It is curious to hear of an artist who rises to local stardom, gets a number of good offers from majors like Def Jam, Warner Brothers, and Elektra, and decline them all, outright. It is true in the case of Chamillionaire, who has done all this either to hold himself out for a better deal or to stay closer to the streets. He has however, become an inseparable part of the Houston rap scene, with his catchy hooks and sinister flows, in tune with his own rhythm.
A handful of names, like Mixtape Messiah, Chamillionaire, Koopa, King Koopa, and Tha Color Changing Lizard are there to define him. With mastered ease, he can change the tempo and rhyme scheme of his rapping within a single song. He is recognized for his rapid, distinct, and clear quality voice and presentation. Chamillionaire has been highly reputed for his lyrical prowess for some time now. Ever since his enthralling debut on the Texas scene, major brands have been hotly pursuing him. But this no-holds-barred MC decided to make his home at Universal Records and he signed a deal for his Chamillitary imprint last yearend. At present he is working on his much-anticipated Universal debut titled, ‘The Sound of Revenge’.
Born on November 28, 1979, Chamillionaire is a rapper from the north side of Houston, Texas, specifically Acres Homes. His father is a Muslim and mother, a Christian and his family came to settle on the North side, while Chamillionaore was just 4 years old. His father was a disciplinarian and his upbringing in the straight and narrow path has left its mark on his character and lifestyle.
The father never encouraged his son’s desire to become a rapper while he was growing up. The child prodigy used to write rhymes in the most illegible format so as to evade his father’s scrupulous eyes. If ever his father would ask what he was working on, he would always say that it was schoolwork. “No one, other than me, could read it and hence father couldn't question me. Interestingly, the habit has stuck with me even now”, he says. Later, Chamillionaire went on to complete two years at The University of Houston but gave up the attempt to pursue his passion for music.
In his late teens, Chamillionaire, started his musical career along with his childhood friend Paul Wall, doing promotions for major Texas events. One day while doing promotions outside a club on the South Side, the guys happened to meet Michael '5000' Watts, one of the hottest mixtape DJs on the North Side. It was to do the promotions of his company that they had approached him in The Swisha House studio.
Eventually they convinced him into let them record a freestyle intro for the radio show that he had on Houston's 97.9 The Box. Michael even rapped on the record with the boys. It was a new experience for the listeners. Watts put it on one of his mixtapes and the freestyle became the talk of the streets. The success of the track gave them more opportunities. This inspired them try for more milestones and they soon came to be reckoned with artists like Slim Thug. But their effort and increasing popularity failed to fetch them the due they deserved.
The guys break away from the Swisha House and floated their own 5-member mixtape group called 'The Color Changin' Click'(CCC). It was at this time a contract offer came their way from the Houston's most popular radio DJ, Madd Hatta from 97.9 The Box. A short contract was negotiated to do a full album on his Paid in Full Records label. Their first album Get Ya Mind Correct (regular and screwed version) sold more than 100,000 copies. It was also nominated for Indie Album of the Year in The Source.
CCC with the reputation of street classic under their belt started doing shows nationwide and Labels start calling with deal offers. Chamillionaire even made his presence felt on fellow Houston rapper Lil Flip's platinum certified Sony release 'Underground Legend'. Despite offers pouring in, the group decided to remain independent. In the sidelines of the second album release, creative differences began to surface among Chamillionaire, Paul, and Paid in Full Records. While Paul Wall stayed back, Chamillionaire left the label and his near complete album. Next, he decided to focus on his mixtape label instead.
Henceforth Chamillionaire , vouched never again to work for anyone other than himself. He began churning out his own mixtapes, roping in his younger brother, Rasaq, as well. "I wish to make Chamillitary Entertainment into a household name nationwide and use that success as a leading path to more successful businesses.", he said once. Even while basking in the glory of his triumphs, Chamillionaire has plans to resume his studies and secure his degree in business.
