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
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
Victory
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(*talking*)
That's what it is, "The Sound of Revenge"
Summer 2005 nigga, whoooooo
[Chamillionaire]
Gimmick rappers, can't lie forever
But as long as I'm here, gimmick rappers gon die together
Told lil' mama I love drama, no one tried to tell her
She shoulda left the club, instead of trying to find a fella
The villain's born, dark storms that's my kind of weather
Sending gimmick niggaz to the mall, to go buy umbrellas
Like Eminem was telling them, that they should die it yella
Some of my fans they look like Cham, but say I am better
Picture the though of that, since no one spit a harder rap
I told 'em that I'm Jehova's lil' brother, the God of rap
Don't play me like you a atheist, face it it's more fact
Gimmick rappers have heart attacks, when you tell 'em that God is back
The problem is more than that, like Iraq when the gats in em
You diss me you gon be done, like a snack when the rats get em
After the baptism, the black in the black hit em
No need for that gat, cause fact is the raps kill em
Live your life like a mockery, niggaz will see the prophecy
Stare at a flight of stairs, 'fore you ever think you on top of me
Nigga how could you possibly, think that you could be stopping me
Destiny couldn't stop me, I move and that hoe be watching me
Fans are no longer crying to see, Jay-Z throw up the dynasty
Not big as that nigga Jigga, but nigga tell 'em it's time for me
Rap game is dying to me, I'm the rapper they trying to see
I could bring it back, not only force-ably but violently
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing from Houston
The truth and I'm in the booth, and your truth is a big illusion
What you choosing if you're choosing, to jump into the confusion
You losing and end up choosing, and cruise it into a bruising nigga
(*talking*)
I'm peeping out here in these streets, and I see these old
Record labels trying to advance, trying to drop old material
On a nigga, so instead of Controversy Sells we gon switch it up
Summer 2005, "The Sound of Revenge"
[Chamillionaire]
Then they said on the radio, I ain't beefing with rappers no mo'
But tell 'em to go correct it, cause rappers be acting homo
Came in and screaming duo, I'm leaving and screaming solo
Disrespecting the logo's a no-no, I'll leave you rojo
Hey that's red in Spanish, real niggaz'll never vanish
We rise up and then we ride up on haters, prepare to panic
Put ya teflon on, you better go get it plant it
Rip off your chest piece, to make niggaz remember Janet
Ay log on the net, type in "the villain" and search
And realize why gimmick rappers is hurt, cause the truth hurts
And you jerks (you jerks), is a package of skirts
Put your little advance, back in your purse ha-ha
That nigga say he don't like me, he acting like he a wifey
Ain't held a pistol, acting like he the type that'll snipe me
You don't like me invite me, you don't like me come fight me
And if you can't afford the flight, and you don't like me then write me
I ain't concerned, with any of your concerns
I'm trying to stack, plack on top of plack like gum germs
I got enough tongue twisters, to make the tongue turn
Make the sun burn, I'm so hot I could give it sun burn
So call up, Kay Slay and ask him who is
The trillest to spit it, then call up DJ Whoo-Kid
DJ Drama, Vlad Green, Lantern and Kool-Kid
Tell 'em it's time to switch they playlist up, with the new kid
What's his name, Chamillitary mayn
(*talking*)
Yeah, the hardest rap nigga and if you beg to differ
Step to the mic, and spit some'ing sicker nigga
Ha-ha, Chamillitary mayn
That's what it is, "The Sound of Revenge"
Summer 2005 nigga, whoooooo
[Chamillionaire]
Gimmick rappers, can't lie forever
But as long as I'm here, gimmick rappers gon die together
Told lil' mama I love drama, no one tried to tell her
The villain's born, dark storms that's my kind of weather
Sending gimmick niggaz to the mall, to go buy umbrellas
Like Eminem was telling them, that they should die it yella
Some of my fans they look like Cham, but say I am better
Picture the though of that, since no one spit a harder rap
I told 'em that I'm Jehova's lil' brother, the God of rap
Don't play me like you a atheist, face it it's more fact
Gimmick rappers have heart attacks, when you tell 'em that God is back
The problem is more than that, like Iraq when the gats in em
You diss me you gon be done, like a snack when the rats get em
After the baptism, the black in the black hit em
No need for that gat, cause fact is the raps kill em
Live your life like a mockery, niggaz will see the prophecy
Stare at a flight of stairs, 'fore you ever think you on top of me
Nigga how could you possibly, think that you could be stopping me
Destiny couldn't stop me, I move and that hoe be watching me
Fans are no longer crying to see, Jay-Z throw up the dynasty
Not big as that nigga Jigga, but nigga tell 'em it's time for me
Rap game is dying to me, I'm the rapper they trying to see
I could bring it back, not only force-ably but violently
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing from Houston
The truth and I'm in the booth, and your truth is a big illusion
What you choosing if you're choosing, to jump into the confusion
You losing and end up choosing, and cruise it into a bruising nigga
(*talking*)
I'm peeping out here in these streets, and I see these old
Record labels trying to advance, trying to drop old material
On a nigga, so instead of Controversy Sells we gon switch it up
Summer 2005, "The Sound of Revenge"
[Chamillionaire]
Then they said on the radio, I ain't beefing with rappers no mo'
But tell 'em to go correct it, cause rappers be acting homo
Came in and screaming duo, I'm leaving and screaming solo
Disrespecting the logo's a no-no, I'll leave you rojo
Hey that's red in Spanish, real niggaz'll never vanish
We rise up and then we ride up on haters, prepare to panic
Put ya teflon on, you better go get it plant it
Rip off your chest piece, to make niggaz remember Janet
Ay log on the net, type in "the villain" and search
And realize why gimmick rappers is hurt, cause the truth hurts
And you jerks (you jerks), is a package of skirts
Put your little advance, back in your purse ha-ha
That nigga say he don't like me, he acting like he a wifey
Ain't held a pistol, acting like he the type that'll snipe me
You don't like me invite me, you don't like me come fight me
And if you can't afford the flight, and you don't like me then write me
I ain't concerned, with any of your concerns
I'm trying to stack, plack on top of plack like gum germs
I got enough tongue twisters, to make the tongue turn
Make the sun burn, I'm so hot I could give it sun burn
So call up, Kay Slay and ask him who is
The trillest to spit it, then call up DJ Whoo-Kid
DJ Drama, Vlad Green, Lantern and Kool-Kid
Tell 'em it's time to switch they playlist up, with the new kid
What's his name, Chamillitary mayn
(*talking*)
Yeah, the hardest rap nigga and if you beg to differ
Step to the mic, and spit some'ing sicker nigga
Ha-ha, Chamillitary mayn
The song "Victory" by Chamillionaire is an assertive statement of his place in the rap game. The lyrics are loaded with metaphors and taunts aimed at "gimmick rappers" who Chamillionaire believes are taking up space in the industry. He references Eminem's hit "Without Me" where he tells everyone to turn their clothes yellow like he did in the music video. Chamillionaire raps that he is the God of rap and that gimmick rappers have heart attacks when they hear that he's back. He asserts his dominance by claiming that he can bring rap back forcefully and violently. The song showcases Chamillionaire’s unique style of rhyming and is a testament to his lyrical prowess.
Overall, "Victory" can be interpreted as Chamillionaire's self-assured declaration in the rap game. He uses witty metaphors and clever rhymes to subtly criticize gimmick rappers and to assure listeners that he is here to stay. The song is an ode to his talent and his place as one of the best rappers in the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Gimmick rappers, can't lie forever
Rappers with gimmicks cannot maintain their act forever
But as long as I'm here, gimmick rappers gon die together
I am here to expose gimmick rappers and they will be exposed while I am present
Told lil' mama I love drama, no one tried to tell her
I expressed my love for drama to a young woman, but nobody warned her about my intention
Sending gimmick n***az to the mall, to go buy umbrellas
I'm sending fake rappers to buy umbrellas for their gimmicks because they can't weather the storm
Like Eminem was telling them, that they should die it yella
Just as Eminem had said, I agree that gimmick rappers should be exposed and shamed for their inauthenticity
I told 'em that I'm Jehova's lil' brother, the God of rap
I declare myself to be of higher power and authority in the rap game
Gimmick rappers have heart attacks, when you tell 'em that God is back
Gimmick rappers feel threatened when their inauthenticity is exposed and true talent is brought to light
Destiny couldn't stop me, I move and that hoe be watching me
Nothing can hold me back from reaching my destiny, and those who doubt me will witness my success
Realize why gimmick rappers is hurt, cause the truth hurts
Fake rappers are hurt by the truth that is exposed when they are compared to real talent
And you jerks (you jerks), is a package of skirts
You fake rappers are packaged with clothing items typically thought of as feminine because you are not authentic or manly
Put your little advance, back in your purse ha-ha
Put your small amount of money back in your wallet because it means nothing in comparison to true talent
You don't like me invite me, you don't like me come fight me
If you dislike me, invite me to confront you or come to fight against me
Make the sun burn, I'm so hot I could give it sun burn
I am so talented and skilled that I can outshine even the brightest thing in the sky
Tell 'em it's time to switch they playlist up, with the new kid
It's time for music DJs to add my talent to their playlists and give me a chance to showcase what I can do
Contributed by Sarah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Birds eyeview86
The man snapped harder than Biggie
Rocky 90
2018 and Cham is still the best.
Darth Troller
I had plans of mashing this up with the original, but it's long and Cham kills it so hard it stands on its own as a song that rivals the og
YouReallyDontKnow
Cham one of my favorite rappers all time, but after hearing banks tear this up every other rapper just don’t sound right.
J Dubb
still goes hard
lo1313
SICKKKKKKKK !
chris toro
this gose hard tumps up if yu agree
Loderex
Where can i download this ?
Emmanuel Salinas
bad ass rapper
Deee
DAAAAAMMMMMNNNN