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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(C) Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
Chamillionaire's Myspace
Turn It Up Feat. Lil Flip
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Chamillionaire:]
Yeah!
It's the name they say is running the game
Chamilitary Mayne
[Lil' Flip:] Flip in the building!
[Chamillionaire:]
Go ahead and hand over the torch
Super producer Scott Storch
And of course
[Chorus: Chamillionaire]
I'm a show you how to get your shine on (shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song (my song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone (my phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home (take home)
I'm a show 'em how to get the club crunk (club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk (that trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk (get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up..
[Chamillionaire]
Give me that million dollar beat and let me show you what to do with it
(Who that is??) That's the illest rapper choppin' and screwin' it
Couldnt snatch the game that's what they told me, so I'm provin it
Put the truth in Texas with Scott Storch and you got you a hit
Hittin never miss rep yo click and throw 'em high
Because Chamillionaire's the anwser to the game like Allen I
Middle fingaz to the sky, if they don't like that reply
Cause any DJ that deny is a mother fu errrwwwee lie
So give the ladies what that want
Got 'em racin' to the front of the stage
to feel the bass and tell the DJ turn it up (Turn it Up)
Yeaah Sound of Revenge saying Universal to go get my plaque
Rappin's dead so I'ma bring it back, like DJ's do when they hear my track
Check out my track record, they'll say I'ma track wrecka
Hotter than a black pepper now that I am back nigggga (He's Baaack)
You can't get mad if you feel that you and cap fit ya
Drop the biggest stat's ever so don't let that bbback hit ya
[Chorus: Chamillionaire]
I'ma show you how to get your shine on (shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song (my song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone (my phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home (take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk (club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk (that trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk (get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up..
[Lil' Flip]
When it's time to hit the club I let my chain hang
If they got clovers on they neck we in the same gang
I'm 20 deep in V.I.P. puffin' Mary Jane
Splinters still in my hand from my woodgrain
I got homies on the West who like to gangbang
And I got homies on the East who do the same thang
I told Johhny put 50 in my pankyrang
5 karot diamond chain vvs is in it mayne
You know I rep the dirty dirty where they move cane
You know we mix purple stuff in that blue drank
Hipnotic, Big Bodies with Blue paint
We got that oomp spray, but it still stank
You a lame so yo dame playin mind games
Ima pimp so I stay in that mindframe
Niggaz talk shit untill I let that nine bang
Me and Duke in that maybach switchin lanes
[Chorus: Chamillionaire]
I'ma show you how to get your shine on (shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song (my song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone (my phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home (take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk (club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk (that trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk (get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up..
[Bridge: Chamillionaire]
Heaaded to the baar (I'm headed to the baar)
You know I'm V.I.P. (You know I'm vipee)
And since you rollin' with a star (You rollin with a staar)
You V.I.P. with mee (Chamillitary heey heey)
[Chamillionaire]
Chamillitary the biggest threat to any of these rapper thinkin' they doin it
(Who That Is??) That's dem boyz from Texas that always do it big
Multi-colored diamonds got us shining They say our jewerly sick
Houston got a problem and you don't want nuthin to do wit it (Do you kid?)
I ain't think so I'm tippin slow
Wen my trunk is liftin' up look at the neons as they glow
Groupies never givin' up they be everywhere I go
When that elevator go up to my suite they there fo sho
Told me that she didnt care about my money Wasnt hearin it
Looks can be deceving as Chamillion paint apperances
You know how we do it at home of Screw and purple syrup is
She got turned out quicker than my power steering did
[Chorus: Chamillionaire]
I'ma show you how to get your shine on (shine on)
Turn it up the DJ playing my song (my song)
Everybody keep on calling my phone (my phone)
Which one of y'all am I gone take home (take home)
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk (club crunk)
Give 'em something thats goin' rattle that trunk (that trunk)
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk (get drunk)
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up..
The song Turn It Up by Chamillionaire featuring Lil' Flip is about how they are going to show people how to get their shine on and get the club crunk while they give a shout out to the super producer Scott Storch. The opening of the song starts with a whistle sound, and then Chamillionaire begins to rap, saying how he will show people how to get their shine on, while Lil' Flip jumps in with an ad lib, saying he's there in the building. Chamillionaire continues to rap about his success and how he is proving himself with his music. He then talks about how the ladies love the bass in the club, and they will come to the front of the stage to feel it. He ends his verse by saying that you can't get mad if you feel like you fit the cap and drop the biggest stats ever.
The chorus of the song is catchy as Chamillionaire repeats that he will show people how to get their shine on, and Lil' Flip comes in with his verse. The song has a bridge where Chamillionaire sings about heading to the bar, and since he's a star, his fans are VIP with him. The second verse starts with Chamillionaire saying that he's the biggest threat to any of these rappers who think they are doing it, and he is from Texas, where they always do it big. He then talks about his multi-colored diamonds shining and how Houston has a problem, and we don't want anything to do with it. He ends this verse by saying that groupies are always following him everywhere he goes, and they turn out quicker than his power steering.
Overall, the song is about how they are going to show people how to get their shine on and get the club crunk, and they are dropping big stats on how successful they are.
Line by Line Meaning
[Whistle]
The sound of a whistle to grab attention
[Chamillionaire:]
Chamillionaire is speaking
Yeah!
Expressing enthusiasm or agreement
It's the name they say is running the game
Referring to himself as the one who is in charge and dominant in the music industry
Chamilitary Mayne
A play on words, combining his stage name Chamillionaire and 'Military' to create 'Chamilitary' that suggests he is a leader in the rap game
[Lil' Flip:] Flip in the building!
Lil' Flip introduces himself as being present in the same location as Chamillionaire
Go ahead and hand over the torch
It's time for the new generation of rappers (like Chamillionaire and Lil' Flip) to take over from the older generation of rappers
Super producer Scott Storch
Referring to the famous music producer, Scott Storch
And of course
Adding emphasis to what has just been said
[Chorus: Chamillionaire]
Chorus sung by Chamillionaire
I'm a show you how to get your shine on (shine on)
He's going to show people how to be successful and achieve their potential
Turn it up the DJ playing my song (my song)
Asking the DJ to increase the volume of the music and play his song
Everybody keep on calling my phone (my phone)
He is popular and receives many calls on his phone
Which one of y'all am I gone take home (take home)
He has many admirers and is trying to decide whom to take home with him
I'm a show 'em how to get the club crunk (club crunk)
He is going to demonstrate how to get the party started
Give 'em something that's goin' rattle that trunk (that trunk)
He's going to play music that has heavy bass and will vibrate cars driving by
Tip ya cups up until ya get drunk (get drunk)
Encouraging people to drink alcohol until they are intoxicated
Tell the DJ to play it loud and turn the beat up..
He wants the DJ to play the music loudly and increase the intensity of the rhythm
[Chamillionaire]
Chamillionaire is speaking
Give me that million dollar beat and let me show you what to do with it
He wants a good beat to work with so he can create an amazing song
(Who that is??) That's the illest rapper choppin' and screwin' it
Asking who the rapper is, and responding by saying it's himself, the best rapper who mixes and edits his music well
Couldnt snatch the game that's what they told me, so I'm provin it
People doubted his abilities, but he is proving them wrong by succeeding in the industry
Put the truth in Texas with Scott Storch and you got you a hit
Collaborating with Scott Storch results in a guaranteed hit
Hittin never miss rep yo click and throw 'em high
Always succeeding and promoting your team by throwing up their hand sign
Because Chamillionaire's the answer to the game like Allen I
He is the solution and solution maker when it comes to the rap industry
Middle fingaz to the sky, if they don't like that reply
Flipping off those who don't approve of him
Cause any DJ that deny is a mother fu errrwwwee lie
Any DJ who denies his talent is lying and foolish
So give the ladies what that want
Play music that appeals to and satisfies women
Got 'em racin' to the front of the stage to feel the bass and tell the DJ turn it up (Turn it Up)
Women can't resist dancing to his music and request for the volume to be increased
Yeaah Sound of Revenge saying Universal to go get my plaque
His album Sound of Revenge was successful and he wants his record label Universal to get him his plaque (certificate of achievement)
Rappin's dead so I'ma bring it back, like DJ's do when they hear my track
He's going to revive the rap genre that's already dying by making fresh music like DJs do when they find a fresh new tune
Check out my track record, they'll say I'm a track wrecka
He has a great history of making good songs
Hotter than a black pepper, now that I am back nigggga (He's Baaack)
Referring to the heat and excitement he brings, now that he's made a comeback
You can't get mad if you feel that you and cap fit ya
If it's the truth, then one can't get angry
Drop the biggest stats ever so don't let that bbback hit ya
Boasting about his achievements, and warning people not to let their back get hit as they leave the room
I'ma show you how to get your shine on (shine on)
He's going to share his knowledge and show people how to become successful
I'ma show 'em how to get the club crunk (club crunk)
He's going to demonstrate how to get the party started
[Lil' Flip]
Lil'Flip is speaking
When it's time to hit the club I let my chain hang
He wears his glistening chain when he goes to the club
If they got clovers on they neck we in the same gang
If someone has a clover necklace, it means they are a part of his clique
I'm 20 deep in V.I.P. puffin' Mary Jane
He's with 20 people in the VIP section smoking marijuana
Splinters still in my hand from my woodgrain
He has some woodgrain on his car or jewelry that has given him splinters
I got homies on the West who like to gangbang
He has friends in the western part of the country who are affiliated with a gang
And I got homies on the East who do the same thang
He has friends in the eastern part of the country who are also gangsters
I told Johhny put 50 in my pankyrang
He asked Johhny to deposit $50,000 in his bank account
5 karot diamond chain vvs is in it mayne
He is wearing a 5-karat diamond chain with very very slight inclusions
You know I rep the dirty dirty where they move cane
He's from the South, where illegal drug trade happens
You know we mix purple stuff in that blue drank
They add purple liquid to blue drink (a mixture of codeine cough syrup and soda)
Hipnotic, Big Bodies with Blue paint
A reference to Hypnotic liquor and big luxury cars like Cadillac painted blue
We got that oomp spray, but it still stank
They have an air freshener called 'oomp spray' but it's not very effective
You a lame so yo dame playin mind games
He insults someone for being uncool, and claims that their girlfriend is playing games with their head
Ima pimp so I stay in that mindframe
He sees himself as a pimp and thinks like one, probably meaning he's good with the ladies
Niggaz talk shit untill I let that nine bang
People talk nonsense until he threatens them with a nine-millimeter handgun
Me and Duke in that maybach switchin lanes
He and his friend Duke are driving a Maybach car and changing lanes frequently
[Bridge: Chamillionaire]
Chorus sung by Chamillionaire
Heaaded to the baar (I'm headed to the baar)
They are heading to the bar
You know I'm V.I.P. (You know I'm vipee)
They are VIPs and enjoy exclusive treatment
And since you rollin' with a star (You rollin with a staar)
The listener is with a famous person and are considered important
Chamillitary heey heey
Chorus expressing affiliation to Chamillionaire's 'Chamillitary' group
Chamillitary the biggest threat to any of these rapper thinkin' they doin it
Chamillionaire and his crew are a major threat to other rappers who think they've made it
(Who That Is??) That's dem boyz from Texas that always do it big
Referring to himself and Lil' Flip, both from Texas and known for their success and grandeur
Multi-colored diamonds got us shining They say our jewerly sick
Their expensive jewelry is of various colors and has caught people's attention
Houston got a problem and you don't want nuthin to do wit it (Do you kid?)
Houston has an issue that you don't want to get involved with, asking if the listener is capable of dealing with it
I ain't think so I'm tippin slow
Assuming the answer is 'no', he's taking things slow
Wen my trunk is liftin' up look at the neons as they glow
When he lifts up his car's trunk, he has neon lights that glow in the dark
Groupies never givin' up they be everywhere I go
His female fans and admirers follow him everywhere he goes
When that elevator go up to my suite they there fo sho
When he goes up to his suite by elevator, the women are there waiting for him
Told me that she didn't care about my money Wasnt hearin it
A girl claimed to not be interested in his wealth but he didn't believe her
Looks can be deceiving as Chamillion paint appearances
Assuming if she's willing to stand right there, she probably cares and looks can be deceptive. 'Chamillion paint appearances' is a play on words with his pseudonym
You know how we do it at home of Screw and purple syrup is
He represents 'Screwed Up Click' lifestyle where purple drink (codeine and soda) is a popular thing
She got turned out quicker than my power steering did
She became interested faster than his power steering takes to turn
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, SEAN D JACOBS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@xiongcal1
08/13/2023
Music like this is forever forgotten. 15+ years when it came out. Way better than nowadays hits in my opinion.
Kardinal feat Akon- "Dangerous", I bet you guys forgot this hit song and will play it, and add to your list too.π
My 40th Birthday today too.August 13th. I'm old, I guess. I play this and 90s hits, and todays kids like my nephews hate it. They listen to mummble rap nowadays.
My birthday is today, and my list today I made up randomly are-" Tell me what you think, Good or no? Todays kids is a no."
Young Buck- Let me in
Tupac- Thug 4 Life Loyal To The Game
Akon- Don't Matter
Eamon- F+ck it
Akon- The Rain
Radiohead- Creep
Fugees- Fu-Gee-La
Dj Khalid ft. Akon etc- We taking over
Outcast- ATLiens
Eminem- Business
Chamillionaire- Turn it up
Jeezy ft. Akon- Soul Survivor
DMX- ATF
Akon ft. Obie Trice- Look At Me Now
Fugees- Ready or Not
112- Cupid
Mya- Ghetto Supastar
Jeezy ft R. Kelly- Go Getta
Young Buck- Shorty Wanna Ride
@rednishnoob8831
Funny how when you haven't heard a song in years but when you play it the words come back to you like you heard it yesterday π
@adnanojd
Chamillitary mayne βπΎπ₯
@AvarexTV
Thats why I love music from these times because it has that effect... showed you dude really had a hit on his hands π₯π―
@islandborn6752
πscrewston 4 lyfe
@thetrib1
Truuuu
@SmokeWithToke
i never understood why he never blew up hard. His flow is unmatched!!!
@toshoshi1551
Cham had the summer of 06 on lock tho? The main reason is the way his second album was handled by Universal. Easily a better album than Sound of Revenge, but they rushed him.
@straitbeats
@Toshoshi his second album was good but they absolutely chose the wrong songs for his singles.
@Poisenivy5
And he's an entrepreneur, doin big things. Makin that $
I love him so much he's just awesome
@ConwayTwitter
He did blow up hard. He was already a veteran of the rap game and a millionaire before he even signed to a major label. When he did he dropped The Sound of Revenge and went like double platinum. Hes still making money off that almost 20 years later. Man is worth over $50,000,000.