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
On My Grind
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My rhyme's the kinda rhyme, that make niggas punch nine
One what dumb-dumb, the police gotta come down
And keep the kids from crying, too late cause you done dying
Raps dying without me, I need to breathe some breath in it
It seems like it's a shortage, of real niggas left in it
Ain't no if's and's or but's, somebody is deaf in it
The game got a lot of rappers, but I am the best in it nigga move
Fake niggas step aside, cause them real niggas coming through
You can try to stop my shine, but there is nothing you can do-oo
We ready, we ready for you
So respect my hustle my struggle, my mind and my grind
I can make it to the top, when they was saying I would lose
Now I got my middle finger, talking back to you
I done paid my dues, to get me respect where it's due
So respect my hustle my struggle, my mind and my grind
Gotta grind, gotta stay on my grind
If your scheme ain't bout green, your transaction get declined
If your scheme ain't bout green, I forgot it nevermind
If your team ain't my team, get in line and get behind
I'm next up in line, headed up there with Jay-Z and them
Big E and Em-inem, and I can't even swim
But ain't too many niggas I know, that go as deep as them
And me uh-um freestyle, naw I don't need a pen
It's me your kin, the one major labels love to call
Got Chamillionaire on the line did you get him, naw
Yep I kept with it, the rapper got slept with it
Said my mixtapes was cool, and my album had no depth in it
Niggas criticizing Koopa, now Koopa addressing it
Stop crying playa, go get a dress and go dress in it
Or put your money against my uppercut punch, and let's win it
Your right eye swollen shut, and your left get left squinted Koopa
I'm the people's champ, you the people's chump
You talking BFI trash, but you still a punk
I'm on the road to success, and I'm ready to drive
I'm in the fast lane, you still trying to catch a ride
I heard it through the grapevine, you been talking down
But you be riding my dick, soon as I come around
I know you see me shining, I know it hurts your heart
I'm one hundred percent, I've been it from the start
I always kept it real, you always kept it fake
I always showed love, you always showed hate
You think the game owe you, but you ain't got a clue
If you be good to the game, it'll be good to you
You claiming that you real, but you like a piece of glass
I can see through your lies, you falling off fast
You trying to sprint as fast as you can, the whole race
But you'd be better off, keeping at a steady pace stay in ya place
The lyrics in Chamillionaire/Paul Wall/Paul Wall & Chamillionaire's song Respect My Grind are all about the importance of hard work, determination and staying true to oneself. The rapper establishes his dominance through some boastful lyrics and rhymes such as "Ain't no if's and's or but's, somebody is deaf in it / The game got a lot of rappers, but I am the best in it nigga move." He emphasizes his commitment to his craft in lines such as "Gotta grind, gotta stay on my grind" and "I done paid my dues, to get me respect where it's due."
In the chorus, the artist repeats the need for others to respect his hustle, struggle, mind and grind. He shows his confidence in his own abilities, in lines like "I can make it to the top, when they was saying I would lose / Now I got my middle finger, talking back to you." He further criticizes those who aren't putting in the work with the phrases, "I'm next up in line, headed up there with Jay-Z and them / Big E and Em-inem, and I can't even swim / But ain't too many niggas I know, that go as deep as them." Ultimately, Chamillionaire asks his listeners to stay focused and maintain a steady pace, pushing against the naysayers to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
See your rhyme's the kinda rhyme, that's flooded with punch lines
Your rhymes are full of cheap jokes and no substance
My rhyme's the kinda rhyme, that make niggas punch nine
My rhymes are so powerful that they make people want to commit crimes
One what dumb-dumb, the police gotta come down
You'll end up in trouble with the law if you keep up your behavior
And keep the kids from crying, too late cause you done dying
Your actions have hurt others and it's too late to take it back
Raps dying without me, I need to breathe some breath in it
The rap scene is lacking authenticity and I need to bring it back to life
It seems like it's a shortage, of real niggas left in it
There are only a few genuine and talented rappers left in the industry
Ain't no if's and's or but's, somebody is deaf in it
Someone in the industry is not listening or paying attention to what is really going on
The game got a lot of rappers, but I am the best in it nigga move
There are many rappers, but I am the one on top and others need to step aside
Fake niggas step aside, cause them real niggas coming through
Phony people need to move out of the way for genuine people
You can try to stop my shine, but there is nothing you can do-oo
You may attempt to bring me down, but you won't succeed in dimming my light
We ready, we ready for you
I am prepared for any challenges or competition that comes my way
So respect my hustle my struggle, my mind and my grind
Acknowledge and appreciate the hard work, challenges, and intelligence behind my success
I can make it to the top, when they was saying I would lose
Despite others doubting my abilities, I proved them wrong and achieved success
Now I got my middle finger, talking back to you
I am showing my contempt and defiance towards those who didn't believe in me
I done paid my dues, to get me respect where it's due
I worked hard and made sacrifices to earn the recognition and respect I deserve
Gotta grind, gotta stay on my grind
I need to continue working hard and pushing myself to achieve success
If your scheme ain't bout green, your transaction get declined
If your plan doesn't involve making money, it's not worth my time
If your scheme ain't bout green, I forgot it nevermind
If your plan doesn't involve making money, I don't need to hear it
If your team ain't my team, get in line and get behind
If you're not working with me, then support me and don't get in my way
I'm next up in line, headed up there with Jay-Z and them
I am on the path to success and aiming to be among the biggest names in the industry
Big E and Em-inem, and I can't even swim
I am comparing myself to legendary rappers despite not having all the advantages and privileges they may have had
But ain't too many niggas I know, that go as deep as them
There are few rappers who can match the talent and depth of these legends
And me uh-um freestyle, naw I don't need a pen
I have such natural talent that I don't even need to write my raps down
It's me your kin, the one major labels love to call
I am the one that labels want to sign and work with
Got Chamillionaire on the line did you get him, naw
I am so successful and busy that I am not easily accessible
Yep I kept with it, the rapper got slept with it
Despite challenges and failures, I persevered and succeeded
Said my mixtapes was cool, and my album had no depth in it
Critics praised my earlier work, but criticized my first album for not being deep enough
Niggas criticizing Koopa, now Koopa addressing it
People are currently criticizing me, and I am now responding to them through my music
Stop crying playa, go get a dress and go dress in it
Stop complaining and acting feminine, and instead take action to achieve success
Or put your money against my uppercut punch, and let's win it
If you think you can take me on, then bet on it and let's fight it out
Your right eye swollen shut, and your left get left squinted Koopa
I will beat you so badly that your right eye will be swollen shut, and your left will be squinting in pain
I'm the people's champ, you the people's chump
I have the support and respect of the people, while you are seen as a loser
You talking BFI trash, but you still a punk
You are speaking nonsense and acting tough, but in reality, you are cowardly
I'm on the road to success, and I'm ready to drive
I am determined and motivated to achieve success
I'm in the fast lane, you still trying to catch a ride
I am already on my way to success, while you are still trying to figure things out
I heard it through the grapevine, you been talking down
I received information that you have been speaking negatively about me behind my back
But you be riding my dick, soon as I come around
You act friendly towards me when we are face to face, but talk negatively about me when I am not there
I know you see me shining, I know it hurts your heart
You are jealous and envious of my success and it pains you to see me succeeding
I'm one hundred percent, I've been it from the start
I am genuine and truthful, and have been that way since the beginning
I always kept it real, you always kept it fake
I have always been honest and genuine, while you have been fake and untrustworthy
You think the game owe you, but you ain't got a clue
You feel entitled to success in the industry, but you don't understand the hard work and talent required to achieve it
If you be good to the game, it'll be good to you
If you work hard and respect the industry, it will reward you with success
You claiming that you real, but you like a piece of glass
You say you are genuine, but you are fragile and prone to breaking under pressure
I can see through your lies, you falling off fast
I can see through your deception and see that your career is declining rapidly
You trying to sprint as fast as you can, the whole race
You are trying to rush to success and beat everyone else, but this is not sustainable
But you'd be better off, keeping at a steady pace stay in ya place
You would have more success if you worked steadily towards your goals instead of trying to rush and compete with others
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind