Chamillionaire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chamillionaire | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Hakeem Seriki | |
| Also known as | King Koopa, The Mixtape Messiah, Color Changin' Lizard, Chamillionator, The Man On Fire, Chamillitary Man | |
| Born | November 28, 1979 (age 27) | |
| Origin |  Houston, Texas, USA |
|
| Genre(s) | Southern rap / Hip Hop | |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper | |
| Years active | 1999 - present | |
| Label(s) | Chamillitary / Universal Records | |
| Associated acts |
The Color Changin' Click | |
| Website | www.chamillionaire.com | |
Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979, in Washington D.C.) is an American Entrepreneur and Grammy Award winning rapper from the Acres Homes section of Houston, Texas. He is best known by his stage name, Chamillionaire (pronounced Ka-MIL-yin-air, a portmanteau of "chameleon" and "millionaire"), but also uses nicknames such as The Mixtape Messiah, King Koopa, Color Changin' Lizard, Chamillinator, Chamillitary Man. He has publicly stated that his aim is to prove that the South can produce quality lyricists. He is also a hook writer and usually sings and harmonizes with himself (using double-tracked vocals) on his own hooks. Chamillionaire is an original member of The Color Changin' Click, which houses rappers such as his brother Rasaq, 50/50 Twin, Lew Hawk, Yung Ro, and Paul Wall. He was recently awarded a Grammy, for the best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for his #1 single with Krayzie Bone, titled Ridin'.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Born in Washington D.C., Chamillionaire moved to Houston, Texas at the age of 4. After his parents, a Muslim father from Oyo State, Nigeria and a Christian mother separated in his early teenage years, Chamillionaire settled into a notoriously dangerous inner-city neighborhood in North West 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 rhymes. At a young age, Chamillionaire, along with fellow rap music artist and childhood friend Paul Wall, had decided to make music their careers. He began his musical career in a gospel rap group by the name of the "The Sleepwalkers” with former partners Paul Wall and TeRay "PKT" Green. They performed at many youth festivals and church gatherings before venturing into more secular music. One day while promoting themselves at a Texas event, he and Paul Wall 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.
[edit] Solo career
[edit] 2005-2006:Mixtape Messiah to The Sound of Revenge
Chamillionaire began releasing his own mixtapes to ensure that all the money he earned went to him, together with his business partner, Luciano D'Amico A.K.A. Lucky Luxurioso-Lashes. After releasing Mixtape Messiah in 2004, Chamillionaire signed a deal with Universal Records in early 2005. Chamillionaire and Lucky would later that year become involved in a dispute over royalty sharing. This resulted in Lucky publicly dissing Chamillionaire and then going on to release his own album in 2006. Chamillionaire and Luciano D'Amico are no longer on speaking terms.
Chamillionaire's eighth major solo release, entitled The Sound of Revenge, was released through Chamillitary Entertainment and Universal Records in November 2005. The album's lead single was entitled "Turn It Up" featuring Lil' Flip and was produced by Scott Storch. The second single, released in March 2006, entitled "Ridin'". "Ridin'" was so successful that it held the number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in a row [1] and helped drive The Sound of Revenge to platinum success.
He was featured in Pepsi's Yahoo! "Houston Mic Pass" with Lil' Flip, Trae, Chingo Bling, Bun B, Short Dawg, H.A.W.K, Magno and Mike D.[2]
R&B singer and friend, Natalie announced in a recent MTV interview that Chamillionaire will be shooting a video for the track, "Think I'm Crazy." She'll cameo in whilst traveling back and forth in between breaks to shoot the video for her first single "What You Gonna Do" with rapper and friend Bun B. However, Chamillionaire has since replaced "Think I'm Crazy" with "Grown and Sexy" as the next single. If "Grown and Sexy" proves another success, "Think I'm Crazy" might be released as the 4th single. Also, while not an official single, the bonus track "Grind Time" was used as part of the NBA Live soundtrack.
Chamillionaire recruits an impressive list of rappers on his debut effort, including Lil' Flip, Bun B, Scarface, as well as in-demand producers Scott Storch, Mannie Fresh and Cool & Dre. But, it's his work with Atlanta studio kings The Beat Bullies (Big Boi/OutKast) that sets the tone for much of The Sound Of Revenge's diverse platform. "They understand me," Chamillionaire 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 streets and to the radio."
The album was recently certified platinum by the RIAA, and a chopped and screwed version, screwed by OG Ron C, was released in February 2006. In addition, Chamillionaire was voted by BET viewers as the #1 Gangster of the 21st Century.
Chamillionaire has lately been getting calls from a slew of artists who want to work or tour with him. So far, he's worked with Joe, Young Buck and newcomer Jibbs ("King Kong") [3],and is also featured on Ciara's new single, entitled "Get Up", which is included on the soundtrack for Step Up. He contributed on the official remix of "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera. Chamillionaire also makes appearances on DJ Khaled's album with Slim Thug and Trina on a track called "Candy Paint", on Frankie J's upcoming single "That Girl" with Mannie Fresh, on Trick Daddy's new single "Bet That", and Three 6 Mafia's new single "Doe Boy Fresh". A rumored collaboration between Chamillionaire and 50 Cent has also been officially confirmed. SOHH recently caught up with Chamillionaire during "MTV Video Music Awards" press forum and the Houston bred emcee revealed that him and the G-Unit honcho have worked on some material. "I bumped into 50 in NY a couple of weeks ago, and he hollered at me and said he wanted to do some stuff, next day Sha Money hit me up and put me on some records," explained Cham. "I really don't like to say nothing until it gets cleared, and everything goes through cause I don't like to say I'm a be on something and then get pulled off." "So yeah, I'm definitely been messing around with them," Cham continued. "They been showing love, and I've been messin' with his DJ, DJ Whoo Kid and Lil' Scrappy, he just shot a video, he's with G-Unit now and he put me in the video, so it's a good look," he added.
Chamillionaire is still turning heads in the hip-hop industry after winning the VMA for Best Rap Video, beating out veterans such as T.I., Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, and fellow new artist Yung Joc. On September 6, 2006, the ringtone of his song "Ridin'" was the first to be certified triple platinum, making it the highest-selling master ringtone ever [4]. Despite these successes, he considers "Weird Al" Yankovic spoofing his "Ridin'" with "White & Nerdy" his greatest honor; the vocalist also openly praised Yankovic's rapping skills and posted "White & Nerdy" on his own MySpace page.
[edit] 2006-2007: From Revenge To Ultimate Victory
Chamillionaire is set to release his next mainstream album "Ultimate Victory" due in stores Spring 2007. The album failed to be released on the originally intended date of March 27th, referred to on Mixtape Messiah pt. 2. It is now set for release on June 5. The rumored first single has recently surfaced, entitled "Not A Criminal" and features RnB artist Kelis. The album will feature production by Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, Akon, Swizz Beatz, Cool & Dre, and more. The album will also feature guest appearances by Busta Rhymes, Akon, Three 6 Mafia, Pimp C, Lil' Wayne and others. In addition to his mixtapes and albums, Chamillionaire will begin promoting his new custom "Color Changing Kicks" shoe line.[1]
Chamillionaire had been set to do his version on "Pimped Out" instead of Dem Franchize Boyz, but it is unknown if he will appear on Brooke Valentine's album Physical Education.[5]
[edit] Controversy
- Chamillionaire was involved in a feud with Mike Jones. Jones stated that Chamillionaire insulted him out of jealousy for his success, Chamillionaire has accused Jones of slander, and in response devoted an entire disc of his 3-CD mixtape album Mixtape Messiah to insulting him, referring to Jones as "Dyke Jones". However at the encouragement of Paul Wall & other Swishahouse rappers, Chamillionaire has contemplated working with Jones again and resolving any disagreement between the two.
-
- The disagreement between the two Houston rappers seems to be over, being that Chamillionaire is making an appearance on Mike Jones new album, "The American Dream".
- Chamillionaire's younger brother Rasaq was allegedly jumped and punched in the back of the head by Paul Wall and his entourage at a nightclub. Paul Wall denied these claims, and Chamillionaire denied that anyone was hurt at all. Another less well known incident occurred when there was an attempt to extort Chamillionaire by rival crew member David Bongis. He also expressed his disappointment in Paul Wall, claiming that they "all used to be family", and expressing dismay in the state of affairs. Chamillionaire and Paul Wall have since made up (after performing Ridin' on BET's 106 & Park; Chamillionaire confirmed that not only are he and Paul Wall now back on talking terms but that they are thinking of touring together soon [6].
- Recently, Chamillionaire says that he hates beefs, especially after the release of Hip Hop Is Dead, and the appearance of what looks like an East Coast Vs. South beef, and has blamed Corporate America instead, for the downfall of hip hop. He has asked all fans to forget the hip hop beefs, even his own. This is clear on the "Hip Hop is Dead (Skit)" on his recent mixtape, Mixtape Messiah pt. 2.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- 2002: Get Ya Mind Correct (with Paul Wall)
- 2003: The Army (with The Color Changing Click)
- 2005: Controversy Sells (with Paul Wall)
- 2005: Chamillitary (with The Color Changing Click)
- 2005: Chamillionaire: Greatest Hits
- 2005: Chamillionaire: Greatest Hits 2
- 2005: The Sound of Revenge (Platinum)
- 2006: The Sound of Revenge (Screwed & Chopped)
- 2007: Ultimate Victory
[edit] Mainstream albums
 |
The Sound of Revenge
|
 |
Ultimate Victory
|
[edit] Mixtapes
- 2004: Mixtape Messiah
- 2005: Houston We Have a Problem
- 2005: The Truth (with DJ Whoo Kid)
- 2005: Tippin' Down 2005
- 2005: Best Of... Continued
- 2005: Da Bottom Vol. 2
- 2005: Late Summer 2k5 (with OG Ron C)
- 2005: Whut It Dew Vol. 1
- 2005: Big Business (with Stat Quo)
- 2005: Man On Fire
- 2006: Best Of... Continued Part 2 (with Judge Dredd & Stat Quo)
- 2006: Whut It Dew: Reloaded
- 2006: Mixtape Messiah pt. 2
[edit] Singles
| Year | Song | U.S. Hot 100 | U.S. R&B | U.S. Rap | UK | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Turn It Up" (featuring Lil' Flip) | 41 | 31 | 9 | - | The Sound of Revenge |
| 2006 | "Ridin'" (featuring Krayzie Bone) | 1 | 7 | 2 | 2 | The Sound of Revenge |
| 2006 | "Grown And Sexy" | - | - | - | 35 | The Sound of Revenge |
| 2007 | "Not A Criminal" (featuring Kelis) | 103 | - | - | - | Ultimate Victory |
[edit] Featured Singles
| Year | Song | U.S. Hot 100 | U.S. R&B | U.S. Rap | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Draped Up [Remix]" Bun B (featuring Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Aztek, Lil Flip, & Z-Ro) | 45 | Trill | |||
| 2006 | "Get Up" Ciara (featuring Chamillionaire) | 7 | 10 | - | Step Up Soundtrack / The Evolution | |
| 2006 | "That Girl" Frankie J. (featuring Chamillionaire and Mannie Fresh) | 43 | - | - | Priceless | |
| 2006 | "Bet That" Trick Daddy (featuring Chamillionaire & Gold Rush) | 104 | - | - | Back by Thug Demand | |
| 2006 | "King Kong" Jibbs (featuring Chamillionaire) | 54 | 32 | 16 | Jibbs feat. Jibbs | |
| 2006 | "Dope Boy Fresh" Three 6 Mafia (featuring Chamillionaire) | 63 | - | - | Da Last 2 Walk | |
| 2006 | "I Know U Want That" Big Tuck (featuring Chamillionaire & Tum Tum) | 95 | - | - | Tha Absolute Truth |
[edit] Music Videos
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Turn It Up" (featuring Lil' Flip) | The Sound of Revenge |
| 2006 | "Ridin'" (featuring Krayzie Bone) | The Sound of Revenge |
| 2006 | "Grown and Sexy" | The Sound of Revenge |
| 2006 | "Get Up" Ciara (featuring Chamillionaire) | Step Up Soundtrack / The Evolution |
| 2006 | "That Girl" Frankie J (featuring Chamillionaire and Mannie Fresh) | Priceless |
| 2006 | "Bet That" Trick Daddy (featuring Chamillionaire & Gold Rush) | Back by Thug Demand |
| 2006 | "King Kong" Jibbs (featuring Chamillionaire) | Jibbs feat. Jibbs |
| 2007 | "Dope Boy Fresh" Three 6 Mafia (featuring Chamillionaire) | Da Last 2 Walk |
| 2007 | "Not a Criminal" (featuring Kelis) | Ultimate Victory |
[edit] Guest Appearances
| Song | Album |
|---|---|
| "Draped Up Remix" Bun B (featuring Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Aztek, Lil Flip, & Z-Ro) | Trill |
| "That Girl" Frankie J. (featuring Chamillionaire and Mannie Fresh) | Priceless |
| "Bet That" Trick Daddy (featuring Chamillionaire & Gold Rush) | Back by Thug Demand |
| "Get Up" Ciara (featuring Chamillionaire) | Step Up Soundtrack / The Evolution |
| "King Kong" Jibbs (featuring Chamillionaire) | Jibbs feat. Jibbs |
| "Doe Boy Fresh" Three 6 Mafia (featuring Chamillionaire) | Da Last 2 Walk |
| "I Know U Want That" Big Tuck (featuring Chamillionaire & Tum Tum) | Tha Absolute Truth |
| "Oh No" Trae (featuring Paul Wall & Chamillionaire) | Same Thing Different Day |
| "U See It" Lil' Flip (featuring Chamillionaire) | Undaground Legend |
| "Hoes Down, G's Up" Magno (featuring Chamillionaire) | The New Print |
| "Overstand Me" Pimp C (featuring Trae & Chamillionaire) | Pimpalation |
| "Call Me (Remix)" Play-N-Skillz (featuring Chamillionaire, Lil' Flip & Young Gunz) | |
| "Never Surrender" Slim Thug (featuring Chamillionaire, Paul Wall & E.S.G.) | |
| "Everybody Gotta Go" C-Murder (featuring Chamillionaire) | Screamin 4 Vengeance |
| "Playa 4 Life" Lil' Flip (featuring Chamillionaire) | I Need Mine |
| "Day 2 Day Grindin'" Magno & Mike Jones (featuring Chamillionaire) | 1st Round Draft Picks |
| "Can I Take You Home (Remix)" Jamie Foxx (featuring Chamillionaire) | |
| "Deep Off In the Game" Bun B (featuring Chamillionaire & Slim Thug) | |
| "Ridin' Clean" Black Buddafly (featuring Chamillionaire) | Black Buddafly |
| "Candy Paint" DJ Khaled (featuring Slim Thug, Trina & Chamillionaire) | Listennn... The Album |
| "Get Up On It" Bone Crusher (featuring Chamillionaire) | The M.A.S.H. |
| "Pop the Trunk" Papoose (featuring Yung Joc & Chamillionaire) | Second Place Is The First Loser |
| "Put Yo Cups Up" Kiotti (featuring Chamillionaire) | |
| "Ride Wit Us" E.S.G. (featuring Bun B & Chamillionaire) | Screwed Up Movement |
| "U Aint Me" Xzibit (featuring Chamillionaire & Ras Kass) | |
| "Get Dis Crunk" Magno (featuring Chamillionaire) | |
| "Sleep" 2 Pac (featuring Chamillionaire & Young Buck) | Pac's Life |
| "Ain't No Other Man (Remix)" Christina Aguilera (featuring Chamillionaire) | |
| "Platinum Starz" Scarface (featuring Lil' Flip, Bun B & Chamillionaire) | My Homies Part 2 |
| "Do Our Thang" Z-Ro (featuring Chamillionaire & Big Pokey) | 1 Deep |
| "Up Your Speed (Remix)" Sway (featuring Chamillionaire) | |
| "Roll With Me" Balance (featuring Chamillionaire & Stat Quo) | |
| "Ain't No Other Man (Remix)" Christina Aguilera (featuring Chamillionaire) | |
| "I Ain't Never Heard" Turk (featuring Chamillionaire, Ke'Noe & S.S.) | Still a Hot Boy |
| "One Blood (Remix)" The Game (featuring Chamillionaire & Various) | |
| "Its Hard Not to Think" Lil' O (featuring Chamillionaire) |
[edit] Video Cameo Appearances
- "Youz a Trick" by Lil' Flip
- "Money in the Bank" by Lil' Scrappy (featuring Young Buck)
- "Chevy Ridin High" by Dre (featuring Rick Ross)
- "The Game Belongs To Me" by UGK
[edit] Awards/Nominations
| Award | Category | Genre | Song/Album | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Music Awards | Favorite Breakthrough Artist | 2006 | Nominated | ||
| BET Awards | Best New Artist | 2006 | Nominated | ||
| BET Hip Hop Awards | Hip Hop Track of the Year | Southern Rap/Hip-Hop | "Ridin" | 2006 | Nominated |
| BET Hip Hop Awards | Rookie of the Year | 2006 | Won | ||
| BET Hip Hop Awards | Hip Hop MVP | 2006 | Nominated | ||
| BET Hip Hop Awards | Best Collaboration | Southern Rap/Hip Hop | "Ridin" | 2006 | Nominated |
| BET Hip Hop Awards | Viewer's Choice (Wireless People's Champ) | 2006 | Won | ||
| Dirty Awards | Most Bootlegged CD | Southern Rap/Hip Hop | "The Sound of Revenge" | 2006 | Nominated |
| Dirty Awards | Dirty Song of the Year | Southern Rap/Hip Hop | "Ridin" | 2006 | Nominated |
| Dirty Awards | Best New Dirty | 2006 | Nominated | ||
| Grammy Awards | Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group | Southern Rap/Hip Hop | "Ridin" | 2007 | Won |
| Grammy Awards | Best Rap Song | "Ridin" | 2007 | Nominated | |
| MtvU Woodie Awards | The Breaking Woodie – (Best Emerging Artist) | 2006 | Nominated | ||
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Rap Video | Southern Rap/Hip-Hop | "Ridin" | 2006 | Won |
| Ozone Awards | Best Video | Southern Rap/Hip-Hop | "Ridin" | 2006 | Won |
| People's Choice Awards | Favorite Hip Hop Song | Southern Rap/Hip Hop | "Ridin" | 2006 | Nominated |
| World Music Award | World's Best Rap/Hip Hop Artist | Southern Rap/Hip Hop | 2006 | Nominated | |
| World Of Rap Award | Ringtone Of The Year | "Ridin" | 2007 | Won |
[edit] Trivia
- His first name "Hakeem" means "wise" in Arabic.
