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 The Grind Homie
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah!
It's Major Pain, baby
Knahtalkinbout?
Ha, Ha
Ight, let me get serious
KOOPA!
I come through and show em how to do it (WOO)
And she like 'Boy, you tha truth' (You tha truth)
And he like (yeah) 'Boy, you tha truth' (you tha truth)
And she like (hold up) 'Boy, you tha truth'
[talking over chorus: Chamillionaire]
So what I'm goin try to do is
Go a little faster
Then I'm a go a lil slow
Switch upt he style a lil bit, knahtalkinbout?
You ready?
I'm ready, baby
Turn my headphones up
Hear it go
[Verse:]
I'm back to the bone, it feel like I'm the best and they cannot contest when I'm kicking that mess
Cause ya chick is undressed when she lifting her dress It's like Mannie and Fresh they be looking like flesh!
Anybody that's on the net, saying Chamillionaire ain't the best
Get off the D, get off the I and let your keyboard figure the rest
Cause I impress my own self, and only the man upstairs can judge me
Re-tellers open ya mixtape rappers than they hug me
I control the market, even bootleggers be lovey dovey
Plus the necklace got em thinking that Johnny the jeweler's my buddy
Crash test the best, cause if you hate me than youse a dummy
Gimme a month I bet you turn the opposite of chubby
Ever verse is crack, and crack kids be singing they love me
Mix-tape Messiah 4 I bet that you become a drugy
They sayin that money talks, rappers better not I make a sound
Walkin a major money, is none of these rappers is found
Even the mayor know my papers enough to buy the town
Plus the wheels of fortune, so I'm a bout to buy a noun
Ever verse is a msterpiece, my money's still stacking like Master P's
Feeling like Mighty Mouse the way I be taking flights to stack the cheese
Please, you better not make another sound
Yeah, yeah I rep the Texas they just "Download my style"
Welcome to the garage, pick any car and the room she yells 'which'
Like she was staring at the lady that's on the broom
Can't call it a fleet (why) more like a patone
Different car everyday of the week from fourth of July till June
Look at how they change they tone, who not playa
In the wind I'm in Berlin, I know it's you not dear
Into the coat in the ATM they sound like AOL
Soon as I'm checkin my account it tells me "You Got Mail"
Ha, ha, Merci Bocu Monname, who is cold as me?
Betty fresh kiss the kicks when they stick in all his teeth
French chick was in the whip, now she sitting on the street
She was looking fine till she ask me she can hold a G
Yeah, and if I want I'm a get it
And if I don't really want it, then it can leave I'm a let it
Used to be N Luv With My Money, now I'm in love with my credit
By the bar with they dollars I buy a building with debit
Uh, I hit that Harlem Nights, It's goin prepare the storm
Look up to the roof it's reindeer, feeling like Santa's home
Famous bet that he could leave out with the baddest one
Call her dot com cause she lookin like she Amazon
Got her suit like T.I., and I got a hundred million more to go
Boys in Texas D.E.Y. know they know like Shorty (Shawty) Lo
Lil Boosie check out the bang, getting check ya shorty know
Checkout my bank account they won't ever come up shorter low
Woo, they be like Koopa you so cocky bro
Cause I did everything that they say was impossible
And I feel like a one man wrecking crew, what I need a posse for?
All this ice on me like I got hit with hockey throat
Duck, they say that they wanna have fun
Feeling like Sliverspoons in the pool of the mansion
See ya breast stroking in the nude and I had one
So I'm a 'turn the camera on the pool', like Camron
Had this chick in the crib, told me that I was difficult
Told me I should go back to the days when I had the glistening too
Then she tried to tell me I should go back to rap with, Who?
Mappala Weezyana (yeah) I bet'cha that she gonna get the boot
Kop, mother nature must of had a son
Cause I'm flyer than the roof in the gigantic storm
They say Mixtape Messiah here, haters prepare better to run
When ya see me greemy like "Cannon" Cause I am a don
HUH!
The lyrics to Chamillionaire's song On The Grind Homie resonate with the artist's ambition, hard work and unwavering confidence in his abilities. The song features Chamillionaire rapping about his place in the rap game, touting his skills and accomplishments, and challenging anyone who disagrees with him. He emphasizes his unique style and versatility, hinting at the different approaches he takes to his rapping. Chamillionaire also expresses his disdain for doubters who question his authority or supremacy, as he makes it clear that he answers to no one except the "man upstairs." In the end, the song is a testament to Chamillionaire's incredible work ethic and determination to succeed, regardless of the obstacles.
The song was well received, particularly in Chamillionaire's hometown of Houston, Texas. "On The Grind Homie" was one of the standout tracks on Chamillionaire's 2006 mixtape "Mixtape Messiah 2," which was distributed for free to fans. The song would later be included on Chamillionaire's debut studio album, "The Sound of Revenge," and released as a single. The track features a catchy chorus that fans often sing along to, and relatable lyrics that inspire people to work hard and chase their dreams. The song's energy and upbeat tempo make it a popular choice for parties, clubs, and workout playlists.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm back to the bone, it feel like I'm the best and they cannot contest when I'm kicking that mess
I'm fully confident in my skills and no one can challenge me when I deliver my powerful rhymes.
Cause ya chick is undressed when she lifting her dress It's like Mannie and Fresh they be looking like flesh!
When your girl reveals herself, it's as if Mannie Fresh and Ronald 'Slim' Williams are admiring her beauty too!
Anybody that's on the net, saying Chamillionaire ain't the best
Get off the D, get off the I and let your keyboard figure the rest
Anyone online who doubts my skills should stop hating and let their keyboard realize just how wrong they are.
Cause I impress my own self, and only the man upstairs can judge me
Re-tellers open ya mixtape rappers than they hug me
I don't need validation from anyone else, only God can judge me. Even other mixtape rappers can't help but admire me.
I control the market, even bootleggers be lovey dovey
Plus the necklace got em thinking that Johnny the jeweler's my buddy
I have such a strong influence in the industry that even bootleggers show me love. And my dazzling necklace makes people think I'm close friends with Johnny the jeweler.
Crash test the best, cause if you hate me than youse a dummy
Gimme a month I bet you turn the opposite of chubby
If you dislike me, you must be foolish. And I guarantee that within a month, you'll be so impressed, you'll lose weight out of sheer astonishment.
Ever verse is crack, and crack kids be singing they love me
Mix-tape Messiah 4 I bet that you become a drugy
My verses are addictive like crack, and even young fans can't help but sing along. Once you listen to Mix-tape Messiah 4, you'll be hooked like a drug addict.
They sayin that money talks, rappers better not I make a sound
Walkin a major money, is none of these rappers is found
While other rappers talk about money, I let my wealth do the talking. I'm walking in big money while these other artists are nowhere to be found.
Even the mayor know my papers enough to buy the town
Plus the wheels of fortune, so I'm a bout to buy a noun
Even the mayor recognizes my wealth, which is enough to purchase an entire town. With my fortune, I'm about to buy anything I want.
Ever verse is a msterpiece, my money's still stacking like Master P's
Feeling like Mighty Mouse the way I be taking flights to stack the cheese
Every verse I create is a work of art, and my wealth continues to grow just like Master P's. I feel invincible and unstoppable as I fly around, earning more money.
Please, you better not make another sound
Yeah, yeah I rep the Texas they just 'Download my style'
Don't even think about making any noise. I proudly represent Texas, but people from all over simply download and try to imitate my unique style.
Welcome to the garage, pick any car and the room she yells 'which'
Like she was staring at the lady that's on the broom
When you enter my garage, you'll be surrounded by luxury cars, and she'll ask which one to choose, as if she's deciding between different witches on broomsticks.
Can't call it a fleet (why) more like a patone
Different car everyday of the week from fourth of July till June
My collection of cars is so vast that it can't be called a fleet, it's more like a paint palette with endless options. I have a different car for every day of the week, spanning from July fourth to the following June.
Look at how they change they tone, who not playa
In the wind I'm in Berlin, I know it's you not dear
Observe how people quickly adjust their attitudes, realizing they can't compete. Even if I'm in Berlin, I'm aware of who's not a true companion.
Into the coat in the ATM they sound like AOL
Soon as I'm checkin my account it tells me 'You Got Mail'
When people see me withdrawing money from the ATM, they make sounds similar to the old AOL dial-up connection. As soon as I check my account, I receive notifications saying 'You Got Mail'.
Ha, ha, Merci Bocu Monname, who is cold as me?
Betty fresh kiss the kicks when they stick in all his teeth
Ha, ha, thank you very much, my name is appreciated. Who can match my coldness? Beautiful women can't resist kissing my trendy shoes, leaving their marks on my spotless teeth.
French chick was in the whip, now she sitting on the street
She was looking fine till she ask me she can hold a G
A French girl was in my luxurious car, but now she's on the street because she dared to ask me if she can hold a thousand dollars.
Yeah, and if I want I'm a get it
And if I don't really want it, then it can leave I'm a let it
If I desire something, I'll make sure to obtain it. But if it doesn't truly interest me, I have no problem letting it go.
Used to be N Luv With My Money, now I'm in love with my credit
By the bar with they dollars I buy a building with debit
I used to prioritize my money, but now I cherish my credit. Instead of spending cash at the bar, I use my debit card to purchase entire buildings.
Uh, I hit that Harlem Nights, It's goin prepare the storm
Look up to the roof it's reindeer, feeling like Santa's home
I confidently enter the scene like a character from 'Harlem Nights,' ready to cause a whirlwind. If you look at the rooftop, you'll see reindeer, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Santa Claus' home.
Famous bet that he could leave out with the baddest one
Call her dot com cause she lookin like she Amazon
Even Famous is confident he can leave with the most attractive woman in the room. She's so stunning that she could be referred to as 'dot com' since she resembles the beauty of someone from Amazon.
Got her suit like T.I., and I got a hundred million more to go
Boys in Texas D.E.Y. know they know like Shorty (Shawty) Lo
She's dressed stylishly like T.I., and my fortune still has hundreds of millions left to accumulate. People from Texas, especially the D.E.Y. know my reputation just like Shorty (Shawty) Lo.
Lil Boosie check out the bang, getting check ya shorty know
Checkout my bank account they won't ever come up shorter low
Even Lil Boosie is impressed by the amount of money I'm making. Check your girl, because she's fully aware. Take a look at my bank account, you'll never see it running low.
Woo, they be like Koopa you so cocky bro
Cause I did everything that they say was impossible
Others might accuse me of being arrogant, but it's because I've achieved everything they thought was impossible.
And I feel like a one man wrecking crew, what I need a posse for?
All this ice on me like I got hit with hockey throat
I have the power of a whole team on my own, so why would I need a crew? I'm adorned with so much jewelry it's as if I got hit in the throat with a hockey puck made of ice.
Duck, they say that they wanna have fun
Feeling like Sliverspoons in the pool of the mansion
Beware, they claim they want to have a good time, but I'm cautious. I feel like a spoon swiftly gliding through a luxurious mansion's pool.
See ya breast stroking in the nude and I had one
So I'm a 'turn the camera on the pool', like Camron
I observe you swimming naked with a captivating breaststroke, and I had someone with me too. Therefore, I'll 'turn on the camera on the pool,' just like Cam'ron.
Had this chick in the crib, told me that I was difficult
Told me I should go back to the days when I had the glistening too
Had a girl in my house who claimed I was hard to handle. She suggested I should return to my earlier days when I used to wear shiny jewelry.
Then she tried to tell me I should go back to rap with, Who?
Mappala Weezyana (yeah) I bet'cha that she gonna get the boot
Then she had the audacity to suggest I rap with someone like, 'Who?' I'll let her go, and I guarantee that she'll be the one getting rejected.
Kop, mother nature must of had a son
Cause I'm flyer than the roof in the gigantic storm
Wow, mother nature must have given birth to a son, because I'm even more superb than being on the roof during a massive storm.
They say Mixtape Messiah here, haters prepare better to run
When ya see me greemy like 'Cannon' Cause I am a don
When people realize the Mixtape Messiah is here, haters should brace themselves and be ready to run. When they see me appearing confident like 'Cannon,' they'll know I'm a true boss.
HUH!
Expressive interjection.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind