God was in a good mood the day he made Fabolous (sic), according to the not-so self-effacing rapper. There's no denying the confidence and self-assured swagger of Fabolous - or "Fab" as he is better known, although his real name is the rather more prosaic John Jackson - and this, his third long-player, bears all the hallmarks of a rising rap star. The man says he wants this release to reflect his lyrical talent and there's no doubt that many a sharp line is delivered with style. But overall the album just doesn't sound particularly original. The opener, Exodus, takes a well-aimed pop at the unreasonable behaviour of the music industry - from then on in all topics are covered, including tales of entertaining the ladies, interacting with the law enforcement representatives, spending quality time with friends and not standing for any nonsense from rivals in rap. It's all OK stuff, but somewhat predictable.

The production throughout is as snug and tight as the diamonds on his Rolex, courtesy - in places - of The Neptunes and others. On the songs themselves Fab is occasionally joined by his chums - including Sean Paul on It's Alright - but it's the single Breathe that offers the most unlikely pairing, namely with rock dinosaurs Supertramp; the track contains a hefty sample from the 'tramps Seventies tune, Crime Of The Century. And for once the seemingly obligatory Parental Advisory sticker is merited. The language on this album is much like the food served up at my local boozer: foul.

Released : 8th November 2004
Label: Elektra

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