Fabolous-"Loso's Way" Album Review

Although "Loso's Way" doesn't officially drop until Tuesday, July 28th, Blue Vinyl has got an album review to let you know what you're dealin' wit!

Overall, "Loso's Way" is a good disk and a great indication of Fabolous' growth as an MC (and maybe as a man, see Track 15). While the album as a whole slips a little after the middle, it's overall above average presentation cannot be overlooked. No matter which "way" Loso's headed, it doesn't look like he's going anywhere by the looks of this content.

Individual Track Evaluation:

1) The Way (Intro)- Loso sets things off right by avoiding the typical intro chit-chat and going hard, addressing issues like why people have under-rated him and the general meaning of what “his way” really is. A great track for fans of “go hard,” mixtape-type verses.

2) My Time (feat. Jeremih)- Fabolous keeps things moving with the up-beat, Runners-produced “My Time” featuring R&B new-comer Jeremih. While the track displays the great blend of Rap and R&B that is typical of Fabolous, the real highlight of the song is Jeremih’s surprisingly fitting appearance on the third verse. Reminiscent of R. Kelly’s “singing rap” style, Jeremih doesn’t fail to make a presence for himself.

3) Imma Do It (feat. Kobe)- No, this song doesn’t feature the Kobe you thinking of; but you eventually get over this as Fabolous kills the second and third verses of yet another “go hard”, Rap and R&B affair.

4) Feel Like I’m Back- If you’re a fan of Drake, this laid-back selection won’t sound too unfamiliar as Loso takes up the singing duties on the chorus. This track can easily be overlooked with the exception of the last verse.

5) Everything, Everday, Everywhere (feat. Keri Hilson)- Fabolous redeems himself from the last track with this potential single. While the chorus is not as catchy as the beat would call for, Ryan Leslie is by far satisfactory on production. One of my personal favorites and another track Loso can add to his thick resume of rap/sung collaborations.

6) Throw It In The Bag (feat. The-Dream)- With another big-name guest appearance, “Loso’s Way” provides a great opening half to an album. This Pop-listener pleaser adds a balancing element to the rougher side of Fabolous’s flow.

7) Money Goes, Honey Stay (When The Money Goes Remix) (feat. Jay-Z)- Continuing his brand of a lighter flow, Loso lets Jigga Man handle the vocals on the hook. Although Jay-Z doesn’t lend his flow on any verses, this beat ultimately makes up for any mistakes that appear on the track (which are few).

8) Salute (feat. Lil’ Wayne)- Just when you thought Keri Hilson, The-Dream, and Jay-Z made for a hefty list of collaborations, Lil’ Wayne comes through to show you that he’s not done making his presence felt everywhere possible. The blaring trumpets on this track have the regal effect of actually making you wanna salute or be saluted. A decent addition to Wayne’s resume and another pleaser for any fans of Weezy.

9) There He Go (feat. Paul Cain, Red Café, and Freck Billionaire)- This album had to falter at some point. Four MCs lend disposable verses on this typical, egotistical, “look at me” track. All this song did was force me to ask, “Where He Go?”

10) The Fabolous Life (feat. Ryan Leslie)- Not many MCs can appeal to the ladies as well as the gold-diggers, but Loso shows them how it’s done on this laid back Next Selection. Capable of being overlooked due to its location on the disc.

11) Makin’ Love (feat. Ne-Yo)- Ladies, turn the lights down low and put the kids to bed… Loso and Ne-Yo are here to make love. But unfortunately Fabolous doesn’t know what that is… (peep the end of the song) which brings about the cliché uber masculine stereotype of “beatin’ it up” rather than fully sharing some type of bond in bed. While the track is decent at best, it doesn’t do much to redeem the second half of the album.

12) Last Time (feat. Trey Songz)- Yes, Trey Songz had a single with the same title. And yes, this song has the same theme as Trey Songz’s interpretation of temptation with the opposite sex. Fortunately, Fabolous does an adequate job of elaborating on his relationship with “that chick on the side” and lets his flow expand over the beat well. Too bad the MC doesn’t sound too apologetic about being with this Girlfriend #2.

13) Pachanga- Maybe I spoke to soon on the apologetic tip in the last track. Here, Fabolous discusses his emotions related to that girlfriend who switches up on her man. The 1970s R&B/Soul sample gives a great sobering effect to the theme and allows Loso to do his thing with the flow that’s made him one of Rap’s premier MCs. Forgive me for the extensive compliment… this track is hot.

14) Lullaby- With a beat this slow and a track this late in the album, maybe Fab really was trying to put his listeners to sleep. The punch lines grow weary and Loso just doesn’t seem interested in letting you know how to do things his way anymore. This track could have had more potential as an earlier album cut.

15) Stay (feat. Marsha Ambrosius)- Fab saves all vulnerability for this touching ode to the father-figure (present or not). Marsha Ambrosius gives the best vocal performance of any R&B guest star on this album and solidifies the sensitivity of this great listen. Don’t get it twisted, Loso ain’t gone soft… he’s just providing what some need to hear.

16) I Miss My Love- Fabolous displays surprising storytelling abilities on the “Loso’s Way” finale. While the story’s content is extensive, Fab adequately balances a good flow with a story that’s able to be followed. While this track may have worked well as the second to last cut (before “Stay”), but it’s visible vulnerability at song’s end would undoubtedly work against an MC who intentionally goes hard throughout the LP.

Overall Rating: 3/5

If you were interested in coppin' this, hopefully this helped you out. Until next time...

-A.T.M.