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 Overseas
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I can see a clearer view of you
This is the remix
I see you waiting
I know you hating
I see them watching (Watching)
They waiting (Waiting)
Hoping they don't roll up on me
Cause today I'm ridin dirty
And if they stop me
I might be going to jail tonight
I see them watching (Watching)
And waiting (Waiting)
For an opportunity to ride up on me
Hoping they don't roll up on me
Cause today I'm ridin dirty (Ch cheach)
And if they stop me (Chamillitary mayne)
I might be going to jail tonight(Uh yeah)
I got 20 grand in my pocket and
I'm riding around with my pockets crammed
You the one that got the contraband
And you smokin that like you in Amsterdam
Before I know it I see them sirens
I'm pulling over hey we just ridin
Don't talk back won't be no violence
Just shut up and sit in your seat in silence
Now the police is searching who
They searching me and then they searching you
They smell the breeze and you smell like trees
Cause you hit the blunt and hit the purple too
Now the lie is irreversable
Because you just told em we were riding clean
They question you but they ain't question me yet
I'm thinking the police ain't find a thing
Standing on the side of the freeway
Wishing they would just hurry up
And I can see you walking up to me
Like he about to put me up in them cuffs
I turned around and I look at you
And you look away like you feeling sick
I'm goin to jail for what I didn't commit
I must admit that I hate a snitch
I see them watching (Watching)
They waiting (Waiting)
For an opportunity to ride up on me
Hoping they don't roll up on me
Cause today I'm ridin dirty
And if they stop me
I might be going to jail tonight
I see them watching (Watching)
And waiting (Waiting)
For an opportunity to ride up on me
Hoping they don't roll up on me
Cause today I'm ridin dirty
And if they stop me
I might be going to jail tonight
Ever since they heard the song Ridin' Dirty
The whole world been listening I'm glad you heard me
Some cops that representing the badge assure me
Every cop ain't bad or trying to scare me
A year after White and Nerdy
On the grind still trying still flying birdies
That stuff still in ya cup still driving swerve
Ridin dirty like the vehicle inside the derby
A little inspired by U G K
And the rest inspired by the life I'm living
Seen that Impala he was drunk
And that's when I saw the red lights go get em
And it's ironic that during the chase
Seen murder chase and this kid was Christian
Moving target ran across the street
And unfortunately the car didn't miss him
And now the family is soon to know
That they gone have to do another funeral
The angels ain't singing to ya tune no more
Don't move too fast baby move it slow
Cause one day ya here baby
Next thing ya know next thing ya know
Everything that used to move don't move no more
I see them watching (Watching)
They waiting (Waiting)
For an opportunity to ride up on me
Hoping they don't roll up on me
Cause today I'm ridin dirty
And if they stop me
I might be going to jail tonight
I see them watching (Watching)
And waiting (Waiting)
For an opportunity to ride up on me
Hoping they don't roll up on me (This is not a movie)
Cause today I'm ridin dirty (It's real life yeah yeah)
And if they stop me It's real life
I might be goin to jail tonight (It ain't just a song it's a message)
Nobody ever opens they eyes
Till somebody gets killed
Rest in peace to Sean Bell
Chamillitary Mayne
The lyrics of Chamillionaire's song "Ridin Overseas" delve into themes of surveillance, paranoia, and the consequences of living a risky lifestyle. The singer expresses awareness of being observed, both by law enforcement and potential adversaries, as they drive while carrying illegal substances. The constant fear of being caught and potentially ending up in jail looms over the singer throughout the song.
The narrative continues with a scenario where the singer is stopped by the police, leading to a tense situation as they and their companion are searched. The partner's actions, including smoking illegal substances, threaten to incriminate both of them. The singer faces the harsh reality of potentially being falsely accused due to their partner's actions, highlighting the betrayal of those who bring trouble upon others.
As the song progresses, Chamillionaire reflects on the impact of his music on society, particularly referencing the track "Ridin' Dirty" and its reception. He acknowledges the scrutiny and stereotypes faced by individuals in his position, all while trying to navigate a dangerous world where innocence can be easily misconstrued. The narrative takes a tragic turn as the rapper recounts witnessing a fatal accident during a police chase, emphasizing the sobering consequences of reckless behavior.
Ultimately, the lyrics serve as a cautionary tale, warning listeners about the harsh realities of living on the wrong side of the law. Through vivid storytelling and introspective reflections, Chamillionaire paints a vivid picture of the dangers and consequences that come with a life of crime, urging individuals to remain vigilant and mindful of their choices. The song serves as a reminder of the thin line between freedom and incarceration, urging listeners to consider the full weight of their actions and the potential consequences that may follow.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm looking in my rearview
Observing my surroundings for any potential threats
And I can see a clearer view of you
Awareness of those around me becoming more focused
This is the remix
A new version or perspective on the situation
I see you waiting
Noticing someone waiting for an opportunity
I know you hating
Understanding feelings of envy or jealousy
I see them watching (Watching)
Noticing individuals observing my actions
They waiting (Waiting)
Waiting for a chance to approach or confront me
For an opportunity to ride up on me
Looking for a moment to engage or confront me
Hoping they don't roll up on me
Wishing to avoid confrontation or trouble
Cause today I'm ridin dirty
Currently driving with illegal substances
And if they stop me
If law enforcement pulls me over
I might be going to jail tonight
Facing potential arrest and legal consequences
I got 20 grand in my pocket and
Carrying a large sum of money
I'm riding around with my pockets crammed
Traveling with stuffed pockets
You the one that got the contraband
You possess the illegal goods
And you smokin that like you in Amsterdam
Consuming the illegal substance as if in a liberal setting
Before I know it I see them sirens
Suddenly noticing police lights signaling a stop
I'm pulling over hey we just ridin
Stopping the vehicle calmly with a passenger
Don't talk back won't be no violence
Adhering to police instructions to avoid conflict
Just shut up and sit in your seat in silence
Remaining quiet and compliant in the car
Now the police is searching who
Law enforcement is conducting a search
They smell the breeze and you smell like trees
Police detecting the scent of marijuana on the passenger
Cause you hit the blunt and hit the purple too
Indicating the passenger consumed marijuana
Now the lie is irreversable
The situation has escalated beyond repair
Because you just told em we were riding clean
Revealing information that incriminates us
They question you but they ain't question me yet
The focus is on the passenger, not the driver
I'm thinking the police ain't find a thing
Believing the police won't discover illegal items
Standing on the side of the freeway
Waiting by the roadside during the stop
Wishing they would just hurry up
Desiring a quick resolution to the situation
And I can see you walking up to me
Observing the passenger approaching me
Like he about to put me up in them cuffs
Indicating belief in imminent arrest
I turned around and I look at you
Glancing back at the passenger
And you look away like you feeling sick
Avoiding eye contact, appearing distressed
I'm goin to jail for what I didn't commit
Facing arrest for another's actions
I must admit that I hate a snitch
Expressing disdain for those who betray
Ever since they heard the song Ridin' Dirty
After the track 'Ridin' Dirty' gained popularity
The whole world been listening I'm glad you heard me
The impact of the song reaching a wide audience
Some cops that representing the badge assure me
Receiving reassurance from law enforcement
Every cop ain't bad or trying to scare me
Acknowledging not all police officers are malicious
A year after White and Nerdy
Following the release of the parody 'White and Nerdy'
On the grind still trying still flying birdies
Continuing to work and aim high
That stuff still in ya cup still driving swerve
Carrying contraband while driving recklessly
Ridin dirty like the vehicle inside the derby
Driving illicitly as if in a dangerous race
A little inspired by U G K
Drawing influence from UGK (Underground Kingz)
And the rest inspired by the life I'm living
Using personal experiences in the songwriting
Seen that Impala he was drunk
Observing an intoxicated individual in a Chevrolet Impala
And that's when I saw the red lights go get em
Witnessing the police pursue the drunk driver
And it's ironic that during the chase
An unexpected occurrence during the pursuit
Seen murder chase and this kid was Christian
Encountering a crime scene where a Christian youth was involved
Moving target ran across the street
A fleeing individual crossed the road
And unfortunately the car didn't miss him
Tragically, the vehicle struck the person
And now the family is soon to know
The victim's family will learn of the tragedy
That they gone have to do another funeral
Facing the reality of another funeral service
The angels ain't singing to ya tune no more
Losing spiritual protection and guidance
Don't move too fast baby move it slow
Advising caution in actions and decisions
Cause one day ya here baby
Emphasizing the fleeting nature of life
Next thing ya know next thing ya know
Suddenly, and without warning
Everything that used to move don't move no more
All that was once dynamic is now static
This is not a movie
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation
It's real life yeah yeah
Reinforcing the authenticity of the experience
It ain't just a song it's a message
Stressing the meaningful content of the track
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind