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
No Snitchin'
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is for my gangstas, real niggas, ballas, trill niggas
North side, South side, chunk ya deuce up
This is for my gangstas, real niggas, ballas, trill niggas
East side, West side, chunk ya deuce up
Plenty niggas get they head turned red for da bread
Start off with da information, load it up in ya head
Wut he tell da FEDS (he need someone to call)
Your decision was to snitchin' and they was there to listen
When he told what he know, said they barely was trippin'
Less time, now da niggas in a better position
Unless you count the fact that the streets know he was snitchin'
He was lookin' at a 30 but he only did 10,
How your years turn to months, can he tell you dat, and
He ain't really gotta answer, just the sweat in his hands
Will he make it out to make it, mm well it depends
Everybody know the info you was tellin ya friends
Plus the streets know the deals that you made with the pen
Russian Roulette, yep nigga bet the barrel will spin
You hear that, yea nigga that's the sound of revenge
Walk down the right road, 'cause the streets is so cold
You betta take ya life slow or you'll miss it
Listen to da G-Code, if you know what I know,
Then you'll keep yo mouth closed (keep you're mouth closed nigga)
We don't tolerate snitches
[Chorus]
If you goin' live that crime life, I hope you hold dat 9 tight
You live life like a pussy then dats prolly what you die like
I neva' eva' loved a sucka, them ain't really my type
Rat snakes, yea mayne the game is full of wild-life
Don't wanna do no time right?
You wanna live that high life
Like go withdrawal, have a hundred thousand in ya eye sight
Enter ya crib, see the clouds peepin through ya skylight
You be a copycat, (cat), 'cause mine right
That's what he told me but I didn't listen
Doin' crime for a dime wasn't my intention
You insane, think his name sumin' I will mention
Only snitches need someone to tell
Alotta niggas in the game, hustlin' doin' they thing
Usin' codes on the phone with they usual slang
If you know what he know then you won't say a thing
You wouldn't need someone to tell
Careful bout the life you lead, ain't smart with ya life,
You plead, the streets will ignite ya T, like you ain't got the right to breathe
To choke on da realness, reality is what the fake don't know how to deal with
Words leak from the teeth, but he'll say seal it
Then go get a undercover brother he can chill with
Find a nigga that be hustlin to make a deal with
But the streets will hold court for him and'll deal with it
Walk down the right road, 'cause the streets is so cold
You betta' take ya life slow or you'll miss it
Listen to da G-Code, if you know what I know,
Then you'll keep yo mouth closed (keep you're mouth closed nigga)
We don't tolerate snitches
[Chorus]
This for the G's, street jugglin', move da fire
When you talkin what you talkin' it ain't through the wire
Police pull you over, now they callin' you a liar
You got amnesia, don't even know the dude beside ya
You don't know, you ain't sayin', you ain't heard what he said
Told you a closed mouth ain't gon neva' get fed
A open mouth'll get you county instead of the F-E-D-S
Some scared niggas speak up so they'll be less in the red
Niggas can't deal with no 95 so they day-to-day budgeters
Its the hustlers that get put away by the customers
You upstate, niggas use to be southerners
Here the streets make the laws and don't answer the governors
We the niggas that's too real to snitch on a snitch
But make a snitch turn to puff with a flick of the wrist
That ain't goin' get in arguments, just go get you a clip
And they goin' think about the consequences, let em repent
Walk down the right road, 'cause the streets is so cold
You betta take ya life slow or you'll miss it
Listen to da G-Code, if you know what I know,
Then you'll keep yo mouth closed (keep you're mouth closed nigga)
We don't tolerate snitches
[Chorus]
Man hold up, you a real nigga and you ain't got nothin'
To say when they come question you,
Just keep it 100, and go on a chunk ya deuce up
The lyrics of Chamillionaire’s “No Snitchin’” feature a warning to those who might seek to collaborate with the police to earn a sentence reduction or immunity. Conserving the gangsta code of silence in efforts to preserve honor and legitimacy, the song sends a message that snitching would result in social ostracization and possibly violent retaliation. These lyrics emphasize the central theme of the song which is a call to action to those who might be tempted to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The repetitive chorus brings the spotlight to the geographical diversity of the demographics to which the warning is addressed, stating that sticking to the code of silence is important for everyone, no matter their origin or affiliation. The verses, on the other hand, describe the possible consequences of snitching, including the betrayal of trust, loss of respect, potential danger, and disgrace, while urging listeners to embrace the street code of silence to ensure their safety and to avoid negative social implications.
Overall, the song is an expression of the struggles associated with living a life of crime, and the necessity for community members to stick together.
Line by Line Meaning
This is for my gangstas, real niggas, ballas, trill niggas
This song is dedicated to those who live the street life with honesty and courage.
North side, South side, chunk ya deuce up
Represent your neighborhood proudly.
East side, West side, chunk ya deuce up
No matter where you come from, show respect to the areas where others live.
Plenty niggas get they head turned red for da bread
Many people have gotten killed over money.
Start off with da information, load it up in ya head
Collect information before acting.
Couldnt hold it, so it turned out its somethin' he said
If someone snitches, it's because they couldn't keep their mouth shut.
Wut he tell da FEDS (he need someone to call)
Someone who has snitched is likely to need protection.
Your decision was to snitchin' and they was there to listen
If you choose to snitch, you must live with the fact that others were willing to listen.
When he told what he know, said they barely was trippin'
The authorities don't always punish those who snitch severely because they need informants.
Less time, now da niggas in a better position
Snitching can lead to a shorter sentence.
Unless you count the fact that the streets know he was snitchin'
Snitches are viewed negatively by the community.
He was lookin' at a 30 but he only did 10,
Someone was facing 30 years in prison but only served 10 because they snitched.
How your years turn to months, can he tell you dat, and
Someone who has snitched may not want to talk about their reduced sentence.
He ain't really gotta answer, just the sweat in his hands
Someone who has snitched may feel nervous or guilty.
Will he make it out to make it, mm well it depends
Someone who has snitched may be fearful for their life.
Everybody know the info you was tellin ya friends
If you snitch, people will find out and won't trust you.
Plus the streets know the deals that you made with the pen
People will know if you made deals with the authorities.
Russian Roulette, yep nigga bet the barrel will spin
If you snitch, you're taking a dangerous risk.
You hear that, yea nigga that's the sound of revenge
Snitches may face retaliation from others on the street.
Walk down the right road, 'cause the streets is so cold
Be careful in your decisions because the consequences can be severe.
You betta take ya life slow or you'll miss it
Take your time making decisions.
Listen to da G-Code, if you know what I know,
Follow the unwritten rules of the streets.
Then you'll keep yo mouth closed (keep you're mouth closed nigga)
Keep your mouth shut and don't snitch.
We don't tolerate snitches
Snitches are not accepted in the street life.
If you goin' live that crime life, I hope you hold dat 9 tight
If you choose to live a life of crime, be prepared for the consequences.
You live life like a pussy then dats prolly what you die like
If you don't live your life with courage and honor, that's how you'll be remembered.
I neva' eva' loved a sucka, them ain't really my type
I don't respect people who don't have the courage to stand up for themselves.
Rat snakes, yea mayne the game is full of wild-life
People who are willing to snitch are viewed as traitors.
Don't wanna do no time right?
People who don't want to go to jail might consider snitching.
You wanna live that high life
If you want to live a life of luxury, it might come with a price.
Like go withdrawal, have a hundred thousand in ya eye sight
Living a life of luxury often requires having large amounts of money.
Enter ya crib, see the clouds peepin through ya skylight
When you're living the high life, you may have a luxurious home.
You be a copycat, (cat), 'cause mine right
Don't try to copy what I do because I know what's best for me.
That's what he told me but I didn't listen
Someone received advice but didn't heed it.
Doin' crime for a dime wasn't my intention
Someone didn't plan on committing crimes for money.
You insane, think his name sumin' I will mention
I'm not going to snitch on someone because it's foolish and dangerous.
Only snitches need someone to tell
People who snitch are the only ones who need to tell on others.
Alotta niggas in the game, hustlin' doin' they thing
There are a lot of people living the street life, trying to make a living.
Usin' codes on the phone with they usual slang
People who are involved in criminal activity often use coded language.
If you know what he know then you won't say a thing
If you're involved in the street life, you'll keep secrets.
Careful bout the life you lead, ain't smart with ya life,
Be careful about the decisions you make because your life is at stake.
You plead, the streets will ignite ya T, like you ain't got the right to breathe
If you mess up, the streets will attack you and threaten your life.
To choke on da realness, reality is what the fake don't know how to deal with
People who aren't prepared for the harsh realities of street life won't be able to handle it.
Words leak from the teeth, but he'll say seal it
People can't keep their mouths shut when they shouldn't speak.
Then go get a undercover brother he can chill with
Someone who snitches may enter witness protection.
Find a nigga that be hustlin to make a deal with
People who snitch may try to make deals with the authorities to get a reduced sentence.
But the streets will hold court for him and'll deal with it
The streets will take revenge on anyone who snitches.
This for the G's, street jugglin', move da fire
This song is for those who are skilled at living the street life.
When you talkin what you talkin' it ain't through the wire
When people speak on the streets, they have to be careful because their words have consequences.
Police pull you over, now they callin' you a liar
The police may not believe someone's story even if they're telling the truth.
You got amnesia, don't even know the dude beside ya
People who snitch may try to forget who they worked with.
You don't know, you ain't sayin', you ain't heard what he said
If you snitch, you'll pretend you don't know anything.
Told you a closed mouth ain't gon neva' get fed
People believe that if they don't speak up, they won't get what they're looking for.
A open mouth'll get you county instead of the F-E-D-S
Speaking up can lead to incarceration.
Some scared niggas speak up so they'll be less in the red
People who are scared may snitch to avoid getting into trouble.
Niggas can't deal with no 95 so they day-to-day budgeters
Criminals can't handle living a regular life with a 9-5 job, so they continue living a life of crime.
Its the hustlers that get put away by the customers
People who live the street life may get caught by their buyers.
You upstate, niggas use to be southerners
People who move from the South to the North often end up in jail.
Here the streets make the laws and don't answer the governors
The streets have their own rules and don't answer to the government.
We the niggas that's too real to snitch on a snitch
Those who are true to the street life won't snitch even on someone who snitched on them.
But make a snitch turn to puff with a flick of the wrist
Those who are loyal to the streets will take revenge on someone who snitches.
That ain't goin' get in arguments, just go get you a clip
We won't argue with someone who snitches, we'll just take action.
And they goin' think about the consequences, let em repent
The person who snitched will have to think about the consequences of their actions and learn from their mistake.
Man hold up, you a real nigga and you ain't got nothin'
Don't be afraid to stand up for what's right, even if you don't have much.
To say when they come question you,
If the authorities question you, be honest.
Just keep it 100, and go on a chunk ya deuce up
Be truthful and show pride in your neighborhood.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDRE CHRISTOPHER LYON, BERNARD JAMES FREEMAN, HAKEEM T. SERIKI, MARCELLO VALENZANO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind