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
Comin Up
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold up (Hold Up), we jammin'
I can't let nobody hold me down-these ho's could never hold me (never hold me)
Cause I'm comin' down, playa surroundin' livin' these ho's fantasy
Cause I'm choppin' blades and playin' maze and these bitches they can't stand it (can't stand it)
Peep up in this game and this thing is so demandin'
I'm comin up (choppin' on dubs and showin 'em love)
Uh Hold up young bitch-bitch I just don't wanna stop comin'up
[Verse 1: Pimp C]
Uh it's never too much the paper I make
These other pussy niggas ain't real them ho's fake
I'm Sweet James Jones when you come through bitch
I treat you good because you know I'm rich
I was in the ghetto-had nothin'
Sold a lot of records and grabbed somethin'
Now I'm goin' through movies in L.A
Playin' the game the way the hustlers play
And everyday I try to stack my grip and make three songs
I'm try'na get my mothafuckin' paper on
I want the new (bone?) and the new cell phone
I want the new two way pager and the new mansion home
In Houston cause that is my city
And them other pussy niggas they record sound shitty
When I see you in the town I'm a hit you up
You never could take my dream cause you niggas fucked up
[Chorus]
I can't let nobody hold me down-these ho's could never hold me (never hold me)
Cause I'm comin' down, playa surroundin' livin' these ho's fantasy
Cause I'm choppin' blades and playin' maze and these bitches they can't stand it (can't stand it)
Peep up in this game and this thing is so demandin' comin' Up
[Verse 2: Z-Ro]
I remember when I had to come up just to come down
That's the reason for my uncontrollable ballin' right now
Use to be scared to walk in the store I payed the price now
My life is to valuable for me to play with life now
Of course it's gon' be some niggas who think I done changed
They find me guility just because now I got diamonds on every thing
My mouth and my pinky ring, my wrist and my neck
I'm 'bout my business so give me my cash or give me my check
See I can biblically remember me and Trae on the block
Even more then hustlin' sometimes we had to lay on the block
Eat, sleep, shit, piss, pray on the block
To make it through the night to see another day on the block
Movin' rocks got us full pockets-plus knots in our socks
But now money be comin' in wadd's like blocks
Let's go half on a Yacht-I got the pot you got the chicken fried steak
I can't even hear you haters you've been muted by my paper chase
[Chorus]
[Verse 3: Lil' Flip]
Who would've known that this rap shit would take me far
At 18 I had a fifty-thousand dollar car
I went from Jag to Benz but not the regular kind
Now I'm smokin' hydro not the regular pine
I spit one freestyle now I'm rockin' clubs
After "Diamonds N Yo Face" I was coppin' dubs
I had to make the transition from a boy to a man
So if you wanna 16 that's forty-grand
Rappers talk a lot of shit but you ain't stoppin' us
Look you don't wanna bump heads with a mafia (Huh)
Look you don't know shit about UGK
Or Mr. Fat Pat and Grey Screw tapes
I rep the Screwed Up Click peep the watch I'm wearin'
I'm the first cat in Houston with a black Meclaron
Lil' Flipper tote pistols for them none believers
Cause down here we poppin' trunks on Cadillacs and Regals (Oh boy)
[Chorus]
[Pimp C]
Peep up in this game and this thing is so demandin'
I'm comin' up (choppin' on dubs and showin' 'em love)
2000-Fizive and you are not fly enough (young bitch)
Uh Hold up young bitch-bitch I just don't wanna stop comin' up
In Chamillionaire's song Comin Up, he collaborates with Pimp C, Z-Ro, and Lil' Flip to express their success in the rap game and their continued hustle to maintain their success. The song talks about the hard work they put into becoming successful, their dedication to their craft, and not letting anyone hold them down. The lyrics also touch on their increasing wealth and material possessions such as cars, cell phones, two-way pagers, and mansions but they still strive to achieve more.
The first verse by Pimp C is about his journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a successful rapper. He talks about how he left the ghetto and is now making music and acting in movies in LA. He emphasizes on the importance of stacking his money and making sure that he stays true to his dreams.
The second verse by Z-Ro talks about his struggles in the past and how he has come a long way from where he started. He talks about the sacrifices he's made to become successful, and how he now has money and material possessions. He also emphasizes how some people may view him differently but he doesn't care and is more focused on his goals.
The third and final verse by Lil' Flip talks about his success in the rap game and how he's progressed from having a fifty-thousand-dollar car at 18 to now having a black Meclaron. He emphasizes that he is still part of the Screwed up Click and is still dedicated to Hustle and grind.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold up (Hold Up), we jammin'
Wait a minute, let's get into the groove before we continue.
I can't let nobody hold me down-these ho's could never hold me (never hold me)
No one can hold me back or stop my progress, especially not mere women who are after my wealth.
Cause I'm comin' down, playa surroundin' livin' these ho's fantasy
I'm enjoying the high life, surrounded by beautiful women and living the fantasy that they desire.
Cause I'm choppin' blades and playin' maze and these bitches they can't stand it (can't stand it)
I'm cruising in my expensive cars and playing with their minds, and these women can't stand it when I reject them.
Peep up in this game and this thing is so demandin'
The rap game is tough and requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
I'm comin up (choppin' on dubs and showin 'em love)
I'm rising to the top, cruising in my fancy cars and showing love to those who supported me.
2000-Fizive and you are not fly enough (young bitch)
It's the year 2005 and you're not stylish or cool enough, young woman.
Uh Hold up young bitch-bitch I just don't wanna stop comin'up
Wait a minute, young woman, I'm not ready to stop succeeding and climbing up the ladder of success.
