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
Roc 4 Life
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know I stay stacking my cheddar, leaning back on the leather
With a ride or die chick, on my side
Nobody does it better, so somebody better tell ya
That you dealing, with a playa fo' life
I'm a playa fo' life, I'm a playa fo' life
I'm a playa fo' life, I'm a playa fo' life
You need a baller, I'm a baller your type
[Lil' Flip]
24's on the coupe when I roll by, four guns on my lap when I roll high
Now I'm back in the trap with four fpies, three macks on my lap and a fo'-five
Mo'fuckers ain't know I could rap fast, mo'fuckers ain't know I could stack cash
Lil' mama right there she got a fat ass, but you know Clover Geez don't trick cash
Now let me slow it down, for all you Screw heads
Don't call me Flipper, it's Mr. I Can Do Dat
Fuck a lay-away, if I like it I buy it
And if it's purple haze, if I like it I try it
I'm doing 85, on 2-88
The music so loud, my phone on vibrate
I missed like twenty calls, and two of em my dogs
And you guessed it right, the rest of em broads
[Hook]
[Lil' Flip]
Come with me and tour the globe, let me show you how it go
I'll take you out that Bebe, and put you in designer clothes
You'll be closing Phantom do's, and Dolce & Cabana clothes
The paparazzi waiting, when you stepping out that G4
G5 we fly, we high ah man
I bet your man, ain't never had a hundred grand
I be drunk every hour, I be high every minute
I be dodging the press, because my windows tinted
I'm a playa for real, diamonds lay on my grill
To get out my deal, I had to pay two mill
Now I'm happy as ever, laying back on my leather
The number one fly boy, on the back of my sweater
[Hook]
[Lil' Flip]
Them chicks in Chi-Town, looking for a real playa
Them chicks in Las Vegas, they get that money out there
Them chicks in New York, cute but they talk rude
Them chicks in Paris France, now they know what to do
Them chicks in Berlin, they say they want a playa too
I got the chicks in the Lou, they hollin' what it do
Them Cali chicks, want a playa with that real do'
That's when I pull up in my drop, and let me grill show
[talking]
Ay-ay come ride-come ride-come ride
Ay, Southside for life
Ain't nobody do it like me, aaay
[Hook]
In Chamillionaire's song "Roc 4 Life," the lyrics describe the lifestyle and persona of a successful player who lives life to the fullest. The hook of the song suggests that the artist enjoys the success that comes with being a player for life. He describes his lifestyle, which includes a luxurious car with leather seats, a ride or die partner, and an endless flow of money. The player character is nicknamed "Clover Geez," and the lyrics suggest that he is authentic and genuinely familiar with the hip-hop culture.
Lil Flip's verse describes various aspects of the player lifestyle, including the purchase of designer clothes and a luxurious Bently. He boasts of having made millions of dollars from his music and is now living a life of luxury. He brags about having several women wanting attention but is not interested in any of them. He enjoys dodging the press and having his car tinted, which suggests that he enjoys his privacy. Lil Flip also mentions people from different parts of the world and how they each have a different perspective on players. In conclusion, the song paints a picture of the life of a successful player, who is enjoying the fruits of his labour.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I stay stacking my cheddar, leaning back on the leather
I accumulate wealth and enjoy my luxurious lifestyle
With a ride or die chick, on my side
I have a loyal and devoted partner
Nobody does it better, so somebody better tell ya
I am the best at what I do, and others recognize that fact
That you dealing, with a playa fo' life
I will always be a player, and that is just who I am
I'm a playa fo' life, I'm a playa fo' life
I am a lifelong player and always will be
You need a baller, I'm a baller your type
If you want a wealthy and successful partner, I fit the bill
You need a playa, that's what I is fo' life
If you are looking for a player, I am the perfect match
24's on the coupe when I roll by, four guns on my lap when I roll high
I drive an impressive car and carry weapons for protection
Now I'm back in the trap with four fpies, three macks on my lap and a fo'-five
I am back in the drug game with several firearms for my own safety
Mo'fuckers ain't know I could rap fast, mo'fuckers ain't know I could stack cash
Some people underestimate my rap skills and ability to make money
Lil' mama right there she got a fat ass, but you know Clover Geez don't trick cash
There is a woman nearby with a desirable body, but I am not foolish enough to waste my money on her
Now let me slow it down, for all you Screw heads
I am going to take a moment to address fans of the late DJ Screw
Don't call me Flipper, it's Mr. I Can Do Dat
My rap name is Lil' Flip, but I want to be referred to as a successful and capable person
Fuck a lay-away, if I like it I buy it
I do not use layaway plans, I purchase whatever I desire immediately
And if it's purple haze, if I like it I try it
I am willing to experiment with drugs, especially marijuana
I'm doing 85, on 2-88
I am driving at 85 miles per hour on a highway
The music so loud, my phone on vibrate
The volume of my music is too high to hear my phone, which is on vibrate
I missed like twenty calls, and two of em my dogs
I have ignored many phone calls, including some from close friends
And you guessed it right, the rest of em broads
The other people who called me are women I have had casual relationships with
Come with me and tour the globe, let me show you how it go
I want to travel the world with a woman and show her how I live
I'll take you out that Bebe, and put you in designer clothes
I will buy my companion expensive clothing to replace their current wardrobe
You'll be closing Phantom do's, and Dolce & Cabana clothes
You will be seen in public with luxurious and expensive items such as a Rolls Royce Phantom and Dolce & Gabbana clothing
The paparazzi waiting, when you stepping out that G4
The media will be following us when we exit the private jet I have chartered
G5 we fly, we high ah man
We will travel by a Gulfstream G5 aircraft and enjoy the high life
I bet your man, ain't never had a hundred grand
I wager that your previous partner has never had $100,000 in their possession
I be drunk every hour, I be high every minute
I frequently consume alcohol and drugs
I be dodging the press, because my windows tinted
I avoid interacting with the media by having tinted windows on my car
I'm a playa for real, diamonds lay on my grill
I am genuinely a player, and I have diamonds embedded in my teeth as a symbol of my wealth and status
To get out my deal, I had to pay two mill
I had to pay two million dollars to terminate a previous business agreement
Now I'm happy as ever, laying back on my leather
I am content and satisfied, enjoying my luxurious seat
The number one fly boy, on the back of my sweater
I am the top-ranked stylish individual, as evidenced by the decoration on the back of my clothing
Them chicks in Chi-Town, looking for a real playa
Women in Chicago are hoping to find a genuine player like myself
Them chicks in Las Vegas, they get that money out there
Women in Las Vegas are motivated by the prospect of wealth and riches
Them chicks in New York, cute but they talk rude
Women in New York are attractive but can be impolite or abrasive
Them chicks in Paris France, now they know what to do
Women in Paris have an understanding of how to behave around players
Them chicks in Berlin, they say they want a playa too
Women in Berlin express desire for a player like myself
I got the chicks in the Lou, they hollin' what it do
Women in St. Louis are seeking an opportunity to interact with me
Them Cali chicks, want a playa with that real do'
Women in California are attracted to a real and successful player
That's when I pull up in my drop, and let me grill show
I arrive in style with my fancy car and diamond-studded teeth
Ay-ay come ride-come ride-come ride
I am inviting someone to join me for a ride in my car
Ay, Southside for life
I represent my home neighborhood, the Southside, for my entire life
Ain't nobody do it like me, aaay
I am confident that nobody can do what I do as well as I do it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RODNEY LATTRELL EVANS, ANTHONY FORTE, KENNETH DARNELL FRANKLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ABreeden14
why does the volume keep randomly changing and why does it say Chamillionaire if hes not in it?