{{short description|American rapper (born 1979)}} {{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Chamillionaire | image = Chamillionaire and Michael Arrington (cropped).jpg | caption = Chamillionaire in 2008 | birth_name = Hakeem Temidayo Seriki{{Better source needed|date=January 2025}} | alias = | birth_place = Washington, D.C., U.S. | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1979|11|28}} | origin = Houston, Texas, U.S. | genre = Southern hip hop | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|entrepreneur}} | years_active = 1997–present | discography = Chamillionaire discography | label = {{hlist|Chamillitary|Swishahouse|Paid in Full|Universal Motown|Universal}} | past_member_of = {{flatlist| * The Color Changin' Click }} {{Infobox person | child = yes | children = 1 | website = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20100612194236/http://chamillionaire.com/}} }} }} '''Hakeem Temidayo Seriki''' {{Audio|Hakeem_Temidayo_Seriki.wav|listen}} (born November 28, 1979), better known by his stage name '''Chamillionaire''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|'|m|ɪ|l|i|ə|n|ɛər}}), is an American rapper. He began his career in Houston's hip hop scene in the late 1990s. He was briefly signed with the local record label Swishahouse until forming the hip hop duo Color Changin' Click with labelmate Paul Wall in 2002. The two signed with Houston's Paid in Full Entertainment to release the collaborative album ''Get Ya Mind Correct'' (2002), which entered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Seriki signed with Universal Records as a solo act in 2005. His debut studio album, ''The Sound of Revenge'' (2005), peaked within the top ten of the ''Billboard'' 200 and received critical praise, along with his second album, ''Ultimate Victory'' (2007). The former was preceded by the singles "Ridin'" (featuring Krayzie Bone) — which peaked atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and won Best Rap Performance at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards — and "Turn It Up" (featuring Lil' Flip), while the latter was preceded by "Hip Hop Police" (featuring Slick Rick) and notable for its lack of profanity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rap.about.com/od/top10songs/tp/TopRapSongs100307.htm |title=Top 10 Rap Songs for October 3, 2007 |first=Henry |last=Adaso |work=About.com Entertainment |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110190409/http://rap.about.com/od/top10songs/tp/TopRapSongs100307.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> His 2009 pop rap single, "Good Morning", peaked within the top 40 of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 was intended to lead his third album ''Venom'', which was never released.
In 2011, Chamillionaire left Universal Records and released his first independent extended play (EP), ''Ammunition'', in March 2012.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=http://www.chamillionaire.com/ammunition/ |title=Ammunition EP |work=Chamillionaire.com |access-date=March 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324123356/http://www.chamillionaire.com/ammunition/ |archive-date=March 24, 2012}}</ref> His second EP, ''Elevate'', was released in February 2013, followed by his third, ''Reignfall'', in July of that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Reignfall-Explicit/dp/B00E0ZD2CY/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374553086&sr=301-1 |title=Reignfall [Explicit]: Chamillionaire: MP3 Downloads |website=Amazon |date=January 1, 1970 |access-date=July 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Rashad |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14293/title.chamillionaire-to-release-major-pain-15-april-18 |title=Poison to be released shortly, Chamillionaire currently working on it |website=HipHopDX |access-date=January 7, 2014 |date=April 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509032308/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14293/title.chamillionaire-to-release-major-pain-15-april-18 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Prior, he released the mixtape series ''Mixtape Messiah'' from 2004 to 2009.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ozzie |title=Chamillionaire's Drops Final Mixtape – Mixtape Messiah 7 |url=http://www.rapsearch.com/news/article/chamillionaire-s-drops-final-mixtape---mixtape-messiah-7 |website=Rapsearch.com |year=2009 |access-date=October 4, 2009}}</ref>
He was the founder of the Color Changin' Click, which was formed in 2001 and disbanded in 2005. Chamillionaire founded Chamillitary Entertainment in 2004. He joined Los Angeles–based venture capital firm Upfront Ventures in 2015, and has since focused on numerous entrepreneurial and business endeavors. He co-created the social media app Convoz in January 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/chamillionaire-entrepreneur-in-residence-upfront-ventures-2015-2 |title=Chamillionaire is an entrepreneur-in-residence at Upfront Ventures |first=Maya |last=Kosoff |date=February 25, 2015 |work=Business Insider |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref>
== Early life == Chamillionaire was born to a Muslim Yoruba father from Nigeria and an African-American Christian mother in Washington, D.C., and moved to Houston, Texas at the age of four. Chamillionaire's parents separated in his early teenage years. He settled into the Acres Homes neighborhood of northwest Houston. He attended Jersey Village High School alongside rap partner Paul Wall.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Where-Houston-rappers-went-high-school-alumni-rap-14384824.php |title=Where your favorite Houston rapper went to high school |first=Matt |last=Young |date=August 28, 2019 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>
Rap and other forms of secular music, which his parents had highly opposed in their household, became very appealing to Chamillionaire, who was still in his teens at the time. Chamillionaire has stated that he was inspired by southern 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. At a young age, Chamillionaire, along with fellow rap music artist and childhood friend Paul Wall, had decided to make music their careers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography of Chamillionaire |url=http://www.channelaka.tv/Biography/CHAMILLIONAIRE |year=2009 |website=Channelaka.tv |access-date=February 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326213829/http://www.channelaka.tv/Biography/CHAMILLIONAIRE |archive-date=March 26, 2012}}</ref> Chamillionaire has a brother, who is three years younger than him, Rasaq Seriki, who is also an occasional rapper and a past member of The Color Changin' Click.
== Music career == === 1998–2004: Career beginnings === Seriki's stage name Chamillionaire is a portmanteau of "chameleon" and "millionaire"<ref>{{cite web |last=Salt |first=Limara |title="Not a Criminal" – Review |url=http://www.ukmusic.com/reviews/hip-hop-and-rnb/chamillionaire-feat.-kelis-not-a-criminal.html |website=UKMusic.com |year=2007 |access-date=February 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824191431/http://www.ukmusic.com/reviews/hip-hop-and-rnb/chamillionaire-feat.-kelis-not-a-criminal.html |archive-date=August 24, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="nobody smiling" /> While promoting at an event, Seriki and fellow rapper Paul Wall met Michael "5000" Watts, a popular mixtape DJ from northern Houston. After proposing to do promotions for Watts's company Swishahouse, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall came to Watts's studio and convinced Watts to allow them to freestyle on an intro to Watts's radio show on Houston hip-hop radio station KBXX-FM. 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. Soon, Seriki (performing as Chamillionaire) and Paul Wall became regular staples on Houston's mixtape circuit, appeared on several of Watts's mixtapes, and became permanent members of Swishahouse.<ref name="Musicremedy">{{cite web |title=Chamillionaire – The Sound of Revenge |url=http://www.musicremedy.com/c/Chamillionaire/album/The_Sound_of_Revenge-1802.html |website=MusicRemedy.com |year=2005 |access-date=February 2, 2008 |last1=Com |first1=Musicremedy }}</ref> Chamillionaire and Paul Wall soon started their own group, The Color Changin' Click. In 2002, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall collaborated for the album ''Get Ya Mind Correct'', which went on to sell over 150,000 copies.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |year=2007 |title=Chamillionaire – Biography |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p616363|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=February 2, 2008 |website=Allmusic}}</ref> ''The Source'' magazine nominated the album for independent album of the year in 2002.<ref name="nobody smiling">{{cite web |last=Burnett |first=John |title=Chamillionaire – Doing It My Way |url=http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/85353.php |website=NobodySmiling.com |year=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617063227/http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/85353.php |archive-date=June 17, 2008}}</ref> Chamillionaire and the Color Changin' Click, dubbed "Houston's answer to 50 Cent and his G-Unit posse", performed at the SXSW music festival in 2004.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Michael D. |title=SXSW 2004 / Music mavericks |url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2004_3746461 |access-date=January 6, 2011 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |date=March 22, 2004 |archive-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505183050/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2004_3746461 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
=== 2005–2006: ''The Sound of Revenge'' === [[File:Chamillionaire, MC Hammer and Mistah F.A.B. 2.jpg|thumb|left|Left to right: Chamillionaire, MC Hammer and Mistah F.A.B. at TechCrunch in 2008]] Chamillionaire's first major solo release ''The Sound of Revenge'' was released through Chamillitary Entertainment and Universal Records on November 22, 2005. The album debuted and peaked at number 10 on the ''Billboard'' 200 album chart in the United States.<ref name="billboard albums">{{cite web |title=Chamillionaire – Billboard Albums |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p616363|pure_url=yes}} |website=Allmusic |year=2007 |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> The album's lead single was "Turn It Up", featuring Lil' Flip produced by Scott Storch, followed by "Ridin'", featuring Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony produced by Play-N-Skillz; "Ridin'" reached number one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="billboard singles">{{cite web |title=Chamillionaire – Billboard Singles |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p616363|pure_url=yes}} |website=Allmusic |year=2007 |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> Its video also was named "Best Rap Video" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Montgomery |first=James |title=Underdog Night At The VMAs: Panic, Gnarls, Blunt, Chamillionaire Win Big |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1539952/20060831/index.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106001515/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1539952/20060831/index.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 6, 2006 |date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> In 2007, he won a Grammy Award for ''Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group'' for "Ridin'".<ref>{{cite web |title=Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group |url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/49th_show/list.aspx#07 |website=Grammy.com |year=2007 |access-date=February 4, 2008}}</ref> He was at that time signed with Michael 5000 Watts' Swishahouse label.<ref name="Allmusic" /> Comedic performer "Weird Al" Yankovic made a parody of the song entitled "White & Nerdy", for his own album ''Straight Outta Lynwood''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jeffries |first=David |title="Straight Outta Lynwood" – Overview |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r856293|pure_url=yes}} |website=Allmusic |year=2006 |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> The third single from the album was "Grown and Sexy".<ref name="billboard singles" />
Additionally, the bonus track "Grind Time" was featured in the video game ''NBA Live 06''.<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Live 06 Soundtrack |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/650/650620p1.html |website=IGN |date=September 13, 2005 |access-date=February 2, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105162343/http://music.ign.com/articles/650/650620p1.html |archive-date=November 5, 2007}}</ref> The album was certified platinum by the RIAA, and a chopped and screwed version, screwed by OG Ron C, was released in February 2006.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |title=The Sound of Revenge [Screwed & Chopped<nowiki>]</nowiki> – Overview |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r818900|pure_url=yes}} |website=Allmusic |year=2006 |access-date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> Guest appearances for the album included Lil' Flip, Natalie, Krayzie Bone, Bun B, Lil Wayne, Pastor Troy, Killer Mike, Scarface, singer Billy Cook, and his brother Rasaq. Chamillionaire won the Best New Artist award for the 2006 BET Awards<ref>{{cite news |date=May 17, 2006 |title=Jamie Foxx Is Tops With Five BET Nods |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jamie-foxx-is-tops-with-five-bet-nods/ |access-date=December 5, 2008}}</ref>
The second installment to the Mixtape Messiah series, ''Mixtape Messiah 2'', was released January 5, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Chamillionaire-Mixtape-Messiah-2-Album/858944F8837C5AEC482574C100048F44 |title=Chamillionaire Mixtape Messiah 2 Album |date=January 5, 2006 |website=Sing365 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116120244/http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Chamillionaire-Mixtape-Messiah-2-Album/858944F8837C5AEC482574C100048F44 |archive-date=January 16, 2014}}</ref> Later in 2006, Chamillionaire was featured in the singles "Get Up" by Ciara, "That Girl" by Frankie J, "Bet That" by Trick Daddy, "King Kong" by Jibbs, and "Doe Boy Fresh" by Three Six Mafia in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ergmusic.com/CAN/download.asp?source=search&format=csv&qt=2&q=Chamillionaire |title=Chamillionaire |website=Ergmusic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112211610/http://www.ergmusic.com/CAN/download.asp?source=search&format=csv&qt=2&q=Chamillionaire |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref>
