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
Nothin' But Lies
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro/Chorus: Chamillionaire]
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Chamillitary mayne
Most of these rappers tell nothin but lies (nothin but lies)
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Nahhhhh, nah, nah, nah (woo, woo)
(Why are we... late)
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin (stop lyin)
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin (stop lyin)
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin
If you ask me they all frontin
[Verse 1: Chamillionaire]
Yeah, see the sophomore album comin (Oh oh oh oh oh), the definition of horror
I don't need your fake friends or your fake Hakuna Matatas (woo) (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Osama, the Unabomber, Kevorkian, Jeffrey Dahmer
Decided to get together, they never could do what I'm a
(Why are we... late)
It's like every thought I think is equivalent to a dollar
If I lost 10 million, I'd shrivel into a baller (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Money never smaller, stacks taller than Jordan's father
My wallet be lookin pregnant, Ben Franklin gonna have a daughter
Holla, if you ever mess with my dollars
You'll be pissed on like your name was Isiah Thomas
Your label took your album, threw it up in the air and they shot it (blaow)
Now that the rap game is rotted, I gotta do somethin 'bout it (Why are we... late)
I was movin mixtapes, while Dre was movin the "Chronic"
Started movin millions, soon as Kanye's moved into "College"
I can take ya overseas in the villas that look exotic
You would think it's open bar how the water look like Hypnotiq (Oh oh oh oh oh)
I'm the "Million Dollar Man", my money movin "Bionic"
Fast like the month of what Ramadan do if you Islamic (yeah) (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Bow down to the Mecca, the minute the kid is spotted
They like "hassa lamma lakem, " the chick I'm with is a goddess (Why are we... late)
And the drop broad is a foreigner like she Scottish
I make sure the feet stay with a pedicure, keep 'em polished (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Am I not the best to come out of Houston Man be honest
How come my name in they mouth more than they orthodontist (Oh oh oh oh oh)
If I say that I'm the best, then just know that I'm bein honest
If I say I'm filthy rich, then just know that I'm bein modest (Oh oh oh oh oh)
You doubt it, just think about it, success gonna assist my promise
I'm able to pull unlimited digits out of my wallet (Why are we... late)
My digits ain't got no limits, my digits turn into commas
My crib so big in mileage, your mansion look like a cottage (haha) (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Uh, better not tell me you ain't got it
If money you owe's the topic, if money you owe's the topic
If money you owe's the topic, you better come through and drop it
Better pull somethin outta your ass (outta your ass), like a colonic
When ya fail, they all yell, so that y'all sound like some riots
The crowd goes wild, the "Victory's" been decided (Why are we... late)
Platinum makes 'em be quiet, you wish that you had some silence
[silence for 3 seconds]
Not Gangsta Boo, I ain't gotta ask "Where Da Dollars At " (where da dollars at)
I could show you exactly where the dollars stacks (Oh oh oh oh oh)
I have you pacin, I'm navigatin, like I'm a map
Like mapquest with the moula, when it come down to that (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Y'all tried to wish me out the spot, but I'm still here
Have to have cheated cause this life don't even feel fair (yeah) (Why are we... late)
Pushin the chrome like I'm rollin on a wheelchair
My money longer than the Bin Laden beard hair (Oh oh oh oh oh)
I'm still rippin up the game, do you hear the tear (tear)
The world still round and y'all still square (Oh oh oh oh oh)
[Outro/Chorus: Chamillionaire]
Yeah
Mixtape Messiah... 3
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Nah, nah, nah, nah
Most of these rappers tell nothin but lies (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Nah, nah, nah, nah
You can tell that they lyin when you look in their eyes (Why are we... late)
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin
If you ask me they all frontin...
(Why are we... late)
In Chamillionaire's song "Nothin' But Lies", he addresses the issue of rappers who exaggerate their wealth and success. He starts by stating that most of these rappers are telling nothing but lies and they are easy to identify because it shows in their eyes that they are lying. He then goes on to claim that he is the real deal and has the money to back it up. He points out that his name is mentioned more than his haters' orthodontist, indicating that he is more successful than they are.
In the second verse, Chamillionaire continues to brag about his wealth and success, comparing himself to Dre and Kanye, and implying that he has surpassed their level of success. He again emphasizes that his money is real because he can pull unlimited digits out of his wallet and his crib's mileage is bigger than most people's mansions. Chamillionaire concludes the song by challenging his haters to drop the money they owe him and stop fronting about their success.
Overall, the song is a scathing critique of the rap industry's obsession with wealth and success. It exposes the shallowness of rappers who only care about flaunting their riches without any real substance.
Line by Line Meaning
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Chamillitary mayne
Most of these rappers tell nothin but lies (nothin but lies)
Many of these rappers are liars who fabricate stories about themselves and their success.
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Nahhhhh, nah, nah, nah (woo, woo)
You can tell that they lyin when you look in their eyes
Looking at a rapper's eyes will help you realize that they are lying.
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin (stop lyin)
Stop lying because you are not making any money from your music even though you claim to be.
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin (stop lyin)
You keep lying, but the truth is you are not earning any money from your music.
(Oh oh oh oh oh)
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin
If you ask me they all frontin
In my opinion, all these rappers are pretending to be successful and rich.
Yeah, see the sophomore album comin (Oh oh oh oh oh), the definition of horror
My second album is coming soon, and it will be terrifyingly great.
I don't need your fake friends or your fake Hakuna Matatas (woo) (Oh oh oh oh oh)
I do not need any fake friends or their fake happiness in my life.
Osama, the Unabomber, Kevorkian, Jeffrey Dahmer
These are infamous people who did terrible things to others.
Decided to get together, they never could do what I'm a
Even if these people teamed up, they could not match the level of what I can do.
It's like every thought I think is equivalent to a dollar
Every thought I have can generate significant income.
If I lost 10 million, I'd shrivel into a baller (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Even after losing a significant amount of money, I would still have a lot left.
Money never smaller, stacks taller than Jordan's father
My wealth keeps increasing, and the money stacks are bigger than Michael Jordan’s father.
My wallet be lookin pregnant, Ben Franklin gonna have a daughter
My wallet is so thick that it looks pregnant, like Benjamin Franklin is about to have a daughter.
Holla, if you ever mess with my dollars
If anyone tries to mess with my money or finances, they will hear from me.
You'll be pissed on like your name was Isiah Thomas
If anyone messes with my finances, they will receive the same treatment Isiah Thomas received.
Your label took your album, threw it up in the air and they shot it (blaow)
Your music label did not support your music, and they destroyed your album brutally.
Now that the rap game is rotted, I gotta do somethin 'bout it (Why are we... late)
Now that the rap industry is rotten, I have to take action and bring change.
I was movin mixtapes, while Dre was movin the 'Chronic'
I was making and selling mixtapes while Dr. Dre was making the classic album named 'The Chronic'.
Started movin millions, soon as Kanye's moved into 'College'
My career took off after Kanye West released his classic album named 'College Dropout'.
I can take ya overseas in the villas that look exotic
I can take you on a luxurious trip abroad to some of the most exotic places.
You would think it's open bar how the water look like Hypnotiq (Oh oh oh oh oh)
The water looks so blue and exotic that it appears to be Hypnotiq, a type of alcohol.
I'm the 'Million Dollar Man', my money movin 'Bionic'
I am like the 'Million Dollar Man,' and my money moves in a bionic way.
Fast like the month of what Ramadan do if you Islamic (yeah) (Oh oh oh oh oh)
My wealth is growing at a fast pace, just like how Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan.
Bow down to the Mecca, the minute the kid is spotted
People respect me as soon as they notice me because they know I am from Houston, aka the 'Mecca' of rap music.
They like 'hassa lamma lakem, ' the chick I'm with is a goddess (Why are we... late)
People say 'hassa lamma lakem,' which means 'how are you?' in Arabic, and my girlfriend is incredibly attractive.
And the drop broad is a foreigner like she Scottish
My girlfriend is foreign like she is Scottish.
I make sure the feet stay with a pedicure, keep 'em polished (Oh oh oh oh oh)
I ensure that my girlfriend's feet remain clean with pedicures and always look good.
Am I not the best to come out of Houston Man be honest
I am the best rapper from Houston, and everyone knows it.
How come my name in they mouth more than they orthodontist (Oh oh oh oh oh)
People talk about me more than they talk about their orthodontist, who is responsible for aligning their teeth.
If I say that I'm the best, then just know that I'm bein honest
If I say I am the best, it is because I genuinely believe that I am.
If I say I'm filthy rich, then just know that I'm bein modest (Oh oh oh oh oh)
If I say I am wealthy, I am being humble.
You doubt it, just think about it, success gonna assist my promise
If you have doubts about my money or success, then think about it. My success will fulfill my promises.
I'm able to pull unlimited digits out of my wallet (Why are we... late)
I have an infinite amount of money in my wallet.
My digits ain't got no limits, my digits turn into commas
I have so much money that my digits, which represent numbers, turn into commas.
My crib so big in mileage, your mansion look like a cottage (haha) (Oh oh oh oh oh)
My house is so big in size that your mansion would look small like a cottage compared to it.
Uh, better not tell me you ain't got it
Do not tell me that you do not have the money that you owe me.
If money you owe's the topic, if money you owe's the topic
If the subject of our conversation is the money you owe me.
You better come through and drop it
You better pay what you owe me.
Better pull somethin outta your ass (outta your ass), like a colonic
You better find a way to pay me, even if you have to do something drastic like getting a colonic.
When ya fail, they all yell, so that y'all sound like some riots
When you fail in the music industry, everyone will criticize you and make it seem like a riot.
The crowd goes wild, the 'Victory's' been decided (Why are we... late)
The crowd cheers, and the victory is already apparent.
Platinum makes 'em be quiet, you wish that you had some silence
Achieving platinum album status will shut up your critics, and they will wish they had some quiet.
Not Gangsta Boo, I ain't gotta ask 'Where Da Dollars At ' (where da dollars at)
I am not Gangsta Boo, who famously sang about asking where the money is.
I could show you exactly where the dollars stacks (Oh oh oh oh oh)
I know where my money is, and I could even show you where exactly it is.
Have to have cheated cause this life don't even feel fair (yeah) (Why are we... late)
I must have cheated or done something wrong because my life feels too good to be true.
Pushin the chrome like I'm rollin on a wheelchair
I am driving a car with chrome wheels, so it looks like I am pushing the car while sitting in a wheelchair.
My money longer than the Bin Laden beard hair (Oh oh oh oh oh)
My wealth is beyond imagination, longer than Osama Bin Laden's beard hair.
I'm still rippin up the game, do you hear the tear (tear)
I am still killing the rap game; can you hear the sound of competition being torn apart?
The world still round and y'all still square (Oh oh oh oh oh)
The world is still round, and you all are still inferior like a square.
Most of these rappers tell nothin but lies (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Most rappers are liars who fabricate stories about their success.
You can tell that they lyin when you look in their eyes (Why are we... late)
By looking in their eyes, you can easily tell that they are lying.
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin
Stop lying; you are not making any money from your music, even though you claim to be doing so.
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin (Oh oh oh oh oh)
Again, stop lying; you are not making any money from your music, and that is the truth.
Stop lyin, you boys ain't makin nothin
Stop lying about your success; you are not making any real money.
If you ask me they all frontin...
In my opinion, all these rappers are just pretending to be successful and rich.
Contributed by Anna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.