Uh it's never too much the paper I make
I can never have enough money, and I continue to make stacks of cash.
These other pussy niggas ain't real them ho's fake
Other rappers are fake and not real, just like fake women.
I'm Sweet James Jones when you come through bitch
I'm like a boss, the renowned Sweet James Jones, when I'm in charge.
I treat you good because you know I'm rich
I treat you with respect and kindness because I have plenty of money.
I was in the ghetto-had nothin'
I came from poverty and had nothing before I became rich and successful.
Sold a lot of records and grabbed somethin'
I sold many records and acquired a lot of wealth.
Now I'm goin' through movies in L.A
Now I'm starring in Hollywood movies in Los Angeles.
Playin' the game the way the hustlers play
I'm playing the rap game like a savvy hustler knows how to play the game.
And everyday I try to stack my grip and make three songs
Every day, I try to save more money and produce three new songs.
I'm try'na get my mothafuckin' paper on
I'm working hard to get my money and wealth.
I want the new (bone?) and the new cell phone
I want the latest and greatest things, such as the new car and the new cell phone.
I want the new two way pager and the new mansion home
I also want the latest technology, like the two-way pager, and a new luxurious mansion to live in.
In Houston cause that is my city
I want to purchase all these things in my prideful hometown of Houston.
And them other pussy niggas they record sound shitty
Other rappers are not as good as I am, and their music sounds terrible.
When I see you in the town I'm a hit you up
When I see you on the street, I'll greet you and catch up with you.
You never could take my dream cause you niggas fucked up
No one can take away my dream or stop me from succeeding.
I remember when I had to come up just to come down
I remember when I had to work hard to be successful and then enjoy my success later.
That's the reason for my uncontrollable ballin' right now
That's why I'm living it up and splurging so much right now, because I worked hard to get here.
Use to be scared to walk in the store I payed the price now
I used to be afraid to go into stores because I didn't have money, but now I can buy anything I want.
My life is too valuable for me to play with life now
I'm too important now to take risks with my life.
Of course it's gon' be some niggas who think I done changed
There will be people who think I'm different now that I'm successful.
They find me guility just because now I got diamonds on every thing
They criticize me for being conceited just because I wear diamonds on everything.
My mouth and my pinky ring, my wrist and my neck
I have diamonds on my mouth, pinky ring, wrist, and neck.
I'm 'bout my business so give me my cash or give me my check
I'm all about making money, so pay me what you owe me.
See I can biblically remember me and Trae on the block
I can vividly remember me and Trae hustling on the block.
Even more then hustlin' sometimes we had to lay on the block
Sometimes we had to stay on the block overnight just to make ends meet.
Eat, sleep, shit, piss, pray on the block
We did everything on the block, from eating to praying to using the bathroom.
To make it through the night to see another day on the block
We did all this just to make it through the night and survive for another day.
Movin' rocks got us full pockets-plus knots in our socks
Selling drugs got us a lot of money, and we hid the money in our socks with knots in them.
But now money be comin' in wadd's like blocks
Now the money is coming in like blocks, meaning I have a lot of it.
Let's go half on a Yacht-I got the pot you got the chicken fried steak
Let's go in on buying a yacht, and I'll pay for part of it while you pay for the rest.
I can't even hear you haters you've been muted by my paper chase
I'm so busy making money that I don't even have time to hear or respond to the haters.
Who would've known that this rap shit would take me far
I never expected that rapping could bring me this much success.
At 18 I had a fifty-thousand dollar car
At just 18 years old, I already had a car worth $50,000.
I went from Jag to Benz but not the regular kind
I upgraded from a Jaguar to a Mercedes-Benz, but not just any kind of Mercedes.
Now I'm smokin' hydro not the regular pine
Now I smoke high-quality hydroponic weed instead of regular, low-quality weed.
I spit one freestyle now I'm rockin' clubs
I started my career by freestyling, and now I'm performing in big clubs and venues.
After "Diamonds N Yo Face" I was coppin' dubs
After the success of my song "Diamonds N Yo Face," I was buying expensive cars.
I had to make the transition from a boy to a man
I had to grow up and mature from being a young boy to a responsible man.
So if you wanna 16 that's forty-grand
If you want a verse from me, it will cost you $40,000.
Rappers talk a lot of shit but you ain't stoppin' us
Other rappers talk a big game, but they can't stop our success.
Look you don't wanna bump heads with a mafia (Huh)
Don't mess with us or cross us, because we're like a powerful mafia.
Look you don't know shit about UGK
You don't understand or know anything about UGK, the legendary rap duo.
Or Mr. Fat Pat and Grey Screw tapes
You also don't know about the late rapper Mr. Fat Pat or the legendary DJ Screw tapes.
I rep the Screwed Up Click peep the watch I'm wearin'
I represent the Screwed Up Click, and check out the expensive watch I'm wearing.
I'm the first cat in Houston with a black Meclaron
I'm the first person in Houston to own a black McLaren sports car.
Lil' Flipper tote pistols for them none believers
I carry guns for those who don't believe in me and may try to harm me.
Cause down here we poppin' trunks on Cadillacs and Regals (Oh boy)
Because in Houston, we show off our cars by popping the trunks and blasting music from Cadillacs and Buick Regals.
Peep up in this game and this thing is so demandin'
Again, the rap game is tough and requires a lot of work and dedication.
I'm comin' up (choppin' on dubs and showin' 'em love)
I'm still climbing up the ladder of success, cruising in my fancy cars and showing love to my fans.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: EARL POWELL, EARL BUD POWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
HerMajesty
2017 jamming.
Troy Stevens
2020-2021 still banging!
Rene Ortiz
Pimp on the chorus, baby
HerMajesty
2018 💜