- Both he and his brother Rasaq have Arabic first names.
- Chamillionaire was on the original version of "Still Tippin'", but due to an argument with Mike Jones, the third verse was given to Paul Wall.
- Chamillionaire's favorite album is Ridin' Dirty by UGK.
- Chamillionaire has recently stated on his MySpace that he has plans of a Chamillitary clothing Line.
- Was the first artist who sold 3 million ringtones off of his second single, Ridin' (he has now sold 4 million).
- Chamillionaire has stated that he doesn't do drugs and does not drink and has never smoked.
- Chamillionaire was just called Chamillion until the Color Changin Click released the mixtape "Starvin Marvin."
- Chamillionaire has 2 brothers, Rasaq and TC (who are both artists), and a sister.
- He is 5' 10½" [7]
- He is of Yoruba descent. This is shown by his father being from Oyo State, and having the last name Seriki.
- Is rumored to appear on an episode of The Game, scheduled to air May 2007.
- Chamillionaire owns his own car shop, called "Fly Rydes", in Houston, Texas.
- He never uses the F-Word in his songs, and when asked if planned to curse when going solo he replied, "You’re not gonna hear me killing everybody, but I think the streets are still going to mess with it. There’s still that street element. You’re not gonna hear me switch up and hear me cursing every song". [8]
- In the April 2007 issue of Stuff Magazine Chamillionaire dished to Stuff his favorite places in Houston to eat and chill.
- Chamillionaire does not have any tattoos
[edit] See also
- List of Rappers from Houston, Texas
- The Color Changin' Click
- Rasaq
- Houston hip hop
- Chamillitary Entertainment
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Official Website
- Chamillionaire at the Internet Movie Database
- Chamillionaire Website
- Chamillionaireonline
- Chamillionaire at MySpace
Discography · Chamillitary Entertainment
Studio albums: Get Ya Mind Correct (2003) · The Army (2003) · Controversy Sells (2005) · Chamillitary (2005) · Greatest Hits (2005) · Greatest Hits 2 (2005) · The Sound of Revenge (2005) · Ultimate Victory (2007)
Mixtapes: Mixtape Messiah (2004) · Houston We Have a Problem (2005) · The Truth (2005) · Tippin' Down 2005 (2005) · Best Of... Continued (2005) · Da Bottom Vol. 2 (2005) · Late Summer 2k5 (2005) · Whut It Dew Vol. 1 (2005) · Big Business (2005) · Man on Fire (2006) · Best Of... Continued Part 2 (2006) · Whut It Dew: Reloaded (2006) · Mixtape Messiah pt. 2 (2006)
Singles: "Turn It Up" · "Ridin'" · "Grown and Sexy" · "Not a Criminal"
Featured singles: "Draped Up (Remix)" · "Get Up" · "That Girl" · "Bet That" · "King Kong" · "Doe Boy Fresh" · "I Know U Want That"
Categories: 1979 births | Living people | American rappers | African American musicians | Grammy Award winners | People of Nigerian descent | Nigerian Americans | People from Houston | Texas musicians | Freestyle rappers | Rappers known by pseudonyms | Christian rappers | Rhythmic contemporary musicians
