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
You Must Be Crazy
Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Chamillionaire is so - crazy,
Look at the face of the media like you - crazy,
You thought I'd fall, I'm sorry dawg ya - crazy,
Mirror mirror, on the wall you are - crazy
[Talking:]
If you can't remember the last time you lost, aha
[Verse 1:]
Yeah,
The only time I lose, is when it's my memory,
Haters comin' around here, talkin' about "Remember me?"
Naw amnesia, Cham leader apparently,
You were just a follower, now I'm about to set a speed,
If they can't keep up, with no one ahead of me,
Victory is just, what I said I can achieve,
'Bout to be trouble, you scared? I think you betta leave,
Hope you don't have asthma *ahum*, go head and breathe
[Talking:]
Yeah, pull out your inhaler,
You're going to have to catch a breath for this one,
This the victory lap
[Verse 2:]
Yeah,
Garage lift up, it'll create some enemies,
Got that "S-S" in the middle of it like Tennessee,
Sorry but the Ferarri there, isn't friend-ly,
The engine be runnin' *pvroom*, like it's scared of keys,
If she a freak don't handcuff her, just let her be,
Get your G's, like five letters after the letter B,
Photocopy, couldn't possibly find a better me,
Hot, like two letters after the letter C,
In the name of gang, that's been runnin' the game,
Help me explain and tell 'em, Chamillitary mayne
[Chorus:]
I am a hustla, you gotta pay me,
No time to sleep, I'm in the streets on the daily,
When you a hustla, no bein' lazy,
I got it whenever you need it, just page me,
Hustla music,
Hustla music,
Hustla music,
I'm hustlin' music,
You thinkin', you thinkin' I'ma lose baby,
Either you stupid or you gotta be crazy
(Crazy)
(Crazy)
[Talking (Chamillionaire & Lil Ken:]
L K: Famous!
C: Aha, you ready Famous?
L K: Hold up, I gotta take these twenty G's and take 'em to the bank G, handle up.
C: Alright fo' sho, I got it.
[Verse 3:]
Yeah!
The Hype Williams, to y'all rookies you know that this is,
A motion picture so sick, that I call it motion sickness,
Jonathan Mannion the manuscript, so hold ya pictures,
Just like you posin' for strippers and tryin' show ya riches,
Materialistic, I got a lot materials,
Um, I gotta lot of... Uhh Chamnesia,
I'd probably break up with my own self and go solo,
Verses for a promo, oh no
[Verse 4 (Lil Ken):]
I'm a monster,
I be cummin' like dicks, no homo,
A lil' to gangsta for them flicks, no photos,
I'm high like gas, rose sticks and blow dodo,
Aha that Texas (shit), fo' shodo,
Fresh of the underground circuit,
Straight into this overground circus, (clown ass)
I'ma do numbers like the lotto,
Shoot 'trone straight out the bottle,
You not lookin' at a role model,
So, I say it one time and one time only, (say it)
Not ya buddy, not a pal, or ya homie,
You know me
[Chorus:]
I am a hustla, you gotta pay me,
No time to sleep, I'm in the streets on the daily,
When you a hustla, no bein' lazy,
I got it whenever you need it, just page me,
Hustla music,
Hustla music,
Hustla music,
I'm hustlin' music,
You thinkin', you thinkin' I'ma lose baby,
Either you stupid or you gotta be crazy
(Crazy)
(Crazy)
[Talking:]
I'm like Bruh Man on the fifth flo',
'Cept I'm comin' in through the front do',
I ain't gotta use the window
[Verse 5:]
Let's go,
Now please pass my passport, because of it,
I got groupies with longer hair than Cousin It,
Brazilian ladies who tell me, "This bra just doesn't fit"
Twins in two rooms, try to make me double dip,
Should of known I would win yeah, you thought you had it (what?)
Like my cars and my weapon, that is automatic
[Talking:]
This the part of the horror flick,
Where the white lady trips and falls,
And me and Famous escape with the millions,
Aha!
[Verse 6 (Lil Ken):]
Two heavy weights from the Lone Star State,
And if thirty's the new twenty, I've been high since eight, (haha)
Me flop, just wait, not turn blue (nigga),
Tell 'em that I'm Famous, thought I was a new (nigga),
Thought you knew (nigga), when I'm applyin' pressure,
The brothers play the back, lookin' like some rhymin' extras,
'Cause I'm the star of the movie, can't move me,
Don't try either, either,
I'ma roast you then +Bake-er+ like Anita,
Fuck (hot), my records got the feva - stop actin' like a diva,
They tellin' Cham how they feelin' me,
I'm a Universal asset, ya whole team liability,
So I ain't finna leave, so you ain't finna breathe,
I could cut it up, or keep it cool like the winter breeze,
My piece and chain symbolize respect,
My mouth piece symbolize a check, yep, (Chamillitary mayne)
No kids here, so how you gonna play me?
