wanted a different and more mature Fab, you might be disappointed. If you just wanted a solid Fab album, you’ll enjoy this one. Neither a success nor a failure. Well, I certainly enjoyed it but it seems not that much to make me go out and Cop this LP or even recommend .... Instead go and purchase Maino's "If Tomorrow" .... As far as rating goes, its dead on 3.5 and if anyone else feels like rating it the same, feel free to share his rating with mine and click on that four star button. Top Picks: 1. Pachanga 2. Stay 3. I Miss My Love 4. Everything Everyday 5. My Time |
| Posted on Jul 31, 2009 |
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sweet
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| Posted on Aug 04, 2009 |
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Okay, So i completely agree with nathan on the point that Loso is very hard to categorize in the world of hip hop because there isn't really one area where he fits. Personally, i love this about him. I think that it makes for albums that show a lot of different styles of songs. His first two albums were good and established him as an artist that was very versatile. His third album, in my opinion his 2nd best album, showed even more of that versatility, while possibly spreading himself too thin over 18 tracks. From Nothin To Somethin was dope, but too many features. Loso's Way is above and beyond his best album.
The punchlines are back, he has an impeccable ear for beats, and he can craft a hook with the best of them. There are a few missteps throughout, but that's the same with most albums. Best song: I Miss My Love. Loso tells an epic crime story that rivals some of the best crime stories told in hip hop. If only more of the album had moments comparable to the great moments in hip hop, we'd have a classic. At least he shows that he's capable. 4/5. |
| Posted on Aug 06, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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definately better than above average. the jay cut is hot and ryan leslie murders both his beats. "imma do it" and "stay" are probably the best tracks.
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| Posted on Aug 11, 2009 |
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| Posted on Aug 18, 2009 |
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I feel like fabo missed an opportunity on this joint. It seems when the verses were good the hook was bad and visa-versa. And Salute, which pertained an excellent beat was brought down by a weak Weezy verse. As for I Miss My Love & Stay it shed new light that fabo can do just about anything. As for pachanga and throw it in the bag it creates easy listening but nothing that leaves a historic mark. I feel as if Fabo could be one of the best rappers in the game today but his verses on Loso's Way just didn't exhibit his best material. In the end, a quality album from a rapper with the potential to be a idolized icon shows good but not great performance.
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| Posted on Aug 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Entertaining stuff. The album singles are a bit less catchy then the last album. But overall good album to listen.
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| Posted on Aug 29, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 736 |
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man, this album is fire, i knew loso had this in him, 4.5
my favorite off this album are: 1. its my time 2. never let it go 3. the fabolous's life 4. when money goes |
| Posted on Sep 06, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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THIS CD GO HARD...I GIVE IT A OVERALL OF 88
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| Posted on Oct 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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not bad
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| Posted on Nov 11, 2009 |
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| Posted on Dec 14, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 13 |
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I agree with Nathan. This album is not very consistent. I'm not going to attack the fact that it's inconsistent because there are a variety of albums out there that are in deed inconsistent but end up turning out to become very good albums, such as Ludacris' Release Thearpy or Nas' I Am and Nastradamus.
This album does have very good tracks that had me bobbin my head, such as Imma Do It and Lullaby. But there is one track on this album that is truly a track worth listening to, unlike Throw It In The Bag, which in my opinion only has a catchy hook. That track is I Miss My Love. A very lyrical song and it caught me off guard actually. I don't listen to Fabolous and haven't attempted to ever since I heard his overplayed and over-remixed song "Make Me Better". Anyway, this track has a very smooth beat that'll keep you listening and he is talking about a woman that has come and gone out of his life. I love the song. I actually made an instrumental out of the song. |
| Posted on Dec 19, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 34 |
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Gorgeous album, though it does have a couple of pop songs but others are even nothing!
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| Posted on Jan 08, 2011 |
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