After his parents, a Muslim father from Oyo State, Nigeria and a Christian mother from the United States, separated in his early teenage years, Chamillionaire settled into a notoriously dangerous inner-city neighborhood in North Houston called Acres Homes, which he elaborated upon during an interview with Houston's 104.9 KPTY on October 3. Rap and other forms of secular music, which his parents had highly opposed in their household, became very appealing to the young Hakeem Seriki. Inspired by local rap acts such as The Geto Boys, 8 Ball & MJG, and UGK, as well as other national acts such as N.W.A. and Public Enemy, Chamillionaire began to compose his own ponies.
At a young age, Chamillionaire along with fellow rap music artist and childhood friend Paul Wall, had decided to make music their careers. One day while promoting themselves at a Texas event, Paul Wall and Chamillionaire ran into Michael 5000 Watts, a popular mixtape DJ from the Northside. After proposing to do promotions for Watts' company, the Swishahouse, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall came to Watts' studio and convinced Watts to allow them freestyle on an intro to Watts' radio show on Houston’s 97.9 The Box. Watts, who himself was convinced to rap on the record, enjoyed the freestyle so much that he put the verses on one of his mixtapes. The freestyle became so popular in the streets that Chamillionaire and Paul Wall became regular staples on Houston's mixtape circuit, appeared on several of Watts' mixtapes, and became permanent members of Swishahouse.
Although Paul Wall and Chamillionaire were making much noise in the streets by rapping on Watts' mixtapes, they, along with several other members of the Swishahouse, became frustrated with the lack of money they were receiving from the mixtapes. After fellow member Slim Thug left the label, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall followed and started their own mixtape group known as The Color Changin' Click. Each successive mixtape released by The Color Changin' Click led to more business opportunities; the most notable of which being a contract to do a full album for Paid in Full Records. A one album contract was then negotiated between the Color Changin' Click and Paid in Full's label head, DJ Madd Hatta from 97.9 The Box, and the CCC's first album, Get Ya Mind Correct, would go on to sell over 100,000 copies.
The sale of all these albums without the backing of a major deal caught the attention of several major labels wanting to sign Chamillionaire and Paul. Chamillionaire and his labelmates decided to remain independent, however, until the right deal came along. While working on his second album with the Color Changin' Click, Chamillionaire began to have creative differences with Paul Wall, so much so that it was decided that the two emcees should each release solo albums that would be packaged together. When Chamillionaire became dissatisfied with how things were being resolved, he left Paid in Full and his almost complete album after fulfilling his contractual obligations to focus on promoting his mixtape label Chamillitary instead. As a kid, Chamillionaire was a big fan of MANKind, also known as Big June.
Chamillionaire's Myspace
This kid from Houston, Texas has some nerve. That's what came to mind as you watched an MTV special in early 2005 showcasing H-Town's commercial and artistic re-emergence on the rap scene. Following his brazen freestyle, the focused and much-heralded MC known as Chamillionaire faced a national audience and launched a swagger-filled proclamation on camera: "I'm the truth from Texas..." While such boasting may seem par-for-the-course in the prideful 25-year-plus history of hip-hop, the latter ambitious statement aptly describes Chamillionaire. It's the reason why he earned the lofty alias "The Mixtape Messiah," a title Cham was crowned after independently selling over 100,000 copies of the Get Ya Mind Correct album, and by selling thousands of his numerous mix tapes. It's why the former member of Houston's legendary mix-tape power Swisha House garnered coverage in such major hip-hop publications as Source and XXL without the backing of a major deal. When the Houston lyricist set off a major label bidding war to distribute his Chamillitary Records, it became abundantly clear throughout the 'hood and the music industry Chamillionaire is indeed the truth.
With his major-label debut The Sound Of Revenge set for release on Universal Records, Chamillionaire is poised to take his place among Houston's current hip-hop elite, including the new generation of rhyme-spitters such as Lil' Flip, Slim Thug, Mike Jones and Paul Wall, as well respected vets UGK and Scarface. "You call out a lot of rappers and ask them why they are the best and they are going to tell you everything but the music," Cham laughs. "They will tell you that they are the best because they have some nice rims, a chain, and a mansion." He then adds in a straight-no-chaser tone, "You've heard all the hype about Chamillionaire; that he's sick with the lyrics, sings hooks, and represents the streets and the clubs. But I just want to come as close as possible to living up to my reputation."
Chamillionaire recruits an impressive list of talent on his debut effort, including Lil' Flip, Bun B, Scarface, and Krayzie Bone, as well as in-demand producers Scott Storch (50 Cent), Mannie Fresh (Lil' Wayne, Baby, Juvenile) and Cool & Dre (The Game). But, it's his work with Atlanta studio kings The Beat Bullies (1Big Boi/OutKast) that sets the tone for much of The Sound Of Revenge's diverse platform. "They understand me," Cham says of the in-house producers. "There are a lot of producers that have dope beats, but they don't know me as an artist. [The Beat Bullies] being from Atlanta, can take it to the strip clubs, the streets and to the radio."
The name Chamillionaire represents the unique style that defines the talented urban artist, and his ability to change and adapt on the fly, forcing people to respect the true breadth of his talent. And just as this MC moniker exemplifies, Chamillionaire is anything but predictable and most certainly versatile. "Picture Perfect" featuring Bun B comes off as a lyrical nod to the classic 'hood swagger of UGK, while the Beat Bullies'-anchored "Radio Interruption" showcases Cham's prowess for walking the blurred line between street praise and mass appeal. The storytelling brilliance of "No Snitching" (Cool & Dre), finds Cham detailing the unwritten laws of 'hood politics. On the Scott Storch produced "Turn It Up," Cham tag-teams with freestyle king Lil' Flip as they spit over an infectious track that is Houston's answer to a summer club banger. And the soulful "Here Comes The Rain" finds Chamillionaire exploring the daily struggles of life with heartfelt lyricism and ghetto angst.
"It's a very personal song and the title says it all," Cham says of the revealing track. "In a person's life the rain symbolizes the struggles we all go through. Whether you are dealing with losing a loved one or your rent is due on the 1st, but it's the 3rd and you don't have it. I'm just talking about surviving the tough times."
Chamillionaire has definitely seen his share of struggles on his road to redemption. Born to a Muslim father and Christian mother, secular music was banned in his household. Chamillionaire was barely a teenager when he moved to a low-income neighborhood in the notorious North Side of Houston, following the separation of his parents. By the early '90s, however, rap rebels such as NWA, Public Enemy, as well as hometown heroes The Geto Boys, 8-Ball & MJG and UGK would inspire a young Hakeem to write his own rhymes.
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Chamillionaire's Myspace
Best Rapper
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You already know what this
I am the best rapper alive
If I ain't him the best rapper done lied
They say get money and put that to the side
But if I do that they gone think it's a tie
Who's sicker than
Ya'll fake rappers must be ready to die
Yeah yeah I'll fix that click clack get back
Getting paid is a better feeling
I don't wanna take the shot of penicillin
I ain't chilling business dealing
Look down on you my floor is your ceiling
Solo unity at your girlfriend
Crib tryin move the D
And the car got a super V
If a leaf fall on it I'll shoot the tree (Yeah)
First name Hakeem middle name money
Signature look clean
Mixtape scene ya'll know I'm king
I'll put you on the screen like Sway and Shaheem
Rabbit Rabbit gotta get cabbage
Mixtape savage I rip through tablets
Crib so lavish don't know magic
Shades just open like go go gadget
Like your reading my mind
Ya'll ain't keeping up with me and my rhyme
Make you exit like your readin a sign
I'm the hardest rapper LA Reid didn't sign
Got the balls to prove it
Venom album coming get your exclusive
Don't try to act like your excluded
Cause your neck fit right on my nooses (ha ha)
Let me light it up
Let me light it up
I'm the best rapper I swear
Let me make this clear
He can rap and out sing ya (Uh)
I'm the one that out think ya damn
He just dropped a new single
I'll have the industry shook with one finger
50 got rich and he didn't even die
Jay getting rich he ain't needing to reply
R. Kelly on the ground he believing he can fly
I'm running through the drought like it isn't even dry
Amigo me gotta get the peso
I get more like Shawty Lo they know
I don't waive at a hater call Magno
Money go ha ha play doh
Yeah got mixtape bars
I'm the ruler of the mixtape art
Put em on sale like it's K-Mart
All bow down to the Mixtape God
In Chamillionaire's song "Best Rapper," he confidently asserts his dominance in the rap game. He starts by proclaiming himself as the best rapper alive, dismissing any claims by other artists who may have lied about their skills. Chamillionaire acknowledges that many advise him to focus on making money and set aside his rap career, but he knows that if he does that, people will consider it a tie, implying that he is already ahead and doesn't want to lose his lead.
The next verse delves into his mindset and approach to success. Chamillionaire expresses that making money brings him great satisfaction, but he doesn't want to rely on medication (symbolized by "penicillin") to feel good, implying a desire for organic success. He prides himself on being a skilled businessman and looks down on the competition, emphasizing his status by saying his floor is their ceiling. He also suggests having control over other rappers' girlfriends, further asserting his power and influence in the industry.
Chamillionaire continues to assert his superiority and success by boasting about his clean image and popularity in the mixtape scene. He compares himself to famous personalities like Sway and Shaheem, implying that he can put others on the map with his influence. He likens himself to a savage, tearing through challenges without hesitation, and boasts about his lavish lifestyle. He mentions his shades opening like "go go gadget," referencing Inspector Gadget's gadget-filled hat and highlighting his ability to captivate others effortlessly.
In the final verse, Chamillionaire dismisses any doubts about his talent, making it clear that he is the best rapper. He references the music industry, name-dropping figures like LA Reid and suggesting that their failure to sign him is a testament to his skill and uniqueness. He proudly states that he has the evidence (balls) to back up his claims, teasing his upcoming Venom album as exclusive material. Chamillionaire hints at his ruthlessness by alluding to nooses around the necks of those who oppose him, metaphorically suggesting that he can eliminate their relevance.
Overall, "Best Rapper" portrays Chamillionaire as a confident and assertive artist who firmly believes he is superior to his peers in terms of rapping skills and industry success. He showcases his ability to outthink, outperform, and outshine others, leaving no doubt in the listener's mind that he is the best in the game.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah uh the King
I am the ultimate ruler and authority in the rap game.
You already know what this
You are already aware of my dominance and talent.
I am the best rapper alive
I possess unrivaled skills and am considered the top rapper currently active.
If I ain't him the best rapper done lied
If there is anyone who claims to be a better rapper than me, they are simply lying.
They say get money and put that to the side
People advise me to prioritize making money and set aside my rap career.
But if I do that they gone think it's a tie
However, if I follow that advice, others will mistakenly believe that my skills are equal to others.
Who's sicker than
Who can surpass my level of greatness?
Look me in the eye
Face the truth and acknowledge my superiority.
Ya'll fake rappers must be ready to die
All these fake rappers who try to compete with me must be prepared to face defeat.
Yeah yeah I'll fix that click clack get back
I will handle and eliminate any opposition swiftly and efficiently.
Getting paid is a better feeling
Nothing compares to the satisfaction of earning a substantial income.
I don't wanna take the shot of penicillin
I don't want to rely on medication or quick fixes to achieve success. It should come naturally.
I ain't chilling business dealing
I am constantly engaged in making business moves and expanding my empire.
Look down on you my floor is your ceiling
I am so far above you in terms of success and status that your highest point is still beneath me.
Solo unity at your girlfriend
I have the power to attract and impress your girlfriend all by myself.
Crib tryin move the D
My luxurious residence is like a chessboard, making calculated moves to advance.
And the car got a super V
I drive a high-performance car, symbolizing my superior status and capabilities.
If a leaf fall on it I'll shoot the tree (Yeah)
I am so protective of my possessions that I would even go to extreme measures, like shooting a tree if a mere leaf falls on my car.
First name Hakeem middle name money
My name is a representation of my wealth and success.
Signature look clean
My appearance is always impeccable and represents my brand.
Mixtape scene ya'll know I'm king
In the world of mixtapes, everyone acknowledges me as the undisputed king.
I'll put you on the screen like Sway and Shaheem
I have the power to elevate others' careers and give them exposure, just like influential figures in the industry.
Rabbit Rabbit gotta get cabbage
In order to succeed and make money, I have to continuously hustle and work hard.
Mixtape savage I rip through tablets
I am relentless in my mixtape creations, tearing through verses and delivering with ferocity.
Crib so lavish don't know magic
My home is so luxurious and extravagant that it feels like magic, almost unreal.
Shades just open like go go gadget
My sunglasses, like a gadget from the cartoon, open effortlessly to reveal my eyes.
Like your reading my mind
You can see and understand my intentions and thoughts without me explicitly stating them.
Ya'll ain't keeping up with me and my rhyme
You are unable to match or compete with my rapping skills and lyrical flow.
Make you exit like your readin a sign
My rap prowess and presence will make you leave the scene as if you were following a sign instructing you to exit.
I'm the hardest rapper LA Reid didn't sign
Even the renowned music executive LA Reid failed to recognize my talent and sign me, which shows my exceptional skills.
Got the balls to prove it
I possess the courage and confidence to demonstrate my abilities and back up my claims.
Venom album coming get your exclusive
My highly anticipated album called 'Venom' is on the way, secure your exclusive copy.
Don't try to act like your excluded
Do not pretend that you are not affected or influenced by my impact and presence in the industry.
Cause your neck fit right on my nooses (ha ha)
Your actions or words make you vulnerable to my control and influence, like a noose around your neck.
Let me light it up
Allow me to ignite the rap game and bring fire and intensity to the scene.
Let me make this clear
I want to emphasize and ensure that there is no confusion about my talent and superiority.
He can rap and out sing ya (Uh)
I possess the ability to rap and also surpass you in singing skills, making me a more versatile artist.
I'm the one that out think ya damn
My intellect and strategic thinking always outshine and outsmart my opponents.
He just dropped a new single
While others may be releasing new music, their impact pales in comparison to my own.
I'll have the industry shook with one finger
I have the power to cause tremors and disrupt the entire music industry effortlessly, even with minimal effort.
50 got rich and he didn't even die
50 Cent achieved immense wealth and success while still being alive, proving that I too can reach great heights.
Jay getting rich he ain't needing to reply
Jay-Z is accumulating wealth and leaving a mark without feeling the need to respond or engage in petty disputes.
R. Kelly on the ground he believing he can fly
Despite facing adversity, R. Kelly maintains a belief in his abilities and potential for success.
I'm running through the drought like it isn't even dry
Even in challenging times or unfavorable circumstances, I continue to thrive and succeed effortlessly.
Amigo me gotta get the peso
Like a friend, I need to secure my earnings and financial stability.
I get more like Shawty Lo they know
Similar to Shawty Lo, I consistently accumulate wealth and my reputation precedes me.
I don't waive at a hater call Magno
I don't waste my time acknowledging or giving attention to haters, like Magno.
Money go ha ha play doh
I am able to amass wealth effortlessly and treat it like play-dough, shaping it to my liking.
Yeah got mixtape bars
I possess a distinct and exceptional talent for creating impactful verses in my mixtapes.
I'm the ruler of the mixtape art
I reign supreme and hold dominion over the world of mixtapes, showcasing my creative prowess.
Put em on sale like it's K-Mart
I have the ability to generate demand and sell mixtapes as if they were discounted products at K-Mart.
All bow down to the Mixtape God
Everyone must acknowledge and submit to my unmatched talent and status as the supreme deity in the mixtape realm.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Meshach Berry
Wow.........Im Speechless......Some Of The Best From Koopa Recently.This Track Was A Lyrical Beast.
WrecksOnTheBeat
Almost 10 years later this is still hard
Kinuhbud
damn i think its time i start listenin to rap again
jacktharippa
Cham is probably one of the only rapper who drops nuttin but fire on everything he touches!! plus he gives his fans free downloads man hes killin it
inFAMOUS Beats / GFx
This flow is freakin ferocious...!!
TexasLean
Man he tore this up in so many levels! Venom June 22 Lets get it!
GrayFox8983
he's been the best since Mixtape Messiah 1 and still wreckin =D
Privat Mann
13 years later. Still good
ThotbreakMeek
💯
Hunit Boi
its bout time he came out and said it...haters needed this!!!!!!!!good fo u cham