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
Ridin Dirty ft. DJ Quik & The Game by
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They hatin', patrollin', and tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
My music so loud
I'm swangin'
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty (try and catch me, yeah)
Grindin' to see if they can see me lean
I'm tense, so it ain't easy to be seen
When you see me ride by, they can see these gleam
And my shine on the deck and the TV screen
Now ridin' with a new chick; she like, hold up
Next to the Play Station controlla
It's a full clip and my pistola send a jacker into a coma
Girl, you ain't know I'm crazy like Krayzie Bone
Just tryin' a bone ain't tryin' a have no babies
Ride clean as hell, so I pull in, ladies
Laws on patrol and you know they hate me
Music turned up all the way to the maximum
I got speakers some niggaz tryin' a jack for some
But we packin' somethin' and what we have for um
We'll have a nigga locked up in a maximum, security cell
I'm grippin' oak (oak)
Music loud, and I'm tippin slow (slow)
Twins steady twistin' like, hit this dough
D's behind and it's in re-throwed
Windows down, gotta stop pollution
City change just like, who is that producin'?
That's the Playin' skills when we out and cruisin'
Got warrants in every city except Houston, but I still ain't losin'
They see me rollin'
They hatin', patrollin', and tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
My music so loud
I'm swangin'
They hopin' that they gone catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
I've been drinkin' and smokin', holy shit 'cause I really can't focus
I gotta get it home before the po-po's scope this
Big ol' Excursion just swervin', all up in the curb 'n
A nigga be sippin' on the Hennessey and the Gin again
It's in again we in the wind
Don't wanna hold up while I puff on the blunt
I roll another one up, and leave it like we ain't givin' a fuck
I got a blunt up in my right hand
Forty ounce in my lap, freezin' my balls
Rollin' up a tree, green leaves and all
Comin' pretty deep me and my dogs
Yo', I gotta hit the back streets
Wanted by the six-five, and I got heat
Glock, glock shots to the block we creep, creep
Pop, pop, hope cops don't see me on the low key
With no regard for the law, we dodge 'em like, fuck 'em all
But I won't get caught up and brought up on charges for none of y'all
Keep a gun in car and a blunt to spark
Wonder if you want nigga it poppin' dog
Ready or not, we bust shots off in the air
Krayzie Bone and Chamillionaire (millionaire)
They see me rollin'
They hatin', patrollin', and tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
My music so loud
I'm swangin'
They hopin' that they gone catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
You wouldn't think it so, I tried ta let ya go
Turn on my blanker light, and then I swang it slow
And they upset for fa sho'
'Cause they think they know
That they catchin' me with plenty of the drank and dro' (no)
So they get behind me, tryin' a catch my tags
Look in my rear view, and they smilin'
Thinkin' they'll catch me in the wrong
They keep tryin' (keep tryin')
Steady denyin' that it's racial profilin'
Houston, Texas, you can check my tags (tags)
Pull me over, try to check my slab (slab)
Glove compartment, gotta get my cash
'Cause the crooked cops'll try to come up fast
Bein' the balla that I am, I'm talk to them not givin' a
Damn about them not feelin' my attitude
When they realize I ain't even ridin' dirty
Bet you'll be leavin' with an even madder mood (Ha ha ha)
Then I'll laugh at you; then I'll have to cruise
Ya my number two on some old school DJ Screw
You can't arrest me, plus you can't sue
This is a message to the laws. tell 'em we hate you
I could be tough, tell 'em that they should a known
Tippin' down, sittin' crooked on my chrome
Bookin' my phone, findin' a chick I wanna bone
Like they couldn't stop me
I'm 'bout to pull up at your home, and it's on
They see me rollin'
They hatin', patrollin', and tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
My music so loud
I'm swangin'
They hopin' that they gone catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
They see me rollin'
They hatin', patrollin', and tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
My music so loud
I'm swangin'
They hopin' that they gone catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
Tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
The lyrics to Chamillionaire's song "Ridin' Dirty" describe the rapper's experience of being chased by the police while driving a car with illegal substances and weapons hidden inside. He describes the feeling of being constantly under surveillance and the anxiety of getting caught. He knows that the police are targeting him because of the color of his skin and the type of car he's driving. Nevertheless, he remains defiant and determined to evade the authorities by any means necessary.
