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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(C) Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
Chamillionaire's Myspace
End the Fighting
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That the game is set to leave the South and go somewhere else
If we don't straighten up
At the end of these records we listen to
We don't get nothin out of 'em no mo' man
We don't get no social commentary
We ain't get no kind of knowledge out these records
Everybody just talkin about how many chains they got on
But the truth of the matter is this - I don't believe you!
Yeah, independent as ever, Texas was at the top (top)
Destiny tryin to stop us, expectin Texas to flop (flop)
So we pull out the drops (drops), let the truck on and pop (pop)
Reminisce how we lost almost every legend we got (got)
CEO of myself just like J. is to Rap-A-Lot
'Face and the Geto Boys will always be big as 'Pac (for real)
Jay is my favorite rapper (yeah) and Roc-A-Fella was hot
But we gon' throw up the H before we ever throw up the Roc (Roc)
Family chasin a dollar (yeah), Chad he got a daughter (yeah)
Legacy with her mama, plus he got a Chinara (for real)
Hawk he had a wife, so I pick up the phone to call her
God gonna handle that and the blessing will be the karma (hold up)
Who would of known that after the arguments we would ball?
Got into it with Paul, started it as my dog
Divided is how we stand, united is how we fall (fall)
Pimp knocked down the door and then told me we had it wrong
Everybody on these records lyin
Everybody lyin, everybody this D-D boy
Everybody these hardcore gangstas
Everybody gon' do this to each other when they see each other
And the truth be told
We too blessed and we havin too much money in this rap game
To be goin to war with each other
Don't nobody wanna fight nobody in this rap game
Cause 98 percent of these dudes is cowards
Yeah, when the landlord's tryin to say I was locked out
Hustler, that ain't nothin that I'm a cry about
Used to sit up in the crib, Ramen Noodles with lights out
Now my crib presidential and as large as the White House
Yeah, maybe I'm gettin older (older), made me into a voter (voter)
Daily I'm livin sober (sober), no mixin drank in my soda (soda)
This reality show ain't as promisin as they told ya
Texas got the controller, so maybe it isn't over
You a man of morals, the industry can't destroy you (nah)
Y'all be on that gossipin ish and I just avoid you (yeah)
Y'all be actin like possum when seein I'm comin for you (yeah)
Y'all don't really want problems with me cause I will destroy you
The opening lyrics of Chamillionaire's song "End the Fighting" express a sense of urgency and a call for change. The rapper worries that the South, which has worked hard to establish itself in the rap game, may lose everything it has fought for if it doesn't straighten up. He is critical of the current state of rap music, which he feels lacks social commentary and knowledge. Instead, everyone seems to be focused on flaunting their material possessions and drug dealing experiences. Chamillionaire doesn't believe the authenticity of these claims and is tired of rappers lying on their tracks.
As the song progresses, Chamillionaire reflects on the struggles that he and his fellow Southern artists have faced. Despite being independent and talented, they have had to fight against industry expectations, with many people expecting them to fail or "flop". Chamillionaire pays homage to the legends who came before him, such as Scarface and the Geto Boys, and acknowledges that he draws inspiration from fellow rapper Jay-Z. However, he remains fiercely loyal to Texas, stating that he will rep his city before showing love to any other place.
The final lyrics of the song seem to speak directly to the rap industry and the culture of beefs and feuds that have plagued it for years. Chamillionaire calls out the industry for its hypocrisy and encourages his peers to focus on building their wealth and success instead of tearing each other down. He is confident in his own abilities and knows that he could destroy anyone who tries to come for him.
Line by Line Meaning
We gonna lose everything we fought to get man
If we continue down this path, we will lose all the progress we've made.
That the game is set to leave the South and go somewhere else
The music industry is shifting away from Southern rap.
If we don't straighten up
In order to avoid losing progress, we need to change our ways.
At the end of these records we listen to
When we get to the end of these songs,
We don't get nothin out of 'em no mo' man
We don't get any meaningful content from them anymore.
We don't get no social commentary
We don't learn or gain insight about society.
We ain't get no kind of knowledge out these records
We don't learn anything valuable or educational from these songs.
Everybody just talkin about how many chains they got on
Artists are only talking about their possessions.
And how much dope they sold
Artists are bragging about drug sales.
But the truth of the matter is this - I don't believe you!
The artist doesn't believe these claims are true.
Yeah, independent as ever, Texas was at the top (top)
Texas was doing well in independent rap.
Destiny tryin to stop us, expectin Texas to flop (flop)
However, people were expecting Texas to fail.
So we pull out the drops (drops), let the truck on and pop (pop)
To prove them wrong, we show off our fancy cars.
Reminisce how we lost almost every legend we got (got)
We remember all the greats we've lost over the years.
CEO of myself just like J. is to Rap-A-Lot
The artist is in control of their own career, like how J. Prince controls Rap-A-Lot Records.
'Face and the Geto Boys will always be big as 'Pac (for real)
Scarface and the Geto Boys are just as important as Tupac in Southern rap history.
Jay is my favorite rapper (yeah) and Roc-A-Fella was hot
Chamillionaire has a lot of respect for Jay-Z and his label Roc-A-Fella Records.
But we gon' throw up the H before we ever throw up the Roc (Roc)
However, Texas pride comes first before any other allegiance.
Family chasin a dollar (yeah), Chad he got a daughter (yeah)
Some people in the industry are just trying to make money for their families.
Legacy with her mama, plus he got a Chinara (for real)
Another colleague has a daughter and a baby on the way.
Hawk he had a wife, so I pick up the phone to call her
After the death of a colleague, Chamillionaire reaches out to their spouse.
God gonna handle that and the blessing will be the karma (hold up)
Chamillionaire believes in divine justice for those who have passed away.
Who would of known that after the arguments we would ball?
After conflicts between colleagues, they were able to succeed and make money together.
Got into it with Paul, started it as my dog
Chamillionaire had a dispute with another artist, who he previously considered a friend.
Divided is how we stand, united is how we fall (fall)
If we remain divided, we will not succeed as a community.
Pimp knocked down the door and then told me we had it wrong
Chamillionaire got advice from Pimp C about how to move forward in the industry.
Everybody on these records lyin
Chamillionaire believes that many other artists lie on their tracks.
Everybody lyin, everybody this D-D boy
Everyone is claiming to be something they're not.
Everybody these hardcore gangstas
Even though many artists portray themselves as gangsters.
Everybody gon' do this to each other when they see each other
They are still friendly with each other in person, despite their differences on record.
And the truth be told
Honestly,
We too blessed and we havin too much money in this rap game
These artists are too successful to be fighting with each other.
To be goin to war with each other
Fighting among themselves is unnecessary.
Don't nobody wanna fight nobody in this rap game
None of the artists actually want to fight each other.
Cause 98 percent of these dudes is cowards
Most artists are too afraid to actually get into any physical altercations.
Yeah, when the landlord's tryin to say I was locked out
Chamillionaire faced struggles with his landlord locking him out of his building.
Hustler, that ain't nothin that I'm a cry about
Despite those challenges, he won't let them bring him down.
Used to sit up in the crib, Ramen Noodles with lights out
Chamillionaire came from humble beginnings and struggled to make ends meet.
Now my crib presidential and as large as the White House
However, he is now extremely successful and lives in a luxurious home.
Yeah, maybe I'm gettin older (older), made me into a voter (voter)
As he's gotten older, Chamillionaire has become more politically aware and involved.
Daily I'm livin sober (sober), no mixin drank in my soda (soda)
He's also become more health-conscious and avoids alcohol.
This reality show ain't as promisin as they told ya
Chamillionaire is critical of the reality TV genre and doesn't think it's as rewarding as it seems.
Texas got the controller, so maybe it isn't over
Chamillionaire is confident that Texas can still maintain its place in the industry.
You a man of morals, the industry can't destroy you (nah)
Chamillionaire respects other artists who have integrity and aren't corrupted by the industry.
Y'all be on that gossipin ish and I just avoid you (yeah)
He doesn't engage in drama or gossip with other artists.
Y'all be actin like possum when seein I'm comin for you (yeah)
However, other artists might try to avoid him because they know he won't tolerate their lies.
Y'all don't really want problems with me cause I will destroy you
Chamillionaire is confident in his abilities and won't let anyone disrespect him or lie about him without consequences.
Contributed by Layla O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mysteryman447
I need to find where that pimp c sample comes from. I heard it in a dj akoza mix the “don’t nobody wanna fight nobody in this rap game cause 98% of these dudes is cowards” but I can’t find it anywhere ):