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
Grind Time
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your's truly, the Mix Tape Messiah
Y'all know what time it is, it's grind time, baby
Chamillitary mayn, the realest
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
Not hanging around that corner, I'm chasing and trying to fold a
Whole stack I stay on my grind, when it's hot or even colder
Yeah, you know the color, denying it if they told ya
That I am not just a client mayn, I am the biggest roller
When it come to that paper, that paper be like my partna
My paper ain't never heard, the fat lady sing at the opera
Sitting low in that dropper, on top of the mono-block
Ya can't let all the hating stop ya, what would you be on the block
For grinding, that's the reason, yeah, that's the reason you breathing
If that ain't nowhere around me, then that's the reason I'm leaving
Gotta go get my G's and show 'em it ain't a problem
If you'd just get off your bottom, then you'll be saying I got 'em
Get it like me, maybe live near to see
While the people mad at your habit, beginning to be
Such a nusense but we are as real as could be
And real recognize real but you looking different to me
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
King of the Chamillitary camp, cheering for the champ
BVS's in my necklace, my appearance like a lamp
Lit up in my ear as they see the king appear
Haters definitely can't stand it, standing near a chandelier
I'ma keep on shining, like a Southern playa's spose'
I'ma keep getting respect, just ask about me round the globe
Down here the music slowed, if it's tight they call it throwed
Candy paint cover my do's and them wheels we call em 4's
Some on-lookers looking, like they wishing that they had 'em
Balling if I want it, don't play with it go and grab 'em
Get the old school a couple tools, candy paint and slab 'em
Go and get the old school DJ Screw and jam it like a anthem
Don't care 'bout who you know 'cause I'm the illest rapper rapping
If you think someone better be a good lad and go grab 'em
For now I just go get it and sit crooked on my Davin's
And deal with it how I deal with it and do it like a champion
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
Friends turn to foes, homies turn to haters
Further down the road, partnas turn to fakers
So I'ma keep it true but some will turn to perpetrators
Won't keep it in control, turn to instigators
Real is how we roll, use to try to play us
Patience getting low, switch it to the majors
Freestyle or flow, mean y'all on different pages
Got that bidness man grind, had to make a couple changes
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
Chamillionaire's song “Grind Time” is a motivational track that encourages listeners to stay focused on their goals and keep pushing themselves to succeed. The rapper emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance, urging his audience to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. He describes the rigors of his own journey to success, rapping about how he has had to deal with haters, obstacles, and setbacks, but he has always remained committed to his craft and never lost sight of his vision. Throughout the song, Chamillionaire also makes references to his love for money, but he makes it clear that his ultimate goal is not just wealth, but also the respect of his peers and the satisfaction that comes from achieving his dreams.
The lyrics of the song also touch on the rapper's personal experiences, as he talks about how his friends and associates have sometimes betrayed him, turning from allies to enemies. However, he rises above the negativity and stays focused on his grind, unwilling to let anyone or anything stand in his way. The song's chorus reinforces this message, with its repetitions of the phrase “Grind time, I need mine,” serving as a reminder to listeners that success requires hard work, focus, and determination.
Overall, Chamillionaire's “Grind Time” is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to stay motivated and committed to their goals. The song celebrates the virtues of hard work and perseverance, encouraging listeners to never give up on their dreams and to keep pushing themselves to succeed even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha-ha, live from Houston Texas
Chamillionaire is introducing himself at the start of the song, stating that he is from Houston, Texas.
Your's truly, the Mix Tape Messiah
Chamillionaire has given himself the title of 'Mix Tape Messiah'.
Y'all know what time it is, it's grind time, baby
Chamillionaire is motivating his listeners to put in the work and effort because it's time to grind and hustle.
Chamillitary mayn, the realest
Chamillionaire is proclaiming that he is the realest and referring to his crew or army as 'Chamillitary'.
It's grind time, I need mine
Chamillionaire is emphasizing the importance of working hard and getting what he deserves.
Not hanging around that corner, I'm chasing and trying to fold a
Chamillionaire doesn't waste time loitering around corners; he is focused on making money.
Whole stack I stay on my grind, when it's hot or even colder
Chamillionaire works hard regardless of the circumstances and doesn't let the weather affect his hustle.
Yeah, you know the color, denying it if they told ya
Chamillionaire is proud of his success and wealth, and it would be pointless for anyone to deny it.
That I am not just a client mayn, I am the biggest roller
Chamillionaire is not just a customer of the grind; he is a leader and an expert.
When it come to that paper, that paper be like my partna
Chamillionaire considers money as a partner or ally in his life.
My paper ain't never heard, the fat lady sing at the opera
Chamillionaire's source of money has never run out or depleted completely.
Sitting low in that dropper, on top of the mono-block
Chamillionaire is riding in a fancy car with low ground clearance and expensive rims.
Ya can't let all the hating stop ya, what would you be on the block
Chamillionaire is urging his listeners not to let the negativity of others prevent them from achieving success.
For grinding, that's the reason, yeah, that's the reason you breathing
Chamillionaire believes that grinding or hustling is necessary to survive in this world.
If that ain't nowhere around me, then that's the reason I'm leaving
Chamillionaire doesn't want to be around those who don't share his work ethic.
Gotta go get my G's and show 'em it ain't a problem
Chamillionaire wants to show his friends or associates that making money is not an issue for him.
If you'd just get off your bottom, then you'll be saying I got 'em
Chamillionaire suggests that if others work as hard as he does, they will also have plenty of money.
Get it like me, maybe live near to see
Chamillionaire is implying that if others hustle like he does, they may also experience success in life.
While the people mad at your habit, beginning to be
Chamillionaire acknowledges that some people may become jealous or upset with his success.
Such a nusense but we are as real as could be
Chamillionaire wants others to know that he and his crew are authentic and genuine.
And real recognize real but you looking different to me
Chamillionaire can identify when someone is not genuine or authentic.
King of the Chamillitary camp, cheering for the champ
Chamillionaire is the leader of his crew and supporter of the champion.
BVS's in my necklace, my appearance like a lamp
Chamillionaire is wearing an expensive and flashy diamond necklace that draws attention like a lamp would.
Lit up in my ear as they see the king appear
Chamillionaire's presence is noticed and appreciated by those around him.
Haters definitely can't stand it, standing near a chandelier
Chamillionaire is aware that he has haters or detractors who are envious of him, but he still basks in his success.
I'ma keep on shining, like a Southern playa's spose'
Chamillionaire intends to keep shining or succeeding like a successful Southern player would.
I'ma keep getting respect, just ask about me round the globe
Chamillionaire commands respect and admiration from people all around the world.
Down here the music slowed, if it's tight they call it throwed
Chamillionaire is referring to the music scene in Houston, where music is appreciated even if it is not mainstream or commercial.
Candy paint cover my do's and them wheels we call em 4's
Chamillionaire's car is covered in candy-colored paint, and his rims are called '4's'.
Some on-lookers looking, like they wishing that they had 'em
Others are envious of Chamillionaire's car and possessions.
Balling if I want it, don't play with it go and grab 'em
Chamillionaire can afford to buy what he wants and encourages others to do the same.
Get the old school a couple tools, candy paint and slab 'em
Chamillionaire is advising listeners to refurbish or modify their old cars with candy-colored paint and shiny rims.
Go and get the old school DJ Screw and jam it like a anthem
Chamillionaire is referencing the late DJ Screw, who is an icon in the Houston music scene, and encouraging listeners to listen to his music.
Don't care 'bout who you know 'cause I'm the illest rapper rapping
Chamillionaire is confident that he is the most skilled rapper in the game regardless of relationships or connections.
If you think someone better be a good lad and go grab 'em
Chamillionaire challenges anyone who thinks they are better than him to step up and prove it.
For now I just go get it and sit crooked on my Davin's
Chamillionaire will continue to work hard and enjoy his success while sitting in his car with crooked rims.
And deal with it how I deal with it and do it like a champion
Chamillionaire will handle his success and any challenges that come his way like a true champion.
