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
Sittin Back
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ha-ha aah, y'all know what it is
Now say it with me (tell 'em the name)
Chamillitary mayn, hold up y'all know what it is
Chamillitary mayn, yeah (hmmm)
Mixtape Messiah, told em
[Hook]
And I figure that maybe it's cause, I'm the balling ass nigga that they know they wanna be
You got a problem with me then just holla, but better think again before you approach me
Just give me that give me that dolla, the mo' you hate me the mo' it motivates me
[Chamillionaire]
Mixtape Messiah 1, don't act like you ain't hear that joint
I'm like Young Buck with a knife, niggaz gon get my point
So point the hater out, who say that I ain't about
Whatever I say I'm bout, and that doubt I'ma fade 'em out
It's a class 1-0-1, number one less son
Never turn a one-on-one, to a one-on-guns
But if it's more than one, and you know that one more come
Make him shut his mouth like a nun, that don't want no tongue
Now he's done (uhh), I run from home to home
To hell with phone sex, I ain't trying to bone the phone
Trying to get inside her X, and Y chromosome
Turn a empty garage in her home, to a chroming zone
Yeah parked up in it, I just got a minute
When I spot the kitten, mayn I'm bout to hit it yeah
I told 'em I had it locked, they didn't believe me
Now they yelling (that's right), like Young Jeezy
Ha-ha, you better say it to a nigga face
Get up in a nigga place, with a mother's dinner plates
They ain't eating like we eating, that's why niggaz gotta hate
Delegate a weapon, that'll leave him with the Nelly face
(what you mean) Band-Aid on it, (first day pass it)
Telling you they sending you a medical, (that's it)
Forget a Throwback, Hardwood Classic
Lay you on your back on the hardwood, ass kicked
Looking for Koopa, don't look for me by your lonely
Cause homie I keep it on me, that's only to keep the phonies
Laying off in they place not my face, cause niggaz don't want me
To make the cake, be like the homie that's up at Sony
Bishop Don with the funds nigga, fix your grind
I show the green, like his pimping outfits was mine
And Slim Thugger that's my boy, so I can switch his lines
Forget cars, tell MTV to pimp your rhymes
[Hook]
The song "Sittin Back" by Chamillionaire is a reflection of the rapper's success and the envy it has caused among his peers. He explains that he is often hated on because he is successful and living the life that many others want, but can't attain. He acknowledges the hate but can't quite comprehend it, simply stating that it motivates him to keep striving for success. Chamillionaire is secure in his own abilities and is not afraid to confront anyone who challenges him.
The lyrics are filled with references to other artists, such as Young Buck and Young Jeezy, and showcase Chamillionaire's lyrical skills as he effortlessly rhymes and plays with words. He also mentions his previous mixtape, Mixtape Messiah 1, and hints at future installments in the series. The rapper shows his versatility by switching between bragging about his success and vulnerability when mentioning wanting to be loved by a woman.
Overall, "Sittin Back" is a typical Chamillionaire song with catchy beats and clever wordplay. It shows his ability to confront haters while staying true to his beliefs and motivations.
Line by Line Meaning
Ha-ha aah, y'all know what it is
The artist is starting the song in a playful manner, acknowledging the audience's familiarity with his style.
Now say it with me (tell 'em the name)
The artist is asking the audience to participate in the song and say his name.
Chamillitary mayn, hold up y'all know what it is
The artist is repeating his name and affirming that his audience is familiar with his style and music.
Chamillitary mayn, yeah (hmmm)
The artist is again asserting his name and expressing confidence in his persona and music.
Mixtape Messiah, told em
The artist is stating that he is a successful mixtape artist and that he has made an impact in the industry.
I'm sitting back in my Impala, wondering why niggaz be hating on me
The artist is reflecting on why some people may dislike or hate him while sitting in his car.
And I figure that maybe it's cause, I'm the balling ass nigga that they know they wanna be
The artist believes that people dislike him because he is successful and they want to be like him.
You got a problem with me then just holla, but better think again before you approach me
The artist is saying that people should approach him in person with any issues or problems, but they should also be cautious because of his reputation.
Just give me that give me that dolla, the mo' you hate me the mo' it motivates me
The artist is saying that people who hate him motivate him and that he enjoys making money.
Mixtape Messiah 1, don't act like you ain't hear that joint
The artist is referencing his successful mixtape and telling his audience not to act like they haven't heard it before.
I'm like Young Buck with a knife, niggaz gon get my point
The artist is comparing himself to another successful rapper and saying that people need to understand his message.
So point the hater out, who say that I ain't about
The artist is calling out people who doubt his authenticity.
Whatever I say I'm bout, and that doubt I'ma fade em out
The artist is saying that he is genuine and will prove doubters wrong.