Boy tryin' cash out, so how you gonna pay me?
[Chorus:]
I am a hustla, you gotta pay me,
No time to sleep, I'm in the streets on the daily,
When you a hustla, no bein' lazy,
I got it whenever you need it, just page me,
(No time to sleep, I gotta keep goin')
[Verse 7:]
The hustla of all hustlas, I'll sell ya somethin' I borrow,
Sell night to the day, and then sell today to tomorrow,
(No money, don't even bother) Got some paper then call her,
Call George Bush's daughter, I'll sell her Katrina water,
(Why?)
Just to get at her father, just so they have some evidence,
I'm slick enough to take precedence from the president,
America's worse nightmare, is right here,
I stay sizzlin' like flares, look up, (*pheerrm*)
It's quite clear, it's my year 'til I hear,
Somebody smoother, then I'm the ruler, I'm like where,
Is he at just let me know I'ma bury him,
Under the rocks in the bottom of my aquarium,
The chances of me losin' this time are very slim,
If he was bright, then I'm turnin' him down to very dim,
If it ain't me in the sequel, then there will be no sequel,
You know the obvious reason is 'cause there is no equal.
In Chamillionaire's song, "You Must Be Crazy," he speaks to his haters, making sure they know that he is unstoppable. He speaks on the idea that the only time he loses is when it's his memory, and how he's willing to take anybody on when it comes to his game. Nobody can beat him at it because he's the hustler of all hustlers, and he can sell anything, from Katrina water to nights and days. The track emphasizes that he's at the top of his game, and he's not stepping down for anyone.
The lyrics do a fine job expressing Chamillionaire's confidence and personal success. He's a hustler through and through, and nobody on this earth can take that title from him. He takes pride in doing what he does and does not care about the opinions of others. Additionally, he emphasizes that he is willing to take on anyone who tries to test him in his area of expertise.
Line by Line Meaning
Chamillionaire is so - crazy,
Chamillionaire is extremely talented and unpredictable.
Look at the face of the media like you - crazy,
The media's perception of Chamillionaire is ridiculous.
You thought I'd fall, I'm sorry dawg ya - crazy,
Those who underestimated Chamillionaire were mistaken.
Mirror mirror, on the wall you are - crazy
The mirror reflects the insanity of those who doubted Chamillionaire.
I wonder if it's still called memory loss,
Is it memory loss if you never experienced a loss?
If you can't remember the last time you lost, aha
If you never lose, there's nothing to remember.
The only time I lose, is when it's my memory,
Chamillionaire never loses except when he forgets.
Haters comin' around here, talkin' about 'Remember me?'
Haters want Chamillionaire to acknowledge their existence.
Naw amnesia, Cham leader apparently,
Chamillionaire has selective memory for followers.
You were just a follower, now I'm about to set a speed,
Former followers can't keep up with Chamillionaire's success.
If they can't keep up, with no one ahead of me,
If others can't match Chamillionaire's pace, they're far behind.
Victory is just, what I said I can achieve,
Chamillionaire believes he can consistently achieve success.
'Bout to be trouble, you scared? I think you betta leave,
Chamillionaire warns those who fear his impending dominance.
Hope you don't have asthma *ahum*, go head and breathe
Chamillionaire challenges his opponents to catch their breath.
Garage lift up, it'll create some enemies,
Chamillionaire's success attracts jealousy and enemies.
Got that 'S-S' in the middle of it like Tennessee,
Chamillionaire's car has a 'S-S' emblem like Tennessee.
Sorry but the Ferarri there, isn't friend-ly,
The Ferrari is hostile and unfriendly towards others.
The engine be runnin' *pvroom*, like it's scared of keys,
The engine roars with power, as if it fears nothing.
If she a freak don't handcuff her, just let her be,
Don't restrict a free-spirited person, allow them to express themselves.
Get your G's, like five letters after the letter B,
Earn your money, symbolized by the letter 'G' five letters after 'B'.
Photocopy, couldn't possibly find a better me,
There's no chance of finding someone as great as Chamillionaire.
Hot, like two letters after the letter C,
Chamillionaire is hot and successful, just two letters after 'C' (for Chamillionaire).
In the name of gang, that's been runnin' the game,
Chamillionaire represents a powerful and influential group in the industry.
Help me explain and tell 'em, Chamillitary mayne
Chamillionaire needs assistance to convey the message of Chamillitary.
I am a hustla, you gotta pay me,
Chamillionaire is a hard worker who deserves compensation.
No time to sleep, I'm in the streets on the daily,
Chamillionaire is always active and working.
When you a hustla, no bein' lazy,
Hustlers can't afford to be lazy or unproductive.
I got it whenever you need it, just page me,
Chamillionaire is always available and reliable.
Hustla music,
Chamillionaire's music represents the hustler lifestyle.
You thinkin', you thinkin' I'ma lose baby,
If you doubt Chamillionaire's success, you're mistaken.
Either you stupid or you gotta be crazy
If you can't comprehend Chamillionaire's success, you must be foolish or insane.
L K: Famous!
Lil Ken proclaims Chamillionaire's fame.
C: Aha, you ready Famous?
Chamillionaire asks Lil Ken if he's prepared for their success.
L K: Hold up, I gotta take these twenty G's and take 'em to the bank G, handle up.
Lil Ken is handling financial matters before proceeding.
C: Alright fo' sho, I got it.
Chamillionaire reassures Lil Ken that he's got everything under control.
The Hype Williams, to y'all rookies you know that this is,
Chamillionaire's music video is directed by Hype Williams, a legend in the industry.
A motion picture so sick, that I call it motion sickness,
Chamillionaire's video is visually stunning and captivating.
Jonathan Mannion the manuscript, so hold ya pictures,
Jonathan Mannion, a renowned photographer, captures the essence of Chamillionaire.
Just like you posin' for strippers and tryin' show ya riches,
Don't pretend to be something you're not just to impress others.
Materialistic, I got a lot materials,
Chamillionaire is wealthy and has a vast collection of possessions.
Um, I gotta lot of... Uhh Chamnesia,
Chamillionaire has so much wealth that he forgets what he owns.
I'd probably break up with my own self and go solo,
Chamillionaire is so successful that he could pursue a solo career.
Verses for a promo, oh no
Chamillionaire uses his verses for promotional purposes.
I'm a monster,
Lil Ken is an unstoppable force.
I be cummin' like dicks, no homo,
Lil Ken achieves success and satisfaction, without any sexual connotations.
A lil' to gangsta for them flicks, no photos,
Lil Ken's gangster image cannot be captured in photos.
I'm high like gas, rose sticks and blow dodo,
Lil Ken is elevated and intoxicated like marijuana and cocaine.
Aha that Texas (shit), fo' shodo,
Lil Ken proudly represents the Texas culture.
Fresh of the underground circuit,
Lil Ken is emerging from the local hip-hop scene.
Straight into this overground circus,
Lil Ken is transitioning to mainstream success.
I'ma do numbers like the lotto,
Lil Ken will achieve financial success similar to winning the lottery.
Shoot 'trone straight out the bottle,
Lil Ken consumes alcohol without hesitation.
You not lookin' at a role model,
Lil Ken doesn't fulfill the role model archetype.
So, I say it one time and one time only, (say it)
Lil Ken emphasizes a specific statement, never to be repeated.
Not ya buddy, not a pal, or ya homie,
Lil Ken isn't interested in being friends or associates.
You know me
Everyone is familiar with Lil Ken's identity.
I'm like Bruh Man on the fifth flo',
Chamillionaire enters with confidence, like the character Bruh Man.
'Cept I'm comin' in through the front do',
Chamillionaire enters through the main entrance, unlike Bruh Man.
I ain't gotta use the window
Chamillionaire has no need for sneaky or unconventional methods of entry.
Now please pass my passport, because of it,
Chamillionaire needs his passport due to his international success.
I got groupies with longer hair than Cousin It,
Chamillionaire attracts fans with long hair, similar to Cousin It from The Addams Family.
Brazilian ladies who tell me, 'This bra just doesn't fit'
Brazilian women express their admiration for Chamillionaire.
Twins in two rooms, try to make me double dip,
Twin women invite Chamillionaire to engage in intimate activities.
Should of known I would win yeah, you thought you had it (what?)
Others underestimated Chamillionaire's ability to succeed.
Like my cars and my weapon, that is automatic
Chamillionaire's cars and weapons are automatic, signifying effortless dominance.
This the part of the horror flick,
Chamillionaire compares his situation to a suspenseful horror movie.
Where the white lady trips and falls,
A stereotypical scene in horror movies where a white woman falls.
And me and Famous escape with the millions,
Chamillionaire and Famous successfully escape with their wealth.
Aha!
Chamillionaire expresses satisfaction and triumph.
Two heavy weights from the Lone Star State,
Chamillionaire and Lil Ken are influential figures from Texas.
And if thirty's the new twenty, I've been high since eight, (haha)
Even though youth is valued, Chamillionaire has been successful since a young age.
Me flop, just wait, not turn blue (nigga),
Chamillionaire won't fail, so don't expect him to be discouraged.
Tell 'em that I'm Famous, thought I was a new (nigga),
Lil Ken is confident in his fame and presence in the industry.
Thought you knew (nigga), when I'm applyin' pressure,
Others should have anticipated Lil Ken's skill under pressure.
The brothers play the back, lookin' like some rhymin' extras,
Other rappers are overshadowed by Lil Ken's lyrical expertise.
'Cause I'm the star of the movie, can't move me,
Lil Ken is the main attraction and cannot be ignored.
Don't try either, either,
Others should avoid attempting to compete.
I'ma roast you then +Bake-er+ like Anita,
Lil Ken will verbally destroy his rivals, similar to cooking them.
Fuck (hot), my records got the feva - stop actin' like a diva,
Lil Ken's music is popular and infectious, causing others to be jealous.
They tellin' Cham how they feelin' me,
Others express their admiration for Chamillionaire.
I'm a Universal asset, ya whole team liability,
Chamillionaire is an asset to Universal Music Group, while his rivals are liabilities.
So I ain't finna leave, so you ain't finna breathe,
Chamillionaire isn't going anywhere, suffocating his competition.
I could cut it up, or keep it cool like the winter breeze,
Chamillionaire can either destroy his rivals or maintain a calm demeanor.
My piece and chain symbolize respect,
Chamillionaire's jewelry represents his status and influence.
My mouth piece symbolize a check, yep,
Chamillionaire's words bring financial success.
No kids here, so how you gonna play me?
Chamillionaire can't be fooled or taken advantage of.
Boy tryin' cash out, so how you gonna pay me?
Those who attempt to take advantage of Chamillionaire will ultimately owe him.
The hustla of all hustlas, I'll sell ya somethin' I borrow,
Chamillionaire is the ultimate hustler, selling borrowed goods.
Sell night to the day, and then sell today to tomorrow,
Chamillionaire can profit from any situation, regardless of time.
(No money, don't even bother) Got some paper then call her,
Don't waste Chamillionaire's time if you don't have money, but if you do, he's available.
Call George Bush's daughter, I'll sell her Katrina water,
Chamillionaire is willing to exploit even the daughter of George Bush.
(Why?) Just to get at her father, just so they have some evidence,
Chamillionaire seeks revenge and will collect evidence against George Bush.
I'm slick enough to take precedence from the president,
Chamillionaire can outshine even the president.
America's worse nightmare, is right here,
Chamillionaire is a threat to America's conventional standards.
I stay sizzlin' like flares, look up, (*pheerrm*)
Chamillionaire remains relevant and captivating, like flares in the sky.
It's quite clear, it's my year 'til I hear,
Chamillionaire's dominance is undeniable until someone proves otherwise.
Somebody smoother, then I'm the ruler, I'm like where,
Chamillionaire challenges someone to surpass his skill, but he's confident no one can.
Is he at just let me know I'ma bury him,
If there's someone who can rival Chamillionaire, inform him so he can defeat them.
Under the rocks in the bottom of my aquarium,
Chamillionaire will make his opponent disappear, submerged in his success.
The chances of me losin' this time are very slim,
There's a minimal possibility of Chamillionaire losing.
If he was bright, then I'm turnin' him down to very dim,
Even if his opponent had potential, Chamillionaire would extinguish it.
If it ain't me in the sequel, then there will be no sequel,
If Chamillionaire isn't involved, there won't be a continuation.
You know the obvious reason is 'cause there is no equal.
The reason Chamillionaire stands alone is because he has no equal.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: DAVE BURKE, HAKEEM T. SERIKI, JOMAR CHRISTOPHER DOGUE, KEN JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind