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
Deep Off
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fuck you, lookin' at nigga?
I'm still tryin' to find out nigga
Hold up, hold up, oh we got a problem here?
We got a problem here, we got a problem nigga?
It's the return of the trill niggaz, hide your stash
(Stash)
(Smash)
I rock ya like Dame Dash
(Dash)
One shot, one kill
Ask anybody
(Body) and they gon' tell ya Bun real
(Southern Smoke)
It's a done deal when I pull up on ya
Calico get unleashed, niggaz clearin' the corner
Perfect to me and ten
(Me and ten)
We movin' much weight
And this one for pimp in a penitentiary upstate
Damn, come on Bun, wait
Naw nigga, this one dedicated
To pimp in a penitentiary upstate
'Til he come home in his name we ballin'
We never forget the homies on lock or the fallen
Band I.T., Young L.o and Bad Azz Bam
Sean Wee and Big Munst' and we ain't givin' a damn
If you need a kilogram, two, three or a dozen
Come on down to Texas, holla at your country cousin
I can show you how to get stains
How to flip 'caine
Show you how to grip grain
How to grip stains
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
We be creepin' in your back doors
Cockin' back fours
Show you how to mack hoes
Slammin' 'Lac doors
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Already
Yeah, I learned how to shoot a MAC-10 'fore I turned 12
Hot shells burn, black skin turn pale
You out to get mail? I show you boys how to sell yay
And how to tell what it weigh without a scale
Motel 6, hard blow sell quick and I ain't gon' sell shit
You'll sell nicks and dimes, twenties
Even three dollar club sacks
Buy y'all private, guaranteed to come back
I turn sand into rocks with soda
No wrist, just a fog tryin' to rock your quota
Microwave on top of the stove, these hands is cold
I stretch the books, see how much water it hold
Most niggaz think the water should be cold
Really hot, keep it warm 'til the finishing lot
Not cold nigga, listen and watch
We takin' bricks on the road, try to form your spot, nigga
Yeah
(Southern Smoke)
You don't hear how we gettin' it
Then you gettin' in the way
I'm gettin' rich, niggaz gettin' pissed
'Cause most pussy niggaz play
We can let that metal settle differences
Let a clip set a date, point guard position
I'm assistin' it so an opponent better pray
Of my environment, yeah, it's the Messiah
So close to the truth than you that your fiction
Cannot deny a real nigga from gettin' higher
Don't believe me than check my prior
Record, I said I'm on fire
Your poof like your time expired, liar, haha
I can show you how to get stains
How to flip 'caine
Show you how to grip grain
How to grip stains
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
We be creepin' in your back doors
Cockin' back fours
Show you how to mack hoes
Slammin' 'Lac doors
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Bitch, we deep off in the game
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Already
The lyrics of "Deep Off" by Chamillionaire provide a vivid and raw depiction of the underground world of drug dealing and gang violence. The song uses aggressive and confrontational language to describe the ruthless actions of drug dealers, who are constantly striving to expand their territory and protect their operations from rival dealers and law enforcement. The opening lines of the song, "Fuck you, lookin' at nigga? I'm still tryin' to find out nigga," set the tone for the intense and hostile mood that dominates the song.
The lyrics also contain references to the rapper's own experiences, such as his early exposure to violence and crime, as well as his expertise in dealing drugs and navigating the dangerous world of street gangs. Lines such as "Yeah, I learned how to shoot a MAC-10 'fore I turned 12" and "I turn sand into rocks with soda" illustrate the rapper's deep knowledge of the criminal underworld and his ability to outmaneuver his competition.
Overall, the lyrics of "Deep Off" provide a powerful and unflinching look at the harsh realities of life on the streets, and serve as a stark reminder of the often brutal consequences of involvement in the drug trade and gang activity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey man, what's wrong with you?
Asking if there is anything bothering the other person.
Fuck you, lookin' at nigga?
Asking why the other person is staring.
I'm still tryin' to find out nigga
Still trying to figure out why the other person is staring.
Hold up, hold up, oh we got a problem here?
Asking if there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
We got a problem here, we got a problem nigga?
Asserting that there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
It's the return of the trill niggaz, hide your stash (Stash)
The return of true and real people who will take everything from you.
We dressed in all black and got the hood on smash (Smash)
Wearing all black and dominating the area.
I rock ya like Dame Dash (Dash)
Beating someone like Dame Dash would.
One shot, one kill
Being efficient and precise in their actions.
