Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Grammy Award … Read Full Bio ↴Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Grammy Award nominated rapper, member of The Color Changin' Click and founder of Chamillitary Entertainment. Better known as Chamillionaire, he also uses nicknames such as The Mixtape Messiah, King Koopa, Color Changin' Lizard, Chamillinator, Chamillitary Mayne, Major Payne and The Truth From Texas. He began rapping in 1998, releasing mixtapes and a collab album with fellow Houston rapper Paul Wall. He released his debut album, The Sound of Revenge, in 2005, and his sophmore release, Ultimate Victory, in 2007. He plans to release his yet untitled third album at the end of 2009 or early 2010.

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

Keep Hating Part II
Chamillionaire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Chamillionaire]
I'm like Floyd Mayweather
I flow better, my dough better
Fast or slow, whatever you want to do let's go
You already know I go hard
I am the mixtape circuit god
Flow like a butterfly, sting like a nah
A bee don't sting as hard as C

You won't live after you get stung by me
No pay-per-view though, you can get that for free
Chamillionaire dot com, Don King
Get in the ring, ding, ding
I'm ready to go, eight rounds, nine rounds
Matter of fact, we gon' knock 'em out first round
We gon' knock 'em out first round

Never heard another rapper bragging this much
That's because I get it hater, shut the F up
No one on the corner got a swagger this tough
I'm the only around that's getting money like Puff
Grabbing my nuts while they turn my mic up
Losers on the net tryna tell me I suck
Couldn't name a rapper that I couldn't light up
And I realised I just had another light bulb
Bright idea just like my ear
Maybe I should diss a mother-F to get press
Maybe I should tell Canada I go harder
than all other artists and I am the best
Yes, I am Texas, I am freshest
Got to come down, got to come down
And when it come to spitting the fast or slow rhyme
I'm Jay and JazO and Twista combined

City I rule, ain't getting at you
Because me verse you isn't really a duel
I pity the fool that try to get in my jewels
Tell security to move and just give me my tool
I'm after your honey like I'm Winnie the Pooh
I'm telling her to strip down and get in my pool
She thinking is that what she really should do
And now she taking off her shirt and she telling me cool
Got all the paper, I ball my paper
And throw it down the toilet like it's toilet paper
Ain't my birthday but they knowing I'm caked up
Forget a super head homie, y'all can take her
I'm throwed in the game, you know I'm insane
With no curse words like the old Lil Wayne
I'm better than Michael, yep better than Jordan
Matter of fact I'm the Kobe Bryant of recording
You ain't important, I am the man
Do it all again homie, that's the plan
And if it don't work then I'ma get it demand
I got a clause in my contract that say that I can
Mixtape god of the mixtape art
Benchwarmers better play they mixtape part
You a retard, get played hard
Go against me and that's a mistake boy
Paparazzi still tryna take my photo
Got a drop top when I hop in my photo
I be by myself cause these boys act homo
And I don't mess with y'all, yep I still roll solo
If you disrespect me then I'm not respect you
If you don't respect me then I'm yelling F you

I treat you like a stepchild you don't wanna step to
The mixtape god so I'm yelling bless you

Overall Meaning

In the song Keep Hating Part II, Chamillionaire brags about his superior skills as a rapper and his financial success, urging his haters to shut up and acknowledge his greatness. The lyrics feature a lot of bravado and boastful statements, with Chamillionaire comparing himself to boxing legend Floyd Mayweather and asserting that he is the best rapper in the game. He also hints at the possibility of sparking controversy and getting more media attention by dissing other artists or making bold statements. However, he ultimately ends the song by asserting that he doesn't need anyone's approval and will continue to be successful regardless of others' opinions.

Overall, the lyrics to Keep Hating Part II seem to be a reflection of Chamillionaire's confidence in his abilities and his determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity. The song can be seen as a response to critics and naysayers who may have doubted his skills or his ability to make it in the music industry.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm like Floyd Mayweather
I am a skilled and successful rapper, similar to the renowned boxer Floyd Mayweather

I flow better, my dough better
My rapping abilities and wealth are superior to others

Fast or slow, whatever you want to do let's go
I am able to rap at any speed and challenge others to battle me

You already know I go hard
You are aware of my intense work ethic and dedication to my craft

I am the mixtape circuit god
I am a highly respected and successful rapper in the mixtape circuit

Flow like a butterfly, sting like a nah
My rap flow is smooth and poetic, yet still packs a punch

A bee don't sting as hard as C
My rhymes hit harder than a bee's sting

You won't live after you get stung by me
My lyrics will metaphorically 'sting' and defeat any opponent

No pay-per-view though, you can get that for free
I am so confident in my abilities that I don't need to charge fans to watch me perform

Chamillionaire dot com, Don King
I am like the legendary Don King in promoting myself and my music on my official website

Get in the ring, ding, ding
Challenge me to a rap battle, let's go

I'm ready to go, eight rounds, nine rounds
I am confident in my endurance and ability to battle for multiple rounds

Matter of fact, we gon' knock 'em out first round
I am so superior, I will metaphorically knockout my opponent in the first round

Never heard another rapper bragging this much
No other rapper is as confident and successful as I am

That's because I get it hater, shut the F up
My success and confidence speaks for itself and silences those who doubt me

No one on the corner got a swagger this tough
My confidence and style are unmatched by others

I'm the only around that's getting money like Puff
I am financially successful like Puff Daddy (Sean Combs)

Grabbing my nuts while they turn my mic up
I am confident and unapologetic in my lyricism while others prepare my microphone for recording

Losers on the net tryna tell me I suck
Envious and unsuccessful people try to bring me down through negative comments online

Couldn't name a rapper that I couldn't light up
I am so superior that I can defeat any rapper that challenges me

And I realised I just had another light bulb
I just had another brilliant idea

Bright idea just like my ear
My ideas are always brilliant, just like my ability to hear great music

Maybe I should diss a mother-F to get press
Perhaps I should create controversy and diss another rapper in order to gain publicity

Maybe I should tell Canada I go harder than all other artists and I am the best
Perhaps I should proclaim myself as the best and most skilled rapper, even claiming to rap harder than Canadian hip-hop artists

Yes, I am Texas, I am freshest
I am a proud and successful rapper from Texas, with a fresh style and sound

Got to come down, got to come down
I need to stay grounded despite my success

And when it come to spitting the fast or slow rhyme
I am skilled in rapping at any speed

I'm Jay and JazO and Twista combined
I am even more skilled and talented than famous rappers Jay-Z, Jaz-O, and Twista

City I rule, ain't getting at you
I am the most respected and successful rapper in my city, but mean no disrespect towards others

Because me verse you isn't really a duel
Rapping against me isn't a fair competition

I pity the fool that try to get in my jewels
I feel sorry for anyone who tries to take my money and success

Tell security to move and just give me my tool
Tell security to move out of the way and hand me a weapon, as I prepare to defend myself and my wealth

I'm after your honey like I'm Winnie the Pooh
I am pursuing a woman, similar to how Winnie the Pooh pursues honey

I'm telling her to strip down and get in my pool
I am asking the woman to undress and join me in my swimming pool

She thinking is that what she really should do
The woman is considering whether or not to follow my request

And now she taking off her shirt and she telling me cool
The woman agrees to undress and join me in the pool

Got all the paper, I ball my paper
I have a large amount of money, which I use for recreational purposes

And throw it down the toilet like it's toilet paper
I spend my money frivolously and without care, as if it's worth no more than toilet paper

Ain't my birthday but they knowing I'm caked up
I am financially successful and have a lot of money, even though it's not my birthday (a typical day for receiving gifts and money)

Forget a super head homie, y'all can take her
I am so successful and wealthy that I don't need to associate with women like Superhead

I'm throwed in the game, you know I'm insane
I am successful and respected in the rap game, but also considered crazy or unconventional

With no curse words like the old Lil Wayne
I am able to rap at a high level without the use of profanity, like the old Lil Wayne

I'm better than Michael, yep better than Jordan
I am superior to basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Matter of fact I'm the Kobe Bryant of recording
I am similar to basketball great Kobe Bryant, but in the realm of music recording

You ain't important, I am the man
Others are not important in comparison to my success and status as the man

Do it all again homie, that's the plan
I plan to continue my high level of success and make a name for myself once again

And if it don't work then I'ma get it demand
If my plan doesn't work, I will work to fix it and achieve success through demand or force

I got a clause in my contract that say that I can
My contracts and agreements have clauses that allow me to achieve success and protect my interests

Mixtape god of the mixtape art
I am a highly respected and successful rapper in the realm of mixtapes

Benchwarmers better play they mixtape part
Less successful rappers should stick to mixtapes and avoid trying to compete with me

You a retard, get played hard
Those who try to challenge me in the rap world are foolish and will ultimately lose

Go against me and that's a mistake boy
Challenging me in the hip-hop world is a mistake and will lead to defeat

Paparazzi still tryna take my photo
I am so popular and successful that paparazzi still try to take my photograph

Got a drop top when I hop in my photo
When I get into my car, it is a drop top (convertible)

I be by myself cause these boys act homo
I am alone because other men act inappropriately or effeminately

And I don't mess with y'all, yep I still roll solo
I don't associate with others, and prefer to be by myself

If you disrespect me then I'm not respect you
Those who show me disrespect will not be given any respect from me

If you don't respect me then I'm yelling F you
If you don't show me respect, I will express my anger and use profanity towards you

I treat you like a stepchild you don't wanna step to
I treat you poorly and make it clear that you shouldn't try to challenge me

The mixtape god so I'm yelling bless you
I am a highly respected and successful rapper in the mixtape world, so I am praising and blessing you in comparison

Contributed by Evelyn O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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