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
Say Goodbye
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So what are you gonna do, is you have to pick your weapon of choice
It's not easy but, somebody's got to do it
Who said it wasn't easy?
Give me that, I got this
Let's go
[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
I'll live mine, you live your life (you live your life)
They say it but it's a lie (haha)
'Cause it's not hard to (hard to ...), say goodbye
[Verse 1 - Chamillionaire]
Follow me I could lead you, hate on me and I will leave you (now say goodbye)
Know your friends will deceive you but I'm mad that I believed you, so I (say goodbye)
Peek-a-boo I could see you, I could see that you are see through (say goodbye)
I see that you're evil but even Evel Knievel could never pull a stunt on me (say goodbye)
Stayin on top of my cheese like it's nacho beef
If I didn't call your name than it's not your beef
I swear y'all soft as a taco be
I got hard shells, promise you the glock on me [gunshot]
That's what I call a virus, he's inside of your camp as he hides from your eyelids
Then before you realize this, he surprises you by knowin the date that your demise is
I'm an insomniac, tryin to live "Happy Days" like the Fonzie cat
They try to put bullets in the army hat and I'm feelin like you tryin to be a copycat
Wait a sec, let me paint the Picasso
They be sayin what they sayin but it's not so [gunshot]
They be sayin what they sayin 'cause I got dough [gunshot]
But to me, you're deader than a fossil
[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
I told you a million times (a million times)
I'll live mine, you live your life (haha, you live your life)
They say it but it's a lie (you know that's a lie)
'Cause it's not hard to (hard to ...), say goodbye (not at all, not at all)
[Verse 2 - Chamillionaire]
It's the death of a dynasty, it'll D-I-E, if I could minus me (say goodbye)
Chamillitary and it's finally, the time for me to give some shine to me (say goodbye)
Everytime I come out, they doubt me but you'll never take over the south without me (say goodbye)
Look how many miles and counting but look how Oscar the Grouch your mouth be (say goodbye)
Trash what I'm hearin ya talkin, I'm hearin it often, go get in a coffin (get in a coffin)
I feel like I'm big as a shark and I'm finna rip the limbs off the littlest dolphin
Head to ya seat quietly, I'm feelin like a movie what you tryin to see
I don't know if Scarface, what you tryin to be but I'm "lol" and that's comedy (haha)
Timeless that my grind is, you can search forever but you'll never, ever find this
People tell me that I'm mindless but if I lost my mind, I'm not really tryin to find it
Not crazy, I'm more than crazy but one thing I know is you ain't gonna play me [gun cocked]
Take a shot [gunshot], ballin baby, 'til the Forbes tell you that I made more than Jay-Z
[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
I told you a million times (a million times)
I'll live mine, you live your life (I'm hearin ya cry)
They say it but it's a lie (you ready to fly?)
'Cause it's not hard to (hard to ...), say goodbye (haha, haha, haha)
[Break - Chamillionaire]
Say goodbyyye
Say goodbye
Say goodbyyye
Say goodbye
[Verse 3 - Chamillionaire]
I'm not anyone of them dudes from Boyz II Men
Say (It's Hard To Say Goodbye), it was one of them
We can be in the trees, standin on a limb
And I would watch you fall like a ornament
Psycho I am not no, psycho with the mic though
Even white folks, will agree that I'm quite dope
And I'm si-si-sicker than a slight cold
I kick through instrumental, I slip into your fence too
Hit your window, I'm Ginsu to your pencil
I talk to myself like I'm mental, tell my mental
That you ain't 'F''in with me
Like the letter that come after 'E' and before the 'G'
And I'm definitely, gonna rep for the street
And that's where your gonna be layin when I'm lettin the heat go
[gunshot]
[Chorus - Chamillionaire]
I told you a million times
I'll live mine, you live your life (your life)
They say it but it's a lie
'Cause it's not hard to (hard to ...), say goodbye
[Outro - Chamillionaire - talking and impersonating "The Godfather" - w/ ad libs until the end]
All I know is there was no glove, no silencer, no sound (say goodbye)
No shells, no footprints, no nothin (say goodbye)
So when they asked me for a statement
All I could really do was just (say goodbye)
So for you my friend, I'm sorry but this is where I must just (say goodbye)
[flatlines]
The first verse of Chamillionaire’s “Say Goodbye” has various themes that concern negative aspects of a person's character. The song is about cutting ties with anyone who isn't worth keeping around, telling them to say goodbye. One of the central themes is about being deceived by friends. Chamillionaire is unhappy with himself for believing friends who have proven to be untrustworthy. The second theme is envy, as Chamillionaire sees other people enjoying the wealth he has and realizes that many of those he trusted were only looking out for their own interests. The next theme is about what Chamillionaire calls a virus, a person who is secretly against you and is acting kindly but is working discreetly to harm you. The rapper is trying to explain that it’s not worth trying to please or get mixed up with anyone who isn't genuine.
Chamillionaire also refers to the area he comes from and the success he had as an independent artist. He is proud of his grind and has no qualms with anyone who tries to diminish or discredit it. Towards the end, the rapper is warning anyone who wants to test him and his strength that they will eventually lose, and the song concludes with a conversation with "The Godfather," with Chamillionaire telling an imaginary enemy that it's time to say goodbye.
Line by Line Meaning
So what are you gonna do, is you have to pick your weapon of choice
You need to choose your approach to handle the situation at hand.
It's not easy but, somebody's got to do it
The task ahead is difficult, but it needs to be done.
Who said it wasn't easy?
The singer challenges the notion that it's not easy.
Give me that, I got this
The artist asserts their ability to handle the situation by asking for control.
I told you a million times (I told you a million times)
The artist has expressed their point repeatedly.
I'll live mine, you live your life (you live your life)
The singer allows others to live their lives on their own terms.
They say it but it's a lie (haha)
The singer feels that people are being insincere.
'Cause it's not hard to (hard to ...), say goodbye
The artist implies that parting ways is not a difficult task.
Follow me I could lead you, hate on me and I will leave you (now say goodbye)
The artist offers guidance, but warns that negative behavior will result in separation.
Know your friends will deceive you but I'm mad that I believed you, so I (say goodbye)
The artist acknowledges that even close friends can betray, and are parting ways with a sense of disappointment.
Peek-a-boo I could see you, I could see that you are see through (say goodbye)
The singer can see through others and parts ways accordingly.
I see that you're evil but even Evel Knievel could never pull a stunt on me (say goodbye)
The artist recognizes malice in others, but considers themselves unshakeable.
Stayin on top of my cheese like it's nacho beef
The singer is protective of their money and is comparing it to nachos.
If I didn't call your name than it's not your beef
The singer is not going to involve someone if they didn't specifically include them.
I swear y'all soft as a taco be
The singer feels that others are weak and vulnerable.
I got hard shells, promise you the glock on me [gunshot]
The artist is ready and prepared to defend and protect themselves.
That's what I call a virus, he's inside of your camp as he hides from your eyelids
The artist describes an insidious threat that is hiding in plain sight.
Then before you realize this, he surprises you by knowin the date that your demise is
The singer warns that the threat is capable of predicting a point of defeat.
I'm an insomniac, tryin to live "Happy Days" like the Fonzie cat
The singer is determined to succeed despite their constant struggles and compares themselves to a happy character.
They try to put bullets in the army hat and I'm feelin like you tryin to be a copycat
The artist feels like others are trying to replicate their success and target them out of envy.
Wait a sec, let me paint the Picasso
The artist wants to explain a point in a detailed and artistic manner.
They be sayin what they sayin but it's not so [gunshot]
The artist disagrees with what others are saying, and fires back on their point.
But to me, you're deader than a fossil
The singer considers the relationship to be over, and is likening the other party to a long-dead relic.
It's the death of a dynasty, it'll D-I-E, if I could minus me (say goodbye)
The artist sees the end of an era, and knows its dying because they're on to something new.
Chamillitary and it's finally, the time for me to give some shine to me (say goodbye)
The singer's platform is self-promotion and knows the time is right to focus on bettering themselves.
Every time I come out, they doubt me but you'll never take over the south without me (say goodbye)
The singer feels underestimated but reiterates their essential role in southern rap.
Trash what I'm hearin ya talkin, I'm hearin it often, go get in a coffin (get in a coffin)
The singer is fed up with hearing negativity and is telling the offending party to cease and deist immediately.
I feel like I'm big as a shark and I'm finna rip the limbs off the littlest dolphin
The artist feels powerful and is comparing themselves to a shark that is capable of taking on even the weakest opponents.
Head to ya seat quietly, I'm feelin like a movie what you tryin to see
The artist is commanding their audience to be quiet and is invoking the imagery of being in a movie theater.
I don't know if Scarface, what you tryin to be but I'm "lol" and that's comedy (haha)
The singer is mocking others who try to emulate Scarface and is happy with being themselves.
Timeless that my grind is, you can search forever but you'll never, ever find this
The singer's work ethic is unwavering and they suggest that it's impossible to replicate.
People tell me that I'm mindless but if I lost my mind, I'm not really tryin to find it
The artist is aware that others doubt their mental capacity but is unfazed and wouldn't search for it anyway.
Not crazy, I'm more than crazy but one thing I know is you ain't gonna play me [gun cocked]
The artist is not just crazy, they're very crazy and warn others not to try and take advantage of them.
Take a shot [gunshot], ballin baby, 'til the Forbes tell you that I made more than Jay-Z
The artist is thriving and is jokingly saying to shoot a gun in celebration of their success. They plan on being even more successful than one of the most successful rappers in history.
I'm not anyone of them dudes from Boyz II Men
The singer might see themselves as different from others who mimic vintage R&B groups.
Say (It's Hard To Say Goodbye), it was one of them
Referencing a popular song about goodbyes.
We can be in the trees, standin on a limb
A hypothetical scenario where two people are on the brink of danger.
And I would watch you fall like a ornament
The singer will witness your downfall without attempting to save you, likening it to a festive decoration falling.
Psycho I am not no, psycho with the mic though
The singer is not insane, but feels they have a potentially crazy talent for rapping.
Even white folks, will agree that I'm quite dope
The artist is very talented and asserts that even people who are usually reserved with compliments will like their music.
And I'm si-si-sicker than a slight cold
The artist is incredibly ill, likening their superior rapping skills to a severe sickness.
I kick through instrumental, I slip into your fence too
The singer is skilled at bending beats and infiltrating other people's circles.
Hit your window, I'm Ginsu to your pencil
The singer will find a weakness in others and use it against them.
I talk to myself like I'm mental, tell my mental
The artist is comfortable with their thoughts and expresses them freely.
That you ain't 'F''in with me
The artist is superior and asserts that others can't compete with them.
Like the letter that come after 'E' and before the 'G'
The artist is using the 'F' word as an analogy to convey how much better they are than the competition.
And I'm definitely, gonna rep for the street
The singer is proud of their roots and plans on representing their community.
And that's where your gonna be layin when I'm lettin the heat go [gunshot]
The artist threatens to shoot someone with a gun and suggests they are heading towards their death.
All I know is there was no glove, no silencer, no sound (say goodbye)
The singer references O.J. Simpson stating that they recorded no evidence of a silenced gun, and then implies the person they're speaking is leaving forever.
No shells, no footprints, no nothin (say goodbye)
Showing there will be no evidence left behind upon departure.
So when they asked me for a statement
The singer is referring to giving an official statement to law enforcement.
All I could really do was just (say goodbye)
The artist knows what happened, but effectively states they won't be telling.
So for you my friend, I'm sorry but this is where I must just (say goodbye)
The artist is saying goodbye to their friend, probably because they are embarrassed or have become too successful for their relationship.
[flatlines]
The singer is dead.
Contributed by Oliver M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.