Ask anybody (Body) and they gon' tell ya Bun real (Southern Smoke)
Everyone knows that Bun is real and trustworthy.
It's a done deal when I pull up on ya
Things are already settled when they arrive.
Calico get unleashed, niggaz clearin' the corner
Using a type of gun that causes others to scatter and flee from the area.
Perfect to me and ten (Me and ten)
Believing that a certain number of people are enough for the task at hand.
We movin' much weight
Dealing with a lot of drugs.
And this one for pimp in a penitentiary upstate
Dedicating this song to a friend who is incarcerated.
Damn, come on Bun, wait
Asking Bun to slow down or wait for them.
Naw nigga, this one dedicated
Insisting that this song is dedicated to their friend in prison.
To pimp in a penitentiary upstate
Again emphasizing that this song is for their friend who is incarcerated.
'Til he come home in his name we ballin'
Enjoying life and having fun in honor of their friend who is away.
We never forget the homies on lock or the fallen
Remembering and honoring their friends who are either incarcerated or have passed away.
Band I.T., Young L.o and Bad Azz Bam
Listing the names of friends who have passed away.
Sean Wee and Big Munst' and we ain't givin' a damn
Not caring about anything else because they are focused on their friends and their own success.
If you need a kilogram, two, three or a dozen
Able to supply various amounts of drugs.
Come on down to Texas, holla at your country cousin
Asking people to visit them in Texas if they need drugs.
Yeah, I learned how to shoot a MAC-10 'fore I turned 12
Showing how early they were introduced to violence and weapons.
Hot shells burn, black skin turn pale
Describing the impact of getting shot.
You out to get mail? I show you boys how to sell yay
Teaching others how to sell drugs in order to make money.
And how to tell what it weigh without a scale
Knowing how to estimate the weight of drugs without a scale.
Motel 6, hard blow sell quick and I ain't gon' sell shit
Refusing to do business with people who don't have enough money.
You'll sell nicks and dimes, twenties
Selling smaller amounts of drugs in order to make quick money.
Even three dollar club sacks
Selling small amounts of drugs in clubs for cheap prices.
Buy y'all private, guaranteed to come back
Promising that their product is of high quality and that customers will return.
I turn sand into rocks with soda
Using a particular method to turn a small amount of drugs into a larger amount.
No wrist, just a fog tryin' to rock your quota
Not using any fancy equipment, just being efficient with their work.
Microwave on top of the stove, these hands is cold
Using a microwave to heat up drugs.
I stretch the books, see how much water it hold
Stretching their resources and making sure everything is utilized to their advantage.
Most niggaz think the water should be cold
Most people believe that their resources should be kept at full strength, but Bun is willing to stretch his.
Really hot, keep it warm 'til the finishing lot
Keeping their resources and product warm until it is ready to be used or sold.
Not cold nigga, listen and watch
Believing that their method is better than the norm.
We takin' bricks on the road, try to form your spot, nigga
Traveling and looking for new places to sell drugs.
You don't hear how we gettin' it
Others may not understand how they manage to make money.
Then you gettin' in the way
If others get involved, they will become an obstacle.
I'm gettin' rich, niggaz gettin' pissed
Their success is causing jealousy and anger in others.
'Cause most pussy niggaz play
Those who are angry or jealous are not as serious or successful as them.
We can let that metal settle differences
Using weapons to solve problems.
Let a clip set a date, point guard position
Being precise and efficient in their use of weapons.
I'm assistin' it so an opponent better pray
Confident in their abilities and knowing that their opponents will need to pray for help.
Of my environment, yeah, it's the Messiah
Being the leader and messenger of their environment.
So close to the truth than you that your fiction
Being so truthful and honest that others seem like liars in comparison.
Cannot deny a real nigga from gettin' higher
Their realness and authenticity will bring them more success.
Don't believe me than check my prior
Encouraging others to look at their past successes.
Record, I said I'm on fire
Having a lot of success and being unstoppable.
Your poof like your time expired, liar, haha
Others who doubt their success will be proven wrong.
We be creepin' in your back doors
Being sneaky and discreet in their actions.
Cockin' back fours
Getting ready to use weapons if necessary.
Show you how to mack hoes
Teaching others how to seduce women.
Slammin' 'Lac doors
Closing car doors forcefully.
Bitch, we deep off in the game
Being heavily involved in the drug game and lifestyle.
(Bitch, we deep off in the game)
Repeating that they are deeply involved in the drug game and lifestyle.
Already
Emphasizing that they are ready for anything and everything.
Contributed by Sadie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.