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
I Had a Dream
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Chorus - Chamillionaire] (DJ Screw)
Last night I had a dream, the north and south had no mo' plex
And Houston was the place to be
(It's Goin' Down)
Standin' taller then the rest
A dream and memory (It's Goin' Down), of DJ Screw gotta show respect
(It's Goin' Down), R.I.P. this is what was said
[Verse]
I had a dream I said, about who god said
Dirty south went nationwide cuz of DJ Screw, I said
Is that true?, god said, yeah it's true I get
to do flows, and wreck show cuz of DJ Screw I'm fed
But don't be mislead, you the reason we get bread
Please tell him when I get to heaven, it's gon' be respect
He the reason we get checks, ain't gotta be in debt
Ya music helped alot of southern families to get fed
They won't say what I just said (why?), cuz some of these guys scared (oh)
Just tryin' to acknowledge and put it in these guys heads
I see, I said, then deed, god said
That he glad that the north and southside P.L.E.X.dead
I agree, I said, R.I.P., I said
Rest In Peace to the legend Screw and P.A.T. I said
Swear I still jam ya music, I won't let no one abuse it
Can't do it, another's foolish if he think that he the truest
Cuz you was the first to screw it, you rule it but I'ma student
I'm new at the stuff ya started, but I'll do it until I'm through it
Life after I loose it, go have a talk with the streets
And they gon' tell ya that I respected the game, Rest In Peace
[Chorus - Chamillionaire] (DJ Screw)
Last night I had a dream, the north and south had no mo' plex
And Houston was the place to be
(It's Goin' Down)
Standin' taller then the rest
A dream and memory (It's Goin' Down), of DJ Screw gotta show respect
So put ya lighters in the sky with me
(It's Goin' Down), R.I.P. this is what was said
[DJ Screw Insert]
DJ Screw, slowen shit down
Puttin' in work all over H-Town
See me on the scene
drankin' codeine
Gat up on my lap
puttin' haters on my beam
Southside 4 life
that's what I claim
That's what I represent
That's where I hang
Hand on the trigger
pockets gettin' bigger
Screwed Up Click, A.W. (echo's out)
[Friends & Family that sent messages to DJ Screw]
Yeah, this Big Toom, Screwed Up Click representa, Screw I love you, see you
when I get there man
Oh yeah, this the H.A.W.K., Screwed Up souja 4 life, I wanna send my
condolenses out to DJ Screw, Robert Davis uhh and his family, and uh
may he Rest In Peace
Yeah this here is G, I'ma hold it down, for the pioneer that slowed it down
DJ Screw Rest In Peace, wuddup
Wussup this Lil' Flip, puttin' it down for my boy Screw, we gon' do it
together, we gon' hold it down together, Rest In Peace
Yeah Wussup this the Fat Rat With The Cheese Lil' O and I just wanna send my
condolenses out to Screw and his whole family
everybody that loved him, and I just wanna know if everybody understand what
this man stood for, he was a champion for the H-Town
representin' this underground to the fullest and, he always strived to take
us to the next level, take us to the forefront
so everybody know we ain't just loose no jewel, we ain't just loose a
earring, we lost a champion man, a fighter for H-Town man
may god Rest His Soul
Ay this Al. D man, know what I'm sayin', and ay man, know what I'm sayin'
keep the flame goin' for my brother man
and we gon' represent to the fullest man, always keep it in yall ears man
know what I'm sayin
Ay, what Screw would want everybody to do right now man, is hold ya head
and keep it up, and keep it managin' for ya dreams man.(Echo's)
The song "I Had A Dream" by Chamillionaire is a tribute to the legendary Houston DJ Screw, who passed away in 2000. The lyrics of the song revolve around a dream where the south and north had no rivalry and DJ Screw was one of the prominent reasons for the success of the Dirty South music. In the dream, God confirms that DJ Screw is the reason why the southern music movement gained nationwide recognition. Chamillionaire pays homage to DJ Screw, who motivated southern artists to express themselves and provided them with access to better-paying jobs. God tells Chamillionaire that DJ Screw is responsible for getting a lot of southern families fed, and it is not easy to comprehend the impact Screw had on the southern music scene. Chamillionaire pledges that he will follow the footsteps of Screw and uphold his legacy.
In the song, Chamillionaire acknowledges that many people won't speak those words due to fear or their lack of appreciation for Screw's contributions. Chamillionaire repeats that he will always honor Screw's music and continue pursuing his vision. Chamillionaire also mentions Arthur Blank, also known as P.A.T., who was a partner in DJ Screw's store, along with him. The song concludes with one of DJ Screw's chopped and screwed recordings, and several people who knew and respected him personally send out messages of condolence.
"I Had A Dream" resonates with music lovers because it highlights the contributions of DJ Screw to the vibrant music scene of Houston. It enlightens people to the extent of DJ Screw's influence and legacy. He accepted artists from all walks of life, and his store served as an artistic and social hub. Chamillionaire conveys the idea that one must look to their predecessors for guidance, and learning from them can help bring personal growth and progress. Overall, the song serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late DJ Screw, who created a sense of unity in the city.
Line by Line Meaning
Last night I had a dream, the north and south had no mo' plex
Chamillionaire dreamed that there was no more tension between north and south Houston.
And Houston was the place to be
Houston united both north and south and was thriving as a city.
Standin' taller then the rest
Houston stood out as a city of unity and progress.
A dream and memory, of DJ Screw one must show respect
Chamillionaire dreamed about DJ Screw and remembered to show him respect.
So put ya lighters in the sky with me, R.I.P. this is what was said
They lit up their lighters in honor of DJ Screw who had passed away.
I had a dream I said, about who god said
Chamillionaire dreamed of God and the conversation they had.
Dirty south went nationwide cuz of DJ Screw, I said
Chamillionaire credited DJ Screw for putting the dirty south on the national map.
Is that true?, god said, yeah it's true I get
God confirmed that it was true that DJ Screw played a large role in the success of the southern music industry.
to do flows, and wreck show cuz of DJ Screw I'm fed
Chamillionaire was able to create great music because of the influence of DJ Screw.
But don't be mislead, you the reason we get bread
Chamillionaire continued to credit DJ Screw for the financial success of southern music artists.
Please tell him when I get to heaven, it's gon' be respect
Chamillionaire wanted it to be known that he would show DJ Screw respect even in the afterlife.
He the reason we get checks, ain't gotta be in debt
DJ Screw's contributions to southern music helped artists make money without going into debt.
Ya music helped alot of southern families to get fed
DJ Screw's music provided for many southern families in need.
They won't say what I just said (why?), cuz some of these guys scared (oh)
Some people in the industry were afraid to acknowledge the contributions of DJ Screw.
Just tryin' to acknowledge and put it in these guys heads
Chamillionaire wanted to make sure people remembered the impact that DJ Screw had on southern music.
I see, I said, then deed, god said
Chamillionaire understood and accepted the value of DJ Screw's contributions.
That he glad that the north and southside P.L.E.X.dead
God was happy to see that the north and south of Houston had united and moved beyond their differences.
I agree, I said, R.I.P., I said
Chamillionaire agreed with God's perspective and paid respect to the deceased DJ Screw.
Rest In Peace to the legend Screw and P.A.T. I said
Chamillionaire paid respect to both DJ Screw and P.A.T. who had passed away.
Swear I still jam ya music, I won't let no one abuse it
Chamillionaire promised to continue listening to DJ Screw's music and protect it from misuse.
Can't do it, another's foolish if he think that he the truest
No one could replicate what DJ Screw had accomplished.
Cuz you was the first to screw it, you rule it but I'ma student
DJ Screw was the pioneer of screw music, and Chamillionaire was still learning from him.
I'm new at the stuff ya started, but I'll do it until I'm through it
Chamillionaire was continuing the work that DJ Screw started and would keep going until he was finished.
Life after I loose it, go have a talk with the streets
Chamillionaire would ask the streets to remember him after he passed away.
And they gon' tell ya that I respected the game, Rest In Peace
The streets would remember Chamillionaire as someone who had respected and contributed to the game of southern music.
Contributed by Adalyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hurm1t974
Just heard this for the first time ever. This is true art. 🔥🔥🔥
@jessejamez870
R.I.P. 2 A LEGEND!!!!! A man that deserves to be in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame... and a Man that helped bring the Houston Hip Hop/Rap Scene together DJ SCREW, ROBERT EARL DAVIS, JR. You got my respect homie and you're forever greatly missed!!
@lumartinez3765
i shed a tear when Chamillionair won that grammy and gave a shout out to all the fallen soldiers on national television
@9SauceQuantumHealer
This song give me chills every time I listen to it, Chamillionaire always my favorite Houston rapper 🙏
@bigversacexxxbigeggzzz2557
Damn this shit brings back so many memories.. This used to be my jam and still this. R.I.P Robert Earl Davis! ScrewHead....
@renetorres1896
🔥KingKoopa the most underrated rapper he's in a whole different level🔥
@Rocky_90_
2018 baby and Cham is still the best.
@irunthepeg
I miss this Chamillionaire...
@frayfray4496
Damn my bro had this on a CD, I'm 27 now but new this shit was fire at 14
@Syko7785
Thiz my shyt, i cryd the first time i ever heard it