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Quick! Who the fuck is Mistah F.A.B? · by Sach O
The video of the hour
Mistah Fab? That’s what a lot of people are saying now that they’ve seen his hilarious video for Ghost ride it, a gimmicky but clever track about the misunderstood and often mocked Bay Area practice/sport/trend/WTF. I had the same reaction in regards to Fab a few months back when he signed to Atlantic Records, particularly since my Bay Area connects seemed to already consider the guy a star. They were quick to mention that Fab had more to say than the average Hyphy artist and he was just as likely to write a political track as he was a club song. Since then, he’s stepped up his already his prolific collabo-game, jumping on tracks from The Pack’s “Vans” to Lyrics Born’s “Life” (on a live CD no less). So back to our original question: Who the fuck is Mistah F.A.B? Well here’s a brief introduction.
Born Up (Nig-Latin 2002)
Back in 2002, Fab’s high pitched vocals, sing-songy choruses, imitation Dr Dre beats and freestyle rhymes were closer to Eminem crossed with Juvenile than his current smart-dumb persona. His debut Nig-Latin is a mixed bag and Fab’s lack of experience on the mic shows in a few spots. That said, despite being undeveloped on the rhyming tip and more than a little dated beat-wise, it’s an interesting historical document, showing off Fab while he was still developing his style. Not to mention the kick off track Born Up is an excellent example of early 00’s Hip Hop period.
Super Sic Wit it ft Turf Talk and E-40 (Son of a Pimp 2005)
A skittering, bass heavy collaboration with Forty and Turf Talk repping Sic Wit it and Fab holding it down for Thizz Entertainment, this is a shining example of Fab delivering a catchy hook and mile-a-minute rhymes. Hard to say who outshined who on this track, but E-40 DID reprise Fab’s “Idothedummyretardedandridetheyellowbus” line as the hook to his own track “The Dummy” a few months later for what that’s worth. Oh, and you’ll need some decent bass in your system if you want to do this one any justice.
If if was a 5th (Son of a Pimp 2005)
Call Heaven (Son of A Pimp 2005)
Fab’s got more than a few songs addressing the community and while he doesn’t exactly raise “Coup level” issues, he’s rarely overbearing with his message either. By pairing his thoughtful material to laid back Oakland funk, he can slip rhymes about family, friends and the future amidst the slappers without losing a beat. “If if was a 5th” is message song that could also belong in my “tracks to smoke to” post and thus deserves a shout out while “Call Heaven” manages to recall 2pac in a good way. No easy feat at this point.
DJ Shadow ft Mistah Fab, Turf Talk, Keak da Sneak & Droop-E – 4 Freaks
Traxamillion ft Too $hort & Mr F.A.B – Sideshow
First, Fab rescues Shadow’s stab at Hyphy by flipping the hook and ripping the beat to pieces then he delivers a fiery verse over Trax’ ode to Oakland car culture. If Atlantic is smart, they’ll start getting dude on national remixes ASAP because if there’s one sure fire way to blow the man up, it’s by turning him into the Bay Area’s Ludacris.
Finally, for the backpackers out there: a 5 minute live acapella flow clinic. If you’re still doubting the man’s skills after this, you’re probably not listening for the same reasons I am.
Comments for "Quick! Who the fuck is Mistah F.A.B?"
wow, FAB’s profile has grown. atlantic probably did themselves a favor by kicking Little Brother out and getting FAB in. he was huge in the Bay when i did my time there. “super sic wid it” was an anthem.
— dj mirateck Jan 31, 01:42 PM
fabby davis is the truth. yadadabooboo?
its nice to see non-bay related spots giving him his spot light. im still uncertain how his response is going to be; hopefully folks wont just dismiss him as a gimmick with this track.
— Ninoy Brown Jan 31, 11:16 PM
If you lived out in the bay you would understand who fab is and what he’s about.. the dude got skills.. His song make people go crazy out here.. and his grind is unmatchable… every event, club, radio show, whatever he is there… I’m a producer and i did a couple beats for him so if you wanna know more about him check my page… myspace.com/ticsbeats
— politics Feb 1, 08:33 PM
politics: The point of the post was to highlight stuff for cats outside of the Bay. It’s pretty much impossible to stay current with Bay Area material if you’re out of the region it seems, but a lot of the Bay Blogs tend to address cats already aware of the scene/in the area so I figured I’d give Fab a little exposure for those who hadn’t heard of him.
Pretty much any Bay related material I cover is for the benefit of those who aren’t up on it yet. Out of appreciation for the style.
— Sach Feb 1, 09:10 PM
Nig-Latin already got turfed. Got another link?
— DJ Flash Feb 2, 05:12 AM
i haven’t much by FAB but from what i’ve heard, he’s not bad
his appearance on the Grouch & Zion I album definitely impressed me
— ardamus Feb 8, 11:38 AM
wutt!!! mistah f.a.b is one of the BEST hyphy musik singers in THA bay yall really need to be listenin’ to that nig ya heard
the bay gets hyphy all day
thas wazzap my nigs
peace!
— rosita Feb 17, 10:19 PM
Pure example of hard work and dedication. It’s alot of cats out there rapping becauase it seems to be a trend right now, but Fab being doing it 4 years. That why you can see the growth and development from Nig Latin to now. A pen, pad and a dictionary has been his main assets 4 a longtime. The Bay need him.
— Rio Mar 31, 04:09 PM
F.A.B.s flow is weak and the grind is stale Sanka.
Four gay asses on an upside down barstool make better noise.
Respect.
— TAwiquaw Dec 5, 01:10 AM