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Chamillionaire

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Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979, in Houston, Texas) is American, two time Grammy Award nominated rapper from the Acres Homes section of Houston, Texas. He is best known by his stage name, Chamillionaire (pronounced Ka-MIL-yin-air), but also uses nicknames such as The Mixtape Messiah, King Koopa, Color Changin' Lizard, Chamillinator, Chamillitary Mayne, Cham, and The Truth From Texas. 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.

Chamillionaire

Biography

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 rhymes.

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, 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.

Solo career

2005-2006 Mixtape Messiah to The Sound of Revenge

After being dissatisfied with Swishahouse and Paid in Full due to monetary disputes, 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'" features Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony & Play-N-Skillz, who produced the track, all make appearances in the video. "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, and Krayzie Bone, 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 s, 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.

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 "Dope 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.

Chamillionaire is set to release his next mainstream album "Ultimate Victory" due in stores on March 27, 2007. 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, Swizz Beatz, Cool & Dre, and more. The album will also feature guest appearances by Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, T.I., 50 Cent, Three 6 Mafia, Pimp C, Young Buck and others. In addition to his mixtapes and albums, Chamillionaire will begin promoting his new custom "Color Changing Kicks" shoe line.[1]

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.
  • 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. 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 [5].
  • Recently, Chamillionaire says that he hate beef's, 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 decline of Hip Hop. He has asked all fans to forget the Hip Hop beef's, even his own. This is clear on the "Hip Hop is dead skit" on his Mixtape Mixtape Messiah pt. 2.

Discography

Albums

Mainstream albums

Album cover Album information
File:Soundofrevenge.jpg
 The Sound of Revenge
 
 Ultimate Victory

Mixtapes

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) TBA TBA TBA TBA Ultimate Victory
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) 87 26 16 Jibbs feat. Jibbs
2006 "Doe Boy Fresh" Three 6 Mafia (featuring Chamillionaire) 85 - - Da Last 2 Walk

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 "Doe Boy Fresh" Three 6 Mafia (featuring Chamillionaire) Da Last 2 Walk

Guest Appearances

Video Cameo Apperances

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 "Ridin" 2007 Nominated
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

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.
  • Prefers to ride on buses over riding in airplanes.
  • 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.
  • He is one day younger than friend and fellow rapper The Game.
  • Was the first artist who sold 3 million ringtones off of his second single, Ridin' (he has now sold 4 million)
  • He appears in the game "Def Jam: Icon".
  • Chamillionaire does not do drugs.
  • 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.
  • Weird Al parodied his song Ridin with the track White and Nerdy (from his Straight Outta Lynwood album).

See also

References

  1. ^ Chamillionaire Shoe Line - Color Changing Kicks
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