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 Final Chapter
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro - Chamillionaire - talking]
(Rapid), here lizard, lizard, lizard
(Ric), Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi-Mixtape Messiah man, it's the final chapter
It's the final chapter, it's the final chapter (Rapid, Rapid Ric)
I'm the greedy genius (hold, hold up)
(It's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the)
It's the final chapter
Believe me, Chamillitary and we more than hype
Four out of ten Texas rappers are some Koopa prototypes
It's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the final chapter
(Mixtape Messiah 7, here lizard, lizard)
It's the final chapter
[Verse - Chamillionaire]
This is part two, caught you, sittin in the dark you
Know that I'm a nightmare, it ain't really no need to argue
Sharpshoot, sharp pum (*gunshot*), bullets that will carve you
Keep on mean muggin man, I hope your vest is hard too
This will be a message to all those who say they Texas made
I confess I got the best of all mixtapes that Texas made
Really ain't nothin left to say, I don't got to step to A
There will only be a 100 copies, all the rest is fake
For many years they complained when I dropped 'em late
So I had a attitude, I purposely would switch the date
Some will hate, I know I'm great, some will go eBay the tape
I gave you a 100 dollar bill that you couldn't even break
They tryin to drop me late, like wait until December
But I can't wait for Universal to get their ish together
It's like whatever, you never should eat with the Devil
But when I go I'll be the greatest Houston hustler ever, ever
[Outro - Chamillionaire - talking]
Yeah, she what I had to realize is
I'm not very good at waitin for people to make moves
I'm from Texas
Home of the players that know how to break the rules and make the rules
You know what I'm sayin?
We've been doin that before anybody came in the game
Before the fame, before all that
So why don't we go back to what we used to do, huh?
Take control, King Koopa, Mixtape Messiah 7
The Final Chapter is a song by Chamillionaire, featured on his Mixtape Messiah 7 project. The song is an aggressive declaration of confidence and a warning to the haters, with Chamillionaire stating that he is the finest and the greatest Houston hustler ever. The song opens with applause and Chamillionaire's signature talking style, and includes references to his previous works and his experience as a Texas rapper. He calls out the Koopa prototypes, stating that only four out of ten Texas rappers are worth it, and boasts about his mixtapes being the best ones from Texas. The verse talks about his attitude towards being late with drop dates and how he purposely switched them to annoy the people who complained about it. He also alludes to Universal's delay in releasing his material and how he is not good at waiting for others to make moves.
Overall, The Final Chapter is about Chamillionaire's unique style and his position as one of the finest and most successful rappers from Texas. It is a statement of his confidence and ambition, and a warning to those who attempt to stop him. The song is characterized by Chamillionaire's signature style of talking, fast-paced delivery, and aggressive rhymes, and is a must-listen for any fan of the artist.
Line by Line Meaning
Rapid, here lizard, lizard, lizard
Chamillionaire is introducing one of his collaborators, Rapid Ric, with a playful reference to calling out a lizard.
Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi-Mixtape Messiah man, it's the final chapter
Chamillionaire is hyping up his final mixtape release with his signature 'Mixtape Messiah' title.
It's the final chapter, it's the final chapter (Rapid, Rapid Ric)
Chamillionaire emphasizes that this is his last mixtape, repeating the phrase for dramatic effect.
I'm the greedy genius (hold, hold up)
Chamillionaire refers to himself as a clever businessman who doesn't want to let go of his passion for music just yet.
(It's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the)
This phrase is repeated for emphasis.
You in the presence of the finest (Chamillitary mayne)
Chamillionaire boasts about his own skills and implies that being in his presence is an honor.
Believe me, Chamillitary and we more than hype
Chamillionaire knows he has a passionate fanbase and is emphasizing that his crew, Chamillitary, is as exciting as he is.
Four out of ten Texas rappers are some Koopa prototypes
Chamillionaire is jokingly saying that many rappers are copying his style or are inspired by him because he's established himself as a leader of the Texas rap scene.
It's the, it's the, it's the, it's the, it's the final chapter
Chamillionaire is repeating that this is his final mixtape.
(Mixtape Messiah 7, here lizard, lizard)
Chamillionaire is hyping up the specific mixtape and his collaborator again with a playful reference to the lizard joke.
This is part two, caught you, sittin in the dark you
Chamillionaire is referencing how this is the second part in his mixtape series and playfully implies that his listeners were anticipating it.
Know that I'm a nightmare, it ain't really no need to argue
Chamillionaire is a skilled rapper and doesn't feel the need to prove his talent to anyone.
Sharpshoot, sharp pum (*gunshot*), bullets that will carve you
Chamillionaire is using violent imagery to convey the force of his rhymes.
Keep on mean muggin man, I hope your vest is hard too
Chamillionaire is warning potential haters to think twice about challenging him because he's well-protected and confident in his skills.
This will be a message to all those who say they Texas made
Chamillionaire is addressing others in the Texas rap scene and implying that they don't measure up to him.
I confess I got the best of all mixtapes that Texas made
Chamillionaire is boldly stating that no one else in Texas has made a better mixtape than him.
Really ain't nothin left to say, I don't got to step to A
Chamillionaire is emphasizing that he's already accomplished so much as an artist and doesn't feel the need to compete with lesser rappers or name drop famous ones.
There will only be a 100 copies, all the rest is fake
Chamillionaire is creating scarcity with his mixtape release by only offering limited copies, and is also implying that anyone else who claims to sell it is lying.
For many years they complained when I dropped 'em late
Chamillionaire acknowledges that he's been criticized in the past for being late with his releases.
So I had a attitude, I purposely would switch the date
Chamillionaire admits that he would spitefully delay his releases when he felt people were being impatient or demanding.
Some will hate, I know I'm great, some will go eBay the tape
Chamillionaire knows that he has an avid fanbase who will value his limited edition mixtape highly, but is also aware that some people will dislike him because of his success.
I gave you a 100 dollar bill that you couldn't even break
Chamillionaire is comparing his music to a valuable currency, and implying that his fans will hold onto it for its worth and significance.
They tryin to drop me late, like wait until December
Chamillionaire is accusing his label, Universal Records, of purposely delaying his releases by timetabling them for December.
But I can't wait for Universal to get their ish together
Chamillionaire is impatient with his record label and demanding better treatment.
It's like whatever, you never should eat with the Devil
Chamillionaire is asserting his power and implying that he won't make deals with people he considers untrustworthy.
But when I go I'll be the greatest Houston hustler ever, ever
Chamillionaire is confidently predicting that he'll be remembered as one of Houston's most important rap artists in history.
Yeah, she what I had to realize is
Chamillionaire is starting his outro by reflecting on his personal realizations.
I'm not very good at waitin for people to make moves
Chamillionaire is impatient with the way things operate in the music industry and feels like he needs to take control of his career.
I'm from Texas
Chamillionaire is proud of his hometown and wants to represent it well.
Home of the players that know how to break the rules and make the rules
Chamillionaire is referencing the tough, streetwise mentality of Houston rap artists.
We've been doin that before anybody came in the game
Chamillionaire feels like he and other Texas rappers established a distinct style and sound in rap music before it became mainstream.
Before the fame, before all that
Chamillionaire is recalling a time when rap music was less commercialized and more underground.
So why don't we go back to what we used to do, huh?
Chamillionaire is calling for a return to the roots of rap music, in which artists were more independent and less reliant on a record label.
Take control, King Koopa, Mixtape Messiah 7
Chamillionaire is using his outro to assert his power and authority over his music and his fanbase, inviting them to celebrate his final mixtape with him.
Contributed by Isaiah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.