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
Shyne On
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song
(My song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone
(My phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home
(Take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk
(Club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk
(That trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk
(Get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up
Give me that million dollar beat and let me show you what to do with it
(Who that is??)
That's the illest rapper choppin' and screwin' it
Couldn't snatch the game that's what they told me, so I'm provin' it
Put the truth in Texas with Scott Storch and you got you a hit
Hittin' never miss rep yo click and throw 'em high
Because chamillionaire's the answer to the game like Allen I
Middle fingaz to the sky, if they don't like that reply
'Cause any DJ that deny is a mother fuckin' lie
So give the ladies what that want
Got 'em racin' to the front of the stage
To feel the bass and tell the DJ turn it up
(Turn it up)
Yeah, sound of revenge saying universal to go get my plaque
Rappin's dead so I'ma bring it back, like DJ's do
When they hear my track
Check out my track record, they'll say I'ma track wrecka
Hotter than a black pepper now that I am back nigga
(He's back)
You can't get mad if you feel that you and cap fit ya
Drop the biggest stat's ever so don't let that back hit ya
I'ma show you how to get your shine on
(Shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song
(My song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone
(My phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home
(Take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk
(Club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk
(That trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk
(Get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up
When it's time to hit the club, I let my chain hang
If they got clovers on they neck we in the same gang
I'm 20 deep in V.I.P. puffin' Mary Jane
Splinters still in my hand from my woodgrain
I got homies on the west who like to gangbang
And I got homies on the east who do the same thang
I told Johnny put fifty in my pankyrang
Five karat diamond chain vivas is in it mayne
You know I rep the dirty, dirty where they move cane
You know we mix purple stuff in that blue drank
Hypnotic, big bodies with blue paint
We got that oomp spray but it still stank
You a lame so yo dame playin' mind games
I'ma pimp so I stay in that mind frame
Niggaz talk shit until I let that nine bang
Me and duke in that maybach switchin' lanes
I'ma show you how to get your shine on
(Shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song
(My song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone
(My phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home
(Take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk
(Club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk
(That trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk
(Get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up
Headed to the bar
(I'm headed to the bar)
You know I'm V.I.P.
(You know I'm viper)
And since you rollin' with a star
(You rollin' with a star
You V.I.P. with me
(Chamillitary hey hey)
Chamillitary the biggest threat
To any of these rapper thinkin' they doin' it
(Who that is??)
That's dem boyz from Texas that always do it big
Multi-colored diamonds got us shining they say our jewelery sick
Houston got a problem and you don't want nuthin' to do wit' it
(Do you kid?)
I ain't think so I'm tippin' slow
Wen my trunk is liftin' up look at the neons as they glow
Groupies never givin' up they be everywhere I go
When that elevator go up to my suite they there fo sho
Told me that she didn't care about my money wasn't hearin' it
Looks can be deceiving as chamillion paint appearances
You know how we do it at home of screw and purple syrup is
She got turned out quicker than my power steering did
I'ma show you how to get your shine on
(Shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song
(My song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone
(My phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home
(Take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk
(Club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk
(That trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk
(Get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up
The lyrics to Chamillionaire's "Shyne On" are all about partying and having a good time. While the lyrics may seem simple on the surface, if you take a closer look, you can see that they're full of interesting and insightful observations about life. The chorus is all about getting your shine on and turning up the music so that everyone can enjoy themselves. The verses, on the other hand, are more focused on Chamillionaire's personal experiences and his thoughts on the rap game.
In the first verse, Chamillionaire talks about how he's going to show everyone how to get the club crunk by playing music that's going to rattle the trunk of the car. He also mentions that everyone keeps calling his phone and that he's trying to decide which one of them he's going to take home. It's a simple lyric, but it says a lot about the artist's lifestyle and the way he interacts with people.
The second verse is where things get a bit more complicated. Chamillionaire talks about how he's the "illest rapper choppin' and screwin' it" and how he's proving that he's the best by putting the truth in Texas with Scott Storch. He also references Allen Iverson, talking about how he's the answer to the game like the famous basketball player. Overall, the lyrics to "Shyne On" are all about living life to the fullest and enjoying yourself whenever you can.
Line by Line Meaning
I'ma show you how to get your shine on
I will teach you how to stand out and succeed
(Shine on)
Keep shining bright
Turn it up the DJ playing my song
The DJ is playing my music loud
(My song)
The music I created is playing
Everybody keep on calling my phone
My phone keeps ringing with endless calls
(My phone)
My mobile device is constantly ringing
Which one of y'all am I gone take home
Which person will I bring home with me tonight
(Take home)
To take someone home with you
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk
I'll demonstrate how to get the club excited
(Club crunk)
To make the club energetic and lively
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk
Provide a beat that will shake the entire car
(That trunk)
The rear of an automobile where the subwoofer is located
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk
Drink until you get drunk by raising your cup up
(Get drunk)
To become intoxicated by drinking alcohol
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up
Ask the DJ to increase the volume and tempo of the music
Give me that million dollar beat and let me show you what to do with it
Give me a great beat, and I will show you how to use it effectively
(Who that is??)
Questioning who is the one
That's the illest rapper choppin' and screwin' it
That is the best rapper who excels at choppin' and screwin' music
Couldn't snatch the game that's what they told me, so I'm provin' it
People said that I couldn't become successful in the music industry, but I am proving them wrong
Put the truth in Texas with Scott Storch and you got you a hit
If you combine the facts with Texas and Scott Storch, it becomes a guaranteed hit
Hittin' never miss rep yo click and throw 'em high
Never miss a beat, represent your clique and raise your hands high
Because chamillionaire's the answer to the game like Allen I
Like Allen Iverson, I am the answer to the music industry
Middle fingaz to the sky, if they don't like that reply
Raise your middle finger in defiance if someone disagrees
'Cause any DJ that deny is a mother fuckin' lie
Any DJ who denies my talent is simply a liar
So give the ladies what that want
Give women what they desire
Got 'em racin' to the front of the stage
They are rushing to the front of the stage
To feel the bass and tell the DJ turn it up
To sense the bass and request the DJ to increase its volume
(Turn it up)
To make the music louder
Yeah, sound of revenge saying universal to go get my plaque
The Sound of Revenge was so potent that Universal Records presented me with a plaque
Rappin's dead so I'ma bring it back, like DJ's do
Rap music has become lifeless; therefore, I must revive it, like DJs do with their remixes
When they hear my track
When people listen to my music
Check out my track record, they'll say I'ma track wrecka
Examine my music history, and you will realize I am a music-making machine
Hotter than a black pepper now that I am back nigga
I am even hotter than black pepper now that I am back in the spotlight
(He's back)
He has returned
You can't get mad if you feel that you and cap fit ya
You can't get annoyed if you think I am telling the truth and it is applicable to you
Drop the biggest stat's ever so don't let that back hit ya
I am going to release the most significant statistics ever, so get ready for it
When it's time to hit the club, I let my chain hang
When it is time to go to the club, I wear the heaviest chain I have
If they got clovers on they neck we in the same gang
We are part of the same group if they display clovers on their neck
I'm 20 deep in V.I.P. puffin' Mary Jane
I am with twenty other people in V.I.P., smoking marijuana
Splinters still in my hand from my woodgrain
My hand still has wooden shards from the steering wheel of my car
I got homies on the west who like to gangbang
I have friends on the west coast who prefer engaging in gang activity
And I got homies on the east who do the same thang
Similarly, I have friends on the east coast who participate in gang activity
I told Johnny put fifty in my pankyrang
I told my friend Johnny to deposit $50,000 in my bank account
Five karat diamond chain vivas is in it mayne
I have a 5-carat diamond chain with VVS1 (diamond clarity) stones
You know I rep the dirty, dirty where they move cane
You know I represent the southern part of the United States, where drug selling takes place
You know we mix purple stuff in that blue drank
You know we mix codeine syrup into our beverages
Hypnotic, big bodies with blue paint
Hypnotic is a popular blue drink. We drive big cars with blue paint
We got that oomp spray but it still stank
We have air freshener, but it still smells bad
You a lame so yo dame playin' mind games
You are not cool, so your woman is playing mind games with you
I'ma pimp so I stay in that mind frame
I am a pimp, so I adopt that mindset
Niggaz talk shit until I let that nine bang
People talk negatively about me until I threaten them with a gun
Me and duke in that maybach switchin' lanes
My friend and I are driving a Mercedes-Benz Maybach while switching lanes
Headed to the bar
We are on our way to the bar
(I'm headed to the bar)
I am on my way to the bar
You know I'm V.I.P.
I am a VIP
(You know I'm viper)
You know I am a VIP
And since you rollin' with a star
Since you are riding with a famous person
(You rollin' with a star)
You are in the car with a celebrity
You V.I.P. with me
You are a VIP with me
(Chamillitary hey hey)
Chamillionaire's signature chant
Chamillitary the biggest threat
Chamillitary is the most significant danger to other rappers
To any of these rapper thinkin' they doin' it
To any rapper who believes they are successful
That's dem boyz from Texas that always do it big
That's those guys from Texas who always do everything on a grand scale
Multi-colored diamonds got us shining they say our jewelery sick
Our multicolored diamonds make us shine bright, and people say our jewelry is excellent
Houston got a problem and you don't want nuthin' to do wit' it
Houston has a problematic situation, and you do not want anything to do with it
(Do you kid?)
Asking if this is the case
I ain't think so I'm tippin' slow
I do not believe so, so I'm driving slowly
Wen my trunk is liftin' up look at the neons as they glow
When my trunk is opening, observe the neon lights lighting up
Groupies never givin' up they be everywhere I go
Groupies never quit; they appear wherever I am
When that elevator go up to my suite they there fo sho
When I go up to my suite using the elevator, they are always there waiting
Told me that she didn't care about my money wasn't hearin' it
She denied being interested in my money, but I had a hard time believing it
Looks can be deceiving as chamillion paint appearances
Never take appearances for what they seem; looks can be deceptive
You know how we do it at home of screw and purple syrup is
You already know how we do it in the land where DJ Screw was born and purple drank is a popular drink
She got turned out quicker than my power steering did
She got changed more quickly than my car's power steering did
Contributed by Evelyn M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.