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
Ran Out of Auto-Tune
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right wing there's a room just for Almond Spoons
I sing on this track that's what they assume
Sorry but my engineer ran out of autotune
You rap but I feel that you are a coon
And the other one's that ain't coon are a foons
Try me, and you will fail in the arms of doom
Cause that V-ve-Venom album coming soon
Try to steal it and I bet you won't lit a noon
Put the camera on ya chick like I'm Benny Boom
And then I hit her quick vroom, vroom
Ya girl say she love me cause I'm cool and laid back
Then she wanna do (what?) I said cool and lay back
Perpetrator vision I see through they facts
All these rappers sweeter than some Kool-Aid packs
My Lincoln longer than two Maybachs
My front yard longer than two race tracks
Hearing them but'chu know they goin use they gats
I don't be hanging with none of them dudes, they wack (they wack)
She was speaking in a whisper like Shawday
Well I call her never yes I told her probably
Paparazzi you better do what I say
To me a face like a camera to Kanye
If you late on my team you know docked
If I'm late you goin wait till I move out
Got'cha chick bout to take off her tube-top
I purchase rims like your Footlock or Shoe-shop
Tell her friend that I rather have a enemy
Money tall and your money just a mini-me
The class gotta S like Hennessy
And I gotta SS like Tennessee
I stay super fly like a kite, so
You should know that you can't see me like a white crow
Walk in all the women get in flight mode
She bout to take off all her nice clothes
Ha Ha
In the song "Ran Out of Auto-Tune" by Chamillionaire, the lyrics in the first verse touch on various topics. The reference to a "left wing" and a "right-wing" in his crib represents the different sides or areas of his house. The line "Left wing in my crib there's a model room, Right wing there's a room just for Almond Spoons" suggests that his house is luxurious and spacious, with specific rooms dedicated to certain items or activities.
Chamillionaire mentions singing on the track and how people assume that he uses autotune, but he clarifies that his engineer ran out of autotune for this particular song. This could be seen as a statement against the prevalent use of autotune in the music industry, highlighting that he doesn't need it to sound good.
The next set of lyrics in the verse alludes to his skills as a rapper. Chamillionaire dismissively refers to some other rappers as "coons" (a derogatory slang term used to describe someone who is seen as subservient to white people) or "foons" (a term likely created by Chamillionaire meaning foolish individuals). He asserts his superiority by stating that anyone who tries to challenge him will fail, while also hinting at an upcoming album release.
Moving on to the second verse, Chamillionaire boasts about his wealth and material possessions. He states that he has $50,000 in his living room and warns potential thieves that they won't succeed in stealing from him. He also mentions a camera and references director Benny Boom, suggesting that he captures attention with his actions and possibly alluding to a film-like lifestyle.
Chamillionaire mentions that a girl claims to love him because he is cool and laid back, but he responds playfully by saying "cool and lay back," turning her words into a play on a sexual invitation. He then critiques other rappers, describing them as fake or phonies, and compares their artificial sweetness to Kool-Aid packs. Through these lyrics, Chamillionaire suggests that he is genuine and stands out among a crowd of insincere artists.
In the third verse, Chamillionaire continues to flaunt his wealth and success. He mentions his expensive car, his large front yard, and the fact that he is aware that some other rappers may resort to violence. He distances himself from these individuals, stating that he does not associate with them because he finds them to be inferior or unimpressive.
Chamillionaire introduces a woman speaking in a whisper like Shaday (likely referring to the singer Sade), and he implies that he does not give her much attention or commitment. He then references paparazzi and asserts his authority by telling them to do what he says, linking himself to Kanye West's infamous incidents with the media. Chamillionaire suggests that he carries the same level of influence and control over the attention he receives.
The last few lines of the verse playfully reference his reputation as a stylish and confident individual. Chamillionaire compares himself to a white crow, alluding to the rarity and uniqueness of his style. He suggests that when he enters a room, women become excited and energized, using the phrase "get in flight mode" to convey their anticipation. He adds a touch of eroticism, implying that the woman he is with will remove her nice clothes, further emphasizing his sexual appeal.
Overall, these lyrics showcase Chamillionaire's bravado, wealth, and self-assuredness. He presents himself as someone who doesn't rely on autotune and stands out among his peers. He also displays his confidence in his ability as a rapper and his success in the music industry, while also engaging in wordplay and references to popular culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Left wing in my crib there's a model room
In one part of my house, there is a room dedicated to displaying models
Right wing there's a room just for Almond Spoons
In another part of my house, there is a room dedicated to storing almond spoons
I sing on this track that's what they assume
People automatically assume that I am the one singing on this track
Sorry but my engineer ran out of autotune
Unfortunately, my audio engineer no longer has access to autotune technology
You rap but I feel that you are a coon
I believe that you are a derogatory term for a black person who caters to stereotypes in your rapping
And the other ones that ain't coon are a foons
The remaining rappers who are not like you are fools or idiots
Try me, and you will fail in the arms of doom
If you attempt to challenge me, you will ultimately be defeated in a disastrous way
Cause that V-ve-Venom album coming soon
This signifies that my album titled 'Venom' will be released in the near future
Fifty thousand dollar fresh in my living room
I have fifty thousand dollars worth of expensive items displayed in my living room
Try to steal it and I bet you won't lit a noon
If you try to steal from me, I guarantee you will not succeed
Put the camera on ya chick like I'm Benny Boom
I direct my attention to your significant other by focusing the camera on her, emulating the style of the director Benny Boom
And then I hit her quick vroom, vroom
Subsequently, I engage in an intimate encounter with her swiftly, symbolized by the sound of a revving engine
Ya girl say she love me cause I'm cool and laid back
Your girlfriend claims to love me because I possess a calm and relaxed demeanor
Then she wanna do (what?) I said cool and lay back
At that point, she expresses a desire to engage in intimate activities, to which I respond by maintaining my cool and relaxed stance
Perpetrator vision I see through they facts
I possess a perceptive ability that allows me to see through the lies and deception of these perpetrators
All these rappers sweeter than some Kool-Aid packs
In comparison to me, all these rappers come across as overly sweet, like flavored drink mixes
My Lincoln longer than two Maybachs
The length of my Lincoln vehicle exceeds that of two Maybach luxury cars
My front yard longer than two race tracks
The size of my front yard is greater than that of two racing tracks
Hearing them but 'chu know they goin use they gats
I may hear their threats, but I am aware that they will resort to using guns
I don't be hanging with none of them dudes, they wack (they wack)
I generally do not associate myself with any of those individuals because I find them to be inferior or uninteresting
She was speaking in a whisper like Shawday
She spoke softly and confidentially, resembling the singer Shawday
Well I call her never yes I told her probably
I rarely communicate with her, and when I do, I provide vague responses such as 'probably'
Paparazzi you better do what I say
I possess authority over the paparazzi, and they are expected to comply with my commands
To me a face like a camera to Kanye
To me, a face captures my attention similar to how a camera captures Kanye West's attention
If you late on my team you know docked
If you are tardy or delayed on my team, there will be consequences or penalties
If I'm late you goin wait till I move out
If I happen to be late, you will have to wait for me to arrive before proceeding
Got'cha chick bout to take off her tube-top
I have your girlfriend in a situation where she is about to remove her tube-top clothing item
I purchase rims like your Footlock or Shoe-shop
I frequently buy rims for my vehicles resembling the frequency at which one might purchase shoes from a Footlocker or a shoe store
Tell her friend that I rather have a enemy
I express to her friend that I would prefer to have an adversary or foe instead of being associated with them
Money tall and your money just a mini-me
My wealth is substantial and significant, while your money is merely a small reflection or imitation of mine
The class gotta S like Hennessy
My level of sophistication and elegance is represented by the letter 'S', similar to the branding of Hennessy liquor
And I gotta SS like Tennessee
In addition, I possess a luxury car with the model designation of 'SS', akin to the state abbreviation for Tennessee
I stay super fly like a kite, so
I consistently maintain an exceptionally stylish and cool persona, comparable to a soaring kite
You should know that you can't see me like a white crow
It is important for you to understand that you are unable to perceive or comprehend me, just as a white crow is a rare and unlikely sight
Walk in all the women get in flight mode
As I enter a room, all the women become excited and eager, akin to entering 'flight mode'
She bout to take off all her nice clothes
She is on the verge of removing all her attractive and appealing garments
Ha Ha
A playful laughter, possibly indicating amusement or satisfaction
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind