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 Houstonβs 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
This My World
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they be going so insane
I'm repping for my city right, right
So you should be happy that I came
You wouldn't believe it, if you seen me
I watch the skyline light up every evening
It's like I'm dreaming baby, what I mean is
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
Off the chain
I don't worry 'bout paper I past up
I focus on money my hands touch
If that right there don't add up
I gotta let you know your math sucks
You don't ever talk to a calculator
You don't get caught with an ounce of paper
Every convo is about a favour
Had to get a mansion without the neighbours
I aint meaning no bad shit
When I say they don't have a dime
And I aint meaning no Gold watch when I say "I don't have the time"
My hustle is the reason why I'm known to shine
It's like I'm in my own World
Cause these boys out here pillow talking
And texting all my old girls
You call that your homegirl
I call that my dome girl
I call that my errr,
I'm not home leave a message after the tone girl
I go to places they rap about
But girls only love you cause the cash you got
See all these hoes is chasing stars
Growing up to be cashtronauts
Can't get mad, I asked for it
Living life in that airport
Y'all aint even get off the ground
Y'all stuck in that chair-port
I know they wanna see my cash short
But only thing I ask Lord
is please don't let me run out of nothing but pages in my passport
You wouldn't believe it, if you seen me
I watch the skyline light up every evening
It's like I'm dreaming baby, what I mean is
Most of y'all don't know really cuz
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
Off the chain
Been through a lot just to get this far
Whip that car, grip that grain
Ready pipes on the lights
Went from broke, to having things
Catching planes out of state
I got dudes to pay, I got moves to make
F-ck the fee, that they put on me
To keep the lights on and food on their plate
Hit the slab, push it to the max
Expensive taste, I love poppin' tags
F-cking hoes, I live in the lab
Spittin' bars that reflect my past
What you know 'bout sold out shows
More country sh-t everywhere I go
Putting on for the third coast
Sippin' lean, give a damn, what you think of them before
Nothin' else I gave them hope
If they could follow dreams of their own
Be successful and ride clean with the chrome
If it aint past shawty leave it alone
And you know they hate and preach their Lord
Most n-ggas talk now just because
I'm putting my faith in the man above
About my bread, playa be about your's
Be 'bout our's, stay on course
I make my mark everywhere I go
I speak that trill everytime I flow
I get my own, cause it's everywhere I know
Thats all I show so when I toast to the life I live
I'm taking off like a laser beam
Rather not wake, gotta get my cake up
While I'm out here living the dream
This my world!
You wouldn't believe it, if you seen me
I watch the skyline light up every evening
It's like I'm dreaming baby, what I mean is
Most of y'all don't know really cuz
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
Off the chain
A different city every night right
And they be going so insane
I repping for my city right, right
So you should be happy that I came
She say she want to spend the night right
And I don't even know her name
(Dont even know your name)
Just sit and watch me as I fly high
And she wanna be my Lois Lane
Fresh off the plane, straight to the Rover
I can't complain, tip for the chauffer
When I hit my room, its over
Floor that I'm on, high as a toca
Funny thing is this girl is sober
But she gon be drunk before she hit the sofa
You stay the night if you acting right
The views that we looking at thats a sight
You really be living that rapper life
It they aint made it where I'm at than they aint rapping right
She me and KRIT got dough appetites
You couldn't see us if with a flashing light
See you could die, than come back to life
And still couldn't see us in the after life
And you know...
We believe in, if you see me
I watch the skyline light up every evening
It's like I'm dreaming baby, what I mean is
Most of y'all don't know really cuz
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
This my World, whoooa
(It's like I'm dreaming, It's like I'm dreaming)
This my World, whoooa
Off the chain
Dollar to my name, quarter in my jeans
Million dollar vision now I'm living out my dreams
It's my World, It's my world
I had a dollar to my name, quarter in my jeans
Million dollar vision now I'm living out my dreams
It's my World, It's my world
It's my World, yeah
The lyrics of Chamillionaire's This My World speak of his life as a successful rapper, performing in different cities every night, and the sacrifices he has made to get there. The song talks about his love for money and his expensive taste. Chamillionaire emphasizes that he is proud to represent his city and that people should be happy he came. He talks about how he is often misunderstood, and most people do not know him or his lifestyle. Chamillionaire mentions the importance of faith in his life and how he puts his trust in God, and he makes sure to make his mark everywhere he goes.
