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
Guess Who's Back
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Female voice:] Chamillitary mayne
[Break - Bun B Sample - 4X]
No, no other bullet duck or get shoved
Inside this game they better buck us
Cause the cluckers they love us
No, no
No, no
No, no
Other, no, no, no
Other, no
[Break - Bun B Sample - 2X]
No, no other bullet duck or get shoved
Inside this game they better buck us
Cause the cluckers they love us
[female voice harmonizing]
[Chamillionaire]
Chamillitary mayne
[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
No need to worry, I already got my "Revenge"
Now that it's after the win,
my platinum plaques are my friends (revenge, revenge ...)
You know who's back to bootleggin again
But I got paper to spend, so that's gonna come to a end (woo! woo! ...)
I'ma gonna show 'em how to attack with a pen
I'll get my victory win, I show it happened again
Because I'm back
Yes (hold up, hold up) [woman's voice screaming]
That's right I'm back
(Chamillitary mayne)
It's the Mixtape Mivasa (he's back!)
(Cheah), Chamillitary mayne
[Verse 1 - Chamillionaire]
Yeah, and I went from platinum out rap 'em
Yeah they thought that that couldn't happen
On the way to the bank, yeah I'm laughin
See the hook's gonna hook 'em like grapplin
Many folks try to dap 'em, but Koopa got what ya lackin
When I come back I'm attackin, that means your future will blacken
Rap is conceited, but Ken is the only famous to us
Better put it in your face, so you taste the "Flavor of Love"
Rappers cartoons trust me, these dudes ain't slangin them dubs
(No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no)
You got Viagra for bullets, act like your anxious to butt
But you ain't gangsta enough, respect my paper I'm tellin ya
Pockets green as a vegetable, wallet sure lookin edible
Put a 1 then a 0 comma 0, a 0 with no decimal
Throw 'bout 4 more 0's, then you know my dough is incredible (yeah)
You might think your the greatest rapper of all-time
But I just think your the greatest rapper in your mind
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other)
Especially cause your time, don't look like it's on grind
Your music is guarded like Muslims do to a pork rind
Maybe it's cause I think too much, but each decision's the sure kind
If I think that I hurt you, you'll be the one with the sore mind
I schedule a beat down and adjust it to your time
Tonight, like the first words on Jay Leno's door sign (haha)
My accountant says that my paper's as huge as a mountain
[cash register sounds]
The bank tells me this how my deposits usually soundin
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other)
Company that was bootleggin me, says they movin my thousands
That's as false as 50 executive producing my album (oh)
That's as false as magazine writers that said that I fall (uh huh)
That's as false as me beefin with Slim or Trae, they my dogs (dogs)
That's as false as me still havin a problem with Paul (naw)
I'm a problem, but the other problem that I have is y'all
I'ma let y'all talk while I aim at the industry and bang it
But this ain't no "True Hollywood" or no "E! Entertainment"
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other, no)
A, B, C, D, take out the A and the name is
The name of the boot L-E-Ggers, they wanna be nameless
I'm the king of the mixtape scene, so they call me your Highness
Why you think that they call me that? My debut was the highest
of hot, hot enough to light up the sky, so get used to the lighters
Spread like wildfires so you should get used to the fires
They some liars (liars) told me that Chamillionaire will be goneee
But it's obvious that the reaper didn't write it in stone
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other, no)
Resurrected, then I guess that they couldn't bury his bones (my bones)
I'ma stay on point like eyes starin at the top of a cone
[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
No need to worry, I already got my "Revenge"
Now that it's after the win, my platinum plaques are my friends (cheah)
You know who's back to bootleggin again
But I got paper to spend, so that's gonna come to a end
I'ma gonna show 'em how to attack with a pen
I'll get my victory win, I show it happened again
Because I'm back (haha, I'm back)
That's right I'm back (cheah)
(Chamillitary mayne) [sounds of fireworks]
Know what I'm talkin 'bout?
He's back! (Murderers)
[Outro - Chamillionaire - talking]
Came a long way since all the awards and all the plaques
But I had to come back
This time it ain't about a stack, it's about facts
Know what I'm talkin about?
Mixtape Messiah Part 2, I know y'all been waitin
I know a lot of y'all been hatin
But it's all good
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other, no)
I came a long way since them old Swishahouse freestyles
And when I go, you can believe I'ma be a legend
and you can bet that
[Sound of a gunshot and a body hitting the floor]
The song "Guess Who's Back" by Chamillionaire is the opening track of his 2007 mixtape "Mixtape Messiah 2". The sound of a door creaking and closing followed by a female voice saying "Chamillitary mayne" makes an appearance at the beginning of the song. Chamillionaire starts the song off with his aggressive and confident flow addressing his haters and calling out the fake rappers in the game. He asserts his dominance in the mixtape scene and shows that he has come back stronger than ever. Chamillionaire talks about his journey to success and how he had to show his haters that he would inevitably come back and be a legend.
The chorus of the song talks about Chamillionaire's "Revenge" on his haters as he has platinum plaques to show for his success. The verses are full of wordplay and metaphors as he uses lines like "Rap is conceited, but Ken is the only famous to us" referring to himself as the "only famous" in the rap game, and "pockets green as a vegetable" describing his wealth. He also calls out other rappers on the track, stating that they are not "gangsta" enough and are just putting up a facade. The song ends with the sound of a gunshot and a body hitting the floor, perhaps symbolizing Chamillionaire's triumphant return to the game.
Line by Line Meaning
[Break - Bun B Sample - 4X]
No, no other bullet duck or get shoved
Inside this game they better buck us
We are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry
Cause the cluckers they love us
Our fans, or 'cluckers,' have a deep love and support for us
[Break - Bun B Sample - 2X]
No, no other bullet duck or get shoved
Inside this game they better buck us
We demand respect and recognition in this industry
Cause the cluckers they love us
Our fans greatly admire and support our work
[female voice harmonizing]
An additional voice adds a melodic harmony to the song
[Chamillionaire]
The artist, Chamillionaire, enters the song
No need to worry, I already got my 'Revenge'
I have already achieved my comeback and proven myself
Now that it's after the win, my platinum plaques are my friends
After achieving success, I have received numerous platinum plaques, symbolizing my accomplishments
You know who's back to bootleggin again
I have returned to releasing bootlegged music
But I got paper to spend, so that's gonna come to an end
However, I have enough money to support my music and put an end to bootlegging
I'ma gonna show 'em how to attack with a pen
I will demonstrate my lyrical skills and ability to dominate the rap game
I'll get my victory win, I show it happened again
I will achieve another victory and prove myself once more
Because I'm back
I have returned to the music scene
Yes (hold up, hold up) [woman's voice screaming]
There is excitement and anticipation surrounding my comeback
That's right I'm back
I have made a successful return
(Chamillitary mayne)
Referring to the artist's musical group, Chamillitary
It's the Mixtape Mivasa (he's back!)
The artist's mixtape series, Mixtape Mivasa, signifies his return
(Cheah), Chamillitary mayne
Acknowledging and representing the artist's musical group once again
Yeah, and I went from platinum out rap 'em
I have achieved platinum success and surpassed other rappers
Yeah they thought that that couldn't happen
Others underestimated my ability to succeed in the industry
On the way to the bank, yeah I'm laughin
I am experiencing financial success and find it amusing
See the hook's gonna hook 'em like grapplin
My catchiness and infectious hooks will captivate listeners
Many folks try to dap 'em, but Koopa got what ya lackin
Many people try to imitate, but I possess what they lack in terms of skill
When I come back I'm attackin, that means your future will blacken
My comeback signifies a threat to other artists; their future success will be overshadowed
Rap is conceited, but Ken is the only famous to us
The rap industry is full of ego, but I, Ken, am the only true star in our eyes
Better put it in your face, so you taste the 'Flavor of Love'
I will make sure my success is undeniable and impossible to ignore
Rappers cartoons trust me, these dudes ain't slangin them dubs
Other rappers are fake and lack the authenticity they claim to have
(No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no)
Emphasizing the absence of these fake rappers in the industry
You got Viagra for bullets, act like your anxious to butt
Others may act tough and ready for confrontation, but it's all just an act
But you ain't gangsta enough, respect my paper I'm tellin ya
These individuals lack true gangsterism and should respect my financial success
Pockets green as a vegetable, wallet sure lookin edible
My wealth is vast, and my money is easily spendable
Put a 1 then a 0 comma 0, a 0 with no decimal
Describing a large sum of money, implying significant financial success
Throw 'bout 4 more 0's, then you know my dough is incredible (yeah)
Adding even more zeros to emphasize the incredible amount of money I have
You might think your the greatest rapper of all-time
Other artists may believe they are the best in the rap game
But I just think your the greatest rapper in your mind
However, I believe their greatness is only a delusion in their own minds
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other)
Stating again that these self-proclaimed great rappers do not measure up
Especially cause your time, don't look like it's on grind
Their time in the industry does not appear to be productive or successful
Your music is guarded like Muslims do to a pork rind
Their music is protected and not easily accessible, similar to how Muslims avoid pork
Maybe it's cause I think too much, but each decision's the sure kind
The artist thinks deeply about his actions and ensures they are the right choices
If I think that I hurt you, you'll be the one with the sore mind
If I believe I have caused harm, it will ultimately affect the other person
I schedule a beat down and adjust it to your time
I plan to defeat my competition and tailor it to their availability
Tonight, like the first words on Jay Leno's door sign (haha)
My victory will occur tonight, just like the first words on Jay Leno's door sign
My accountant says that my paper's as huge as a mountain
My accountant informs me of my massive wealth
[cash register sounds]
The sound of cash registers signifies monetary success
The bank tells me this how my deposits usually soundin
The bank informs me of my frequent and substantial deposits
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other)
Once again emphasizing the absence of fake rappers
Company that was bootleggin me, says they movin my thousands
A company that previously bootlegged my music claims they are now distributing my thousands of records
That's as false as 50 executive producing my album (oh)
The claim is as false as 50 Cent producing my album
That's as false as magazine writers that said that I fall (uh huh)
The statement is as false as magazine writers claiming that I have declined
That's as false as me beefin with Slim or Trae, they my dogs (dogs)
It is equally false to suggest that I have a dispute with Slim or Trae, as they are close friends
That's as false as me still havin a problem with Paul (naw)
There is no truth to the claim that I still have issues with Paul
I'm a problem, but the other problem that I have is y'all
I acknowledge the challenges I face, but the real problem lies with others
I'ma let y'all talk while I aim at the industry and bang it
I will allow others to criticize and talk while I focus on dominating the music industry
But this ain't no 'True Hollywood' or no 'E! Entertainment'
This isn't a superficial portrayal like in reality TV shows, but the reality of my success
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other, no)
Repeating once again that this is not a fabricated depiction of my success
A, B, C, D, take out the A and the name is
Using the alphabet to emphasize that the name of bootleggers is simply 'B, C, D'
The name of the boot L-E-Ggers, they wanna be nameless
Referring to bootleggers as those who don't deserve recognition for their actions
I'm the king of the mixtape scene, so they call me your Highness
Recognized as the dominant figure in the mixtape industry and referred to as a royal figure
Why you think that they call me that? My debut was the highest
My first album achieved tremendous success, leading to my royal title
of hot, hot enough to light up the sky, so get used to the lighters
My impact is so significant that it can light up the sky, and people should prepare for more success
Spread like wildfires so you should get used to the fires
My influence and success will continue to grow rapidly, like wildfires
They some liars (liars) told me that Chamillionaire will be goneee
Others falsely claimed that Chamillionaire's career would come to an end
But it's obvious that the reaper didn't write it in stone
Contrary to their claims, my career continues to thrive, showing that their predictions were incorrect
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other, no)
Expressing again that the claims made by others were baseless
Resurrected, then I guess that they couldn't bury his bones (my bones)
Despite their attempts, their inability to bury me is evident, symbolized by my resurrection
I'ma stay on point like eyes starin at the top of a cone
I will remain focused and alert, just like someone staring at the top of a cone's point
No need to worry, I already got my 'Revenge'
There is no need for concern because I have already avenged any past hardships or setbacks
Now that it's after the win, my platinum plaques are my friends (cheah)
After achieving victory, I have numerous platinum plaques as a form of recognition and success
You know who's back to bootleggin again
Announcing my return to bootlegging music once again
But I got paper to spend, so that's gonna come to an end
However, I have adequate funds to support my music and no longer need to resort to bootlegging
I'ma gonna show 'em how to attack with a pen
I will demonstrate my skill in lyrical warfare and dominate the competition
I'll get my victory win, I show it happened again
I will achieve another triumph and prove my capabilities once more
Because I'm back (haha, I'm back)
I have made a triumphant return to the music scene
That's right I'm back (cheah)
Affirming my successful return
(Chamillitary mayne) [sounds of fireworks]
Referencing the artist's musical group, Chamillitary, along with celebratory sounds
Know what I'm talkin 'bout?
Asking if the listener understands and can relate to my message
He's back! (Murderers)
Acknowledging my return and recognizing my musical prowess
[Outro - Chamillionaire - talking]
The artist provides closing remarks, speaking directly to the audience
Came a long way since all the awards and all the plaques
Reflecting on the artist's journey and success, including awards and recognition
But I had to come back
Despite achieving great success, I felt the need to make a comeback
This time it ain't about a stack, it's about facts
This return is not solely about financial gain, but about showcasing my skills and accomplishments
Know what I'm talkin about?
Asking the audience if they understand and can relate to my perspective
Mixtape Messiah Part 2, I know y'all been waitin
Referencing the artist's highly anticipated mixtape series, acknowledging the anticipation from fans
I know a lot of y'all been hatin
Acknowledging the existence of critics and those who have expressed negativity towards me
But it's all good
Despite the criticism, I remain positive and unaffected
(No, no, no, no, no, no, other, no, no, no, no, other, no)
Repeatedly emphasizing the absence of negativity and focusing on the positive
I came a long way since them old Swishahouse freestyles
Reflecting on the artist's growth and progress since his early freestyle days with Swishahouse
And when I go, you can believe I'ma be a legend and you can bet that
When my time comes to leave the music industry, I will be remembered as a legendary figure
[Sound of a gunshot and a body hitting the floor]
Ending the song with the sound effects of a gunshot, symbolizing the artist's impact and dominance
Contributed by Tristan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.