Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Grammy Award … Read Full Bio ↴Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Grammy Award nominated rapper, member of The Color Changin' Click and founder of Chamillitary Entertainment. Better known as Chamillionaire, he also uses nicknames such as The Mixtape Messiah, King Koopa, Color Changin' Lizard, Chamillinator, Chamillitary Mayne, Major Payne and The Truth From Texas. He began rapping in 1998, releasing mixtapes and a collab album with fellow Houston rapper Paul Wall. He released his debut album, The Sound of Revenge, in 2005, and his sophmore release, Ultimate Victory, in 2007. He plans to release his yet untitled third album at the end of 2009 or early 2010.

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.

-------------------------------------------------------
(C) Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
Chamillionaire's Myspace

Gangsta
Chamillionaire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(*humming*)

[Chamillionaire]
Now she's mo-ving through the club, in her gangsta strut
Her weapon's loaded up, and now she's aiming to bust ow-ow
So gangsta, the way she shoots
You found a thug, I'm down with you
Instead of filling him up with lead, with gun shots to the head

She's at the bar she's getting him drunk, and he taking shots to the head
Now he's laying stiff off in the bed, but no he's not really dead
See that punk drunk and he passed out, while she dash out with his bread
You bum a clot see you done forgot, nigga you dumb you not
Suppose to go buy a mall for a hoe, cause she wanna shop
See ya not suppose to buy a car lot, cause she want a drop
Maybe not go buy a mountain, just cause that hoe wanted a rock
Niggaz better stick to the G-code, speaking to hoes with my teeth froze
I peep hoes like a peephole, cause I'm sneaky I sneak hoes
Like a thief out of the clothes, and they don't even expect it
One minute she's telling her friend I'm cute, until poof she's naked
Yes it's the thick hips and the big tits, and her lipstick and her cleavage
And her weave is weaponry, and security didn't see this
She is dressed to kill, you blind if you think she ain't a
Visual Soprano can't handle her, cause she's gangsta

(*humming*)

[Chamillionaire]
She cocks it back and pull and shoot, cause she can see I'm pulling roofs
Off the top of the new drop, but she forgot I'm bulletproof
My chest is a permanent vest, I guess I'm not who you thought
No matter how fine or smart, a girl can not damage my heart
Think you've guessed it right, she's trying to get you for your cream
But it's alright tonight, I've also got a scheme
To hear nice things, like I wan' get between them jeans
And then I'ma send you home, ain't nothing but wedding dreams
See every cent is equivalent to a bullet, so it ain't no
Damn hoe, giving me the shooter run out of my ammo
I'm like Rambo in the cruiser, I maneuver with a Ruger
Cause I'm sitting propped up on the non-stoppers, any jacker with a prover
Excuse her who you talking to sir, nigga I'm talking to you
See that hoe came in the club with me, how could she walk in with you
Nigga I don't know I ain't certain, you ain't gotta be no brain surgeon
If you got game then it ain't working, nigga getting two to the brain curtains
You seen that show t.v. Bachelor, how them ladies react
Well everyday Chamillionaire's life is like, a episode of that
Ha-ha her car break down on a hill, I bet she make you get out and push
Taking that chick to Foot Locker, she never leave without a Swoosh and that's gangsta

(*talking*)

[Chamillionaire]
Million tempted by female, them smelling so good
She get in bed he swelling, she tell him he sho' should
Sex and sweat and yelling, them can tell I'm so hood
So I think I'm bout to claim her, I'm bout to tame her
Danger, damage you better believe she ain't ya
Average type of gangsta, excuse me what is your name girl
Danger, she's dressed to kill she's gangsta
Looking like a model, while she's kissing trying to bang ya
Smoking holes in dead bodies, just pulling hoes with their bodies
Full of tattoos matter fact who, running with boo and nails prbably
A drug dealer or a thug nigga, with a couple rocks in his left shoe
Chopping up rocks till he get through, but he trying to get a knot to impress you
Tell me what the hell is his purpose, putting diamonds all on her fist
The reason you doing dirt kiss, money could buy that guy he's worthless
Game tighter than her skirt is, as she leaves him in pieces
Till she eases her cleavage out, and sees it's his weakness
Think, your body's tight the mood is right and if it seems
That you're not in love with my money, more than me
I'll be the king on the throne, you can be my queen
Baby let's get it on, come be on my dream team

(*humming*)

[Chamillionaire]
See I'm telling you fellas, she more gangsta than you'll ever be
She get cheddar can get a G, without cocking the desert E'
Never shot been on lock a lot, but it wasn't for felonies
Man fussing and handcuffing, he doesn't wanna let her free
Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, even my Black queens
Not all of them are after do', though
Eighty percent of them, are only after that green
She wanna slam candy do's, and ride 4's
But, no-no-no-no
Baby I don't think so, I don't think sooo

She wanna slam, candy do's
Tell her I don't think so, I don't think sooo

Overall Meaning

In Chamillionaire's song "Gangsta," he praises a woman's ability to manipulate and deceive men by using her sexuality and physical appearance. He calls her gangsta in the way she shoots, referring to her tactics of getting men drunk and taking their money. Chamillionaire advises his male audience to stick to the G-Code and not fall for this type of woman's tricks, describing her as a visual Soprano who is dressed to kill. He also mocks men who buy extravagant gifts for women they barely know, alluding to the Bachelor TV show and implying that men are being played for their money.

Although Chamillionaire's lyrics are an ode to the manipulative woman, they also contain a warning to men. He cautions them to be careful and not get too involved with women who are only after their money. The song upholds traditional gender roles where men are expected to be the protectors and providers, and women's value is based on their physical appearance and ability to seduce men.

The song "Gangsta" was released as part of Chamillionaire's 2005 mixtape "The Sound of Revenge" and was later included on his debut album of the same name. The song was a minor hit, peaking at number 69 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Despite its controversial lyrics, "Gangsta" is still considered a fan favorite and a standout track on the album.

Line by Line Meaning

Now she's mo-ving through the club, in her gangsta strut
She confidently walks through the club, exuding a tough and fearless attitude

Her weapon's loaded up, and now she's aiming to bust ow-ow
She is prepared to take action and cause harm to others

So gangsta, the way she shoots
Her shooting style reflects her fearless and ruthless nature

You found a thug, I'm down with you
If you associate with criminals, I will support you

Instead of filling him up with lead, with gun shots to the head
Rather than physically harming him with a gun, she manipulates him

She's at the bar she's getting him drunk, and he taking shots to the head
She manipulates him by getting him drunk and impairing his judgment

Now he's laying stiff off in the bed, but no he's not really dead
He is unconscious in the bed, but he has not been killed

See that punk drunk and he passed out, while she dash out with his bread
While he is unconscious, she steals his money and leaves quickly

You bum a clot see you done forgot, nigga you dumb you not
You have forgotten your priorities, showing that you lack intelligence

Suppose to go buy a mall for a hoe, cause she wanna shop
You are expected to spend a significant amount of money on a woman who only wants to shop

See ya not suppose to buy a car lot, cause she want a drop
You should not buy a collection of cars just because she wants a specific type of car

Maybe not go buy a mountain, just cause that hoe wanted a rock
You should not acquire an expensive piece of jewelry just because she desires it

Niggaz better stick to the G-code, speaking to hoes with my teeth froze
Men should adhere to the unwritten rules of the streets, and I have a confident and intimidating demeanor when talking to women

I peep hoes like a peephole, cause I'm sneaky I sneak hoes
I observe and analyze women, as I am cunning and deceptive in my approach

Like a thief out of the clothes, and they don't even expect it
I am able to seduce women without them realizing or anticipating my actions

One minute she's telling her friend I'm cute, until poof she's naked
Initially, she shows interest and compliments me, but suddenly she becomes vulnerable and undresses

Yes it's the thick hips and the big tits, and her lipstick and her cleavage
Her physical attributes, including curvy hips, large breasts, and her use of makeup and revealing clothing, contribute to her allure

And her weave is weaponry, and security didn't see this
Her extensions and long hair are tools of seduction, and security overlooked this aspect

She is dressed to kill, you blind if you think she ain't a
She is dressed in a manner that attracts attention and admiration, and anyone who doesn't see this is oblivious

Visual Soprano can't handle her, cause she's gangsta
Even someone as powerful and intimidating as a mafia boss cannot handle her because she embodies a dangerous and fearless attitude

She cocks it back and pull and shoot, cause she can see I'm pulling roofs
She retaliates and takes action, as she can sense that I'm causing trouble and attracting attention

Off the top of the new drop, but she forgot I'm bulletproof
Even though she tries to hurt me emotionally, I am resilient and unaffected by her actions

My chest is a permanent vest, I guess I'm not who you thought
My emotional strength and resilience act as a protective shield, and I am not the weak person you perceived me to be

No matter how fine or smart, a girl can not damage my heart
Regardless of a woman's physical attractiveness or intellect, she cannot cause emotional harm to me

Think you've guessed it right, she's trying to get you for your cream
You have correctly guessed her intentions; she is attempting to exploit you for your wealth

But it's alright tonight, I've also got a scheme
However, I have devised a plan to counteract her intentions

To hear nice things, like I wan' get between them jeans
I want to hear flattering and seductive remarks from her to boost my ego

And then I'ma send you home, ain't nothing but wedding dreams
After manipulating her emotions and receiving the desired attention from her, I will dismiss her as a temporary fling

See every cent is equivalent to a bullet, so it ain't no
Every dollar spent is seen as a weapon to gain control and manipulate others

Damn hoe, giving me the shooter run out of my ammo
This woman is continually draining my resources without providing any benefit in return

I'm like Rambo in the cruiser, I maneuver with a Ruger
I am skilled and strategic in my actions, similar to the character Rambo, and I use a firearm to protect myself

Cause I'm sitting propped up on the non-stoppers, any jacker with a prover
I carry a gun with me, ready to defend myself against any potential threat

Excuse her who you talking to sir, nigga I'm talking to you
The woman I am with is questioning your authority, and I am addressing you directly

See that hoe came in the club with me, how could she walk in with you
The woman arrived at the club with me, so it is unclear how she would leave with someone else

Nigga I don't know I ain't certain, you ain't gotta be no brain surgeon
I am uncertain and have no knowledge about her intentions, but you don't need advanced intelligence to realize she is not faithful

If you got game then it ain't working, nigga getting two to the brain curtains
Even if you think you are skilled in relationships, it is not working, and you will face severe consequences

You seen that show t.v. Bachelor, how them ladies react
Just like the television show 'The Bachelor', women exhibit different emotions and behaviors when pursuing a romantic partner

Well everyday Chamillionaire's life is like, a episode of that
Every day in Chamillionaire's life is filled with situations and interactions similar to an episode of 'The Bachelor'

Ha-ha her car break down on a hill, I bet she make you get out and push
She intentionally causes car troubles, and I guarantee she will make you get out of the car and push it

Taking that chick to Foot Locker, she never leave without a Swoosh and that's gangsta
Bringing that woman shopping at Foot Locker is a necessity for her, as she always wants to leave with shoes featuring the Nike Swoosh logo

Million tempted by female, them smelling so good
Chamillionaire is enticed by women who possess a pleasant fragrance

She get in bed he swelling, she tell him he sho' should
Once she gets in bed with a man, he becomes sexually excited and she encourages his actions

Sex and sweat and yelling, them can tell I'm so hood
Engaging in sexual activities involves physical exertion, loud vocalizations, and indicates Chamillionaire's upbringing in a rough neighborhood

So I think I'm bout to claim her, I'm bout to tame her
Chamillionaire believes he will seize control and dominate her emotionally

Danger, damage you better believe she ain't ya
Be wary and expect emotional harm, as she is not loyal or trustworthy

Average type of gangsta, excuse me what is your name girl
She is not an ordinary type of criminal, and Chamillionaire politely asks for her name

Danger, she's dressed to kill she's gangsta
She presents herself in a highly attractive and seductive manner, demonstrating her dangerous and fearless nature

Looking like a model, while she's kissing trying to bang ya
She appears as a beautiful model, but her intentions involve seducing and exploiting you

Smoking holes in dead bodies, just pulling hoes with their bodies
She metaphorically destroys men, leaving them emotionally empty, and uses her physical appearance to manipulate them

Full of tattoos matter fact who, running with boo and nails prbably
She is covered in tattoos, possibly even depicting her affiliation with a dangerous partner

A drug dealer or a thug nigga, with a couple rocks in his left shoe
She may be associated with drug dealers or criminal individuals, some of whom hide narcotics in their shoes

Chopping up rocks till he get through, but he trying to get a knot to impress you
He is cutting up drugs to sell, but his ultimate goal is to accumulate a large sum of money to impress her

Tell me what the hell is his purpose, putting diamonds all on her fist
It is unclear what his intentions are, but he is spending significant amounts of money to adorn her hand with diamond jewelry

The reason you doing dirt kiss, money could buy that guy he's worthless
The only reason she engages in criminal activities with him is for financial gain, as he himself holds no value

Game tighter than her skirt is, as she leaves him in pieces
Chamillionaire's manipulative tactics and strategies are more effective and cunning than her revealing clothing, causing her to abandon her previous partner

Till she eases her cleavage out, and sees it's his weakness
Once she exposes her cleavage to him, she realizes that it is a particular vulnerability or weakness of his

Think, your body's tight the mood is right and if it seems
Consider the fact that your physical appearance is attractive and the atmosphere is suitable, and if it appears

That you're not in love with my money, more than me
If it seems like you are not more interested in my money than me as a person

I'll be the king on the throne, you can be my queen
I will take on the position of power and authority, while you can assume the role of my partner

Baby let's get it on, come be on my dream team
Let's engage in an intimate encounter and form a formidable alliance

See I'm telling you fellas, she more gangsta than you'll ever be
I am informing all the men that she possesses a level of toughness and ruthlessness that they will never attain

She get cheddar can get a G, without cocking the desert E'
She can acquire a large sum of money without resorting to violence or using a firearm

Never shot been on lock a lot, but it wasn't for felonies
Although she has never committed acts of violence or been incarcerated, she has been in police custody numerous times

Man fussing and handcuffing, he doesn't wanna let her free
A man is arguing and physically restraining her, as he is reluctant to let her go

Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, even my Black queens
She attracts individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic, Asian, Caucasian, and African American women

Not all of them are after do', though
However, not all of them are solely interested in acquiring money

Eighty percent of them, are only after that green
The majority of them, around eighty percent, are primarily motivated by financial gain

She wanna slam candy do's, and ride 4's
She desires to drive vehicles with flashy and colorful exteriors, along with large rims

But, no-no-no-no
However, that is not acceptable

Baby I don't think so, I don't think sooo
Darling, I do not believe that will happen, I do not believe it at all

She wanna slam, candy do's
She wants to drive cars with vibrant and attention-grabbing exteriors

Tell her I don't think so, I don't think sooo
Inform her that her desire will not be fulfilled, I do not believe it at all

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD L. BUTLER, BERNARD JAMES FREEMAN, WILLIE M. HUTCH, PAUL D. BEAUREGARD, JORDAN HOUSTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS