Hakeem
Seriki is an American rapper from the Acres Homes section of Houston, Texas. He
is best known by his stage name, Chamillionaire, but also uses nicknames
such as The Mixtape Messiah, King Koopa, Color Changin Lizard, The Truth From
Texas, and Chamillitary Man. Seriki is known for his ability to change
the tempo and rhyme scheme of his rapping within a single song, and for the
rapid, clear, and distinct quality of his delivery and voice. In these respects,
he has been compared to Twista and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. He is regarded by many
hip-hop fans as one of the most lyrically talented emcees in the South, and 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 harmonises with
himself (using double-tracked vocals) on his own hooks.What’s been different in your life since Ridin’ came out?
It’s very big for an American artist to be able to get a number 1 single and then be able to take it overseas which is what I’m doing at the moment.
Why is the album called Sound of Revenge?
Using music is the best revenge you can have over people. People have always been telling me that everything I was doing would never work but I’ve always had faith in myself and felt that I would become successful and prove myself.
Why the name Chamillionaire?
I used to be called Chameleon because I used to do a lot of freestyles and mix tapes talking about bling-bling and materialistic stuff but I wanted to have a purpose so I added the Millionaire part to show that I’m an artist rich in style because I ride fast, slow and sing hooks. I like to use different sounds.
How did you get into rapping?
I was a basketball player at first and wanted to go to the NBA but then I had a love for hip hop and it wasn’t really allowed in my household so it was a kind of rebellion and it made me start liking it more. When I realised I could make money out of it I started taking it more seriously.
Who has been your favourite person to work with so far?
I’d say Krayzie Bone because at the level of success he’s reached he’s still very humble and down for what he has to do. He’s one of the best artists around.
What don’t you like about the music industry?
I think there are a lot of followers and not enough leaders. A lot of people are scared to take risks, especially some major labels.
What are your main inspirations in life and music?
Musically I look up to a bit of everybody from East Coast to West Coast. I’ve seen people fail before me and that’s helped me see what to do and not do.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I plan to build my empire Chamillitary. I want it to be more of a brand that people will know and branch into other stuff. Rap is a stepping stone to other avenues and I want it to go nationwide.
What’s your personality?
I’m really a conservative person and don’t do too many wild things. I don’t even smoke or drink. Most people will tell you I’m a pretty normal guy.
How have attitudes changed towards you since your success?
I think the more I’ve got out there at first people judged me on what they heard or read about me but now they’re getting to know me and I think they will become more receptive to Chamillionaire.
Are you a millionaire already?
I’ve been a millionaire for a while now. It still doesn’t stop though; I’ve seen people lose millions. I’m trying to stay business minded and concentrate on my longevity in the game. I have a lot of cars because I have a car company where we fix old school cars to make them new so a car is probably one of my most expensive purchases.
What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time?
I don’t just listen to hip hop I also listen to a lot of underground music outside the hip hop world like Gnarls Barkley and Linkin Park, I try to be cultured in different types of music.
What are your opinions that hip hop influences drug and gun crime?
I think that’s just silly. For people to point a finger to hip hop is kind of crazy. It’s more about the way people are raised. There are all those video games with blood and guns that children are playing and lots of violence on TV. All of that plays with a person’s mind.
What are your plans for the rest of the years?
Just to stay on the grind. So many people get happy when they get a number 1 record but I’m still on it and I want to be more of a global sea. I’m also doing some more features, one with Ciara that we shot a video for, and a track with Frankie J. I’m also trying to get my next single ready.
www.chamillionaire.com
By Rashmi Shastri - Jul 2006