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
Dead Presidents
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the love of money [3X]
[Beat changes to instrumental of Jay-Z's "Dead Presidents"]
[Chorus - Sample from "The World Is Yours" by Nas {Chamillionaire}]
Presidents to represent me (get money!)
I'm out for presidents to represent me (get money!)
I'm out for dead (fuckin) presidents to represent me
{I'm out for dead presidents to represent me}
[Verse 1 - Chamillionaire]
Check it, that's why I put no people under my wing
Welcome rain but still wonder what the thunder might bring
I already did my thing, I will forever be king
Take a look inside my pockets, such a devilish thing
They say that money's the root, a tree's growin out of my pocket
I pull a branch off it and try my best not to drop it (why?)
'Cause gold diggers watch and I like to call it boppin
And I am not a Simpson/simp son but rest in peace to Cochran (Amen)
You're rich man, they tell me this how it 'sposed to feel
Haters try to hinder the hustle before I close the deal (fo' real)
But it's off with your head homie, you know the drill
Hang your body up from a ceiling and call it overkill (woo)
Chamilli, I am the Alpha and Omega
Stoppin me is like winter in Denver with humid weather
Never, ever, ever, your head it could get severed (yeah)
I got these haters sick, it'd be better to get better
How do you possibly think you're reachin as high after me?
Three times quicker, just call me the triathlete
It ain't a thing that I did that I feel I can't repeat (what?)
It ain't a thing that I did that I feel I can't repeat (okay)
They spend their life to prove their realness to half a street
Already lived your entire life in a half a week
Destiny lookin fine, so I just smack a cheek
And even when I'm not even tryin, another can't compete, yeah
[Chorus 2 - Sample from "The World Is Yours" by Nas {Chamillionaire} - 2X]
I'm out for presidents to represent me (get money!)
I'm out for presidents to represent me (get money!)
I'm out for presidents to represent me (get money!)
I'm out for dead (fuckin) presidents to represent me
{I'm out for dead presidents to represent me}
[Verse 2 - Chamillionaire]
Before I had a million, I talked a million into existence
They say it pays off, well thank you to my persistence (you welcome)
Look at the vehicle to see how well I lived it
I keep a elbow on the rim like I was Vincent (Carter)
Too bad you missed it, a decade already passed
Already got everything that they said that I couldn't have (couldn't have)
And now I don't even want it, look at it like it's trash
One man's trash is another's treasure, so get a bag
Apologies for all of the materialism
But all the times that I didn't do it is when they didn't listen (listen)
So now I sit and vision, times when my wrists didn't glisten
Like I just want to go back but who the heck I'm kiddin? (woo)
'Cause if I did that, then you would never get mad
I'd be tryin to get back to where I am in this rap
So I just try to get cash and be done with the riff-raff
And I swear a slut could never, ever get half (haha)
[Chorus 2]
"Dead Presidents" is a song about the pursuit of wealth and success, even if it means sacrificing personal relationships and morals. The lyrics suggest that money is the ultimate representation of power and status in society, and the artist is willing to do whatever it takes to obtain it. The song also touches on the concept of haters and those who try to hinder the artist's success. Chamillionaire embraces his own success and views it as something to aspire to.
In the first verse, he recognizes the power of money and the lure of gold diggers who try to take advantage of his success. He references infamous lawyer Johnnie Cochran and says that he is not a "simp son" (a reference to the character Homer Simpson) but still offers respect to the deceased lawyer. Chamillionaire expresses his confidence in his own abilities and dismisses haters who try to bring him down. He suggests that he is unstoppable and compares himself to a triathlete.
The second verse continues with Chamillionaire's belief in his own talents and using his persistence to obtain a million dollars. He references basketball player Vince Carter and emphasizes that he has already achieved everything that detractors said he could not. Chamillionaire also acknowledges the controversy and negativity surrounding materialism, but justifies it as a necessary part of his success. He reinforces his dedication to making money, but rather than viewing it as a means of showing off, he suggests that it is a necessity to maintain his current lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Presidents to represent me (get money!)
Chamillionaire is in pursuit of wealth and success that he wishes to represent him
I'm out for presidents to represent me (get money!)
Chamillionaire emphasizes his desire for great wealth through his lyrical repetition
I'm out for dead (fuckin) presidents to represent me
Chamillionaire is willing to die for wealth and success, as he seeks the money and status that will represent him after his inevitable mortal end
Check it, that's why I put no people under my wing
Chamillionaire is self-reliant and does not put himself in a leadership position over others
Welcome rain but still wonder what the thunder might bring
Chamillionaire is prepared to handle any manner of challenge that comes his way, whether it be a gentle rain or a dangerous thunderstorm
I already did my thing, I will forever be king
Chamillionaire has achieved success in his own right and is in control of his own destiny, which he boasts through his self-proclaimed title of 'king'
Take a look inside my pockets, such a devilish thing
Chamillionaire's wealth is regarded as almost evil or sinful in some eyes, and he acknowledges the dark side of money and material possessions
They say that money's the root, a tree's growin out of my pocket
A reference to the biblical phrase 'the love of money is the root of all evil,' Chamillionaire contends that he is blessed to have a tree of wealth growing out of his pocket
I pull a branch off it and try my best not to drop it (why?)