It's a class 1-0-1, number one less son
The artist is saying that he is a pioneer and that no one can compete with him.
Never turn a one-on-one, to a one-on-guns
The artist is saying that he never escalates conflict to violence.
But if it's more than one, and you know that one more come
The artist is saying that he will fight back if necessary.
Make him shut his mouth like a nun, that don't want no tongue
The artist is saying that he will defeat his opponents and make them silent, like a nun who doesn't want any tongue (i.e., sexual interaction).
Now he's done (uhh), I run from home to home
The artist is saying that he is successful and moves from place to place.
To hell with phone sex, I ain't trying to bone the phone
The artist is saying that he prefers physical intimacy over phone sex.
Trying to get inside her X, and Y chromosome
The artist is saying that he is trying to have sex with a woman and make her pregnant (which requires fertilizing her egg, which has X and Y chromosomes).
Turn a empty garage in her home, to a chroming zone
The artist is saying that he will transform a woman's empty garage into a place where he can customize and modify his car ('chroming' refers to adding chrome or shiny metal accents to a car).
Yeah parked up in it, I just got a minute
The artist is saying that he has little time but is still accomplishing his goals.
When I spot the kitten, mayn I'm bout to hit it yeah
The artist is saying that he is about to have sex with a woman ('kitten' is a slang term for an attractive woman).
I told 'em I had it locked, they didn't believe me
The artist is saying that he promised success and that some people doubted him.
Now they yelling (that's right), like Young Jeezy
The artist is saying that he has succeeded and that people now believe him (he compares himself to another successful rapper).
Ha-ha, you better say it to a nigga face
The artist is challenging people who talk behind his back to confront him in person.
Get up in a nigga place, with a mother's dinner plates
The artist is saying that he will confront his enemies in his own home, even if it involves violence (referring to a mother's 'dinner plates' as weapons).
They ain't eating like we eating, that's why niggaz gotta hate
The artist is saying that people are jealous of his success and are motivated by their own lack of success.
Delegate a weapon, that'll leave him with the Nelly face
The artist is saying that his weapon will leave his enemy with injuries similar to those suffered by rapper Nelly.
(what you mean) Band-Aid on it, (first day pass it)
The artist is explaining that Nelly wore a band-aid on his face as a result of his injuries, but that the wound had healed within one day.
Telling you they sending you a medical, (that's it)
The artist is saying that his weapon will cause serious injuries that may require medical attention.
Forget a Throwback, Hardwood Classic
The artist is saying that he ignores outdated trends and that he prefers classic style (referring to a throwback sports jersey).
Lay you on your back on the hardwood, ass kicked
The artist is saying that he will defeat his enemies on a basketball court ('hardwood') and that they will be physically beaten.
Looking for Koopa, don't look for me by your lonely
The artist is saying that he is successful and that people should look for his team instead of trying to approach him alone.
Cause homie I keep it on me, that's only to keep the phonies
The artist is saying that he carries weapons for protection, not to intimidate people, and that this is necessary because some people are not genuine (i.e., 'phonies').
Laying off in they place not my face, cause niggaz don't want me
The artist is saying that he will attack his enemies in their own home, rather than his own ('place' refers to his enemy's home), because people do not want to confront him directly.
To make the cake, be like the homie that's up at Sony
The artist is saying that he wants to become successful like his friend who works at Sony, and that he will work hard to reach that level of success.
Bishop Don with the funds nigga, fix your grind
The artist is referencing Bishop Don Magic Juan, a prominent pimp, and saying that he will become wealthy like him by improving his hustle ('grind').
I show the green, like his pimping outfits was mine
The artist is saying that he is making a lot of money and that he can afford expensive clothing like Bishop Don Magic Juan's pimp outfits.
And Slim Thugger that's my boy, so I can switch his lines
The artist is saying that he is close friends with Slim Thug, another rapper, and that he can use his friend's lyrics if he wants to.
Forget cars, tell MTV to pimp your rhymes
The artist is saying that he prefers to focus on his music rather than material possessions, and that he wants MTV to promote his music instead of promoting other aspects of his lifestyle.
Contributed by Kylie F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
trueblack86
this nigga go so hard back in the day i dont know what happen
KIRA CAMERON
To Me this Is A Song About Arabic Pride🎁🎀😉N My Husband Beau Bennett Winning his games!!!!😉🎀🎁Love u Son Spencie 🎀🎁😉🥰Kira Bennett!!!!
kingyak7
no it wasnt, chamillitary vol. 1 came out in 2005 and the greatest hits came out way b4 that,
kingyak7
this aint on greatest hits, its on chamillitary vol. 1. but its good you put it up chamillitary mayne!!!!!!!
Josh1billion
It's on both actually
KIRA CAMERON
LOL matt !!!! I'm Wondering hun Hahahahahahahaha
a9
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Another Individual
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