The song is an anthem to Chamillionaire's success, and he expresses this through boasting of his material wealth and success in the rap game. With his soaring confidence and assertiveness, we can see Chamillionaire as a man at the top, living life lavishly, and enjoying the fruits of his labor. The lyrics convey a message of perseverance and determination, reminding us that success is achievable, but it comes at a price. By putting in the hard work and staying focused on one's dreams, one can realize those dreams and have it all.
Line by Line Meaning
A different city every night right
I travel to different cities every night, isn't that incredible?
And they be going so insane
The crowd goes wild and crazy when I perform.
I'm repping for my city right, right
I'm proudly representing my hometown.
So you should be happy that I came
You should be grateful that I decided to visit your city.
You wouldn't believe it, if you seen me
My lifestyle is so extraordinary that you wouldn't believe it if you witnessed it.
I watch the skyline light up every evening
I enjoy the breathtaking view of city lights every night.
It's like I'm dreaming baby, what I mean is
It feels like I'm in a beautiful dream, I hope you understand.
Most of y'all don't know really cuz
The majority of people don't truly understand my reality.
This my World, whoooa
This is my world, my unique and extraordinary life.
Off the chain
My life is amazing and unmatched.
I don't worry 'bout paper I past up
I don't stress about money that I've left behind.
I focus on money my hands touch
I prioritize the money that I directly control and earn.
If that right there don't add up
If that doesn't make sense to you.
I gotta let you know your math sucks
Your understanding of the situation is flawed and incorrect.
You don't ever talk to a calculator
You lack the logical and analytical skills required to understand complex financial matters.
You don't get caught with an ounce of paper
You don't find yourself in situations involving large sums of money.
Every convo is about a favour
Every conversation I have revolves around asking for favors.
Had to get a mansion without the neighbours
I had to move to a luxurious home with privacy.
I aint meaning no bad shit
I don't intend to offend or harm anyone with my words.
When I say they don't have a dime
When I say they are financially struggling.
And I aint meaning no Gold watch when I say 'I don't have the time'
I don't mean I am too busy for a golden watch, I mean I don't have enough time.
My hustle is the reason why I'm known to shine
My hard work and determination are the reasons why I am successful and stand out.
It's like I'm in my own World
I feel like I exist in a separate world from others.
Cause these boys out here pillow talking
Because these guys are gossiping and sharing secrets.
And texting all my old girls
And sending text messages to all the women I used to be involved with.
You call that your homegirl
You refer to her as your close female friend.
I call that my dome girl
I consider her as someone I can have a casual sexual relationship with.
I call that my errr
I consider her as someone I can have a casual sexual relationship with.
I'm not home leave a message after the tone girl
I am currently not available, please leave a message for me to listen to.
I go to places they rap about
I visit the locations that other rappers mention in their songs.
But girls only love you cause the cash you got
But women are only attracted to you because of your wealth.
See all these hoes is chasing stars
These women are pursuing famous and wealthy individuals.
Growing up to be cashtronauts
They aspire to become financially successful and live extravagant lives.
Can't get mad, I asked for it
I shouldn't get angry or upset because I brought this upon myself.
Living life in that airport
My lifestyle involves constantly traveling and spending time in airports.
Y'all aint even get off the ground
You haven't even begun to achieve success.
Y'all stuck in that chair-port
You're stuck in a place of comfort and have not taken risks to pursue your dreams.
I know they wanna see my cash short
I know people wish for me to face financial difficulties.
But only thing I ask Lord
But the only thing I ask from God.
is please don't let me run out of nothing but pages in my passport
Is to never let me run out of new countries to visit and explore.
Been through a lot just to get this far
I have faced numerous challenges and obstacles to reach my current position.
Whip that car, grip that grain
Drive my car and hold onto the steering wheel tightly.
Ready pipes on the lights
I have installed aftermarket exhaust pipes on my car's headlights.
Went from broke, to having things
I transformed from being poor to being wealthy and owning luxurious possessions.
Catching planes out of state
Traveling by plane to different states.
I got dudes to pay, I got moves to make
I have financial obligations and important decisions to make.
F-ck the fee, that they put on me
I don't care about the fees and charges imposed on me.
To keep the lights on and food on their plate
To maintain their daily necessities and basic living needs.
Hit the slab, push it to the max
Drive my car aggressively and at high speeds.
Expensive taste, I love poppin' tags
I have expensive preferences and enjoy buying designer clothing.
F-cking hoes, I live in the lab
Engaging in sexual encounters with women, I spend a lot of time in the recording studio.
Spittin' bars that reflect my past
Rapping lyrics that represent my personal experiences and upbringing.
What you know 'bout sold out shows
What do you understand about having concerts where every ticket is sold?
More country sh-t everywhere I go
I encounter more country lifestyle and culture wherever I travel.
Putting on for the third coast
Representing and promoting the Gulf Coast region.
Sippin' lean, give a damn, what you think of them before
Drinking cough syrup mixed with soft drinks, I don't care about your opinion of them.
Nothin' else I gave them hope
I provided inspiration and motivation when nothing else was available.
If they could follow dreams of their own
If people could pursue their own dreams and aspirations.
Be successful and ride clean with the chrome
And achieve success while driving a clean and shiny car.
If it aint past shawty leave it alone
If it's not better than the best, don't bother with it.
And you know they hate and preach their Lord
And you know they hate on me and preach about their religious beliefs.
Most n-ggas talk now just because
Most people only talk to me now because of my success.
I'm putting my faith in the man above
I am putting my trust and belief in God.
About my bread, playa be about your's
Concerned about my money, you should be concerned about yours.
Be 'bout our's, stay on course
Be focused on our own success and remain determined.
I make my mark everywhere I go
I leave a significant impression wherever I visit.
I speak that trill everytime I flow
I rap with authenticity and truthfulness every time I perform.
I get my own, cause it's everywhere I know
I earn my own money because opportunities are abundant around me.
Thats all I show so when I toast to the life I live
That's the only aspect I reveal, so when I raise a glass to my lifestyle.
I'm taking off like a laser beam
I am achieving tremendous success quickly and effortlessly.
Rather not wake, gotta get my cake up
I prefer not to wake up as I need to continue accumulating wealth.
While I'm out here living the dream
While I am out here enjoying the ideal life I have created for myself.
Dollar to my name, quarter in my jeans
I only have minimal money to my name.
Million dollar vision now I'm living out my dreams
Despite my lack of financial resources, I am now living the life I always envisioned.
It's my World, It's my world
This world and life belong to me.
I had a dollar to my name, quarter in my jeans
I started with very little money to my name.
Million dollar vision now I'm living out my dreams
But now, my vision has allowed me to achieve incredible success.
It's my World, It's my world
This world and life belong to me.
It's my World, yeah
This world and life belong to me.
Contributed by Taylor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NotYourAverageFlight
Top 3 most underrated rappers ever!
@markie361
Koopa Big Krit are
@timwashington2382
Without question
@H3LLS3NT4SS4SS1N
3? there's 2 rappers in this so who's the third?
@victoryjhp
Wtf flight??? Damn
@byHexted
Chamillionare? You canβt be fr dude imagine being in an old school barbershop and they ask you who the top 3 underrated rappers of all time are, and the first name out your mouth is CHAMILLIONARE. Iβm not even tryna hate on the dude but thatβs just ridiculous like you really just saying ANYTHING
@kevinelliott9003
People always hate on me for this but Cham's music makes my day just a lil' better. I find it inspirational for some reason.
@shaken_n_move_n
for some reason? it is
@bribael1023
Same here
@momoney9078
Thought it was just me. His music makes u wanna go out and just get it .