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
The Greatest
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whoo! Whoo! You in the presence of the... Chamillitary Mayne, Chamillitary Mayne
Let me repeat myself, you in the presence of the finest - Koopa!
The King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa
Oh, I'm feelin like Ali
I'ma always be the greatest, you can hate on me
Uh, uh, uh, I always stay on the flight, it's just the way I'm livin
Look how I get on the stage, ready to play the rhythm
While you repeating my words, huh plagiarism
A Rich Boy had to Throw Some D's up on the 'Llac
You call it stuntin but to me it's really more fact
Look in the seat, I know them haters wanna jack
Gotta hit 'em wit the shot, "hut" like a quarterback
John Madden, bomb madam, the car havin
You feelin like you a lumberjack in a log cabin
Feelin like you a lumberjack, Todd Davins
Look at all of the cherry wood that your boy grabbin
Yeah, and it's the rap game Texan
Cain't find a rapper that my stacks is less than
At least not in Texas, I know rap is stressin
Most of it is actin, I know rap is wrestlin
And you is so bam-bam-bigaloo
Lyrically killin 'em, I bam-bam with the fo'
Have a conversation with a Cham fan, it'll show
They'll tell you that Koopa is a mad man sent to flow (oh)
And I created a monster
Other record labels just creatin impostors
While I make that yellow stuff that's greater than pasta
Plenty of Cheddar Cheese baby, that's what I got for (got for)
The haters that be sayin that I never could
I'm guessing all of my music was never good
They scared of me, ask who I am, I tell 'em Suge
They scared of me, ask who I am, I tell 'em Boog-
ie monster, haunt ya, your character is terrible
Your poodle, I'm terrier, I embarrass ya
Laugh and its more stereo, tell 'em the more the merrier
You can forget the menu cause I'ma order your burial
Who the best? You can call out Koopa
Sexual seduction, tell your broad I'll snoop her (snoop her)
Chicken noodle mayne, the car so suped up
Ladies rubbin on it like it's Kama Sutra
It's the King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa
Oh, I'm feelin like Ali
I'ma always be the greatest, you can hate on me
In Chamillionaire's song The Greatest, the lyrics highlight the rapper's confidence in his musical abilities, referencing his coolness and smoothness. He compares himself to famous boxer Muhammad Ali, stating that he will always be the greatest and calling himself the King Koopa. Chamillionaire boasts about his busy lifestyle, always on the move and performing music. He takes a jab at other rappers who copy his lyrics and style, calling it plagiarism. In the second verse, Chamillionaire talks about his car, a Cadillac with cherry wood, which attracts haters who want to steal it. He continues to assert his dominance in the rap game, referring to himself as a "mad man sent to flow" and claiming that other record labels are creating imposters. Chamillionaire's lyrics exude confidence and assert his dominance in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
My cool is so cool, my smooth is so smooth
I am very calm and collected and have a very smooth demeanor.
Whoo! Whoo! You in the presence of the... Chamillitary Mayne, Chamillitary Mayne
I am introducing myself as Chamillitary Mayne and making it clear that I am present.
Let me repeat myself, you in the presence of the finest - Koopa!
I am reiterating that I am present and stating that I am the finest, or the best.
The King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa
I am emphasizing my status as the king, repeating it for emphasis.
Oh, I'm feelin like Ali
I feel as confident in my abilities as the boxer Muhammad Ali.
I'ma always be the greatest, you can hate on me
I know I am the best and I will continue to be great, regardless of any hate or criticism I receive.
Uh, uh, uh, I always stay on the flight, it's just the way I'm livin
I am always on the move, constantly traveling and living my life this way.
That's what I'm doin tonight, I never say I'm chillin
Even tonight, I am not relaxing, I am out doing something.
Look how I get on the stage, ready to play the rhythm
I am showing how confident and prepared I am when I perform on stage.
While you repeating my words, huh plagiarism
Others may try to copy or steal my words, but that is plagiarism and it is wrong.
A Rich Boy had to Throw Some D's up on the 'Llac
A reference to another rapper's song, where a car had to be upgraded with rims.
You call it stuntin but to me it's really more fact
Others may call it showing off, but to me it is simply a fact that I have these things.
Look in the seat, I know them haters wanna jack
I am acknowledging that others may be envious of my possessions and want to steal them.
Gotta hit 'em wit the shot, "hut" like a quarterback
If someone tries to steal from me, I have to take action and hit them, like a quarterback throwing a pass.
John Madden, bomb madam, the car havin
I am referencing the video game commentator John Madden and stating that I have a great car.
You feelin like you a lumberjack in a log cabin
Others may feel like they have a lot of wood or possessions, but it is not as impressive as what I have.
Feelin like you a lumberjack, Todd Davins
Todd Davins may be someone else who feels like they have a lot, but it is still not as much as what I have.
Look at all of the cherry wood that your boy grabbin
I am showing off my possessions, like a cherry wood steering wheel.
Yeah, and it's the rap game Texan
I am from Texas and am a part of the rap game from that state.
Cain't find a rapper that my stacks is less than
I have more money than any other rapper, none can compare to my success.
At least not in Texas, I know rap is stressin
Others in Texas may still be successful, but I know how much pressure there is in the rap game.
Most of it is actin, I know rap is wrestlin
I am aware that rap can involve drama and conflict, like wrestling.
And you is so bam-bam-bigaloo
I am making fun of someone else who is not as successful or cool as me.
Lyrically killin 'em, I bam-bam with the fo'
I am dominating others with my lyrical skills and am overpowering them.
Have a conversation with a Cham fan, it'll show
If you talk to one of my fans, they will vouch for my skills and abilities.
They'll tell you that Koopa is a mad man sent to flow (oh)
My fans will describe me as being a fantastic rapper who is passionate and intense when performing.
And I created a monster
I have become so successful in the rap game that it has changed me and made me into something new.
Other record labels just creatin impostors
Other record labels are not as successful as mine, so they try to create fake or copycat versions of successful rappers.
While I make that yellow stuff that's greater than pasta
I am referencing how much money I make, and how it is more valuable than pasta or other simple things.
Plenty of Cheddar Cheese baby, that's what I got for (got for)
I have a lot of money or "cheddar cheese" as well.
The haters that be sayin that I never could
People who dislike me may say that I never had the talent to be successful.
I'm guessing all of my music was never good
These same people may also claim that my music has never been good or worth listening to.
They scared of me, ask who I am, I tell 'em Suge
People are intimidated by me, and if they ask who I am, I compare myself to the famous music mogul Suge Knight.
They scared of me, ask who I am, I tell 'em Boog-
I am interrupted from finishing the previous line to again state that people are scared of me and compare myself to a monster like Boogeyman.
ie monster, haunt ya, your character is terrible
I continue to compare myself to a monster and ridicule others who I think are not as successful or talented as me.
Your poodle, I'm terrier, I embarrass ya
I am again putting down anyone who I think is weaker or less successful than I am.
Laugh and its more stereo, tell 'em the more the merrier
When others laugh at my insults or put downs, I tell them that it's okay and the more the merrier, meaning let's all have fun together.
You can forget the menu cause I'ma order your burial
I am so powerful that others should not even bother trying to challenge me, because I will put them in their place and end their career permanently.
Who the best? You can call out Koopa
I am stating that I am the best rapper, and others can confirm it by calling out my name.
Sexual seduction, tell your broad I'll snoop her (snoop her)
I am referencing another rapper's song and stating that I can also seduce women or take their girlfriends away from them.
Chicken noodle mayne, the car so suped up
I am again referencing another rapper's song and stating that my car is heavily modified and impressive.
Ladies rubbin on it like it's Kama Sutra
Women find my car so attractive that they touch it in sensual or intimate ways, like when practicing the Kama Sutra.
It's the King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa, King Koopa
I am repeating my name and title as the King Koopa, for emphasis.
Oh, I'm feelin like Ali
Again, I am referencing the boxer Muhammad Ali and how confident I feel in my abilities.
I'ma always be the greatest, you can hate on me
I am reiterating that I am the best, and that others may hate on me for it but it does not change the truth.
Contributed by Andrew H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.