Chamillionaire is careful not to squander his money or lose his flow of riches
'Cause gold diggers watch and I like to call it boppin
Chamillionaire is aware of the people that are attracted to him solely for his wealth and tries to maintain his composure and avoid getting taken advantage of
And I am not a Simpson/simp son but rest in peace to Cochran (Amen)
Chamillionaire is not a playboy like the character Homer Simpson and pays homage to Johnnie Cochran, a well-known attorney who passed away in 2005
You're rich man, they tell me this how it 'sposed to feel
Chamillionaire expresses his confusion over the idea that being rich should automatically come with a feeling of satisfaction or contentment
Haters try to hinder the hustle before I close the deal (fo' real)
Chamillionaire has faced obstacles from those who oppose his success but remains steadfast in his pursuit of wealth and status
But it's off with your head homie, you know the drill
Chamillionaire will not hesitate to deal with those who are hindering him in a less-than-friendly way
Hang your body up from a ceiling and call it overkill (woo)
Chamillionaire is willing to go to extreme lengths to silence those who obstruct his success and will not take any nonsense from them
Chamilli, I am the Alpha and Omega
Chamillionaire sees himself as both the beginning and end, the ultimate authority over his own success and destiny
Stoppin me is like winter in Denver with humid weather
Stopping Chamillionaire's hustle is nearly impossible, akin to a bizarre weather pattern that is unlikely to occur
Never, ever, ever, your head it could get severed (yeah)
Chamillionaire is confident in his position and is not afraid to take heads if his success is threatened
I got these haters sick, it'd be better to get better
Chamillionaire enjoys his haters' misery and believes they would benefit by improving themselves rather than wasting energy on envying him
How do you possibly think you're reachin as high after me?
Chamillionaire holds himself in high regard and believes he has set an unattainable bar for those who follow in his footsteps
Three times quicker, just call me the triathlete
Chamillionaire moves at a quick pace and is constantly reaffirming his hustle, like an athlete in a triathlon
It ain't a thing that I did that I feel I can't repeat (what?)
Chamillionaire has successfully achieved his level of success by repeating his hustle, and sees no reason to change his strategy
It ain't a thing that I did that I feel I can't repeat (okay)
Again emphasizing his successful hustle, Chamillionaire confidently says he can achieve the same level of success again
They spend their life to prove their realness to half a street
Chamillionaire sees others tirelessly trying to prove their worth to only a small part of their community, whereas he has achieved success that transcends his entire block
Already lived your entire life in a half a week
Chamillionaire suggests that some have already lived and died without ever achieving the same level of success as him, and that their lives were like a fleeting moment in time
Destiny lookin fine, so I just smack a cheek
Chamillionaire is confident in his success and is unfazed by any adversity thrown his way, so he takes it in stride and moves forward
And even when I'm not even tryin, another can't compete, yeah
Chamillionaire is so far ahead of his peers that he doesn't even have to try to outshine them, they are incapable of competing with him
Before I had a million, I talked a million into existence
Chamillionaire's belief in his own success allowed him to manifest it into reality, he willed his wealth into existence through sheer determination
They say it pays off, well thank you to my persistence (you welcome)
Chamillionaire acknowledges the validity of the adage that persistence pays off, and thanks himself for sticking with his hustle
Look at the vehicle to see how well I lived it
Chamillionaire's success is manifest in his tangible possessions like his car, a reflection of his lavish lifestyle earned through hard work
I keep a elbow on the rim like I was Vincent (Carter)
Chamillionaire compares himself to Vincent Carter, a former professional basketball player known for his dunking abilities, suggesting he is similarly impressive
Too bad you missed it, a decade already passed
Chamillionaire suggests his incredible success has already reached ten years, making it all the more impressive
Already got everything that they said that I couldn't have (couldn't have)
Chamillionaire has achieved success even when others doubted him, proving his doubters wrong by attaining wealth, status and power
And now I don't even want it, look at it like it's trash
Having already achieved his dreams, Chamillionaire is jaded by his success and does not value material goods as much as he once did
One man's trash is another's treasure, so get a bag
Chamillionaire suggests that his trash would be treasure to someone else, so others should be savvy and pick up the slack where he's discarded what he no longer views as valuable
Apologies for all of the materialism
Chamillionaire acknowledges that his focus on wealth and material possessions may be viewed as shallow, and apologizes to those that might be offended
But all the times that I didn't do it is when they didn't listen (listen)
Chamillionaire stresses the importance of following your dreams, as he has achieved what he has by narrowing his focus and ignoring those who doubted him
So now I sit and vision, times when my wrists didn't glisten
Chamillionaire reflects on a time when he did not have the wealth he has now, and considers what it took to achieve his current success
Like I just want to go back but who the heck I'm kiddin? (woo)
Chamillionaire suggests that, although he may reflect on his past successes, he recognizes its impossibility to re-live the past
'Cause if I did that, then you would never get mad
Chamillionaire rejects revisiting the past because it would be fruitless and would prevent him from achieving even more in the future
I'd be tryin to get back to where I am in this rap
Chamillionaire's focus is on his present success and continuing to achieve his goals within the music industry
So I just try to get cash and be done with the riff-raff
Chamillionaire wants to avoid distractions like drama and conflict, and instead focus solely on achieving wealth and success
And I swear a slut could never, ever get half (haha)
Chamillionaire is selective with those he surrounds himself with, and is wary of those who might take advantage of his success
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.