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
Im A Balla
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not a talker
I keep it pimpin' so these women 'll pay me
If you a balla, and bout ya dollars
Then throw ya hands up if you gettin' it daily
Don't even talk uh, bout what it cost ya
If you ain't really out there gettin' it baby
If you a balla, and a shot calla
Koopa, I got comma's and zero's
And a lot of Robert Deniro
I know hoes that love other hoes
That'll get down in a trio
But it ain't nothin' to me though
I'ma grinder, y'all know my steelo
Got no record or no P.O
But I dodge police like I'm Neo, nigga we know
Far East and Chamillionaire
Gon' bring four stacks then spend a pair
Throw two other stacks in the air
We stepped in here like G-G-G'yeah
You a balla, let me see it
You a shot caller, let me see it
Bout them dollars, let me see it
Pop ya collar, G-G-G'yeah
Whomp! Whomp!, I'ma head bussa
I'ma keep on paper chasin'
Servin' all these muthafucka's
I'ma keep on ridin'
Ain't no way y'all gonna ever touch us
I'ma keep on chiefin', puffin'
Chokin' on that charlie dutchey
And I keep one on my side
That's my only buddy buddy
I'm movin' weight, like the nutty professor
Better get ya change up ooh yessuh
Better pack that metal, they'll test ya
Stain chain, gotta hit em' hard
When I roll that truck like Pastor Troy
24's in my ? bump
Better get em' boy, sick em' boy
Gotta make that money, rip em' boy
Like a pitbull dog, I'll sick em' boy
Here we came to bring in noise
You a balla, let me see it
You a shot caller, let me see it
Bout them dollars, let me see it
Pop ya collar, let me see it
Yeah, Play F, Skillz
No matter what they say
No matter what they do
Muthafucka's ain't got no clue
Of what we tryna do
Ride in coupes, ride on Koopa, who what?
Do what?, muthafuckas you ain't clappin' my crew
Keepin' it gangsta, plus y'all lack
Black on Black, ridin' Jordans
That ain't Coogi homie, quit cappin' you can't afford it
That's how it go, doin' shows, puffin' dro, bangin' beats
Far East, from Dallas, Tex, but TL call me Greg Street
Me and Koopa not some hoopers, but we ballin'
I see you actin' stupid, better move it or ya fallin'
Pausin', never keep it movin' like my rims
They say I'm clever, but it's the cheddar I spend that's makes me win
If you a baller then dribble til' ya hands get tired
'cause that's the way my wrist feels when I'm tryna raise it higher
You a balla, let me see it
Shot caller, let me see it
Bout them dollars, let me see it
Pop ya collar, let me see it
Like where do I start, or where do I begin
When it comes to ballin' and flossin', I shine like them rims
That's intend to spin, act like a crip, nah fuck it dog
Act like a chimp, like crooked monkeys throwin' up sets
You ain't no throw em' up click, you used to throwin' up bricks
We pro-ballers down south daddy, empty the clips
I got 5 in my eye, I need 10 on my wrist
So while I'm flippin' ya bitch, I put 10 to the lips
It's just that young boy Lumba
Who's known to bump a
Take over the industry, while these other rappers crumble
I'ma balla, you can see it
I'ma shot caller, you can see it
I'ma flosser, you can see it
Superstar, gonna be it
The song “I’m a Balla” by Chamillionaire featuring Far East Pl, reflects the materialistic lifestyle led by rappers, and the emphasis they place on visible wealth, such as expensive cars and designer clothing. The song begins with Chamillionaire claiming that he is a baller who walks the walk, rather than just talking. He states that he keeps his pimping skills on point, so that women pay him, and encourages those who are ballers and care about their money to throw their hands up.
Koopa, the other rapper in the song, discusses his wealth and the types of women he knows, who engage in sexual activities with other women. He describes himself as a grinder and mentions how he avoids the police, like Neo from the Matrix. Together they emphasize their millionaire lifestyles and the attention they get from women for their money. The song employs repetition, urging ballers to throw their hands up if they are getting money daily and utilize heavy bass and a catchy beat to further hype listeners up.
Overall, the song “I’m a Balla” is about the rappers’ lavish lifestyle and the way they flaunt it in front of their audience, encouraging them to throw their hands up if they too are ‘ballers’.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a Balla, I walk the walk bruh
I am a successful person and I have the experience to back it up.
I'm not a talker
I don't brag or boast about my success.
I keep it pimpin' so these women 'll pay me
I am a charmer and I have a lot of female admirers who are willing to pay me for my attention.
If you a balla, and bout ya dollars
If you are successful and wealthy,
Then throw ya hands up if you gettin' it daily
you should celebrate your success and show it off to the world.
Don't even talk uh, bout what it cost ya
Don't complain about how much money you spend if you aren't actually making any money.
If you ain't really out there gettin' it baby
If you aren't actively working to be successful,
If you a balla, and a shot calla
and you are a powerful and influential person,
Then throw ya hands up if you gettin' it daily
you should show off your success and power.
Koopa, I got comma's and zero's
I have a lot of money in my bank account.
And a lot of Robert Deniro
I have a lot of money like the famous actor Robert De Niro.
I know hoes that love other hoes
I know girls who are interested in other girls.
That'll get down in a trio
They are willing to engage in sexual activity with two other people.
But it ain't nothin' to me though
But that doesn't affect me personally.
I'ma grinder, y'all know my steelo
I work hard and you are familiar with my style and approach to success.
Got no record or no P.O
I don't have a criminal record or probation officer.
But I dodge police like I'm Neo, nigga we know
I am able to avoid getting in trouble with the law, and everyone knows it.
Far East and Chamillionaire
Far East and I (Chamillionaire) are collaborating on this song.
Gon' bring four stacks then spend a pair
We bring $4,000 and spend $2,000.
Throw two other stacks in the air
We also throw up $2,000 more for show.
We stepped in here like G-G-G'yeah
We entered the room confidently and energetically.
Whomp! Whomp!, I'ma head bussa
I am a aggressive person and I don't shy away from confrontation.
I'ma keep on paper chasin'
I will continue to focus on making money.
Servin' all these muthafucka's
I am providing a service and making money from it.
I'ma keep on ridin'
I will continue to do what I am doing.
Ain't no way y'all gonna ever touch us
No one can stop us or bring us down.
I'ma keep on chiefin', puffin'
I will continue to smoke marijuana.
Chokin' on that charlie dutchey
Smoking a specific type of cigar filled with marijuana.
And I keep one on my side
I keep a firearm with me at all times.
That's my only buddy buddy
My firearm is my closest ally and friend.
I'm movin' weight, like the nutty professor
I am making a lot of money, like the character in the movie Nutty Professor.
Better get ya change up ooh yessuh
You should change your ways and start making more money.
Better pack that metal, they'll test ya
You should be armed with a firearm because people might try to test you.
Stain chain, gotta hit em' hard
I have a nice chain, and I will use it to make a statement.
When I roll that truck like Pastor Troy
When I drive my truck, I make an impact on people like the rapper Pastor Troy.
24's in my ? bump
I have 24-inch wheels on my car.
Better get em' boy, sick em' boy
You should go get them and attack them.
Gotta make that money, rip em' boy
I need to make a lot of money, by any means necessary.
Like a pitbull dog, I'll sick em' boy
I am aggressive and I will attack anyone who tries to get in my way.
Here we came to bring in noise
We came here to make a statement and be noticed.
No matter what they say
Regardless of what anyone else thinks or says,
No matter what they do
Regardless of what anyone else does,
Muthafucka's ain't got no clue
People do not understand or comprehend what we are trying to do.
Of what we tryna do
Of what we are trying to accomplish.
Ride in coupes, ride on Koopa, who what?
We ride in nice cars and collaborate with Koopa. Who else can do that?
Do what?, muthafuckas you ain't clappin' my crew
What are you doing? You are not capable of competing with my group.
Keepin' it gangsta, plus y'all lack
We are staying true to the gangsta lifestyle, and you don't have that same dedication.
Black on Black, ridin' Jordans
We wear all black clothes and shoes made by the brand Jordan.
That ain't Coogi homie, quit cappin' you can't afford it
Our clothes aren't from the brand Coogi, stop lying because you could never afford it.
That's how it go, doin' shows, puffin' dro, bangin' beats
This is what we do, we perform concerts, smoke marijuana, and make great music.
Far East, from Dallas, Tex, but TL call me Greg Street
I am Far East, I am from Dallas, Texas, and my nickname is Greg Street in another city.
Me and Koopa not some hoopers, but we ballin'
We are not basketball players, but we are still successful and wealthy.
I see you actin' stupid, better move it or ya fallin'
I see you acting foolish, you should leave or you will regret it.
Pausin', never keep it movin' like my rims
I rarely take a break and I am always moving forward, like the spinning rims on my car.
They say I'm clever, but it's the cheddar I spend that's makes me win
People say I am smart, but it is the money that I spend that contributes to my success.
If you a baller then dribble til' ya hands get tired
If you are successful, keep making money until you can't do it anymore.
'cause that's the way my wrist feels when I'm tryna raise it higher
Because that is how my arm feels when I show off my expensive watch by raising my hand higher.
I'ma flosser, you can see it
I like to flaunt my success and wealth.
Superstar, gonna be it
I am on my way to becoming a superstar.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: WESLEY WESTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Danny Pena
Killed the hook too.... rap and rnb
Danny Pena
Man Cham was one of the finest out of Texas.... had bars when he started and even up until now
C.J. THA DON
If anyone can put the South on the map again....its this man 🔥
manolo txistorras
still listenning in 2012 because chamillionaire is the shit!
Jimmy Hoffa
sick song, no doubt
Krayzie Roach
Cham the only one to make it big
Joshua Goodlow
Classic!!!
Miguel Gonzalez
2023 still jammin. Like rn today October 12 texas shit 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Y Gizzle
this shit cold
Danny Pena
You can tell it's a play n skills beat ha