Friends turn to foes, homies turn to haters
Chamillionaire has seen people change and become hostile or malicious towards him.
Further down the road, partnas turn to fakers
Chamillionaire has experienced people pretending to be his friends and partners but later revealing their true motives.
So I'ma keep it true but some will turn to perpetrators
Chamillionaire will remain authentic and truthful even though some may become perpetrators or criminals.
Won't keep it in control, turn to instigators
Chamillionaire has seen people become instigators or troublemakers when they can't control the situation.
Real is how we roll, use to try to play us
Chamillionaire and his crew are authentic and genuine, and others used to underestimate or disrespect them.
Patience getting low, switch it to the majors
Chamillionaire is becoming impatient and is looking for bigger and better opportunities.
Freestyle or flow, mean y'all on different pages
Chamillionaire's rapping style is different than others, and he wants to stand out from the rest.
Got that bidness man grind, had to make a couple changes
Chamillionaire has a business mentality and had to make some adjustments to succeed in the industry.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIC PETER GOLDMAN, HAKEEM T. SERIKI, ZEDRICK EUGENE KELLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kazaquecreation7587
Ha-ha, live from Houston Texas
Your's truly, the Mix Tape Messiah
Y'all know what time it is, it's grind time, baby
Chamillitary mayn, the realest
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
Not hanging around that corner, I'm chasing and trying to fold a
Whole stack I stay on my grind, when it's hot or even colder
Yeah, you know the color, denying it if they told ya
That I am not just a client mayn, I am the biggest roller
When it come to that paper, that paper be like my partna
My paper ain't never heard, the fat lady sing at the opera
Sitting low in that dropper, on top of the mono-block
Ya can't let all the hating stop ya, what would you be on the block
For grinding, that's the reason, yeah, that's the reason you breathing
If that ain't nowhere around me, then that's the reason I'm leaving
Gotta go get my G's and show 'em it ain't a problem
If you'd just get off your bottom, then you'll be saying I got 'em
Get it like me, maybe live near to see
While the people mad at your habit, beginning to be
Such a nusense but we are as real as could be
And real recognize real but you looking different to me
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
King of the Chamillitary camp, cheering for the champ
BVS's in my necklace, my appearance like a lamp
Lit up in my ear as they see the king appear
Haters definitely can't stand it, standing near a chandelier
I'ma keep on shining, like a Southern playa's spose'
I'ma keep getting respect, just ask about me round the globe
Down here the music slowed, if it's tight they call it throwed
Candy paint cover my do's and them wheels we call em 4's
Some on-lookers looking, like they wishing that they had 'em
Balling if I want it, don't play with it go and grab 'em
Get the old school a couple tools, candy paint and slab 'em
Go and get the old school DJ Screw and jam it like a anthem
Don't care 'bout who you know 'cause I'm the illest rapper rapping
If you think someone better be a good lad and go grab 'em
For now I just go get it and sit crooked on my Davin's
And deal with it how I deal with it and do it like a champion
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
Friends turn to foes, homies turn to haters
Further down the road, partnas turn to fakers
So I'ma keep it true but some will turn to perpetrators
Won't keep it in control, turn to instigators
Real is how we roll, use to try to play us
Patience getting low, switch it to the majors
Freestyle or flow, mean y'all on different pages
Got that bidness man grind, had to make a couple changes
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
It's grind time, I need mine
Grind time, I need mine
Grind time
(Looking at my watch)
I, I, I, I, I, I, I need mine
@Doctor-Infinite
It's Grind Time
- Russian Badger
@icantchangethepicture9896
I Need Mine
-Russian Badger
@sixsix4867
swaws
- also Russian Badger
@greiddgamer4729
not gonna lie, I'm here because of Badger
@sundeeprandhawa6007
ARMOR LOCK
~Russian Badger
@lightningblue4393
what video was it cause cant remember when he said it i just grind time stuck in my head
@justacasualdude4246
Russian Badger anyone?
@domonator1167
yes
@gainadumitru6992
yes
@izicsmith14
Yep