Fabolous Reflects on Nate Dogg, Amber Rose, and Hip-Hop Legacy
Brooklyn rapper Fabolous is gearing up for the release of his sixth studio album, Loso’s Way 2: Rise to Power. However, his focus remains on paying homage to those who’ve influenced his journey. In a recent interview with Tim Westwood, Fabolous opened up about working with the late Nate Dogg, his evolving artistry. In addition, Fab offered his opinions figures like Amber Rose and Nicki Minaj. Rose, of course, starred in his “You Be Killin’ Em.” Meanwhile, Nicki is the sensation taking over music.
Honoring Nate Dogg’s Legacy
Nate Dogg’s passing, back in March, left an undeniable void in hip-hop. As the genre’s go-to artist for unforgettable hooks, Nate’s voice graced countless hits, including Fabolous’ breakout single, “Can’t Deny It.” Reflecting on their collaboration, Fabolous shared his gratitude: “I always saluted Nate for jumping on my first single just coming out the gate. We made a great record, and it even symbolized the East and the West Coast doing records again.”
The 2001 single, powered by Nate Dogg’s smooth chorus, marked a pivotal moment in hip-hop’s healing process after the East Coast-West Coast feud. Fabolous noted how their partnership was more than just music—it was a symbol of unity. “There weren’t many people from the East and the West really collaborating at the time,” he explained. “Me and Nate kind of put our necks out there and made great music.”
Fabolous expressed regret at not having the opportunity to collaborate more extensively with Nate Dogg. “I definitely wish we could’ve worked together more,” he said. “The success we had with ‘Can’t Deny It’ showed me what was possible.”
Amber Rose and the Visual Power of “You Be Killin’ Em”
Fabolous has always had a knack for creating cultural moments, and the music video for his 2010 hit “You Be Killin’ Em” was no exception. Featuring Amber Rose, the video brought high-fashion aesthetics and a dose of glamor to his smooth delivery. Amber’s presence added another layer to the song’s appeal. Therefore, connecting Fabolous to her massive following and making the track a staple in clubs and playlists.
Amber brought a unique energy to that video. However, Westwood asked Fabolous about their relationship. While she embodied the vibe of the track and helped take it to the next level visually, Tim wanted to know the extent of her involvement with Fabolous. However, Fab’s ability to remove himself from that talk was uncanny. In entertainment world, the media often tries to connect stars. But Fabolous denied Westwood’s question that Amber’s pipeline from Kanye West to Wiz Khalifa went through him.
Nicki Minaj: The Queen on the Rise
During his conversation with Tim Westwood, Fabolous couldn’t help but acknowledge Nicki Minaj’s meteoric rise in hip-hop. Currently, Nicki is dominating the charts with hits like “Super Bass” and redefining the role of women in rap with her bold lyrics and electrifying performances.
Fabolous jokingly mentioned Nicki’s legendary lap dances during her live shows, adding, “Nicki’s energy is unmatched. She’s changing the game, and it’s inspiring to see someone make such a big impact.” He recognized her as a transformative force in hip-hop, one who is shaping the genre’s future while paving the way for new opportunities for women.
A Balancing Act: Veterans and Newcomers
As Fabolous transitions into his veteran years, he’s found himself in a position similar to that of Nate Dogg during their collaboration—mentoring and uplifting the next generation of talent. With Loso’s Way 2, Fabolous is working with a mix of established and up-and-coming producers. “I hooked up with some new guys who got that hunger in them,” he explained. “We’re about to lock in and get the album done.”
This approach reflects Fabolous’ ability to stay relevant while honoring his roots. His goal is to deliver a project that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners, blending timeless hip-hop elements with fresh perspectives.
The Symbolism of “Can’t Deny It”
Looking back on his debut single, Fabolous recognized how “Can’t Deny It” encapsulated the spirit of his career. Nate Dogg’s hook brought an element of smoothness that contrasted with Fabolous’ biting lyricism, creating a perfect balance. The song not only launched his career but also served as a blueprint for the kind of music he continues to make—versatile, collaborative, and emotionally resonant.
“‘Can’t Deny It’ was special,” Fabolous said. “It represented more than just me as an artist; it represented a shift in the culture. That’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
A Look Ahead: Loso’s Way 2
With Loso’s Way 2 slated for a September release, Fabolous is ready to show fans a new side of his artistry. Inspired by the success of his S.O.U.L. Tape mixtape, he’s experimenting with soulful beats and introspective lyrics. “I wanted to give people something different, something they weren’t used to hearing from me,” he said. “The response has been great, and I think the album will take it even further.”
The project promises to be a mix of past and present, featuring collaborations with seasoned producers and newcomers. Fabolous is determined to strike a balance between honoring hip-hop’s legacy and pushing its boundaries.
The Enduring Impact of Collaboration
Whether it’s working with legends like Nate Dogg, creating iconic visuals with Amber Rose, or recognizing the game-changing influence of Nicki Minaj, Fabolous continues to thrive as a cultural connector. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape of hip-hop while staying true to his roots is what sets him apart.
As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Fabolous is focused on creating music that resonates. At the end of the day, Fab is about making music that people feel. That’s why he did The S.O.U.L. Tape and titled it as such. Feeling as fans never heard him rap over soulful instrumentals and samples, he provided that. Also, he gave fans an appetizer, while the wait for the new album continues.
Conclusion
Fabolous’ reflections on Nate Dogg, his collaborations with Amber Rose and Nicki Minaj, and his upcoming album underscore his place in hip-hop’s evolving story. As he balances his role as a mentor with his drive to innovate, Fabolous proves that he’s not just a rapper—he’s a cornerstone of the culture. With Loso’s Way 2 on the horizon, fans can expect more of the timeless music and impactful collaborations that have defined his career.
