Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Grammy Award … Read Full Bio ↴Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979 in Houston, Texas) is a Grammy Award nominated rapper, member of The Color Changin' Click and founder of Chamillitary Entertainment. Better known as Chamillionaire, he also uses nicknames such as The Mixtape Messiah, King Koopa, Color Changin' Lizard, Chamillinator, Chamillitary Mayne, Major Payne and The Truth From Texas. He began rapping in 1998, releasing mixtapes and a collab album with fellow Houston rapper Paul Wall. He released his debut album, The Sound of Revenge, in 2005, and his sophmore release, Ultimate Victory, in 2007. He plans to release his yet untitled third album at the end of 2009 or early 2010.

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.

-------------------------------------------------------
(C) Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
Chamillionaire's Myspace

The Call
Chamillionaire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Come on pick up man
Pssh know you there man

Hello God
Wassup man it's Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire yeah me
I know we ain't spoke in a lil' bit
Know I been too busy for you but uh

I got a problem
They say Mo Money Mo Problems but
I ain't know it was gone be like this
I mean I got people tryna sue me
I got groupies on me that never even met me plottin on me and tryna do me
And plus I got a whole bunch of new friends
And people who never even knew me
Try to act like they knew me
I thought that this was gonna be the life
It's like you tryna fool me

Hello hello
Aw you serious

Guess I deserve that
I'll call you back later

Overall Meaning

Chamillionaire's song Roll Call is a rap anthem that features 19 different Texas rappers, each imitated by Chamillionaire in his verses. The chorus of the song serves as a sort of answering machine message, stating that Chamillionaire is too busy grinding in the streets to answer every call, and only wants to hear from people with business proposals or money-making opportunities. Each of the verses is performed in a different rapper's style, highlighting the characteristics that define their unique sound.

The overall message of the song is that Chamillionaire and the Texas rap community are a force to be reckoned with and that they are focused on making money and building their empires. The song features braggadocios lyrics that emphasize how each rapper is living their best life, with cash, fancy cars, and attractive companions. The verses also touch on the violence that can sometimes come with the hustle, emphasizing that they are not to be messed with.

The song was a massive hit in Texas and helped catapult Chamillionaire to national fame. It cemented his position as a leading voice in the Texas rap scene and highlighted the diversity of styles that made up the Texas rap community. Roll Call remains a beloved rap classic and a testament to the skill and entrepreneurial spirit of Texas rappers.

Line by Line Meaning

Sorry but I'm real busy mayne
I apologize, but I am extremely occupied

Grindin, I'm in the streets gettin change
I'm working hard, hustling in the streets to make money

You can leave a message after the tone (tone, tone, tone, tone, tone, tone)
Feel free to leave a message after the beep

But I hope that it's 'bout money mayne
However, I would prefer if the message is regarding financial matters

I don't wanna hear no other thang
I do not wish to hear about anything else

Or you can go ahead and just hang up the phone (phone, phone, phone, phone, phone, phone)
Otherwise, you are welcome to end the call

Uh, got a chip in my phone, I stay talkin free
I have installed a special feature in my phone that allows me to make calls without charge

If it ain't 'bout money stop callin me
If the call does not involve monetary matters, please refrain from contacting me

Leave me alone if you ain't talkin G's
If you're not discussing significant amounts of money, kindly leave me be

If your name ain't on a damn caller ID (caller ID)
If your name is not displayed on the caller ID system

Uh, you ain't even much, really fittin to talk to me
Frankly, you do not possess the qualifications to engage in a conversation with me

I keep it pimpin so don't talk to me
Due to my extravagant lifestyle, do not approach me with conversation

If it ain't 'bout business, cause talk is cheap (talk is cheap)
If the subject matter does not relate to business affairs, talking holds no significant value

Ha, we boss hoggin and makin paper, your stock's fallin (cheah)
We are assertively taking control and accumulating wealth, while your influence diminishes

Get money, then get more, while y'all stallin (stallin)
We continue to generate income and increase our wealth while others remain inactive

I just bought 'em, them fos swang, ya saw crawlin
I recently acquired vehicles with custom rims, causing them to move gracefully as if crawling

Ha, money talks, if you not talkin, then stop callin
Financial matters hold significance, so if you're not speaking about money, cease contacting me

Try me just one time, I show you the proof
Attempt to provoke me on a single occasion, and I will demonstrate my capabilities

I got a bunch of Reggie Miller niggaz ready to shot
I am accompanied by a group of individuals prepared to fire shots, similar to Reggie Miller's accuracy

Get hauled off with the sawed off, he called Snoop
Those who engage in confrontations may face consequences involving weapons, reminiscent of Snoop's involvement

Tall, skinny, yippy, small nigga, turquoise blue
Describing an individual who is tall, thin, anxious, and of small stature, while wearing turquoise attire

All the way to Louisiana I know you gutter niggaz feel me
Even in Louisiana, individuals from the streets resonate with my experiences

I keep a loaded heater that's a auto and a semi
I possess a firearm capable of automatic and semi-automatic discharge

I'm ridin in a big truck, I know that auto got a hemi
I'm currently traveling in a large truck equipped with a powerful engine

I'm blowin purple stuff, that's purple stuff up in my kidney
I am consuming a substance known as 'purple stuff', which affects my kidneys

Run it, hey
Take action, hey

Lookin at the game, it's like I need some more spitters
Observing the rap game, it appears that more talented individuals are required

When they sayin lyricist they only sayin four niggaz (run it)
When mentioning skilled lyricists, only four individuals come to mind

Tired of you muggin me like you a born killer
I am exhausted by your constant hostility, as if you were born with natural aggression

I'll wrap the beef up for ya like a tortilla nigga
I will swiftly resolve the conflict for you, just like wrapping beef in a tortilla

Hey, naw, naw, just tryin them doors is on swangs
Hey, no, no, merely attempting to open car doors that are swinging

Still crawlin low, roll master on swangs (roll master on swangs)
Despite moving low to the ground, I continue to roll smoothly on customized rims

Sippin and pour, I stay sippin that drank (drank)
Consistently drinking an alcoholic beverage, more commonly known as syrup

'Til it get low and then I fill it up mayne (may-ne)
Continuing to consume the drink until it reaches a low level, at which point I refill it

I'm ready, I don't play, hey
I am prepared, I am not here to fool around, hey

Freaky deaky, freaky deaky, she know how I go
Engaging in sexual activities, she is well aware of my preferences

Hard for the pesos, my car goes and they sure to follow
Highly motivated by money, my luxurious car attracts attention and followers

Gonna let her follow as long as that heffa know my motto
I will allow her to accompany me, as long as she understands my personal philosophy

I know you over the head with a bottle if your wallet hollow
I am aware that if your wallet is empty, I can strike you on the head with a bottle

Your mind playin tricks if it's not me your askin for
If you are not inquiring about my presence, then your mind is confused

I leave 'em stranded, beggin, pleadin, they ask for more
I abandon them, causing them to beg and plead, thus craving more

Under 5 feet but yeah, I'm your master broad
Despite being less than 5 feet tall, I am an authoritative figure to women

Visa, American Express, even your MasterCard
I accept various forms of payment, including Visa, American Express, and MasterCard

It's magnificent, look at that
It is truly remarkable, take a look

Eye candy sprayed on my dash
I have aesthetically pleasing women displayed on my car's dashboard

Stacey Dash was the month before last
Stacey Dash, a well-known public figure, was on display in my vehicle recently

I replace the dash and she can't be mad
I have replaced Stacey Dash with another attractive individual, and she can't be upset

Your talkin 'bout the south and close your mouth they should, yeah
When speaking about the southern region, it's best to remain silent and respectful

Hope your ghetto pass throughout the south stay good, yeah
I hope your authorization to reside in the southern neighborhoods remains valid

Ridin candy red, I'm on that south braised wood, yeah
I am cruising in a candy red vehicle, representing the southern culture and lifestyle

Pull up to the curb, break 'em off and rake hoods, yeah
Arriving at the street corner, distributing money and causing a frenzy in the neighborhood

From the corners of PA to the tip of the Texas state (state)
From various locations in Pennsylvania to the furthest point of Texas

To all my niggaz 'Ridin Dirty' jammin UGK (K)
A shoutout to all my associates who listen to UGK while engaging in illegal activities

Give me good brain is somethin I ain't have to say (say)
Receiving exceptional oral sex is an expectation, no need for me to explicitly mention it

Been ready to duck and do it since that MTV with Sway (Sway)
I have been prepared to engage in illegal activities since my appearance on MTV with Sway

I'ma keep it trill (trill), I'ma keep it true (true)
I will always remain authentic and honest

I'ma keep on ridin the hard top and poppin roof (roof)
I will continue to drive a convertible car while opening the roof

I'ma keep on droppin the drop, then I'm 'Chunk Up The Deuce' (deuce)
I will persistently release new music, and then celebrate by making the gesture of 'Chunk Up The Deuce'

Texas representin, got 'em swangin, bangin Screw
Proudly representing Texas, causing people to swing and enjoy DJ Screw's music

They Can't Deport Us All,' chico
Referring to the album 'They Can't Deport Us All,' emphasizing the unity within the Latinx community

I got into they ice, to get into they foil, punto
I gained access to their valued possessions, in order to find hidden secrets or evidence, simple as that

Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS