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
Mixtape Murder
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, mixtape murderer
Talkn bout murder
Yeah, they say they need part 6 but look at how i light up the city
It's that boy Chamilli, many say that they don't feel me
But they don't want it really, nothin gon move but the money
You know I know the drilly, my reality be showin like Flava Flav or Diddy
She think I give her my hustle just cuz the fact she pretty
Really busy, chasin scrillies and countin all my millies
I'm really all about scrilly, and I mean that sincerely
Just like that VIC single, the game is gettin silly
But so much cheese is stackin like sandwiches in philly
Runnin around for the millies, I think I'm gettin dizzy
I'm notorious at doin it bigger like I'm Biggie
Join my fan club, you a hater, bring some backup
Let my lac up, and hit the switch and it ill back up
They can't stand em, make Bill O'reilly have a tantrum
Bet the grands come and if I'm on it, it's an anthem
Get the grand son and give a million to my grandson
Yeah we have fun, but told the chick that she can have none
I heard Plies say that he will never buy a Phantom
I make 28's fit on the ish, you better ask em
I attatch em, I love the dolla's I romance em
I just cash em, no homo but my money handsome
An assassin, be killin the mic with a passion
I just smash em, then I head right back to my mansion
They just actin, but real is my only reaction
Shoes on my whip, that's where haters jack their fashion
Swagga jackin, i'm swagga'd up you swagga-lackin
Swagga pass em, my swagga on inspite of lappin
Tell em don't listen, if you hate the way my flow is flippin
Still tippin, wheels glisten, my vouge's are swang and clickin
Brain n bullet equals pain, who wanna do addition?
Pop the clip in, get to trippin, you thinkin that I'm slippin
Believa, always an over achiever
Take a breather, your paper little just like ceaser
Have a seat bra, I make that hater have a seizure
When they see the number of coats that's on my Beamer
Lift the dough up and on her feet is where I leave her
Then I proceed to gettin my dough up like a Keebla
I don't need her, be Livin Single like Kadeeja
I won't even go send a cab to go retrieve her
Hustle been deadly before Fred ever met Betty
Spree-wellin like Latrelly on Spinners and Perellis
That was back before Nelly was ever seen singin on the telly
I been grindin gettin feti, underground Makavelli
My dictionary is missin, so what is competition?
Think he dissin, he ain't likin how much my pinky glisten
I ain't trippin I ain't missin, that diamond let it glisten
Pop my trunk up and the sign is readin, I'm gon fishin
Chamillionaire's "Mixtape Murder" lyrics paint a picture of an artist who's not afraid of hard work, chasing the money, and staying true to himself. The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the track. Chamillionaire boasts about how he lights up the city and how people might not feel him, but he emphasizes that the only thing that matters is the money. He talks about how he's always chasing millions and is not interested in giving away his hustle to anyone, no matter how pretty they are. He emphasizes that he's all about the money and that his reality shows it.
The second verse of the song continues with Chamillionaire's boasting about his wealth and success. He talks about how he's notorious for doing things bigger and better, just like the late Notorious B.I.G. He mentions how he's attuned to his fans' needs and calls his songs anthems. He also talks about his love of money and how he just cashes them, but no homo, his money is handsome. Chamillionaire emphasizes that he's not acting, and his reactions are always real. He talks about how his swag is always on point and how he's always living his best life. The song ends with him talking about his hustle, which has been deadly even before Fred ever met Betty, Spree-wellin' like Latrelly on Spinners and Perellis, underground Makavelli.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, they say they need part 6 but look at how i light up the city
People are asking for my Mixtape Part 6, but they are not aware of my rise to fame and how I am creating a buzz in the city.
It's that boy Chamilli, many say that they don't feel me
I am Chamillionaire, some don't understand or appreciate my music.
But they don't want it really, nothin gon move but the money
People don't really want my music, they are only interested in money.
You know I know the drilly, my reality be showin like Flava Flav or Diddy
I understand the music industry well and my reality is just like Flava Flav or Diddy.
She got some back and some tittes, and man it's such a pity
The girl has a great body, but it's unfortunate that she thinks I will give her my money just because of it.
She think I give her my hustle just cuz the fact she pretty
The girl thinks that I will share my work ethic just because she is pretty.
Really busy, chasin scrillies and countin all my millies
I am busy trying to make money and counting my millions.
I'm really all about scrilly, and I mean that sincerely
Money is my first priority and I am being honest when I say that.
Just like that VIC single, the game is gettin silly
The rap industry is getting ridiculous like that VIC song.
But so much cheese is stackin like sandwiches in philly
Despite the absurdity of the industry, I am still making a lot of money.
Runnin around for the millies, I think I'm gettin dizzy
I am constantly working to make money and it's becoming overwhelming.
I'm notorious at doin it bigger like I'm Biggie
I am renowned for making it big like Biggie Smalls.
Join my fan club, you a hater, bring some backup
If you don't like me, you are a hater and will need backup if you confront me.
Let my lac up, and hit the switch and it ill back up
I am going to get in my car and it will reverse automatically when I hit a switch.
They can't stand em, make Bill O'reilly have a tantrum
Some people dislike me so much that it would make Bill O'Reilly, known for his short temper, throw a tantrum.
Bet the grands come and if I'm on it, it's an anthem
If I am featured in the song, it will become a popular anthem and bring in a lot of money.
Get the grand son and give a million to my grandson
I want to build a legacy by giving a million dollars to my future grandson.
Yeah we have fun, but told the chick that she can have none
I have a good time, but a girl won't get any of my money.
I heard Plies say that he will never buy a Phantom
Plies said that he will never buy a Phantom car.
I make 28's fit on the ish, you better ask em
I was able to fit 28-inch wheels on my car; you can ask the mechanics who did it.
I attatch em, I love the dolla's I romance em
I have a love affair with money and will always be attached to it.
I just cash em, no homo but my money handsome
I just spend money and don't care what people think about me or my money.
An assassin, be killin the mic with a passion
I am like an assassin, killing the rap game with my passion and skill on the microphone.
I just smash em, then I head right back to my mansion
I finish my rap battle and head back to my luxurious home.
They just actin, but real is my only reaction
Other rappers are acting, but I keep it real in my music and life.
Shoes on my whip, that's where haters jack their fashion
People might hate me but they love my car and the fashion that comes with it.
Swagga jackin, i'm swagga'd up you swagga-lackin
Other people might be copying my style, but I am the one with a good fashion sense.
Swagga pass em, my swagga on inspite of lappin
I am still confident in my style despite others trying to copy me.
Tell em don't listen, if you hate the way my flow is flippin
I am telling people who hate my music to not listen to it.
Still tippin, wheels glisten, my vouge's are swang and clickin
I am still driving around and showing off my shiny wheels and expensive vogues.
Brain n bullet equals pain, who wanna do addition?
Violence is not the solution, you don't want to add more pain to your life.
Pop the clip in, get to trippin, you thinkin that I'm slippin
If you try to attack me, I will use my gun to defend myself and you will realize how wrong you were for thinking I was weak.
Believa, always an over achiever
I am a strong believer in always overachieving in life.
Take a breather, your paper little just like ceaser
Relax, your money is small compared to mine.
Have a seat bra, I make that hater have a seizure
Sit down and watch me make you have a seizure with my talent and success.
When they see the number of coats that's on my Beamer
People get jealous when they see how successful I am; I have so many coats that they don't even fit in my car.
Lift the dough up and on her feet is where I leave her
I give money to people and then leave them to stand on their own two feet.
Then I proceed to gettin my dough up like a Keebla
I am going to work hard to make more money like the Keebler elves.
I don't need her, be Livin Single like Kadeeja
I don't need a woman, I am perfectly fine living on my own like Kadeeja on Living Single.
I won't even go send a cab to go retrieve her
I won't even bother sending a cab to pick her up.
Hustle been deadly before Fred ever met Betty
I have been hustling and making money long before Fred met Betty.
Spree-wellin like Latrelly on Spinners and Perellis
I am spending money and showing off my success in the same way as Latrell Sprewell who was known for wearing Spinners and Perellis.
That was back before Nelly was ever seen singin on the telly
I was making a lot of money even before Nelly became famous for singing on TV.
I been grindin gettin feti, underground Makavelli
I have been working hard and making a lot of money, just like the legendary rapper Makaveli.
My dictionary is missin, so what is competition?
I don't see anyone as a competition.
Think he dissin, he ain't likin how much my pinky glisten
If someone disapproves of me, it's only cause he envies my success.
I ain't trippin I ain't missin, that diamond let it glisten
I am not worried about missing anything because the diamond on my finger is shining bright.
Pop my trunk up and the sign is readin, I'm gon fishin
I am going out to relax like I am fishing; I even have a sign on my car announcing it.
Contributed by Keira G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.