The Color Changin' Click signed with Paid in Full Entertainment, a record label owned by the Madd Hatta, and released Get Ya Mind Correct in 2002. It was an instant hit in Houston, selling over 200,000 copies independently and getting nominated by the Source as one of the finalists for the indie album of the year in 2002.
However, disputes over money and artistic direction led to friction between Paul and Cham. They were set to release their second album, Controversy Sells, but the lingering issues led the group to split before the album saw the light of day. Controversy Sells did eventually get released in 2004. Paul decided to return to Swishahouse, while Cham started his own label, Chamillitary Entertainment. His younger brother Rasaq, Yung Ro, 50/50 Twin, and OG Ron C are signed to the label.
While Chamillionaire and Paul Wall have since ended any friction toward each other (after performing Ridin' on BET's 106 & Park, Chamillionaire confirmed that he and Paul Wall had settled all problems towards each other, citing that it had taken "so long" to get to where they were in their success), Chamillionaire has contemplated working with his estranged business partner again and even touring together.
They Don't Know
Paul Wall & Chamillionaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You don't know'bout Michael Watts
What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
We listen to music screwed and chopped
They don't know what that scar'bout
They don't know what that bar'bout
They don't know what that candy car 'bout or smokin' that joint about
Texas is the home of the playas and pimps
Showin' naked ass in the great state of Tex'
Third Coast Born I mean we're Texas raised
(Texas muthafucka that's where I stay)
All ready!
What you know about swangaz and vogues
What you know 'bout purple drank
What you know 'bout poppin' trunk, neon lights, candy paint
What you know about white shirts, starched down jeans with a razor crease
Platinum and gold on top our teeth, big ol' chains with a iced out piece
You don't know 'bout Michael Watts
You don't know about DJ Screw
What you know about "MAN! Hold UP", I done came down and what it do?
They don't know about P.A.T
What you know 'bout free pimp see
What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
What you know 'bout the S-U-C
We keep it playa, ain't no fake
When we holdin' plex whenever haters hate
We listen to music screwed and chopped
Down here in this Lone Star state
Outta towners be comin' around
Runnin' they mouth and talkin' down
But you don't know nuthin' bout my town
Either hold it down or move around
In Paul Wall's song "They Don't Know," he pays homage to the unique hip-hop culture of his home state, Texas. The song is a tribute to the local Houston DJ legend Michael Watts, who is known for the chopped and screwed technique he popularized in the 1990s. The first verse of the song mentions Michael Watts four times, emphasizing his significance. In the second verse, Wall highlights some of the distinctive elements of Texas hip hop, such as purple drank, candy cars, neon lights, and big chains. He also names some other Houston hip-hop luminaries like DJ Screw and P.A.T. (Port Arthur Texas) and the Screwed Up Click, a local rap group. The song is a celebration of the southern rap culture, which has emerged with its own unique sound, aesthetic, and style.
The lyrics of "They Don't Know" reflect the pride that Texans have in their state and regional identity. Houston, in particular, has a vibrant music scene, and the chopped and screwed style is a crucial part of that culture. By shouting out Michael Watts and other local artists and slang, Wall creates a sense of community and shared cultural experience among his listeners. On the other hand, he also acknowledges that outsiders often do not understand or appreciate the subtleties of Texas rap, or they may even disrespect its artists or traditions. Therefore, the refrain "they don't know" becomes a call to arms for Texas hip-hop fans to stand up for their culture and show pride in their heritage.
Overall, "They Don't Know" is a catchy and fun song that captures the spirit of Houston hip-hop. Its lyrics embody the deep pride that Texans have in their state and culture, and the song has become an anthem for that community. By acknowledging the contributions of local artists and celebrating the distinctiveness of Texas hip-hop, Paul Wall has established himself as a true representative of the southern rap scene, and "They Don't Know" will continue to be a classic in the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't know'bout Michael Watts
You lack knowledge about Michael Watts
What you know 'bout the Swishahouse man
What do you know about the Swishahouse man?
We listen to music screwed and chopped
We prefer listening to music in the style of screwed and chopped
Down here in this Lone Star state
It is a common practice in Texas
They don't know what that scar'bout
They lack knowledge about that scar
They don't know what that bar'bout
They lack knowledge about that bar
They don't know what that candy car 'bout or smokin' that joint about
They lack knowledge about the candy car and smoking that joint
Texas is the home of the playas and pimps
Texas is known for its playas and pimps
Showin' naked ass in the great state of Tex'
It's common to show naked ass in Texas
Third Coast Born I mean we're Texas raised
I was born on the Third Coast and raised in Texas
(Texas muthafucka that's where I stay)
I stay in Texas
What you know about swangaz and vogues
What do you know about swangaz and vogues?
What you know 'bout purple drank
What do you know about purple drank?
What you know 'bout poppin' trunk, neon lights, candy paint
What do you know about popping trunk, neon lights, and candy paint?
What you know about white shirts, starched down jeans with a razor crease
What do you know about white shirts, starched down jeans with a razor crease?
Platinum and gold on top our teeth, big ol' chains with a iced out piece
We adorn our teeth with platinum and gold and wear big chains with an iced out piece
You don't know about DJ Screw
You lack knowledge about DJ Screw
What you know about "MAN! Hold UP", I done came down and what it do?
What do you know about the phrase 'MAN! Hold UP' and what it means when I say 'I done came down and what it do?'
They don't know about P.A.T
They lack knowledge about P.A.T
What you know 'bout free pimp see
What do you know about Free Pimp C?
What you know 'bout the S-U-C
What do you know about the S.U.C?
We keep it playa, ain't no fake
We keep it real, no fakes here
When we holdin' plex whenever haters hate
We confront haters whenever they hate
Outta towners be comin' around
People from outside of town visit
Runnin' they mouth and talkin' down
They talk negatively and disrespectfully about our town
But you don't know nuthin' bout my town
You don't truly know anything about my town
Either hold it down or move around
Either respect it or leave
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TODD BERRY, BERNARD JAMES FREEMAN, BETTYE JEAN BARNES CRUTCHER, CHAD L. BUTLER, CALVIN EARL AVENT, MICHAEL A. JONES, PAUL MICHAEL SLAYTON, JOHN OKURIBIDO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@atlanticrecords
Love 2000s Hip Hop? Check out the 2000s Hip Hop Hits Mix 🔥💿 http://bit.ly/2000sThrowbacks
@hgrepair419
Appreciate this shit g
@rodolfodiaz6732
Had to put this one on when Astros won the World Series against the Phillies
@mymusic308
@LeonardJimenez-ys5fl
this song brings back memories from back in the days
@pandamoniumpodcast6044
Man this beat is a classic!!! They don’t make em like they used to kids!!
@christieisonakakristieabig3564
Yesssir
@mikep3322
Square buisness
@ericphilen3433
Real G’s know what’s up
@mizzjacksonxoxo
This beat, will forever be part of hip-hop culture. 💯💯