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 Got
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nine million
Ten million
Eleven million...
Keep on
Let's get it!
It's Koopa!
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Cheyah!
OWWW!
[sample x2: Pimp C]
I Got Money (yeah)
I Got Clothes (fasho)
I Got Whips (let's go)
I Got... (Let's go)
I Got Money (woo)
I Got Clothes (fasho)
I Got Whips (uh)
I Got...
Mixtape Messiah part five, you in the presence of the finest, already told you that
You know what it is, Chamillionaire dot com, let's go
Let's go
Fasho
Yeah, yeah, hold up
[Verse 1:]
What if I told you if I said I was better than 50, Kanye and Weezy
Would you believe me or would you be mad like I'm talking greasy
What if I said I was way better than all these little cheesy rappers
On TV they really be making cooner look easy
You easy breezy, Covergirl's get'cha nails done by Tyra
In the streets I'm on fire and that's until I retire
I'm out in Tyler the mayor said I'm the Mixtape Messiah
So you get fired they messing with none of you rappers for hire
I don't admire none of ya'll, plus I feel like I'm greater
Wanna get served I'm a waiter and bullets I gotta play da (woo)
Anybody jump fly I turn to a demonstrater
Major label that pay you and manager ain't goin save ya
Not just the best in my city, I'm like the best on the planet
I'm a God from above the streets is just where I landed
Haters all on my nuts but it ain't no need to panic
That Real Estate is expanded because my nuts is gigantic
Ha, Ha
[x2:]
I Got Money (yeah)
I Got Clothes (let's go)
I Got Whips (uh-huh)
I Got... (let's go)
I Got Money (yeah)
I Got Clothes (fasho)
I Got Whips (hold up)
I Got...
I make this look pretty man, knahtalkinbout?
I be balling and weaving on these boys, man
Still in the game, knahtalkinbout?
Doin that, getting in the streets
Doin what I do best, yes
I'm superfresh, superfly, all the time
Hold up
[Verse 2:]
Place the chips that they tackle, doing it like it's no hassle
Fourth in gold which is known that I'm goin be showboating after
If my career ever dies, then the rest of ya'll goin be bastards
Because I fathered the balling rap style that cha'll try'na master (hold up)
Chamillionaire lost ya dummy, how is you sounding?
SoundScan can't make my money not look like a mountain
Where the haters I'm scouting, cause I be loving the doubting
Just coordinate all the hating and start in time for my album
Don't mix business with pleasure, I just mix money with money
If I see Oprah approach, I bet she'll walk up and hug me
It's like I stuffed them with cotton, they see my pockets is junky
Money's the root of all evil, they feel my pockets like Chucky
I'm getting rusty, I normally can make a thousand a minute
But I been slipping my numbers is somewhere down there in finnit
We right back down to the ground, they wanna hear a sound of me kill it
It's gonna sound like a nogeration to turn when I get it
Get it?
The song "I Got" by Chamillionaire, featuring Pimp C is a rap song in which Chamillionaire boasts about his accomplishments and wealth. The lyrics of the song revolve around the idea that the artist has more money, clothes, and cars than anyone else. In the first verse, Chamillionaire begins by questioning whether he is better than some of the popular rappers like 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. He further explains that he is not just the best in his city but the best on the planet. The second verse of the song is about the artist's success story and how he had to work hard to get to where he is today. Chamillionaire takes pride in his wealth, and he is not ashamed to flaunt it.
One unique aspect of the song is the use of auto-tune throughout the track, giving it a futuristic sound. The song was part of his rap series known as Mixtape Messiah, with this particular track being part five of the series. Chamillionaire released the Mixtape Messiah series to showcase his rapping skills informally before his debut album, The Sound of Revenge. The song features a sample from the late Pimp C of the southern rap group UGK, which was popular in the early 2000s.
The song was well received by fans and critics and peaked at number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Chamillionaire has always been vocal about his views on the music industry, and through the song "I Got," he continues to express his feelings on what he believes it takes to be successful in the industry.
Overall, the song "I Got" by Chamillionaire is a high energy banger that showcases the artist's rap skills and boldly boasts about his wealth and success. The song features excellent production, great energy, and catchy lyrics, making it a favorite among fans.
Line by Line Meaning
Nine million
Chamillionaire has already made nine million dollars.
Ten million
Chamillionaire has already made ten million dollars.
Eleven million...
Chamillionaire is continuing to make more and more money.
Keep on
Chamillionaire plans to continue making money.
Let's get it!
Chamillionaire is excited about continuing to make money.
It's Koopa!
Chamillionaire is also known as Koopa.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Cheyah!
Chamillionaire makes a celebratory noise.
Mixtape Messiah to you
Chamillionaire refers to himself as the Mixtape Messiah.
OWWW!
Chamillionaire makes a celebratory noise.
Yeah
Chamillionaire is stating that he has money.
Fasho
Chamillionaire is stating that he has clothes.
Let's go
Chamillionaire is stating that he has cars.
I Got...
Chamillionaire is continuing to list things that he has.
Woo
Chamillionaire is excited about what he has.
Mixtape Messiah part five, you in the presence of the finest, already told you that
Chamillionaire is proud of his Mixtape Messiah part five and believes it is the best.
You know what it is, Chamillionaire dot com, let's go
Chamillionaire is promoting his website and wants his fans to join him.
Fasho
Chamillionaire agrees or concedes to something.
Yeah, yeah, hold up
Chamillionaire is getting ready to start rapping.
What if I told you if I said I was better than 50, Kanye and Weezy
Chamillionaire is questioning whether people would believe him if he said he was better than famous rappers 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne.
Would you believe me or would you be mad like I'm talking greasy
Chamillionaire wonders if people would be angry with him for saying he's better than those rappers.
What if I said I was way better than all these little cheesy rappers
Chamillionaire is asserting that he is much better than other rappers.
On TV they really be making cooner look easy
Chamillionaire is criticizing the way some rappers on TV make themselves look easy.
You easy breezy, Covergirl's get'cha nails done by Tyra
Chamillionaire is dissing other rappers for making themselves look easy, comparing them to a beauty company.
In the streets I'm on fire and that's until I retire
Chamillionaire is stating that he is great in the rap game and will continue to be great throughout his career.
I'm out in Tyler the mayor said I'm the Mixtape Messiah
Chamillionaire is so good that even the mayor of Tyler thinks he's the best.
So you get fired they messing with none of you rappers for hire
Chamillionaire is so good that he's putting other hired rappers out of jobs.
I don't admire none of ya'll, plus I feel like I'm greater
Chamillionaire doesn't respect other rappers and thinks he's much better than them.
Wanna get served I'm a waiter and bullets I gotta play da (woo)
Chamillionaire can metaphorically 'serve' or defeat other rappers and has to 'play da' or be careful in dangerous situations.
Anybody jump fly I turn to a demonstrater
If anyone talks back to Chamillionaire, he will demonstrate his power over them.
Major label that pay you and manager ain't goin save ya
Chamillionaire thinks that major labels and managers won't be able to help other rappers if they try to go up against him.
Not just the best in my city, I'm like the best on the planet
Chamillionaire believes he's not only the best rapper in his city, but the best in the world.
I'm a God from above the streets is just where I landed
Chamillionaire is saying that he's so great that he's like a god.
Haters all on my nuts but it ain't no need to panic
Chamillionaire has haters but isn't worried about them.
That Real Estate is expanded because my nuts is gigantic
Because Chamillionaire is so successful, his reputation and businesses have expanded.
Ha, Ha
Chamillionaire laughs.
I make this look pretty man, knahtalkinbout?
Chamillionaire makes money easily and makes it look good.
I be balling and weaving on these boys, man
Chamillionaire is successful and outsmarting other rappers.
Still in the game, knahtalkinbout?
Chamillionaire is still relevant and good at what he does.
Doin that, getting in the streets
Chamillionaire is still involved in street culture.
Doin what I do best, yes
Chamillionaire is good at rapping and making money.
I'm superfresh, superfly, all the time
Chamillionaire always looks and feels great.
Hold up
Chamillionaire is getting ready to start rapping again.
Place the chips that they tackle, doing it like it's no hassle
Chamillionaire is easily succeeding in his goals.
Fourth in gold which is known that I'm goin be showboating after
Chamillionaire will succeed and be flashy.
If my career ever dies, then the rest of ya'll goin be bastards
If Chamillionaire fails in his career, other rappers won't be able to succeed either.
Because I fathered the balling rap style that cha'll try'na master (hold up)
Chamillionaire is saying that he created the 'balling' rap style that other rappers are trying to imitate.
Chamillionaire lost ya dummy, how is you sounding?
Chamillionaire is arguing that he's better than other rappers.
SoundScan can't make my money not look like a mountain
Chamillionaire is making so much money that it can't be hidden.
Where the haters I'm scouting, cause I be loving the doubting
Chamillionaire enjoys proving his haters wrong.
Just coordinate all the hating and start in time for my album
Chamillionaire is inviting his haters to criticize him during the release of his new album.
Don't mix business with pleasure, I just mix money with money
Chamillionaire separates his personal life from his financial life.
If I see Oprah approach, I bet she'll walk up and hug me
Chamillionaire is so successful that even Oprah would be impressed by him.
It's like I stuffed them with cotton, they see my pockets is junky
Chamillionaire's pockets are so full of money that they can barely hold it all.
Money's the root of all evil, they feel my pockets like Chucky
The more money Chamillionaire makes, the more some people criticize him.
I'm getting rusty, I normally can make a thousand a minute
Even though Chamillionaire is used to making lots of money, sometimes he doesn't make as much.
But I been slipping my numbers is somewhere down there in finnit
Chamillionaire's financial numbers have been lower than normal.
We right back down to the ground, they wanna hear a sound of me kill it
Chamillionaire needs to succeed again so that people will hear his music.
It's gonna sound like a nogeration to turn when I get it
Chamillionaire's new music will be a big hit.
Get it?
Chamillionaire is asking if people understand his lyrics.
Contributed by Hannah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.