Chamillionaire also references the use of drugs and alcohol in the song, which further compounds his situation. He speaks of the thrill of driving while intoxicated, but also the dangers that come with it. The lyrics emphasize the rapper's rebellion against the police and society's expectations, as well as his desire for freedom and self-determination.
Overall, "Ridin' Dirty" is a powerful commentary on racial profiling, police brutality, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities in America. It is a raw and honest depiction of the realities of life for many young people of color, who are forced to navigate a system that is rigged against them.
Line by Line Meaning
They see me rollin'
People notice me driving
They hatin', patrollin', and tryin' a catch me ridin' dirty
They are jealous, patrolling, and attempting to apprehend me for driving illegally
My music so loud
My music is playing at a high volume
I'm swangin'
I'm driving recklessly or swerving
They hopin' that they gone catch me ridin' dirty
They are hoping to catch me driving with illegal substances or weapons
Grindin' to see if they can see me lean
Keeping a low profile to prevent detection
I'm tense, so it ain't easy to be seen
I'm on edge, making it difficult for others to notice me
When you see me ride by, they can see these gleam
When others see me passing by, they can see the reflection of my shiny car
And my shine on the deck and the TV screen
My car's exterior and the television in it are both shiny
Now ridin' with a new chick; she like, hold up
Now I'm driving with a new woman, and she is surprised
Next to the Play Station controlla
She is sitting next to the person playing the PlayStation game console
It's a full clip and my pistola send a jacker into a coma
I have a loaded gun, and if someone tries to rob me, I'll harm them severely
Girl, you ain't know I'm crazy like Krayzie Bone
You don't realize that I'm as crazy as the rapper Krayzie Bone
Just tryin' a bone ain't tryin' a have no babies
I'm only interested in having casual sexual encounters without any intention of starting a family
Ride clean as hell, so I pull in, ladies
My car is extremely clean, which attracts female attention
Laws on patrol and you know they hate me
Police officers are actively patrolling, and they have a negative attitude towards me
Music turned up all the way to the maximum
The volume of my music is set to the highest level
I got speakers some niggaz tryin' a jack for some
I have high-quality speakers that some people are attempting to steal
But we packin' somethin' and what we have for um
But we are carrying weapons, and if someone messes with us, they will face the consequences
We'll have a nigga locked up in a maximum, security cell
We can easily get someone arrested and put into a high-security jail
I'm grippin' oak (oak)
I'm holding onto the steering wheel tightly
Music loud, and I'm tippin slow (slow)
My music is loud, and I'm driving at a slow pace
Twins steady twistin' like, hit this dough
My car's tires are spinning in opposite directions as if it's doing donuts
D's behind and it's in re-throwed
The police are following me, and my car is modified to avoid being identified
Windows down, gotta stop pollution
I have my car windows open to reduce air pollution
City change just like, who is that producin'?
The city is transforming, and people are wondering who is responsible for the change
That's the Playin' skills when we out and cruisin'
That's the effect of our music skills when we are driving around
Got warrants in every city except Houston, but I still ain't losin'
I have warrants for my arrest in various cities, except in Houston, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up
I've been drinkin' and smokin', holy shit 'cause I really can't focus
I have been consuming alcohol and drugs, which is impairing my ability to concentrate
I gotta get it home before the po-po's scope this
I need to reach my destination quickly before the police notice my actions
Big ol' Excursion just swervin', all up in the curb 'n
I'm driving a large Excursion vehicle recklessly, hitting the curbs in the process
A nigga be sippin' on the Hennessey and the Gin again
I'm drinking Hennessey and Gin once again
It's in again we in the wind
We're back to drinking and driving without a care
Don't wanna hold up while I puff on the blunt
I don't want to delay my smoking of marijuana
I roll another one up, and leave it like we ain't givin' a fuck
I roll another joint and leave it as if we don't care
I got a blunt up in my right hand
I'm holding a marijuana joint in my right hand
Forty ounce in my lap, freezin' my balls
I have a forty-ounce alcohol bottle on my lap, making my genitals feel cold
Rollin' up a tree, green leaves and all
I'm rolling marijuana, including the green leaves
Comin' pretty deep me and my dogs
I'm driving with a large group of friends
Yo', I gotta hit the back streets
I need to drive through less busy streets
Wanted by the six-five, and I got heat
I'm being pursued by the police, and I have a gun
Glock, glock shots to the block we creep, creep
I'm firing gunshots from my Glock pistol as we move stealthily through the neighborhood
Pop, pop, hope cops don't see me on the low key
I'm shooting my gun, hoping the police don't notice my actions discreetly
With no regard for the law, we dodge 'em like, fuck 'em all
We have no respect for the police and skillfully avoid them
But I won't get caught up and brought up on charges for none of y'all
I won't get arrested and charged because of any of you
Keep a gun in car and a blunt to spark
I keep a gun in my car and a marijuana joint to smoke
Wonder if you want nigga it poppin' dog
I'm curious if you're looking for trouble, because I'm ready to engage in gunfire
Ready or not, we bust shots off in the air
Whether you're prepared or not, we will fire gunshots into the air
Krayzie Bone and Chamillionaire (millionaire)
Krayzie Bone and I, Chamillionaire, are involved in this dangerous lifestyle
You wouldn't think it so, I tried ta let ya go
You wouldn't expect it, but I tried to leave you behind
Turn on my blanker light, and then I swang it slow
I turned on my turn signal and proceeded to make a slow, swinging turn
And they upset for fa sho'
And they are definitely upset about it
'Cause they think they know
Because they believe they have me figured out
That they catchin' me with plenty of the drank and dro' (no)
They think they're catching me with a lot of alcohol and drugs, but they're mistaken
So they get behind me, tryin' a catch my tags
They get behind me, attempting to record my license plate number
Look in my rear view, and they smilin'
I look in my rearview mirror, and they're grinning
Thinkin' they'll catch me in the wrong
Believing that they will catch me doing something illegal
They keep tryin' (keep tryin')
They persist in their attempts to catch me
Steady denyin' that it's racial profilin'
Continually denying that they are targeting me based on my race
Houston, Texas, you can check my tags (tags)
In Houston, Texas, you can verify my license plate information
Pull me over, try to check my slab (slab)
They pull me over, attempting to inspect my customized car
Glove compartment, gotta get my cash
I need to retrieve my money from the glove compartment
'Cause the crooked cops'll try to come up fast
Because corrupt police officers will attempt to seize my cash
Bein' the balla that I am, I'm talk to them not givin' a
Being the confident person that I am, I speak to them without showing any fear or concern
Damn about them not feelin' my attitude
I don't care if they dislike my attitude
When they realize I ain't even ridin' dirty
When they realize that I'm not actually driving illegally
Bet you'll be leavin' with an even madder mood (Ha ha ha)
I bet you'll be even more upset after this (laughs)
Then I'll laugh at you; then I'll have to cruise
Then I'll laugh at you, and then I'll have to continue driving
Ya my number two on some old school DJ Screw
Yes, you are my number two in reference to the legendary DJ Screw
You can't arrest me, plus you can't sue
You can't arrest me, and you can't sue me either
This is a message to the laws. tell 'em we hate you
This is a message to the police. Let them know that we dislike them
I could be tough, tell 'em that they should a known
I could act tough and let them know that they should have been aware
Tippin' down, sittin' crooked on my chrome
Driving with my car tilted and sitting in an off-center position on my chrome rims
Bookin' my phone, findin' a chick I wanna bone
Checking my cellphone to find a woman I want to have sexual intercourse with
Like they couldn't stop me
As if they couldn't prevent me from doing what I want
I'm 'bout to pull up at your home, and it's on
I'm about to arrive at your home, and there will be consequences
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JUAN SALINAS, OSCAR SALINAS, ANTHONY HENDERSON, HAKEEM SERIKI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yakams
DJ Quik is a legend!
@CamrynDaDrakester
I like how Chamillionaire says I think it’s time to give a toast to the connection between the South and the west coast
@lukecadwalleder7958
Game a legend
@tommycorr96
the game was one one of my favourite rappers (at this time, not now), but i gotta admit dj quik killed this
@lukecadwalleder7958
Game still mt favourite rapper to this day ;)
@mikeygomez11
WESTSIDE FOR LIFE!!! GAME IS KING LAX= CLASSIC
@thainfamous
Dj Quik killed it
@thejanglezclan
not even close. Game/Chamillionaire/Quik. That Quik verse was doodoo butter.
@hennessyapplejuice8331
@TJC You crazy he was spittin what really happened to him at the Source awards back in 2000 and being harrassed by the police over the Biggie murder where he was a main suspect for awhile.They tapped his phone and everything he probably still paranoid over what he say on the phone till this day
@Space_catttt
You must having hearing difficulties I was just about to comment how Wack that verse was and I saw your bullshit comment that was the worst verse I heard in a minute