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
Not a Criminal
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uhh Looks Like Another Win For Me
Its The Ultimate Victory
Chamillitary man
[Hook:]
Everybody Get Low Its A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Everybody Get Low)
Everybody Get Low Its A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Everybody Get Low)
Everybody Get Low Its A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Chamillitary Mayne)
[Chorus:]
Everywhere That I Go (Everywhere I Go)
They Look At Me Like A Criminal
But I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
I'm Not A Criminal
[Verse 1:]
Let Them Stay Local While I'm About To Hit Japan
The G4 Get Me Out When I Get In A Jam
You Gotta Go Internatonal To Get With Cham
Women On Your Phone I Bet You Switchin Minute Plan
Let These Other Rappers Beef While They Arguein
We'll Be Runnin In With The Bags To Get The All The Grams
Take It Out Yo Hands, Take It Out Yo Hands
Money Talks, Only Language That I Understand
I Heard That Puff N Jay Was Worth Over 300 Mill
That Mean This Year I Gotta Put It In 300 Gear
You On A Treadmill Homie
You Just Runnin Still
Yes This The Rap That All The Other Rappers Love To Feel
I Got The Plaque But Now I'm Back For The Reload
But We Know While Imma Still Stick To The Street Code
Tell Me What The Industry Is Lookin At Me For
Cause He Sold Platinum They didn't Think It Would Be Gold
Now They Try To Tell Me That There Will Never Be Mo'
But These Flows Are Sure To Be A ***** To Yo Ego
Ya I'm From The South They Try To Tell Me That We Slow
But Its Ironic How Your Tryna Keep Up With Me Tho
[Chorus]
Everywhere That I Go (Everywhere I Go)
They Look At Me Like A Criminal
But I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
I Already Got Dough, I Already Got Dough(But I Think Its Time For Me To Get Mo')
I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
I'm Not A Criminal
[Verse 2:]
Call Up Universal Tell Them Open Up The Vault
N Tell Them I Just Had Another Million Dollar Thought
Albums Do Not Sell They Tell Me We ain't In A Drought
How Bought I Run In These Labels For The **** Now Break Em Off
Imma Boss Yeah Yeah
My Money Is Unlimited
Sorta Like My Motorola Minutes Is
Idiots, Koopa Bout To Tell You What The Business Is
Rap With This Rapper Major Label Only Gettin Rich
Whatcha Mean The Label didn't Promote
I Put A Million On A Million Do It Till I Go Broke
Might Have To Run For President So Give Me Yo Vote
Cause Bin Laden Wouldn't Be The Only One In The Scope
Get A Rope
N Duck Tape there's Bout To Be A Crime
Simplify Yo Songs I ain't Simplifyin Mine
The Industry Done Got In The Streets that's Why Rappers Diein'
Don't Get It Confused Imma Still Show You How To Grind
They Tell Me If I Write A Lullaby For The Females
That These Sales Are Sure To Skyrocket In Retail
Hope You Got A Backup Plan If Yo Cd Fails
Ill Drown Em Like Seashells
Till They Hit These Shells
[Chorus]
Everywhere That I Go (Everywhere I Go)
They Look At Me Like A Criminal
But I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
I Already Got Dough, I Already Got Dough(But I Think Its Time For Me To Get Mo')
I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
I'm Not A Criminal
[Hook]
Oh, Everybody Get Low It's A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Everybody Get Low)
Everybody Get Low Its A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Everybody Get Low)
[Verse 3:]
Ultimate Victory
I'm Back For The Reload
But We Know Imma Still Stick To The Street Code
Seein Sumtin Pretty In The Middle Of The Road
Bouncin On Rims Like A Brick At A Free Throw
I Told Em Tomorrow Imma Be On B.E.T
Look At All The Free Clothin That They Came N Gave To Me
I Told Em Tomorrow Imma Be On M.T.V
Look At All The Jewelry My Jeweler Gave To Me Fo Free
I'm Winnin So Keep The Hatin To A Minimal
Ya'll Need To All Give Applause To The General
I'm Hearin How Ya'll Talk In Yo Interviews
Ya'll Really All Just Be Talkin Like A Interlude
Poppin At The Mouth
While I'm Poppin Tags
50 Thousand In My Pocket Pants Gotta Sag
Magazine Critics Always Talkin Like They Bad
But In The Streets Tryna Hide Behind A Pen N Pad
But Its Ok
I Know Why You Gettin Mad
'cause you know I Gotta Lot Of Whatever Yu Neva Had
Got A Betta Pad
Got A Betta Slab
We Gon Keep It Movin Try Ya Best To Get A Cab
Remember You Was Jammin Master P
Now That Houstons Super How You Try N Ask For Me
They Be Askin For A Verse don't Even Ask The Fee
Tellin Me How Many Bars To Spit Like that's For Free(Ehhh)
Try Again
Sorry Betta Luck Next Time
Unless Imma Sleep The Only Time Is Now Lets Grind
Y'all Need To Stop Like The Words On The Red Sign
Unless I'm Pointin Sumtin Tellin Ya Get Down
[Hook]
Oh, Everybody Get Low It's A Stickup Everybody Get Low
Everybody Get Low It's A Stickup Everybody Get Low
Not A Criminal
Chamillionaire's "Not A Criminal" featuring Kelis is an uplifting track that speaks to the rapper's success in the music industry, and his journey as an entrepreneur. The optimistic lyrics suggest that despite the constant scrutiny he receives, he remains unfazed and focused on his goals. The track's vibe is edgy and high energy, with a hook that commands listeners to "get low" as if they are in the midst of a stickup.
The track's hook serves as the main point of the song, as it repeats throughout the verses. The phrase "everybody get low" is an obvious nod to the experience of being robbed or held up, but Chamillionaire is using it metaphorically here. He is robbing his haters of the ability to bring him down and rob him of his confidence. The lyric "everywhere that I go, they look at me like a criminal, but I'm a CEO. I'm not a criminal" suggests that Chamillionaire is seen as a threat by some, but really he is just a man who has worked hard to make a name for himself. He compares himself to other successful black men, like Puff Daddy and Jay Z, who have also accrued a lot of wealth in the music industry.
The song's verses are fast-paced and jam-packed with wordplay. Chamillionaire's flow is both intricate and effortless as he tells stories about being successful in the music industry. He mentions his global appeal ("let them stay local while I'm about to hit Japan"), his business acumen ("money talks, only language that I understand"), and his desire to be the best ("we know I'mma still stick to the street code"). Essentially, the song is a manifesto of sorts, with Chamillionaire stating his mission to succeed and come out on top despite adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Uhh Looks Like Another Win For Me
Feeling victorious
Its The Ultimate Victory
The ultimate success
Chamillitary man
Chamillitary soldier
Everybody Get Low Its A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Everybody Get Low)
Asking everyone to get low for a stickup
Everybody Get Low Its A Stickup Everybody Get Low (Chamillitary Mayne)
Chamillitary soldier leading the stickup
Everywhere That I Go (Everywhere I Go)
Being watched everywhere
They Look At Me Like A Criminal
Being stereotyped and judged
But I'm A Ceo, I'm A Ceo (Im A Self Employeed Ceo)
Being successful in business
I'm Not A Criminal
Challenging the stereotype
Let Them Stay Local While I'm About To Hit Japan
Expanding internationally
The G4 Get Me Out When I Get In A Jam
Having a plan to escape difficult situations
You Gotta Go Internatonal To Get With Cham
Being successful globally
Women On Your Phone I Bet You Switchin Minute Plan
Dealing with difficult relationships due to fame
Let These Other Rappers Beef While They Arguein
Focusing on success rather than drama
We'll Be Runnin In With The Bags To Get The All The Grams
Making money through illegal means
Take It Out Yo Hands, Take It Out Yo Hands
Being greedy with money
Money Talks, Only Language That I Understand
Being motivated by money
I Heard That Puff N Jay Was Worth Over 300 Mill
Comparing wealth to other successful rappers
That Mean This Year I Gotta Put It In 300 Gear
Striving for even greater success
You On A Treadmill Homie
Being stuck in one place
You Just Runnin Still
Not making progress
Yes This The Rap That All The Other Rappers Love To Feel
Being confident in one's own style and success
I Got The Plaque But Now I'm Back For The Reload
Being recognized for past success
But We Know While Imma Still Stick To The Street Code
Remaining true to one's roots
Tell Me What The Industry Is Lookin At Me For
Questioning the music industry
Cause He Sold Platinum They didn't Think It Would Be Gold
Surprising critics with success
Now They Try To Tell Me That There Will Never Be Mo'
Doubters predicting failure
But These Flows Are Sure To Be A ***** To Yo Ego
Confident in one's own talent
Ya I'm From The South They Try To Tell Me That We Slow
Fighting stereotypes about Southern rappers
But Its Ironic How Your Tryna Keep Up With Me Tho
Proving critics wrong
I Already Got Dough, I Already Got Dough(But I Think Its Time For Me To Get Mo')
Not being content with past success
Call Up Universal Tell Them Open Up The Vault
Demanding more money from record labels
N Tell Them I Just Had Another Million Dollar Thought
Confident in one's own ability to make money
Albums Do Not Sell They Tell Me We ain't In A Drought
Struggling to sell music
How Bought I Run In These Labels For The **** Now Break Em Off
Taking control of one's own success
Imma Boss Yeah Yeah
Being in charge
My Money Is Unlimited
Having a lot of money
Sorta Like My Motorola Minutes Is
Having unlimited phone minutes
Idiots, Koopa Bout To Tell You What The Business Is
Confident in one's own intelligence
Rap With This Rapper Major Label Only Gettin Rich
Record labels profiting off of artists
Whatcha Mean The Label didn't Promote
Feeling unsupported by record labels
I Put A Million On A Million Do It Till I Go Broke
Investing in oneself
Might Have To Run For President So Give Me Yo Vote
Joking about running for President
Cause Bin Laden Wouldn't Be The Only One In The Scope
Feeling like a target
Get A Rope N Duck Tape there's Bout To Be A Crime
Getting ready to commit a crime
Simplify Yo Songs I ain't Simplifyin Mine
Refusing to change one's style for commercial success
The Industry Done Got In The Streets that's Why Rappers Diein'
Blaming the music industry
Don't Get It Confused Imma Still Show You How To Grind
Being a role model for hard work
They Tell Me If I Write A Lullaby For The Females
Considering making music for a certain audience
That These Sales Are Sure To Skyrocket In Retail
Expecting success with a new audience
Hope You Got A Backup Plan If Yo Cd Fails
Reminding others of the risks of the music industry
Ill Drown Em Like Seashells Till They Hit These Shells
Making a reference to violence
Ultimate Victory
The ultimate success
Seein Sumtin Pretty In The Middle Of The Road
Finding unexpected success
Bouncin On Rims Like A Brick At A Free Throw
Feeling successful and carefree
Look At All The Free Clothin That They Came N Gave To Me
Enjoying the perks of success
Look At All The Jewelry My Jeweler Gave To Me Fo Free
Enjoying the perks of success
I'm Winnin So Keep The Hatin To A Minimal
Ignoring negativity
Ya'll Need To All Give Applause To The General
Being a leader
Ya'll Really All Just Be Talkin Like A Interlude
Others talk without action
Poppin At The Mouth
Talking too much
While I'm Poppin Tags
Buying luxury items
Magazine Critics Always Talkin Like They Bad
Ignoring critics
But In The Streets Tryna Hide Behind A Pen N Pad
Being fake
I Know Why You Gettin Mad
Knowing people are jealous
'cause you know I Gotta Lot Of Whatever Yu Neva Had
Comparing success to others' failures
Got A Betta Pad
Having a better home
Got A Betta Slab
Having a better car
We Gon Keep It Movin Try Ya Best To Get A Cab
Encouraging others to work hard
Remember You Was Jammin Master P
Making a reference to past success
Now That Houstons Super How You Try N Ask For Me
Not needing to beg for attention anymore
They Be Askin For A Verse don't Even Ask The Fee
Being in high demand
Tellin Me How Many Bars To Spit Like that's For Free(Ehhh)
Refusing to work for free
Try Again
Being dismissive
Sorry Betta Luck Next Time
Not showing mercy
Unless Imma Sleep The Only Time Is Now Lets Grind
Being motivated to work hard
Y'all Need To Stop Like The Words On The Red Sign
Calling for others to stop talking
Unless I'm Pointin Sumtin Tellin Ya Get Down
Being in charge
Not A Criminal
Challenging the stereotype
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KAELYN BEHR, HAKEEM SERIKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind