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
Feels Good
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Damn it feels good to rep the texas
Cause independent money whatcha can't make
Eating lobster with the steak, about to let my bumper scrape, if you relate then you'd be jammin screwed tapes
Damn it feels good to rep the texas
To stay with the most swagged out paint
The caddy lookin like a tank, I'm bout to get my trunk to crank, it's coated lookin like some syrup got drank
Damn it feels good to rep the texas
Cause in the underground is where we spit flames
Cause we invented swang and bang, and this is where they sayin mayne, these boys leave the city stealing our slang
[Verse:]
Go on look into my duffle bet ya can't see the dollars
Wasn't't super good at math but with the grands I'm a scholar
Bein about a dollar, bout to slab the imparlour, when I'm walkin through the club you know a bad b'l folla.
Where my nawfside texas made boys il never ever hate
Cause we too busy tryin to run the region and the state
Scrapin plates, take a date, in my delta '88, conversate, then I'm tryin to see if she can educate
Gettin brain on a set of super poked out swangs
Bought it from my dealer this my super coked out chain
Boys switchin lanes, steady grippin on that oak grain, boys navigatin and bought everything with cocaine.
If you spill drank on your clothes it ain't nuttin new
Back in '92 southside didn't have nothin blue
Chopped it up with a screwhead sayin whut it dew
And then he hit that frenchies for that number 3 and number 2
I remember swangin in the parking lot at max's
Careful where you park it cause the trucks will tow and jack it
State is always hot so I ain't never need a jacket
Like we in jamaica cause that maker maker packed it
Hit that sharpestown but we always get distracted
She from 3rd worth but she told me she an actress
Tryin get some practice, let me stick it like a cactus, lay it down lay it down like these hoes worked for mattress
Mac matter fact kappa we was in the truck, riding buck gettin bucks, listenin to drank up in my cup, hold up, texas is the only state I trust but be careful who you cross retailation is a must
In the chorus of Chamillionaire's song "Feels Good", he expresses how it feels great to represent Texas, as it is where independent money is being made. He describes the lavish lifestyle of eating lobster with steak and riding in a caddy looking like a tank. He also talks about being a part of the underground music scene in Texas, where they have invented their own unique style, slang, and genre. Chamillionaire suggests that people from outside the state might steal their culture, but they will always be the ones leading the way.
In the verse of the song, Chamillionaire boasts about his wealth and success, showing off his dollar bills, while buying luxurious items such as a delta '88 car. He emphasizes the importance of earning money and staying ahead of the competition in the music industry. Chamillionaire shares his experiences of cruising with his friends, listening to music, and partying in the parking lot of Max's, a popular Texas restaurant. He also speaks about his cautiousness when parking his car because the towing trucks might impound it. Chamillionaire mentions that Texas is the only state he trusts, and he warns people to be careful about who they cross as "Retailiation is a must."
Overall, the lyrics of "Feels Good" illustrate a sense of pride and confidence in their state of Texas. Chamillionaire represents Texas with full force, showing his dedication to the music industry and success as an independent musician.
Line by Line Meaning
Damn it feels good to rep the texas
It feels great to represent Texas and everything that it stands for.
Cause independent money whatcha can't make
Making money independently is difficult and can't be done by everyone.
Eating lobster with the steak, about to let my bumper scrape, if you relate then you'd be jammin screwed tapes
Celebrating with a luxurious lifestyle by having lavish dinners and spending money on expensive cars. If you can relate to this, then you are a fan of Screwed tapes.
To stay with the most swagged out paint
To have the most stylish and fashionable colors on my car.
The caddy lookin like a tank, I'm bout to get my trunk to crank, it's coated lookin like some syrup got drank
My car looks as strong as a tank and I'm going to turn up the music in my trunk. The car has a shiny, metallic appearance that's sugary sweet.
Cause in the underground is where we spit flames
The underground scene is where our rap is the hottest and most innovative.
'Cause we invented swang and bang, and this is where they sayin mayne, these boys leave the city stealing our slang
We created the styles 'swang and bang' but others are imitating and copying us. We hear them saying the word 'mayne' a lot which is our slang and they are trying to steal it from us.
Go on look into my duffle bet ya can't see the dollars
Take a peek into my bag and you won't be able to see all the money that's in there.
Wasn't't super good at math but with the grands I'm a scholar
I may not have been good at math in school, but I am now a master of making and dealing with large sums of money.
Bein about a dollar, bout to slab the imparlour, when I'm walkin through the club you know a bad b'l folla.
Money is my focus and I'm about to roll up to the car dealership. Whenever I'm in a club, I always have more than one woman following me.
Where my nawfside texas made boys il never ever hate
I will always have respect for the boys made in the northside of Texas.
Cause we too busy trying to run the region and the state
Our focus is on dominating not just our city but also the entire region and state.
Scrapin plates, take a date, in my delta '88, conversate, then I'm tryin to see if she can educate
Driving my 1988 Delta and going on dates with women. I ask them questions and try to learn if they are knowledgeable.
Boys switchin lanes, steady grippin on that oak grain, boys navigatin and bought everything with cocaine.
Guys driving quickly and confidently on the road while holding onto the wooden steering wheel. They are steering their lives towards success and doing it by selling cocaine.
If you spill drank on your clothes it ain't nuttin new
If you accidentally spill your drink on your clothes, it's not a big deal, it happens all the time.
Chopped it up with a screwhead sayin whut it dew
Having a conversation with a big fan of Screwed music, greeting them in a friendly manner.
And then he hit that frenchies for that number 3 and number 2
And then he went to Frenchy's restaurant and ordered the three-piece chicken and the number two combo.
I remember swangin in the parking lot at max's
I remember driving around and showing off my car in the parking lot of Max's.
Careful where you park it cause the trucks will tow and jack it
Be cautious when parking because there are tow trucks waiting to tow and steal my car.
State is always hot so I ain't never need a jacket
It's hot all year round in Texas, so I never have to wear a jacket.
Like we in Jamaica cause that maker maker packed it
We feel like we're in Jamaica because our weed dealer has packed the best and tastiest strains of weed.
Hit that sharpestown but we always get distracted
We go to Sharpstown but we always end up getting sidetracked and not staying on task.
She from 3rd worth but she told me she an actress
She's from Third Ward but she told me that she's an actress.
Tryin get some practice, let me stick it like a cactus, lay it down lay it down like these hoes worked for mattress
She wants to practice her acting skills with me, so I'll have sex with her. I'll make her lay down properly and perform like a professional.
Mac matter fact kappa we was in the truck, riding buck gettin bucks, listenin to drank up in my cup
Fact is, me and the Kappa fraternity were riding in my truck, having fun making money while listening to music and drinking my own special concoction of mixed drinks.
Hold up, texas is the only state I trust but be careful who you cross retailation is a must
Hold up, Texas is the only state that I trust, but if you cross me or my people, then we will retaliate and make you regret it.
Writer(s): Chamillionaire
Contributed by Riley C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
choppaholic26
I was bangin this while riding down 610 towards downtown at like 1am, felt so proud to have someone like cham from my city right then. Mucho nostalgia.
John Robinson
I loved the original by the Geto Boys, This is a great version too!
TravestyJunction
Cham can kill any beat.... God damn, man.
MrCrutial87
One Of the best Cham ever did
Ricardo
damn it feels good to be a a gangsta.. cham actually killed a old school beat.
Clayton Maris
= ))))) this is sooo great!!!!!!
Ericson Dieurestil
This Is My Fav Track On That Mayjor Pain !
JahSmokebuds
this shit is a classic
Chizzle72
man Chamillionaire is one of the few of my favorite artists an i ain't even from Houston Texas lol
LitPenguin713
hey cham can i post this on my page? i love this track