Chamillionaire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Hakeem Temidayo Seriki
Born	(1979-11-28) November 28, 1979 (age 45) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Origin	Houston, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper songwriter entrepreneur
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Chamillitary Swishahouse Paid in Full Universal Motown Universal

Hakeem Temidayo Seriki (born November 28, 1979), known as Chamillionaire, is an American rapper. He started his music journey in Houston's hip hop scene in the late 1990s. He first joined a local record label called Swishahouse. Later, he formed a hip hop group called The Color Changin' Click with his friend Paul Wall in 2002. They released a successful album together called Get Ya Mind Correct in 2002.

Chamillionaire signed with Universal Records as a solo artist in 2005. His first album, The Sound of Revenge (2005), became very popular. It included the hit song "Ridin'" (featuring Krayzie Bone), which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song also won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 2007. His second album, Ultimate Victory (2007), was also well-received and was known for not using any bad language.

In 2011, Chamillionaire decided to leave Universal Records. He then released his own music independently, including several shorter albums called EPs, like Ammunition (2012) and Elevate (2013). Besides music, Chamillionaire has also become a successful businessman. He joined a company called Upfront Ventures in 2015 and has focused on many business projects. He even helped create a social media app called Convoz in 2018.

Early Life and Musical Inspiration

Chamillionaire was born in Washington D.C. and moved to Houston, Texas when he was four years old. His parents separated when he was a teenager. He grew up in the Acres Homes area of Houston. He went to Jersey Village High School with his future rap partner, Paul Wall.

Even though his parents didn't like rap music, Chamillionaire became very interested in it as a teenager. He was inspired by famous rap groups like the Geto Boys, UGK, N.W.A, and Public Enemy. From a young age, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall decided they wanted to make music their careers. Chamillionaire also has a younger brother, Rasaq Seriki, who sometimes raps and was part of The Color Changin' Click.

Music Career Highlights

Starting His Music Journey (1998–2004)

Chamillionaire's stage name is a mix of "chameleon" and "millionaire". He chose it because he felt he could change his style like a chameleon. He and Paul Wall met Michael "5000" Watts, a popular DJ in Houston. They impressed Watts by rapping on his radio show. Watts liked their freestyle so much that he put their verses on his mixtapes. Soon, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall became well-known in Houston's mixtape scene and joined Watts's company, Swishahouse.

Chamillionaire and Paul Wall then started their own group, The Color Changin' Click. In 2002, they released their album Get Ya Mind Correct, which sold over 150,000 copies. This album was even nominated for "Independent Album of the Year" by The Source magazine in 2002.

Breaking Through with The Sound of Revenge (2005–2006)

Chamillionaire with MC Hammer and Mistah F.A.B. in 2008

Chamillionaire's first major solo album, The Sound of Revenge, came out on November 22, 2005. It quickly became popular, reaching number 10 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The album's biggest hit was "Ridin'", which featured Krayzie Bone. This song became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its music video also won "Best Rap Video" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. In 2007, Chamillionaire won a Grammy Award for "Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group" for "Ridin'".

Interestingly, the famous comedian "Weird Al" Yankovic made a funny version of "Ridin'" called "White & Nerdy". The album The Sound of Revenge sold over a million copies, earning a platinum award. Chamillionaire also won the "Best New Artist" award at the 2006 BET Awards.

Ultimate Victory and More Music (2007–2008)

To get fans ready for his next album, Chamillionaire released Mixtape Messiah 3 in July 2007. His second main album, Ultimate Victory, was released on September 18, 2007. This album featured other artists like UGK, Lil Wayne, and Slick Rick. The first song from the album was "Hip Hop Police", featuring Slick Rick. Chamillionaire and Slick Rick even performed this song on the Late Show with David Letterman TV show. This album was also notable because it did not use any bad language.

New Albums and Mixtapes (2008–2010)

In November 2008, Chamillionaire announced his plans for a third album called Venom. He also continued his popular Mixtape Messiah series. The song "Good Morning" was released as a single from the Venom album.

Chamillionaire also joined the band Weezer for some live performances. He performed at a special event for the Fort Hood military base in December 2009, helping to bring healing and entertainment after a sad event there. In 2010, he released a new mixtape called Major Pain. He also released a song called "The Main Event" featuring other Texas rappers like Paul Wall and Slim Thug. Unfortunately, the Venom album was never officially released by his record label.

Going Independent and New EPs (2011–2015)

In January 2011, Chamillionaire announced that he was leaving Universal Records. This meant he could not release the Venom album. He then started releasing new music independently. He released a series of songs called Playlist Poison and several mixtapes.

In March 2012, Chamillionaire released an eight-song EP called Ammunition. He also planned to release his third studio album, Poison, but it has not come out yet. In 2013, he released two more EPs: Elevate in February and Reignfall in July. Reignfall was his first project since his second album to appear on a Billboard chart.

Focus on Business and Return to Music (Since 2015)

Since 2015, Chamillionaire has spent more time on his business career. He became an "entrepreneur in residence" at Upfront Ventures, a company that invests in new businesses. Even with his business focus, he has still appeared on other artists' songs. In 2017, he was featured on Trae tha Truth's song "I'm On 3.0". He also appeared in a music video for the song in 2019, which was his first music video in six years. He has continued to be featured on songs by artists like Big Pokey and Tobe Nwigwe.

Chamillionaire has mentioned that his third album, Poison, is still being worked on. As of 2023, there is no release date for the project.

Entrepreneurial Career

Chamillionaire is not just a musician; he is also a successful businessman.

Early Investments (2003–2005)

In 2003, he invested in a car customization shop in Houston called Fly Rydes Kustom Toy'z. He wanted to help the business grow. He later let his partner take over the company as his music career became very busy.

He also started his own record label called Chamillitary Entertainment. He created this label after leaving his previous ones, Swishahouse and Paid In Full Entertainment. It was first connected with Universal Records but became fully independent in 2011.

Other Ventures (2006–2008)

Chamillionaire also started a modeling company called Masterpiece Mind Frame. He wanted to help talented people find opportunities. He also owns a Tour Bus company, which he started in 2006. He saw how much potential there was in renting out tour buses after traveling around the US for his music. His tour buses are well-equipped with internet, cable, and even a shower!

Success with Maker Studios (2009–2014)

In 2009, Chamillionaire met Mark Suster, a successful investor. Chamillionaire invested in Maker Studios, an online video company. This investment was very successful! In 2014, The Walt Disney Company bought Maker Studios for a huge amount of money. Chamillionaire's initial investment of $1.5 million reportedly turned into over $20 million. This success helped him build a strong connection with Mark Suster and get more involved in the technology world.

He also invested in Cruise Automation in 2013, a company that develops self-driving car technology. This investment also paid off when General Motors bought Cruise Automation for over $1 billion in 2016.

Joining Upfront Ventures (2014–2016)

Chamillionaire also invested in Lyft, a company similar to Uber that provides ride-sharing services. He believes in the company's future.

In February 2015, Chamillionaire was officially named an "entrepreneur in residence" at Upfront Ventures. This means he helps new companies grow and advises them, using his experience in music and business. Upfront Ventures recognized his knowledge in technology and marketing strategies.

Creating Convoz (2017–2021)

In 2018, Chamillionaire launched Convoz, a social media app. He created it because he felt that existing social media apps didn't allow for good conversations. Convoz lets users share short video clips, usually to talk to celebrities. Celebrities can then choose which fans to reply to. The app has received funding from various investors, including Snoop Dogg.

In 2019, Chamillionaire and rapper E-40 announced they would invest $25,000 into a startup company founded by a woman or a person of color. This was to help support diverse entrepreneurs. They later launched an even bigger $100,000 competition for minority or woman-led startups. The winner was Pierre Laguerre, whose company "Fleeting Pro" connects drivers with trucking companies.

Access Club (Since 2022)

In May 2022, Chamillionaire's tech company, X Empire Inc., launched the Access Club app. This is a private social club for members interested in investing and finding business deals. It gives members special access to new companies and people who can help them grow.

Personal Life

Chamillionaire has a son named Xavier, who was born on May 14, 2010. He has mentioned that Xavier's name means "new house". Even though he is from Texas, Chamillionaire has always been a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.

Awards and Nominations

Discography

Studio albums

• The Sound of Revenge (2005)
• Ultimate Victory (2007)

Collaborative albums

• Get Ya Mind Correct (with Paul Wall) (2002)
• Controversy Sells (with Paul Wall) (2005)

Extended plays

• Ammunition (2012)
• Elevate (2013)
• Reignfall (2013)

Filmography

Images for kids

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  Chamillionaire performing in Dubai, 2010

See also

In Spanish: Chamillionaire para niños

• Culture of Houston
• History of the African Americans in Houston