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 Hustler
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 it's 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 it's 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" Aaaaaay
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, yeeeeah
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 song "I'm a Hustler" are a braggadocious anthem that celebrates his success as a hustler. The song starts with the repeated line "Nigga, ask about me", with Chamillionaire urging his detractors to ask around about his credibility. He then proclaims himself a hustler multiple times, establishing his dominance in the rap game. Chamillionaire then addresses his opponents, who he claims are too scared to mention any names, and threatens them with his firepower. He concludes the song by boasting about his southern roots and his "cool" lifestyle.
Overall, the song presents Chamillionaire as a confident and successful hustler who has overcome adversity to achieve his dreams. It also showcases his lyrical skill and his ability to create hard-hitting rhymes and memorable hooks.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga, ask about me
If you want to know about my reputation, just ask anyone
I′m a hustler, I'm a, I′m a hustler homie
I'm a hard worker, always grinding and hustling to succeed
Nigga, ask a, nigga, nigga, ask about me
I'm not afraid of anyone asking about my character or actions
I'm a hustler, I'm a, I′m a hustler homie
I pride myself on my work ethic and my ability to succeed
Nah man I′m not Blood deep or Crip deep or 6 deep or clip deep
I'm not a member of any gang or heavily armed, but I'm still dangerous
How deep? This deep, nine millie clip deep
I may not have a lot of weapons, but the ones I have are powerful
With this heat, a body builder turn into a pipsqueak
My weapon is so powerful, even someone strong and muscular can become weak against it
They turn to vegetarians, they don't wanna end up mince meat
People who cross me may give up meat (become vegetarians) out of fear of what I might do to them
You′ll see, where the mortuary was at, I know you miss me
I'm so dangerous that people will miss me once I'm gone or in jail
Snatch the gat, brrr-at! And lyrically wreck that ass officially
If someone tries to mess with me, I'll use my weapon and lyrical skills to defeat them
I see you live in fairytales, niggas better switch beefs
People who live in fantasy worlds should find a different opponent to challenge
I had a tooth fairy choke his ass up outa his sleep
I can even make mythical and imaginary creatures (like the tooth fairy) hurt those who oppose me
Problem with Chamillionaire? Do they mention any names?
People may have an issue with me, but they won't say it to my face or mention any specific names
Hell no! You scared crow? Try your best to be brave
The people who have a problem with me are too scared to confront me directly and should try to be braver
Got a Smith & Wesson bro, we know that you gon' behave
People who know I have a dangerous weapon (Smith & Wesson) will think twice before crossing me
Safety, your locksmith, like you could get a key made
I'm so dangerous that people will feel safer if I have possession of their keys
You all up on the thang like little girls turning teenage
My opponents act like young, inexperienced girls who are just discovering adolescence
You really a bunch of hoes like 6th street at Texas relays
My opponents are all talk and no action, similar to prostitutes on 6th street during a sporting event
Ohio to Chicago, I got niggas in them PJ's
I have connections and friends all over the country, including in private jets (PJ's)
Bully, skinny, but the arms strong like you was BJ's
I may look small and skinny, but I'm still strong (like someone who works out at BJ's gym)
I hear these rapping niggas but believe I′m not a fan of it
I don't enjoy listening to other rappers' music, even though I'm part of the same industry
I'm here to rid the rap game of all it's contaminants
My goal is to get rid of all subpar, harmful, or negative elements from the rap industry
I′m better than the average, I want her, I can have the chick
I'm more talented and successful than most rappers, so I could get any woman I want
Doing the same pose as Paris Hilton in them camera flicks (haha)
My female fans try to imitate famous socialites (like Paris Hilton) in photographs
The mathematics get big cause I′m demanding it
I'm so good at what I do (rap and hustling) that I can demand a high price for my work
Raping the rap game while these other suckers is romancing it
I'm dominating the rap industry while other less talented rappers are trying to romance their way to the top
They worried about it's feelings, they don′t wanna take a chance with it
Other rappers are afraid to challenge the rap industry or hurt its feelings, but I'm not
Kissing up to the game with rose petals and a candle lit haha
Other rappers are trying to please the rap industry with empty gestures and flattery
I'm a hustler, I′m a, I'm a hustler
I'm emphasizing once again that I'm a hard worker and relentless in my pursuits
Aaaaaay
An exclamation of excitement or approval
I′m a southern boy, therefore I stunt
Being from the south, I tend to flaunt my wealth and success more than others
Y'all city slickers, we call it country dump
People from urban areas (city slickers) may not understand the lavish lifestyle of those from the country
And I'm chilling like a villain off a killing
I'm relaxed and calm like a villain who just committed a successful crime
Looking at the ceilings like I′m a get in for realer
I'm imagining myself making even more money and succeeding even further than I already have
I′m a get it regardless, hard as it is
I will succeed and make money no matter how difficult the task or challenge may be
Who wants to be a millionaire? Know how I'm a get a million
I know how to make money and succeed, even more so than the contestants on the show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
And I′m in the pavilion
I'm enjoying a luxurious and expensive lifestyle, often associated with VIP pavilions
Chilling with my girl but I don't speak Sicilian
I'm spending time with my girlfriend, but we don't speak Italian dialects like Sicilian
But we both count the same as
Even though we may speak different languages or come from different backgrounds, we are still equal and deserving of respect
Long as when I say I′m with it, it come out the same as
As long as we both understand and agree on something, it doesn't matter if we speak different languages or dialects
If I wanna win with it but I'm out the game
Even if I'm no longer working or hustling, I can still win or succeed in life
Y′all boys trynna get me killed... huh
People are trying to hurt or harm me
You know the Feds are my biggest fans
The government (FBI) is keeping a close eye on me and my activities
I got to watch what the little one's saying, man
I have to be careful about what children (or young people) say or know about me
They see my momma and they wanna pull her over
Law enforcement agencies may target or harass my innocent family members
Cause she ain't got no number on the back of the Rover
My mother's car doesn't have the license plate number or other identification on the back
And yep - I′m locing
I'm feeling good and confident
There′s cooler ways to die but I'm smoking
There may be better or safer ways to live, but I'm still enjoying a risky, dangerous life
There′s cooler ways to ride but I'm soaring
I could have a more comfortable or luxurious mode of transportation, but I'm still flying high
Might do the young G5 or G4
I could fly in a private jet like a Gulfstream 5 or 4, which are known for their luxury and speed
Ay, you never know, when your boy might touring
I could be traveling and performing (touring) at any time
Just trynna get me some air on Mike Jordan
I'm trying to soar and reach new heights, similar to Michael Jordan (famous basketball player)
Of this whole thing right here, I′m staring
I'm focused and determined on the situation or task at hand
Y'all boys just appear, I′m here, the Tardis
While my haters and competitors only seem to exist, I am physically present and powerful like the Tardis (from Doctor Who)
So applaud him, yeeeeah
I deserve praise and admiration for my hard work and success
Chinky eyes, keep faring
My Asian/different-looking eyes are always surviving and succeeding
Look like Keith Moorer, street aura, uh
I resemble a famous boxer (Keith Moorer) and exude the same confident, tough demeanor
Still I hustled in the street like he poorer
Even though I succeed and live a lavish lifestyle, I still act and work like someone who is poor or struggling
Run up on him you sleep and eat aura
Anyone foolish enough to challenge me will soon lose their confidence (sleep) and resources (eat)
Decent Christians, he owes momma, those
Even good, religious people can owe money or be in debt (to my mother)
Gucci seatbelts will look better with the barker
Even luxury items like Gucci seat belts (or other car accessories) will look better with my presence or influence
Sit up in my office, you need to rebound
In my powerful position (in an office), I can help people bounce back from tough situations (like a rebound in basketball)
You got a box out, get up put a baller on
People need to be more aggressive and defensive (like boxing out in basketball) and stand up for what they believe in
I'm right back with ya, never leave ya lonely
I'm always here for my friends and supporters, never leaving them alone or abandoned
Forget about Frank momma, I can be your Tony
Instead of relying on other famous gangsters (like Frank and Tony), I can be just as powerful or helpful to you
Weezy F. Baby man...
A reference to rapper Lil Wayne, who often uses this phrase in his songs
Writer(s): Dean Kasseem, Mosley Timothy Z, Carter Shawn C, Reese Barry A
Contributed by Oliver W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Raffa
Bey used 😍