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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(C) Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia
Chamillionaire's Myspace
Who They Want
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That gotta be in the bed before 9: 00
Cover ya ears, its 'bout to get ugly baby
Now who they want?
Me, King Koopa
That's what I give em'
(The, Color Changin' Click)
Now who they hate
Dike, then I'm gon' get em'
Real niggaz ain't jammin' no
(Dike Jones, Who?, Dike Jones, Jones)
Yeah, I handle heat like a pizza man
you want beef I'll unpack it for ya
Mike Jones, is a wack rapper but he isn't a bad promoter
You don't know want problems my nigga
my stats is way past a quota
Cuz I'm gettin' what Flippa says in the initial that's after Clova, G's
Nigga please, them commercials ain't even right (why)
Texas niggaz be pourin' purple, we bend and remixed that Sprite
Okay Koopa stick to this Dike, you right if he wanna fight
But this ain't no Lil' Flip beverage he won't have a Lucky Night (nah)
He lucky if he have a life, sayin' Cham' ain't gon' get a deal
Ain't no rhymer you's a vagina, it's time for some Vagisil
Want problems then Crank It Up, ain't no Static or Banner here (nigga)
I crush that lil' man career, like a Budweiser can of beer
Bout to dig up a deep hole, so ya album can rest and sleep
You can put all ya lyrics in it the gimmicks can rest in peace (Who?)
I bought ya CD, you was sayin' how you the best in the streets (Uh-Uh)
So I had to go get my quarterback like niggaz who step in them cleets
Hut 1, Hut 2, now you in some trouble fool
And my brother don't like you now, you got trouble in doubles dude
And you won't get to guzzle juice, no opening for ya food
Cuz the only way to shut you up, is a muzzle to muzzle you
Watch the punisher punish WHO?, nah, I don't have to ask ya
You said it, now you gon' get it, and I ain't gon' have a hassle
You ain't the King, I should know I'm the nigga that built the castle
I pull my back-hand and slap you, turn you 'to a dizzy rascal (WHO!)
That ain't hip-hop, I swear that garbage gon' get stopped
I'ma kill the tick-tock you got in your flea-market wrist-watch (Fuck that
nigga)
He said I fell off, and Koopa could never get hot
Can't pull my dick out, cuz he got my dick in a lip-lock
Man, I'm just sayin' though get off my genetalia
Get off my nuts, I'm bettin' ya, no you ain't no competitor
Mo' money and mo'record sales, etcetera etcetera
So I'ma delete you, and put Magno back there instead of ya (OH!)
Now who they want?
Me, King Koopa
That's what I give em'
...Now who they hate
Dike, then I'm gon' get em'
Real niggaz ain't jammin' no
(Dike Jones, Who?, Dike Jones, Jones)
In Chamillionaire's song "Who They Want," he expresses his disdain towards "cotton-candy rappers," artists who he believes lack substance and realness in their music. He also calls out fellow Texas rapper Mike Jones, claiming that though he may be a bad rapper, he is a good promoter. Chamillionaire boasts about his own skills and success in the industry, saying that he has surpassed quotas and earned more money and record sales than his competitors. He also addresses criticisms of falling off and not being able to make hits, while declaring himself the true king of the industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Attention, we gotta thang for cotton-candy rappers
We are not fond of artists who produce and deliver weak, insubstantial music, lacking true substance and complexity.
That gotta be in the bed before 9: 00
We find it unacceptable that some rappers have to observe an early curfew and are unable to work late and grind hard.
Cover ya ears, its 'bout to get ugly baby
We're warning you that our lyrics and overall sound is intense and not for the faint of heart.
Now who they want?
Who do they want to listen to and emulate, musically speaking?
Me, King Koopa
They want to listen to Chamillionaire, aka King Koopa, the one they recognize as a leader in the rap industry.
That's what I give em'
And I'm happy to oblige, as my music is loved and appreciated by many fans.
(The, Color Changin' Click)
I represent and work with a team of talented musicians and producers known as The Color Changin' Click.
(Chamillitary man)
I am also affiliated with Chamillitary, meaning I am a soldier in the army of Chamillionaire.
Now who they hate
On the other hand, who do they dislike and not want to associate with musically speaking?
Dike, then I'm gon' get em'
They dislike Dike Jones, and if they want to talk bad about me or my team, then we'll come after them with words and music.
Real niggaz ain't jammin' no
We take our craft seriously and true artists are not vibing with bad music or unoriginality.
(Dike Jones, Who?, Dike Jones, Jones)
We don't have time for rappers like Dike Jones, who are not familiar or important to us.
Yeah, I handle heat like a pizza man
I deal with conflict and verbal attacks like a pizza man handles hot ovens and pizza boxes.
you want beef I'll unpack it for ya
If you want trouble or want to start drama with me or my team, then we'll be ready and willing to retaliate and fight back verbally.
Mike Jones, is a wack rapper but he isn't a bad promoter
Mike Jones may not be the best rapper, but he is good at marketing himself and promoting his brand.
You don't know want problems my nigga
You don't want to cause issues or trouble with me or my team.
my stats is way past a quota
I am successful and have surpassed my goals and expectations in terms of record sales and fame.
Cuz I'm gettin' what Flippa says in the initial that's after Clova, G's
Because I'm receiving the same percentage of profits that Lil' Flip gets after the record company takes its share of the profits.
Nigga please, them commercials ain't even right (why)
Mike Jones and others may advertise their music on TV, but it is not representative of true or authentic rap music.
Texas niggaz be pourin' purple, we bend and remixed that Sprite
We, as Texans, have created a new and unique sound by taking the traditional 'purple drank' concept, and remixing it to create a fresher vibe.
Okay Koopa stick to this Dike, you right if he wanna fight
I will focus on and engage with Dike Jones if he wants to confront me or my team directly.
But this ain't no Lil' Flip beverage he won't have a Lucky Night (nah)
However, this is not the same as the altercation and Lucky Night incident that occurred between Lil' Flip and T.I. in the past.
He lucky if he have a life, sayin' Cham' ain't gon' get a deal
If Dike Jones wants to talk bad about my music career and prospects, then he's taking a risk in terms of his own safety and public image.
Ain't no rhymer you's a vagina, it's time for some Vagisil
Dike Jones is not a skilled rapper, and needs to clean up his act and step up his game (or use a bit of Vagisil).
Want problems then Crank It Up, ain't no Static or Banner here (nigga)
If you're looking for some conflict or drama, then bring it on, as there is no lack of confidence or skill on my team.
I crush that lil' man career, like a Budweiser can of beer
If Dike Jones or others want to come for me or my team, then we'll easily defeat them and end their music careers, as easily as crushing a beer can.
Bout to dig up a deep hole, so ya album can rest and sleep
We're going to bury your music and put it to rest, as it does not match up with the quality and originality of our own music.
You can put all ya lyrics in it the gimmicks can rest in peace (Who?)
You can add all the gimmicks and production value you want to your music, but it won't compare to the skill and authenticity of our own work (who are you?).
I bought ya CD, you was sayin' how you the best in the streets (Uh-Uh)
We listened to your music, and you made claims that you were the best rapper in your community.
So I had to go get my quarterback like niggaz who step in them cleets
However, I didn't find your music or rapping to be of high quality, so I didn't want to support you, instead preferring to invest in better rappers and producers.
Hut 1, Hut 2, now you in some trouble fool
I'm calling in my team, and now we're ready to take you down if you want to continue talking trash or beef with us (like a quarterback calling plays).
And my brother don't like you now, you got trouble in doubles dude
My team and associates don't like you, and you've now got twice the trouble and potential for conflict coming your way.
And you won't get to guzzle juice, no opening for ya food
We will make sure to cut off any potential support or resources you may have or need in order to advance or improve your rap career, starving you from the inside out.
Cuz the only way to shut you up, is a muzzle to muzzle you
The only way to silence you and stop you from causing drama or talking bad about us is to muzzle you completely (like one would do to an animal).
Watch the punisher punish WHO?, nah, I don't have to ask ya
I will punish and destroy anyone who tries to undermine or challenge me or my team, without remorse or hesitation.
You said it, now you gon' get it, and I ain't gon' have a hassle
You started this conflict with your words and actions, and now you're going to receive the consequences and punishment without hesitation or remorse on my part.
You ain't the King, I should know I'm the nigga that built the castle
You may think you're a big deal or ruler in the rap game (like a king), but in reality, I am the one who built and established a foundation for success (like building a castle).
I pull my back-hand and slap you, turn you 'to a dizzy rascal (WHO!)
I will physically beat and humiliate you, turning you into a dizzy and confused person (like the rapper Dizzee Rascal).
That ain't hip-hop, I swear that garbage gon' get stopped
The low-quality and unoriginal music that people like Dike Jones create is not true or authentic hip-hop, and needs to be stopped and eliminated.
I'ma kill the tick-tock you got in your flea-market wrist-watch (Fuck that
nigga)
I'm going to destroy your weak and cheap watch (that you probably bought at a flea market), and metaphorically speaking, destroy your whole music career and image (Fuck you).
He said I fell off, and Koopa could never get hot
Dike Jones claimed that I have lost my status and skill as a rapper, and that I can never hope to reach fame or success again.
Can't pull my dick out, cuz he got my dick in a lip-lock
I cannot 'flex' or showcase my skills as a rapper, because Dike Jones is clinging on to my reputation and fame as if it were his own (like a lip-lock).
Man, I'm just sayin' though get off my genetalia
I'm just saying that Dike Jones needs to stop leeching off of my fame and success, and focus on improving and promoting his own music career.
Get off my nuts, I'm bettin' ya, no you ain't no competitor
Stop following my every move and trying to copy my style and success, because you are not even close to being on the same level as me, and are not a real competitor.
Mo' money and mo'record sales, etcetera etcetera
I am making more and more money and record sales as time goes on, and will continue to succeed and make history (etcetera).
So I'ma delete you, and put Magno back there instead of ya (OH!)
I'm going to erase you and your music from the record books, and replace your name with more talented and original rappers like Magno.
Contributed by Nathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@phillipvaldez3380
2023 still goes hard ❤
@oscarrose1261
2020 came fast this song still tight
@gregjones29
This was a mean ass mixtape
@trevpimp
dude this is the best Diss to Mike Ive heard from him. He just told Dike Jones that his album was worth a quater, and he stilled returned it for his money back! lmao best diss to mike.
@M44OG
No those other 2 go harder.
@KrazzyK40509
yea they koo n all but i cant lie back them chamil was killin it. i remember bein at skool havin all his cds BIP "BEFORE I-PODS"
@meh5672
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA shit never gets old lmfao
@denonash
the bass drop so low when world 1-2 beat comes in; I love that beat!
@engineerbytrade4832
Still here in 2021
@harrisonwells93rd82
Damn let’s start over from ‘01 life period so I can be 12 again and start from there