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' feat Bun B
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 song "No Snitchin'" serve as a warning to gangsters and real n****s plotting against each other. The chorus emphasizes that there is no street loyalty, and at any time, someone could turn on you if it benefited them. The first verse tells the story of someone who snitched on a friend and ended up getting a reduced sentence. Although this individual avoided being locked up for 30 years, he is still seen as a snitch in the streets. The second verse is a cautionary tale to those who choose the life of crime, and it warns them to be careful about the company they keep and the words they speak. The G-Code that Chamillionaire refers to is an unwritten code of conduct that governs gangsters.
Ultimately, the message of "No Snitchin'" is that in the streets, trust is a scarce commodity, and one must guard their words carefully. The song acknowledges the culture of the streets but also points out the flaws and dangers that come with it. It is a song about the consequences of choices and the price one pays for breaking the unwritten codes of the thug life.
Line by Line Meaning
This is for my gangstas, real niggas, ballas, trill niggas
Chamillionaire is dedicating this song to gangsters, real men, ballers, and truthful individuals.
North side, South side, chunk ya deuce up
People from both sides of town should step up and give Chamillionaire a sign of respect.
East side, West side, chunk ya deuce up
People from both the east and west sides of town should step up and give Chamillionaire a sign of respect.
Plenty niggas get they head turned red for da bread
Many people lose their life over money.
Start off with da information, load it up in ya head
Snitches gather information and store it in their heads in order to later report it to the authorities.
Couldnt hold it, so it turned out its somethin' he said
The snitch couldn't resist reporting the information he knew.
Wut he tell da FEDS (he need someone to call)
The snitch reported the information to the authorities and needs someone to help him deal with the consequences.
Your decision was to snitchin' and they was there to listen
The authorities were willing to listen to the snitch's information.
When he told what he know, said they barely was trippin'
The authorities weren't too concerned about the snitch's information.
Less time, now da niggas in a better position
The snitch got a reduced sentence from the authorities and is now in a better position than before.
Unless you count the fact that the streets know he was snitchin'
However, it doesn't matter because the community knows that he snitched.
He was lookin' at a 30 but he only did 10,
He was initially facing a 30-year sentence, but due to his cooperation, he only served 10 years.
How your years turn to months, can he tell you dat, and
The snitch doesn't know how his years turned to months and is now regretful.
He ain't really gotta answer, just the sweat in his hands
The snitch doesn't have to verbally answer, his nervousness and guilty conscience illustrate his regretful state.
Will he make it out to make it, mm well it depends
Whether the snitch survives once he's released from prison or not depends on his own behavior.
Everybody know the info you was tellin ya friends
Everyone is aware that the snitch shares information with others.
Plus the streets know the deals that you made with the pen
The community is aware of the snitch's deals with the authorities.
Russian Roulette, yep nigga bet the barrel will spin
The situation the snitch finds himself in is similar to a game of Russian Roulette.
You hear that, yea nigga that's the sound of revenge
The snitch is likely to face revenge from those affected by his snitching.
Walk down the right road, 'cause the streets is so cold
People should make the right decisions in life because the streets are not a forgiving place.
You betta take ya life slow or you'll miss it
People should slow down and be careful with the decisions they make in life because it's short.
Listen to da G-Code, if you know what I know,
Follow the G-Code, and don't snitch.
Then you'll keep yo mouth closed (keep you're mouth closed nigga)
You must stay quiet in order to avoid mischief.
We don't tolerate snitches
The community doesn't condone snitches.
If you goin' live that crime life, I hope you hold dat 9 tight
If people plan to engage in criminal activity, they better have the bravery and courage to do it.
You live life like a pussy then dats prolly what you die like
If people behave cautiously throughout their lives, they will likely die like cowards.
I neva' eva' loved a sucka, them ain't really my type
Chamillionaire doesn't like cowards or snitches.
Rat snakes, yea mayne the game is full of wild-life
The game is filled with deceitful people.
Don't wanna do no time right?
People don't want to serve time in prison for their actions.
You wanna live that high life
People want to live luxurious, important lifestyles.
Like go withdrawal, have a hundred thousand in ya eye sight
People desire a large amount of money.
Enter ya crib, see the clouds peepin through ya skylight
When people return home, they have beautiful experiences waiting for them.
You be a copycat, (cat), 'cause mine right
People sometimes imitate behavior rather than being original.
That's what he told me but I didn't listen
Chamillionaire was advised against engaging in criminal activity, but he chose not to listen.
Doin' crime for a dime wasn't my intention
Chamillionaire didn't plan on engaging in criminal activity in order to make money.
You insane, think his name sumin' I will mention
Chamillionaire doesn't want to mention the snitch's name.
Only snitches need someone to tell
The only people who need to tell others are snitches.
Alotta niggas in the game, hustlin' doin' they thing
Many individuals try to survive in the game by engaging in hustling and other activities.
Usin' codes on the phone with they usual slang
People use coded language when talking on the phone or communicating in other ways to try to avoid being caught by the authorities.
If you know what he know then you won't say a thing
If you know important information, you won't tell anyone.
You wouldn't need someone to tell
If you have all the information you need, you don't need someone to inform you about things.
Careful bout the life you lead, ain't smart with ya life,
Be careful about the way you live your life because it can be a dangerous game.
You plead, the streets will ignite ya T, like you ain't got the right to breathe
If you mess up on the streets, they won't care if you have the right to life.
To choke on da realness, reality is what the fake don't know how to deal with
People who are fake cannot deal with reality.
Words leak from the teeth, but he'll say seal it
Some people hold information inside, while others share it freely with their mouths.
Then go get a undercover brother he can chill with
Alternatively, some people seek out snitches that will keep them company.
Find a nigga that be hustlin to make a deal with
Some people make deals with others who are trying to make a living in the game.
But the streets will hold court for him and'll deal with it
The community will ultimately hold the snitch responsible for his actions.
This for the G's, street jugglin', move da fire
Chamillionaire is dedicating this song to his gangster fans.
When you talkin what you talkin' it ain't through the wire
When people speak in the game, it's not just talk, they mean it.
Police pull you over, now they callin' you a liar
When the police stop you, they may not believe what you have to say.
You got amnesia, don't even know the dude beside ya
People will deny their involvement and won't even acknowledge their fellow criminals.
You don't know, you ain't sayin', you ain't heard what he said
People who have information refuse to share or talk about it with the authorities.
Told you a closed mouth ain't gon neva' get fed
People won't get any benefits if they refuse to share important information.
A open mouth'll get you county instead of the F-E-D-S
If people talk, they'll only end up in jail at the county level, not necessarily with the Feds.
Some scared niggas speak up so they'll be less in the red
Some people might snitch just to reduce the severity of their legal situation.
Niggas can't deal with no 95 so they day-to-day budgeters
Some people can't handle working a regular job, so they have to make a living in the illegal world instead.
Its the hustlers that get put away by the customers
The police don't often catch the real criminals who are hustling other people and making money off of them.
You upstate, niggas use to be southerners
Many people end up serving time in upstate prisons, even if they came from the south.
Here the streets make the laws and don't answer the governors
The people on the streets are the ones who set their own rules and don't answer to anyone else, not even the government.
We the niggas that's too real to snitch on a snitch
Many people who engage in criminal activity refuse to stoop to the level of being a snitch.
But make a snitch turn to puff with a flick of the wrist
They prefer to take care of snitches themselves and deal with them accordingly.
That ain't goin' get in arguments, just go get you a clip
They won't argue about how to deal with a snitch, they'll simply get a weapon and handle the situation.
And they goin' think about the consequences, let em repent
They want snitches to consider the consequences of their actions and repent before they do anything that might put them in danger.
Man hold up, you a real nigga and you ain't got nothin'
Chamillionaire is addressing his true fans and offering them support.
To say when they come question you,
Chamillionaire is assuring people that he will be there for them when the authorities come to question them.
Just keep it 100, and go on a chunk ya deuce up
He advises them to stay true and loyal to themselves, and to show that loyalty by giving a sign of respect.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDRE CHRISTOPHER LYON, BERNARD JAMES FREEMAN, HAKEEM T. SERIKI, MARCELLO VALENZANO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind