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
I'm A Hustla
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Nigga, ask about me"
"Nigga, ask about me"
"Nigga, ask about me"
"I'm a hustler, I'm a, I'm a hustler homie"
"I'm a hustler, I'm a, I'm a hustler homie"
"Nigga, ask a, nigga, nigga, ask about me"
"Nigga, ask a, nigga, nigga, ask about me"
"I'm a hustler, I'm a, I'm a hustler homie"
Nah man I'm not Blood deep or Crip deep or 6 deep or clip deep
How deep? This deep, nine millie clip deep
With this heat, a body builder turn into a pipsqueak
They turn to vegetarians, they don't wanna end up mince meat
You'll see, where the mortuary was at, I know you miss me
Snatch the gat, brrr-at! And lyrically wreck that ass officially
I see you live in fairytales, niggas better switch beefs
I had a tooth fairy choke his ass up outa his sleep
Problem with Chamillionaire? Do they mention any names?
Hell no! You scared crow? Try your best to be brave
Got a Smith & Wesson bro, we know that you gon' behave
Safety, your locksmith, like you could get a key made
You all up on the thang like little girls turning teenage
You really a bunch of hoes like 6th street at Texas relays
Ohio to Chicago, I got niggas in them PJ's
Bully, skinny, but the arms strong like you was BJ's
I hear these rapping niggas but believe I'm not a fan of it
I'm here to rid the rap game of all its contaminants
I'm better than the average, I want her, I can have the chick
Doing the same pose as Paris Hilton in them camera flicks (haha)
The mathematics get big cause I'm demanding it
Raping the rap game while these other suckers is romancing it
They worried about its feelings, they don't wanna take a chance with it
Kissing up to the game with rose petals and a candle lit haha
("I'm a hustler, I'm a, I'm a hustler")
Aay
I'm a southern boy, therefore I stunt
Y'all city slickers, we call it country dump
And I'm chilling like a villain off a killing
Looking at the ceilings like I'm a get in for realer
I'm a get it regardless, hard as it is
Who wants to be a millionaire? Know how I'm a get a million
And I'm in the pavilion
Chilling with my girl but I don't speak Sicilian
But we both count the same as
Long as when I say I'm with it, it come out the same as
If I wanna win with it but I'm out the game
Y'all boys trynna get me killed, huh
You know the Feds are my biggest fans
I got to watch what the little one's saying, man
They see my momma and they wanna pull her over
Cause she ain't got no number on the back of the Rover
And yep, I'm locing
There's cooler ways to die but I'm smoking
There's cooler ways to ride but I'm soaring
Might do the young G5 or G4
Ay, you never know, when your boy might touring
Just trynna get me some air on Mike Jordan
Of this whole thing right here, I'm staring
Y'all boys just appear, I'm here, the Tardis
So applaud him, yeah
Chinky eyes, keep faring
Look like Keith Moorer, street aura, uh
Still I hustled in the street like he poorer
Run up on him you sleep and eat aura
Decent Christians, he owes momma, those
Gucci seatbelts will look better with the barker
Sit up in my office, you need to rebound
You got a box out, get up put a baller on
I'm right back with ya, never leave ya lonely
Forget about Frank momma, I can be your Tony
Weezy F. Baby man
The lyrics to Chamillionaire's "I'm A Hustla" depict the rapper as a street-smart hustler who has built a reputation for himself. The repeated phrase "nigga, ask about me" shows that he is widely known and respected in his community. When he says, "How deep? This deep, nine millie clip deep," he is referring to the depth of his involvement in the criminal underworld, and how he always keeps a weapon with him for protection. Chamillionaire also boasts about his lyrical abilities, vowing to "lyrically wreck that ass officially" if anyone tries to mess with him. He challenges his enemies to confront him directly if they have a problem with him, and warns them that he has plenty of firepower to back himself up. Finally, he asserts that he is better than most other rappers in the game, and that he is out to rid it of "contaminants."
Overall, Chamillionaire's lyrics in "I'm A Hustla" paint a picture of a streetwise, confident individual who has worked hard to establish himself as a powerful figure in his community. He is not afraid to assert himself, and he takes pride in his skills both as a hustler and as a rapper.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga, ask about me
I'm well-known and respected in the streets.
I'm a hustler, I'm a, I'm a hustler homie
I work hard to achieve my goals.
Nigga, ask a, nigga, nigga, ask about me
I'm confident in my reputation and abilities.
Nah man I'm not Blood deep or Crip deep or 6 deep or clip deep
I don't affiliate with any specific gang.
How deep? This deep, nine millie clip deep
I carry a loaded gun.
With this heat, a body builder turn into a pipsqueak
My gun is powerful enough to take down even the strongest opponents.
They turn to vegetarians, they don't wanna end up mince meat
My gun is so dangerous that it makes people fear for their safety.
You'll see, where the mortuary was at, I know you miss me
I'm not afraid of death and people will miss me when I'm gone.
Snatch the gat, brrr-at! And lyrically wreck that ass officially
I'm not afraid to use my gun or my words to defend myself.
I see you live in fairytales, niggas better switch beefs
You're living in a fantasy and need to change your mindset.
I had a tooth fairy choke his ass up outa his sleep
I'll do whatever it takes to come out on top.
Problem with Chamillionaire? Do they mention any names?
Nobody has the courage to directly confront me.
Hell no! You scared crow? Try your best to be brave
You're too scared to face me.
Got a Smith & Wesson bro, we know that you gon' behave
My gun ensures that people behave around me.
Safety, your locksmith, like you could get a key made
I have complete control of the situation.
You all up on the thang like little girls turning teenage
You're too eager and inexperienced.
You really a bunch of hoes like 6th street at Texas relays
You're weak and have no integrity.
Ohio to Chicago, I got niggas in them PJ's
I have connections all across the country.
Bully, skinny, but the arms strong like you was BJ's
I may be small, but I'm powerful.
I hear these rapping niggas but believe I'm not a fan of it
I'm not impressed by other rappers.
I'm here to rid the rap game of all its contaminants
I'm on a mission to improve the quality of rap music.
I'm better than the average, I want her, I can have the chick
I'm confident in my abilities and can get any woman I want.
Doing the same pose as Paris Hilton in them camera flicks (haha)
I'm making fun of people who try to imitate celebrities.
The mathematics get big cause I'm demanding it
I'm setting high standards for myself and others.
Raping the rap game while these other suckers is romancing it
I'm disrupting the rap game and making it better.
They worried about its feelings, they don't wanna take a chance with it
Other rappers are too afraid to challenge the status quo.
Kissing up to the game with rose petals and a candle lit haha
Other rappers are too busy trying to appease the industry.
I'm a southern boy, therefore I stunt
I'm proud of my roots and enjoy showing off.
Y'all city slickers, we call it country dump
City folks don't understand our way of life.
And I'm chilling like a villain off a killing
I'm relaxed and confident.
Looking at the ceilings like I'm a get in for realer
I'm planning to take over the rap industry.
I'm a get it regardless, hard as it is
I'm determined to succeed no matter what.
Who wants to be a millionaire? Know how I'm a get a million
I have a plan to become successful.
And I'm in the pavilion
I'm at the top of my game.
Chilling with my girl but I don't speak Sicilian
I'm not trying to impress people with my language skills.
But we both count the same as
We're both equal in this relationship.
Long as when I say I'm with it, it come out the same as
As long as we're on the same page, everything's good.
If I wanna win with it but I'm out the game
I may not always be actively pursuing this goal.
Y'all boys trynna get me killed, huh
Other people are trying to harm me.
You know the Feds are my biggest fans
The government is always watching me.
I got to watch what the little one's saying, man
I have to be careful about who I associate with.
They see my momma and they wanna pull her over
The police are harassing my family.
Cause she ain't got no number on the back of the Rover
They think my mother's car is suspicious.
And yep, I'm locing
I'm not afraid to assert my dominance.
There's cooler ways to die but I'm smoking
I'm taking risks and living on the edge.
There's cooler ways to ride but I'm soaring
I'm achieving incredible things.
Might do the young G5 or G4
I'm considering buying a private jet.
Ay, you never know, when your boy might touring
I'm always on the move.
Just trynna get me some air on Mike Jordan
I'm trying to reach new heights of success.
Of this whole thing right here, I'm staring
I'm in awe of my own accomplishments.
Y'all boys just appear, I'm here, the Tardis
I'm a force to be reckoned with.
So applaud him, yeah
I deserve recognition for my hard work.
Chinky eyes, keep faring
I'm confident in my own appearance.
Look like Keith Moorer, street aura, uh
I have a unique and powerful presence.
Still I hustled in the street like he poorer
I've worked hard to get where I am.
Run up on him you sleep and eat aura
You'll regret it if you try to mess with me.
Decent Christians, he owes momma, those
I'm a respectful and decent person.
Gucci seatbelts will look better with the barker
I have expensive taste.
Sit up in my office, you need to rebound
I'm successful and have influence.
You got a box out, get up put a baller on
You need to work hard and prove yourself.
I'm right back with ya, never leave ya lonely
I'm always there for my friends and supporters.
Forget about Frank momma, I can be your Tony
I can be a powerful and loyal friend.
Weezy F. Baby man
Referencing Lil Wayne, another rapper.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TIMOTHY MOSLEY, SHAWN CARTER, BARRY REESE, KASSEEM DEAN, MARY J. BLIGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind