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.

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Chamillionaire's Myspace

Here I Am
Chamillionaire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You about to witness the strength in front of a bitch

Sony Music, Interscope, Universal Records and Def Jam
Let a nigga speak to the head man, ya lookin' for me (Here I Am)
Attention to all of my best friends, and bootleggers hell yes Cham
Crush anyone up against him, ya lookin' for me (Here I Am)
Even when he ain't got no weapon
Niggaz that's street they was wit' Cham

So give a nigga respect damn, ya lookin' for me (Here I Am)
Dirty-South (Here I Am), is ya wit me (Yes I Am)
Color Changin' Click clack, gimme the gat nigga (BAM!)

Where Mista Madd? (Here I Am), where the boy Yung Ro (Here I Am)
What up Paul, what up Rasaq and Lew Hawk, what up Twin
Big Cat (What up Cham?), they say that you think that you tough man
Get on the mic and say somethin, to the major labels (Fuck them!)
Haha, a wise man once said don't diss the majors 'cause you might need em'
But it's obvious by this intro a nigga like me didn't believe em'
Rudest, the way the labels percieve him, but I ain't - in this game to make friends
Make love to ya label or hold hands, so tell em' again (Fuck them!)
The difference between them and me is I AM A G
While you still tryin' to fix up your I M A G E
Fix up your image, ya click is a gimmick, ya pistols are rented
Ya click will diminish, 'cause this is ya finish, nigga admit
'cause every line you spit is invented, nigga I'm in it.
My zone, I'm hungry I won't turn down a meal
But don't shoot a deal at Chamill, and think that he won't turn down a mil'
Better get a whole 'lotta mics for this one, 'cause no magazine wants to piss him off
Because I gotta loud voice in the south and I promise, niggaz is listening
Koopa

Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas (Where else Cham?)
Mississippi, Georgia and Texas, I know ya wit me? (Yes I Am)
Color Changin' Click yep that's my fam
Paid in Full Records that's my fam
And anybody else I'm forgettin', Swishahouse (Here I Am)
Radio DJ's (Here I Am), and to all my fans (Here I Am)
Where that Northside (Here I Am)
Where that Southside (Here I Am)
DJ Screw Rest In Peace man
What will the south be without him?

Make em' respect us is my plan
The world ain't ready but here I Am

Overall Meaning

In Chamillionaire's song Here I Am, he is announcing his presence and strength to anyone who may doubt him. He specifically calls out various record labels, expressing his disinterest in being just another artist fixated on gaining mainstream success. Chamillionaire emphasizes his loyalty to his closest friends, also known as his "fam." He notes that he is from the "Dirty-South," a region notorious for producing some of the most influential rappers in the industry.

The lyrics touch on the common theme of authenticity in rap music. Chamillionaire highlights the perceived phoniness of many artists, calling them out for only putting on a façade. He champions his "grind" and dedication to his craft, saying that he is "hungry." The song overall can be interpreted as an assertive statement of who Chamillionaire is as an artist, his origins, and his priorities.

Line by Line Meaning

You about to witness the strength in front of a bitch
Prepare to see my power and dominance in action.

Let a nigga speak to the head man, ya lookin' for me (Here I Am)
Allow me to speak to the person in charge. If you're searching for me, I am here.

Attention to all of my best friends, and bootleggers hell yes Cham
Attention to my closest allies and supporters, and to those who sell or distribute unauthorised copies of my music, I am still proud to be Chamillionaire.

Crush anyone up against him, ya lookin' for me (Here I Am)
I am strong enough to defeat anyone who opposes me, and if you're trying to locate me, here I am.

Even when he ain't got no weapon
I don't need a weapon to be a threat or to defend myself.

Niggaz that's street they was wit' Cham
People from the streets or those who understand the struggles of the streets, have been supportive and loyal to me.

So give a nigga respect damn, ya lookin' for me (Here I Am)
Show me the respect I deserve. If you're trying to find me, I am available and present.

Dirty-South (Here I Am), is ya wit me (Yes I Am)
I represent the Dirty South, are you on my side?

Color Changin' Click clack, gimme the gat nigga (BAM!)
I am a part of the Color Changin' Click, and I am prepared to defend myself if necessary.

Where Mista Madd? (Here I Am), where the boy Yung Ro (Here I Am)
Where are Mista Madd and Yung Ro? Here I am.

What up Paul, what up Rasaq and Lew Hawk, what up Twin
Greetings to Paul, Rasaq, Lew Hawk, and Twin.

Big Cat (What up Cham?), they say that you think that you tough man
Hello Big Cat. People have been saying that I act tough.

Get on the mic and say somethin, to the major labels (Fuck them!)
Speak out against major record labels, expressing disdain towards how they operate.

Haha, a wise man once said don't diss the majors 'cause you might need em'
Somebody once said it's unwise to speak badly about major record labels because you may require their assistance in the future.

But it's obvious by this intro a nigga like me didn't believe em'
However, my stance is clear in this introduction that, unlike the wise man, I don't believe in such advice.

Rudest, the way the labels percieve him, but I ain't - in this game to make friends
I've been perceived as abrasive by record labels, but I'm not in the music industry to socialise.

Make love to ya label or hold hands, so tell em' again (Fuck them!)
I'm not going to work closely with record labels or be too friendly with them. I've already expressed my disdain towards them and I will again.

The difference between them and me is I AM A G
I am a gangster or a tough individual.

While you still tryin' to fix up your I M A G E
While others are trying to build their public image.

Fix up your image, ya click is a gimmick, ya pistols are rented
Improve your image. Your crew is fake and your guns are fake.

Ya click will diminish, 'cause this is ya finish, nigga admit
Your group will weaken and fade away. This marks the end for you. Accept it.

'cause every line you spit is invented, nigga I'm in it.
All your raps are fabricated, and I'm the real deal in this game.

My zone, I'm hungry I won't turn down a meal
I'm focused and driven to succeed, and I won't reject opportunities that come my way.

But don't shoot a deal at Chamill, and think that he won't turn down a mil'
Don't offer me a contract and assume that I will accept any amount of money thrown my way.

Better get a whole 'lotta mics for this one, 'cause no magazine wants to piss him off
Prepare many microphones for this recording because no magazine wants to make me angry.

Because I gotta loud voice in the south and I promise, niggaz is listening
I have a prominent voice in the South, and I assure you that many people are paying attention to me.

Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas (Where else Cham?)
Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Where else would I be?

Mississippi, Georgia and Texas, I know ya wit me? (Yes I Am)
Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas. Are you with me? Yes, I am.

Color Changin' Click yep that's my fam
Color Changin' Click is my family.

Paid in Full Records that's my fam
Paid in Full Records is also my family.

And anybody else I'm forgettin', Swishahouse (Here I Am)
Anybody else I've forgotten, Swishahouse, here I am.

Radio DJ's (Here I Am), and to all my fans (Here I Am)
To all Radio DJs, here I am. And to all my fans, here I am.

Where that Northside (Here I Am)
Where is Northside? Here I am.

Where that Southside (Here I Am)
Where is Southside? Here I am.

DJ Screw Rest In Peace man
Rest in peace, DJ Screw.

What will the south be without him?
The South is incomplete without him.

Make em' respect us is my plan
My goal is to gain respect for myself and my community.

The world ain't ready but here I Am
The rest of the world might not be prepared, but I am here and ready for success.