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
Stay Schemin
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But don't twist the interpretation
More than just ridin dirty
Please pardon the reputation
Don't stress cause we getting blessed
They ain't part of the congregation
They can talk to the devil
To hell with they conversations
Tired or hearing speeches
Keep your opinion if I didn't ask you to give a thesis
Scripture says every man is made
In the likeness of Jesus
Froze all the holly water
Flooded my Jesus pieces
So I stay gleaming
You ain't even playin the game
And you talking like you skip Bayless
Criticize he who made it
Calling it entertainment
Difference between you and Skip is
You ain't the one getting payments
Talking bout practice we talking bout practice
The nursery rhymes they spit is
What I can do backwards
The rocks that I got been palming them longer than Shaq's fist
Doing deals with Volkswagen global
While walking in Saks Fifth
I keep on reppin that Texas
I rep it they say it's local
People who normally hate you
The best you got to promote you
Normally it's a person
That never came and approached you
Hope that ain't how they quote
You I'll choke you out of your vocals
Take everything that you worked for
Everything that you have
Everything that you got can all disappear in a flash
To be honest I'm nowhere as big as back in the past
But no matter where I end up
I'll have more than your lil cash
Uh now look yourself in the eyes
Convince yourself you're as real as the people you criticize
People who dead to me like Chamillionaire's still alive
Only thing that done died is my doors in a suicide
Nowadays losers win so you really can't even call it
Buy it you say I lease it lease it
You say you bought it
20k for your chain
But your mastering sounding garbage
If ya'll really getting money
I think we gonna need an audit
Girl that got the most issues
The one that look like a goddess
So tell me why would I care bout
Which vixen they think the hottest
Women who got in college
Said they ain't giving knowledge
Minute she switch it up
Shell just say she was being modest
Salute to all you lil sneak dissing rappers who never charted
Talk like you sold some records
Tell me someone who bought it
Even after this verse
If I end up dearly departed
I'd rather be the one that saw it
Than the one that didn't retarded man they say
Stay scheming (Scheming)
But don't get mad just get like me
Get like me get like me
They scheming (Scheming)
But careful cause I get trigger happy
Trigger happy trigger happy
But don't blame me
The lyrics to Chamillionaire's song "Stay Schemin" are filled with a mix of religious and boastful imagery, as well as a critique of fake individuals and the music industry. Chamillionaire starts off by proclaiming his return, suggesting that he is back with a sense of purpose. He acknowledges that his past reputation may have been associated with "ridin dirty," a reference to his hit single "Ridin'" about driving with illegal substances. However, he asks the listener not to twist the interpretation of his current status.
Chamillionaire then proceeds to address his critics, expressing that he doesn't care for their negative opinions unless he specifically seeks their input. He references scripture, hinting at his religious beliefs and suggesting that everyone is made in the likeness of Jesus. He boasts about his success and wealth, comparing himself to sports commentator Skip Bayless and implying that his critics cannot match his achievements. He dismisses the criticism as entertainment and highlights the difference between himself and those who critique him: he actually receives financial compensation for his talent.
The song continues with Chamillionaire affirming his loyalty to his home state of Texas and calling out those who normally hate him for being the ones promoting him. He emphasizes the fleeting nature of success and warns about the potential loss of everything one has worked for. Chamillionaire then addresses the notion of authenticity, criticizing those who claim to be real but engage in hypocritical behavior. He also mocks rappers who talk about their riches but produce low-quality music. He concludes by challenging anyone who doubts his success or career longevity to see, understand, and acknowledge the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
Hallelujah the God's back
Rejoice, for Chamillionaire has returned
But don't twist the interpretation
However, do not misunderstand his words
More than just ridin dirty
He is more than just known for his controversial image
Please pardon the reputation
Kindly overlook any negative opinions about him
Don't stress cause we getting blessed
Do not worry, for he is receiving blessings
They ain't part of the congregation
Those who criticize him are not part of his supporters
They can talk to the devil
They can engage in negative conversations
To hell with they conversations
Chamillionaire does not care for their opinions
Most of em just be talking
Most of them are just idle talkers
Tired or hearing speeches
He is tired of hearing empty speeches
Keep your opinion if I didn't ask you to give a thesis
If he did not ask for their opinion, he does not want to hear it
Scripture says every man is made
Religious teachings state that all men are created
In the likeness of Jesus
In the image and resemblance of Jesus
Froze all the holly water
He adorned his Jesus-themed jewelry with diamonds
Flooded my Jesus pieces
His jewelry is filled with luxurious and expensive elements
So I stay gleaming
He maintains his shine and success
You ain't even playin the game
Others are not even at his level in the industry
And you talking like you skip Bayless
Yet, they act like famous sports commentator Skip Bayless
Criticize he who made it
They criticize those who have succeeded
Calling it entertainment
Considering their achievements as mere entertainment
Difference between you and Skip is
The main difference between them and Skip Bayless is
You ain't the one getting payments
They are not the ones receiving lucrative payments
Talking bout practice we talking bout practice
While they talk about trivial matters, Chamillionaire focuses on his craft
The nursery rhymes they spit is
The songs they create are like children's rhymes
What I can do backwards
Comparison between their skills and his expertise
The rocks that I got been palming them longer than Shaq's fist
He has been wearing expensive jewelry for longer than Shaquille O'Neal's NBA career
Doing deals with Volkswagen global
He is making business agreements with Volkswagen on a global scale
While walking in Saks Fifth
Furthermore, he casually strolls through high-end retailer Saks Fifth Avenue
I keep on reppin that Texas
He proudly represents his home state of Texas
I rep it they say it's local
Although he represents Texas, some people perceive it as only a local phenomenon
People who normally hate you
It is interesting that those who usually despise him
The best you got to promote you
Suddenly become his biggest promoters
Normally it's a person
Ironically, the ones who approach him
That never came and approached you
Are often individuals who never showed interest before
Hope that ain't how they quote
He hopes they do not quote him falsely
You I'll choke you out of your vocals
He will figuratively silence and dismiss those who misrepresent him
Take everything that you worked for
He warns that everything one has worked for can be taken away
Everything that you have
Including all possessions and achievements
Everything that you got can all disappear in a flash
They can vanish rapidly and unexpectedly
To be honest I'm nowhere as big as back in the past
Admittedly, he is not as successful as he was in the past
But no matter where I end up
However, regardless of his current status
I'll have more than your lil cash
He will always have more wealth than his detractors
Now look yourself in the eyes
Now, reflect upon your own identity
Convince yourself you're as real as the people you criticize
Try to convince yourself that you are as genuine as those you criticize
People who dead to me like Chamillionaire's still alive
He acknowledges that there are individuals who pretend he does not exist, but he is still thriving
Only thing that done died is my doors in a suicide
The only thing that has died is the automatic doors on his luxury vehicle
Nowadays losers win so you really can't even call it
In today's society, even those who lose can be considered winners, making it hard to define success
Buy it you say I lease it lease it
They claim to own expensive items, but Chamillionaire suggests they are actually leasing them
You say you bought it
Yet, they insist that they made a purchase
20k for your chain
They spent $20,000 on a necklace
But your mastering sounding garbage
However, the quality of their music production is subpar
If ya'll really getting money
If they genuinely have wealth
I think we gonna need an audit
Then, an investigation should be conducted to verify it
Girl that got the most issues
The woman who possesses the most problems
The one that look like a goddess
But outwardly appears beautiful and divine
So tell me why would I care bout
Chamillionaire questions why he should care about
Which vixen they think the hottest
Their opinion on the most attractive woman
Women who got in college
Educated women who enrolled in college
Said they ain't giving knowledge
Claimed they are not sharing wisdom and information
Minute she switch it up
However, as soon as she changes her demeanor
Shell just say she was being modest
She will simply justify it as modesty
Salute to all you lil sneak dissing rappers who never charted
Chamillionaire gives credit to lesser-known rappers who indirectly criticize others but have never achieved chart success
Talk like you sold some records
These rappers speak as if they have sold many albums
Tell me someone who bought it
Yet, Chamillionaire challenges them to find a person who actually bought their music
Even after this verse
Even if he were to pass away
If I end up dearly departed
In the event of his demise
I'd rather be the one that saw it
He would prefer to have witnessed his own success
Than the one that didn't retarded man they say
Rather than being someone who missed out, as some people claim
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Tucker, Aubrey Graham, Jermaine Preyan, Karim Kharbouch, Maurice Jordan, Nasir Jones, William Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Carlton Sampson
Chamillionaire did this beat justice. The original version was terrible compared to this one.
Noel Reynoso
@Lelam Crazy You like that Ghostwritten shit huh... couldn't be me.
Lelam Crazy
You on crack drake made the original lit
Criss Angel
I think ill agree with you. He put The Lord in the song and made it awesome
Jake Lindop
"more than just ridin' dirty please pardon the reputation!" cant wait for people to realise how good cham is and how much material he has instead iof just going on about one song all those years ago! best rapper out there by far! i mean if he can get someone who isnt really into that music to GET into that music, then the guys special! my story anyway! #chamillitary
YoSoyMuyImpaciente
Still one of the best remixes i've ever heard on a song!!
Luk
best beat, i was looking into my cabinet just to realize that i bought every freaking album from this guy( and i am german so good bless me as a fucking kraut that i discovered him). thank you lord for cham, deeply impressing shit man. keep up
natyd 1
just a shame people will always remember chamillionaire for ridin dirty
Criss Angel
Yea. Nothing wrong with that though. But this song deserve millions or even billions of views. But it wont happen
Mattedmz
"el gusto es mio" I remember cham saying that on the put on freestyle! Chams freestyles are the greatest!