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

Lovin' What You See
Chamillionaire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Intro - Chamillionaire - talking]
I got a question
But really it's not even a question, cause I'm already the answer
Like cigarettes bein linked to cancer
I don't even got to ask ya
I'm the mixtape master and I'm linked to disaster! (disaster, disaster, woo!)
I put product in the streets and soon you open up that package
You know it's lookin at you like

Umm, I know you're lovin what you see
Who do it big as me? (hey!)
Not a nan-nother (hey!)
You know what? Bring in my ad libs (heeey!, you in the presence of the finest)

[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
Look how my Chevy be
Popped up on 23's
Open up the roof and let it breathe
I know you're lovin what you see
I'm about to let my seat
Back, while I let my beat
Up, and let them haters stare at me
I know you're lovin what you see
They say they keep it street
But they ain't real as me
And I still can see the jealousy
I know you're lovin what you see

Won't do it big as me baby
Won't do it big as me baby
Won't do it big as me (oh my goodness)
I know you're lovin what you see

[Verse 1 - Chamillionaire]
I could make a quick exit from this rap ish, but I prefer to ball
Everytime I spit, they think Michael Vick, (huh, what ya mean?), murder dog
So much money in my account, that my money count is like "yeah, right"
My bank teller in disbelief, she look at me and turn pale white
More to life than chains with ice (and) dollar bills (and) 28's
Took a loss, but I'm a boss, I got the cost to make sure they straight
Cause I feelin just like Pimp C "cause these boys sweeter than some honey bees"
But I'm takin flights and still bzzzt, still buzzin like a honey bee

[Break - Chamillionaire - talking]
Yep, still buzzin, bzzzt
Still buzzin
Lost count how many mixtapes I've put out (Koopa!)

[Verse 2 - Chamillionaire]
I could cut my fans off and act like I ain't heard of y'all
But everytime I spit it's like the magazine (huh, what ya mean?), murder dog
In the streets (yeah), I'm The Source (yeah), every verse is like intercourse
Vibrate (huh?), why wait (uh), climax when she hear my voice
Walked in, saw the crib, it was mine about an hour later
All good, I'm still hood, eatin Church's Chicken on a marble table
So much, horsepower in my garage, it's like a stable
This Benz (uh), this Benz (yeah), they twins like Cain and Abel
They like "it's you again" (huh?), cause I'm such a hooligan
I got some neighbors, but I don't be gettin cool with them (cool with them)
I stay Disturbing tha Peace, like I'm one of Luda's friends
Don't knock on my door, cause you know you gon' probably lose a limb (lose a limb)
Northside forever, Koopa still gettin dough (dough)
Groupies at my show, my sex appeal is my flow (flow)
Got the 'furri sittin low (low) and the AC gon' blow like snow (snow)
It's Mixtape Messiah 4, you know I'm trill to the toe, whoa!

([Pimp C:] Trill, know what I'm talkin about?)

[Break - Chamillionaire - talking]
Huh huh, I love doin that man
Major Pain! (Hey!)

[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
Look how my Chevy be

Popped up on 23's

Open up the roof and let it breathe

I know you're lovin what you see

I'm about to let my seat

Back, while I let my beat

Up, and let them haters stare at me

I know you're lovin what you see

They say they keep it street

But they ain't real as me

And I still can see the jealousy

I know you're lovin what you see

Won't do it big as me baby
Won't do it big as me baby

Won't do it big as me (hey!)
I know you're lovin what you see

Overall Meaning

In Chamillionaire's song "Lovin' What You See," he boasts about his success in the music industry and his life of luxury. In the song's introduction, Chamillionaire likens himself to being the answer to a question, highlighting his confidence in himself and his abilities. He also speaks about his mixtape success and being linked to a "disaster" in a positive way, showcasing his impact in the music industry.

The chorus of the song focuses on Chamillionaire's flashy lifestyle with his Chevrolet on 23-inch wheels and him lounging in the seat with the music turned up. He mentions that he knows people are "lovin' what they see" and that he is more successful and real than his competitors. In the first verse, Chamillionaire talks about his wealth and how he is taking care of his community. He highlights that there is more to life than material possessions, and it's important to take care of those around you. In the second verse, Chamillionaire continues to boast about his wealth and his success in the industry, creating a picture of a lavish lifestyle for his listeners.

Overall, "Lovin' What You See" is a song that showcases Chamillionaire's self-assured attitude and his success in the music industry. He takes pride in his accomplishments and isn't afraid to let his listeners know.

Line by Line Meaning

I got a question
Chamillionaire has a thought he wants to express

But really it's not even a question, cause I'm already the answer
He believes he is already the best and no one can match him

Like cigarettes bein linked to cancer
He gives an example to signify how unquestionable he is

I don't even got to ask ya
He is confident that everyone knows he is the best

I'm the mixtape master and I'm linked to disaster! (disaster, disaster, woo!)
He is an expert in mixtape making and generates sensations

I put product in the streets and soon you open up that package
He distributes his products well and they are popular

You know it's lookin at you like Umm, I know you're lovin what you see
He knows that people enjoy his works

Who do it big as me? (hey!)
He wants to know who else can compare to him

Not a nan-nother (hey!)
He thinks there is nobody

You know what? Bring in my ad libs (heeey!, you in the presence of the finest)
He wants some sound effects added in to enhance the song and proclaim his superiority

Look how my Chevy be
He shows off his expensive car

Popped up on 23's
His car has big wheels

Open up the roof and let it breathe
He is showing off his convertible car

I'm about to let my seat
He is about to recline in his car

Back, while I let my beat
He is about to relax to the rhythm of his car's sound system

Up, and let them haters stare at me
He provocatively shows off to his critics

They say they keep it street
He talks about his competitors in the rap industry

But they ain't real as me
He implies that his competitors are fake

And I still can see the jealousy
He can sense the envy in his competitors

Won't do it big as me baby
He reiterates his belief in his superiority

I could make a quick exit from this rap ish, but I prefer to ball
He could leave the rap game altogether, but he enjoys it so much he won't

Everytime I spit, they think Michael Vick, (huh, what ya mean?), murder dog
His talent in rapping is akin to Michael Vick's performance as a football player

So much money in my account, that my money count is like "yeah, right"
He has so much money that it's hard to count it all

My bank teller in disbelief, she look at me and turn pale white
Even his bank teller is impressed with his wealth

More to life than chains with ice (and) dollar bills (and) 28's
He acknowledges there is more to life than material possessions

Took a loss, but I'm a boss, I got the cost to make sure they straight
He admits to some losses but is still powerful and can take care of people

Cause I feelin just like Pimp C "cause these boys sweeter than some honey bees"
He feels like Pimp C who recognized that others were fake

But I'm takin flights and still bzzzt, still buzzin like a honey bee
Despite his claims of being a boss, he's still working hard like a bee

Yep, still buzzin, bzzzt
He continues his comparison to a busy bee

Lost count how many mixtapes I've put out (Koopa!)
He has created so many mixtapes he can't remember how many

I could cut my fans off and act like I ain't heard of y'all
He could ignore his fans if he wanted to

But everytime I spit it's like the magazine (huh, what ya mean?), murder dog
He compares his performances to a famous music magazine

In the streets (yeah), I'm The Source (yeah), every verse is like intercourse
He is recognized as one of the best in the rap scene

Vibrate (huh?), why wait (uh), climax when she hear my voice
He makes his listener's emotions and passions peak

They like "it's you again" (huh?), cause I'm such a hooligan
He has a reputation for being wild and disorderly

I got some neighbors, but I don't be gettin cool with them (cool with them)
He doesn't associate himself with his neighbors

I stay Disturbing tha Peace, like I'm one of Luda's friends
He is a member of the rap group Disturbing tha Peace

Don't knock on my door, cause you know you gon' probably lose a limb (lose a limb)
He jokes about being so famous that fans might hurt themselves trying to see him

Northside forever, Koopa still gettin dough (dough)
He stays true to his Northside roots

Groupies at my show, my sex appeal is my flow (flow)
He acknowledges he's attractive to women because of his rapping talent

Got the 'furri sittin low (low) and the AC gon' blow like snow (snow)
He's driving his luxury car with the air conditioning turned up high

It's Mixtape Messiah 4, you know I'm trill to the toe, whoa!
He is promoting his fourth mixtape in the 'Mixtape Messiah' series

Trill, know what I'm talkin about?
He asks if his audience understands his message

Huh huh, I love doin that man
He's having fun performing

Major Pain! (Hey!)
He signs off with his catchphrase

Contributed by Camden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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