=== 2007–2008: ''Ultimate Victory'' === To promote his new album, Chamillionaire released ''Mixtape Messiah 3'' as a prelude to his new album on July 18, 2007, at 11pm Eastern Time on his website. Chamillionaire released his second mainstream album ''Ultimate Victory'' on September 18, 2007. ''Ultimate Victory'' was made without a single profanity said by Chamillionaire. Guest appearances included UGK, Krayzie Bone, Lil Wayne, Famous (Lil Ken), Tony Henry, Devin the Dude and Lloyd. The first single was "Hip Hop Police", featuring Slick Rick, which both Chamillionaire and Slick Rick performed on the CBS television network program ''Late Show with David Letterman'' on September 14, 2007.<ref>{{cite web |last=McIntee |first=Michael Z. |title=Friday, September 14, 2007 – Show #2816 |url=http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/wahoo/index/php/20070914.phtml |work=The Wahoo Gazette |publisher=CBS |date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=February 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006025311/http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/wahoo/index/php/20070914.phtml |archive-date=October 6, 2007}}</ref> The following single was "The Evening News."
''Mixtape Messiah 4'', the fourth title in Chamillionaire's ''Mixtape Messiah'' series, was initially set for release on December 18, 2007,<ref>{{cite web |last=Adaso |first=Henry |title=Chamillionaire Returns with Mixtape Messiah 4 |url=http://rap.about.com/b/2007/11/21/chamillionaire-set-to-release-mixtape-messiah-4.htm |website=About.com |date=November 21, 2007 |access-date=February 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126060212/http://rap.about.com/b/2007/11/21/chamillionaire-set-to-release-mixtape-messiah-4.htm |archive-date=November 26, 2007}}</ref> but was released on August 27, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chamillionaire.com/ |title=Chamillionaire.com |access-date=February 3, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913065315/http://www.chamillionaire.com/ |archive-date=September 13, 2008}}</ref>
=== 2008–2010: Final ''Mixtape Messiah'', ''Venom'', and ''Major Pain'' === In November 2008, Chamillionaire announced his plans for his third album, ''Venom'', for release in early 2009.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Platinum Rapper Chamillionaire Readies for Third Major Label Release with Chamillitary/Universal... |url=http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/movies-sound-recording/11697626-1.html |publisher=Universal Records |date=November 20, 2008}}</ref> His sixth installment in the ''Mixtape Messiah'' series was to be a "prelude" to ''Venom''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8057/title.chamillionaire-plans-mixtape-messiah-5-and-venom |title=Chamillionaire Plans Mixtape Messiah 5 And Venom |last=Koroma |first=Salima |date=November 10, 2009 |work=HipHopDX |access-date=June 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919185842/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8057/title.chamillionaire-plans-mixtape-messiah-5-and-venom |archive-date=September 19, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The first single from ''Venom'' was initially planned to be "Creepin' (Solo)", which featured Ludacris and ended up reaching No.1 on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. However, it is unclear whether or not the song will be included on ''Venom'' after Chamillionaire canceled and then reinstated the album. He announced that ''Mixtape Messiah 7'' would be the final installment of the "Mixtape Messiah" series and that he cancelled ''Venom'' to create different material for his third album. Chamillionaire awarded his final ''Mixtape Messiah 7'' to 100 winners of a contest which he ran on his website.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chamillionaire |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=4789608&blogId=492857599 |title=A moment of clarity.… |website=MySpace |date=June 3, 2009 |access-date=June 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623220213/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=4789608&blogId=492857599 |archive-date=June 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Chamillionaire |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=4789608&blogId=493153078 |title=No retirement… |date=June 5, 2009 |website=MySpace |access-date=June 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614093317/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=4789608&blogId=493153078 |archive-date=June 14, 2009}}</ref> The first disc from ''Mixtape Messiah 7'' was launched for free download on August 4, 2009, and Disc 2 was released on August 6, 2009. The next day, the Discs 3 and 4 were released for a total of 66 tracks.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chamillionaire |url=http://thatcrack.com/mixtapes/chamillionaire-mixtape-messiah-7/ |title=Mixtape Messiah 7 Released Aug 4, 2009 |website=HipHopSpy.com |date=August 4, 2009 |access-date=August 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807003346/http://thatcrack.com/mixtapes/chamillionaire-mixtape-messiah-7/ |archive-date=August 7, 2009}}</ref> thumb|Chamillionaire performing in Dubai, 2010
On September 29, it was officially announced that Chamillionaire's third album would indeed be entitled ''Venom'' after a fan vote on his website. The first single from this upcoming album was titled "Good Morning". The album was scheduled to be released on June 22, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fye.com/Venom-Front-Page_stcVVproductId86715415VVcatId455366VVviewprod.htm |title=Music Search – Venom Chamillionaire / CD / 2010 |website=FYE.com |date=June 22, 2010 |access-date=March 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224215505/http://www.fye.com/Venom-Front-Page_stcVVproductId86715415VVcatId455366VVviewprod.htm |archive-date=February 24, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |website=Amazon.com |url=https://www.amazon.com/Chamillionaire/e/B00197K3EQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1257824193&sr=8-3 |title=Chamillionaire: Songs, Albums, Pictures, Bios |date=November 28, 1979 |access-date=March 27, 2012}}</ref>
Chamillionaire appeared on the remix for Weezer's song "Can't Stop Partying", from their album ''Raditude''. He also joined Weezer for live performances as Lil Wayne, who is featured on the original version of the track, was convicted on gun possession charges and was unable to perform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://media.www.sjuhawknews.com/media/storage/paper763/news/2009/11/11/Entertainment/Weezers.Newest.Album.Lacks.Previous.raditude-3828286.shtml |title=Weezer's newest album lacks previous "Raditude" |date=November 11, 2009 |first=Jack |last=Burke |website=SJU Hawk News.com |access-date=November 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117214940/http://media.www.sjuhawknews.com/media/storage/paper763/news/2009/11/11/Entertainment/Weezers.Newest.Album.Lacks.Previous.raditude-3828286.shtml |archive-date=November 17, 2009}}</ref> On December 11, 2009, Chamillionaire performed a set for "Fort Hood Community Strong", an event described as a day of "healing, fun and entertainment" for those placed at the Fort Hood military base who were affected by the shooting that took place on November 5, 2009, killing 13 people. Other performers at the event included Nick Jonas, Dana Carvey and Zac Brown Band.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/12/08/nick-jonas-fort-hood/ |title=Nick Jonas, Chamillionaire To Appear At Fort Hood Event |website=MTV.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716120243/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/12/08/nick-jonas-fort-hood/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 16, 2012}}</ref>
On December 23, 2009, Chamillionaire announced via his YouTube page that he would be initiating a new mixtape, ''Major Pain'', through his website on February 2, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chamillionaire.com/home/chamillionaire-introduces-major-pain.html |title=Chamillioinaire Introduces Major Pain! |website=Chamillionaire.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411021511/http://www.chamillionaire.com/home/chamillionaire-introduces-major-pain.html |archive-date=April 11, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Joseph |url=http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/12/29/rapper-chamillionaires-warning-to-the-majors-plans-to-bring-major-pain/ |title=Rapper Chamillionaire's Warning To The Majors?! Plans To Bring 'Major Pain' |website=HipHop RX |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-date=October 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005170707/http://www.hiphoprx.com/2009/12/29/rapper-chamillionaires-warning-to-the-majors-plans-to-bring-major-pain/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Due to the 2010 NBA All-Star Game taking place in Dallas, Texas, Chamillionaire released a new song, "The Main Event", on February 11, 2010, via free download. It features fellow Texas rappers Paul Wall, Slim Thug and Dorrough. "Every artist on the song with me has independent hustle and strength in the streets," he said. "It's an All-Star song, so what better place to shoot the video than All-Star Weekend, right here in our own backyard."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/02/11/chamillionaire-rounds-up-all-star-texas-line-up-for-nba-weekend-music-video/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720173019/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/02/11/chamillionaire-rounds-up-all-star-texas-line-up-for-nba-weekend-music-video/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |title=Chamillionaire Rounds Up All-Star Texas Line-Up For NBA Weekend Music Video |website=Ballerstatus.com |date=February 11, 2010 |access-date=March 27, 2012 }}</ref> It was later released to iTunes on June 8, 2010.
On Chamillionaire's official website, he stated: "Right now the Venom album is set for March 16 and has been pushed back just like Lil Wayne's Rebirth, Game's Red album, and countless other hip-hop albums that this happens to."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chamillionaire.com/home/venom-pushed-back-again.html |title=Venom Pushed Back Again? |website=Chamillionaire.com |access-date=March 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926105354/http://www.chamillionaire.com/home/venom-pushed-back-again.html |archive-date=September 26, 2010}}</ref> The date was later pushed back to June 22, but was not released that day. ''Venom'' has been confirmed as canceled as Chamillionaire has parted ways with Universal.
''Venom'' was later released on DatPiff in 2011 as a bootlegged mixtape made by the fans.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.datpiff.com/Chamillionaire-Venom-2008-2011-mixtape.190622.html |website=DatPiff |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Venom 2008–2011 Mixtape by Chamillionaire |author=Rudeboey |access-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020004333/https://www.datpiff.com/Chamillionaire-Venom-2008-2011-mixtape.190622.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
=== 2011–2012: Departure from Universal Records and ''Playlist Poison'' === According to Kanye West's engineer and producer Andrew Dawson, Chamillionaire and Universal Records have parted ways.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.onlinenigeria.com/templates/default.aspx?a=395&template=print-article.htm |title=Chamillionaire- Nigerian Biography |website=OnlineNigeria.com |access-date=January 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112213451/http://content.onlinenigeria.com/templates/default.aspx?a=395&template=print-article.htm |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> "I've been working a lot with Chamillionaire, because I produced some tracks for him. He got out of his deal with Universal [Records], which wasn't a good situation for either of them," revealed Dawson. "Him and I have an active producer agreement that is now null and void because they got caught in the legal shuffle, but I'm like, 'I just want the music to come out. Let's find a way to make it happen.' I was emailing him stuff back and forth when I was [with Kanye West] in Hawaii. Some big stuff will be coming out this next year, so I'm stoked to see it going." Chamillionaire also tweeted that he'll be doing a Ustream session on January 14 to discuss his future plans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blog/show?id=784568%3ABlogPost%3A22955664&commentId=784568%3AComment%3A22957503&xg_source=activity |title=Blogs |website=ThisIs50.com |date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=March 27, 2012}}</ref>
During his live UStream on January 14, 2011, Chamillionaire announced he was officially leaving Universal Records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://keepittrill.com/online/2011/01/chamillionaire-leaves-universal-records-announces-ustream-session/ |title=Chamillionaire-leaves-universal-records-announces-ustream-session |website=KeepItTrill.com |date=January 14, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726230627/http://keepittrill.com/online/2011/01/chamillionaire-leaves-universal-records-announces-ustream-session/ |archive-date=July 26, 2012}}</ref> As part of this deal he was not allowed to release ''Venom'' or any material recorded during that time. He was then working on a new series called ''Playlist Poison'' and released tracks on a random basis. The first ''Playlist Poison'' song released was "When Ya On" which featured Nipsey Hussle and was followed by "This My World" featuring Big K.R.I.T., "Charlie Sheen" featuring Rock D & Killer Mike, and "Passenger Seat" featuring Short Dawg.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chamillionaire.com/topic/920-chamillionaire-playlist-poison-the-ill-mind-of-koopa-mixtapes/ |title=Playlist Poison & The Ill Mind Of Koopa (Mixtapes) |date=July 17, 2013 |website=Chamillionaire.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112171034/http://chamillionaire.com/topic/920-chamillionaire-playlist-poison-the-ill-mind-of-koopa-mixtapes/ |archive-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> On April 18, he released the next installment in his ''Major Pain'' mixtape series, ''Major Pain 1.5'' for free download from his website, and subsequently released three other mixtapes entitled ''Badazz Freemixes'', ''Badazz Freemixes 2'' and ''Badazz Slowmixes''. Chamillionaire's eight song EP titled ''Ammunition'' was released for digital download on March 20, 2012, and all physical bundles were released on March 27, 2012.<ref name="auto1" /> His third studio album, ''Poison'', was initially announced for a 2013 release, but is still unreleased {{As of|2020|February|df=|lc=y}}.
In 2012, Chamillionaire was featured on the track "Mayday" from the Krizz Kaliko album ''Kickin' and Screamin''' as well as the single "Keep Pushing" from the Saigon album ''The Greatest Story Never Told Chapter 2: Bread and Circuses''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapradar.com/2012/09/20/saigon-the-greatest-story-never-told-chapter-2-bread-circuses-tracklist/ |title=Track 16. Saigon – "Keep Pushing" (Feat. Chamillionaire) |website=Rap Radar |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=September 23, 2012}}</ref>
On the December 4, 2012, Chamillionaire released the single "Show Love" featuring D.A. of Chester French to iTunes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chamillionaire.com/blog/post/chamillionaire-show-love-feat-dachesterfrench-tiffanybelle7-chamillitary |title=Chamillionaire Show Love Feat @DAChesterFrench & @TiffanyBelle7 |website=Chamillionaire.com |access-date=March 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109080457/http://www.chamillionaire.com/blog/post/chamillionaire-show-love-feat-dachesterfrench-tiffanybelle7-chamillitary |archive-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref> This was the only music video he released in 2012, although he appeared in the music video for the song "No Room in Hell" for the video game ''Dead Island: Riptide''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/11/chamillionaire-no-room-in-hell-rap-dead-island-riptide |title=Chamillionaire Collaborates On 'No Room in Hell' For 'Dead Island: Riptide' |first=Michael |last=Rougeau |work=Complex |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107004537/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/11/chamillionaire-no-room-in-hell-rap-dead-island-riptide |url-status=dead }}</ref>
=== 2013–2015: EPs, finalizing ''Poison'' === On January 17, 2013, Chamillionaire announced he had been working on a new extended play, stating that it would be one of many he would release to promote ''Poison''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151426317431972&set=a.244384951971.172120.7437701971&type=1&theater |title=Chamillionaire – Timeline Photos |website=Facebook |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> The seven-song EP, titled ''Elevate'', was released on February 12, 2013. ''Elevate'' featured no guest artists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chamillionaire.com/blog/post/chamillionaire-elevate-feb12th |title=Chamillionaire – Elevate EP |website=Chamillionaire.com |date=January 17, 2012 |access-date=January 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120040700/http://www.chamillionaire.com/blog/post/chamillionaire-elevate-feb12th |archive-date=January 20, 2013}}</ref>
Chamillionaire announced that despite leaving Universal, ''Poison'' was likely to be released through a major label, unlike the various promotional EPs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allhiphop.com/2012/04/17/exclusive-chamillionaire-talks-independence-says-poison-album-is-best-work-to-date/ |title=Exclusive Chamillionaire talks independence says poison album is best work to date |first=Jake |last=Crates |date=April 17, 2012 |website=AllHipHop |access-date=September 8, 2012}}</ref> On July 23, 2013, Chamillionaire released ''Reignfall'', his third EP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chamillionaire.com/calendar/event/23-reignfall-ep-release-date/ |title=Reignfall release date |date=July 23, 2013 |website=Chamillionaire.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715043341/http://chamillionaire.com/calendar/event/23-reignfall-ep-release-date |archive-date=July 15, 2013}}</ref> ''Reignfall'' would be his first project since his second studio album to chart on a ''Billboard'' chart.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/298913/chamillionaire/chart?f=333 |title=Chamillionaire – Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 25, 2013}}</ref> On February 13, 2014, Chamillionaire released his first single of the year titled "Watching Breaking Bad" featuring Tami LaTrell, in recognition of the TV show ''Breaking Bad''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://respect-mag.com/new-music-chamillionaire-watching-breaking-bad/ |title=Chamillionaire – Watching Breaking Bad (Feat. Tami LaTrell) |website=Respect Magazine |date=February 14, 2014 |access-date=February 14, 2014}}</ref> The single "Go Getta" followed on February 28<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chamillionaire.com/_/news/gogetta |title=Chamillionaire – Go Getta |date=February 28, 2014 |website=Chamillionaire.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322014142/http://chamillionaire.com/_/news/gogetta |archive-date=March 22, 2014}}</ref> and "End of a Knife", produced by Kato, was released on March 21, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chamillionaire.com/_/news/endofaknife |title=End Of A Knife |date=March 21, 2014 |website=Chamillionaire.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322001149/http://chamillionaire.com/_/news/endofaknife |archive-date=March 22, 2014}}</ref>
=== Since 2015: Entrepreneurial career, hiatus and return to music === Since 2015, Chamillionaire has been appointed as an entrepreneur in residence for Upfront Ventures. During this time he has given more focus to his entrepreneurial career than music. He was featured on one single titled "Sweet Dreams" by BeatKing in the same year. Chamillionaire released volume 3 of his Greatest Verses on April 3, 2018, which contained a collection of non-album songs recorded from 2007 to 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://audiomack.com/album/rap4ever/greatest-verses-pt-3 |title=Audiomack | Free Music Streaming & Sharing |website=Audiomack.com}}</ref> After a two-year break, he returned to music in 2017 where he was featured on Trae tha Truth's single, "I'm On 3.0".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0733L7DXS |title=I'm On 3.0 [Explicit] by Trae tha Truth (feat. T.I., Dave East, Tee Grizzley, Royce da 5'9", Curren$y, DRAM, Snoop Dogg, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Chamillionaire, G-Eazy, Styles P, E-40, Mark Morrison & Gary Clark Jr.) on Amazon Music |website=Amazon.com |date=January 16, 2019 |access-date=March 21, 2020}}</ref> A music video for the single was released in January 2019, and was the first time in six years that Chamillionaire made a music video appearance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlyRFZWB5P0 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/wlyRFZWB5P0| archive-date=November 14, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Trae tha Truth – I'm On 3.0 (Official Video) (feat. T.I., Dave East, Tee Grizz) |date=January 14, 2019 |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He was featured on the song "Diamonds in the Sky" by Big Pokey which also featured Texan rappers Killa Kyleon and Kirko Bangz and was released in September 2021. On July 12, 2022, he appeared as a featured artist again on the single "Been Broke" by Tobe Nwigwe alongside 2 Chainz.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/ap-breakthrough-entertainer-tobe-nwigwe-lives-purpose-95446544 | title=AP Breakthrough Entertainer: Tobe Nwigwe lives with purpose | website=ABC News }}</ref>
Since 2010, Chamillionaire has stated his third album ''Poison'' is in the works. As of 2023, there is no set release date for the project.
== Entrepreneurial career == === 2003–2005: Fly Rydes and record label === In addition to being a musician, Seriki has embarked a business career and established himself as an entrepreneur in a number of industries. In 2003, he ventured into one of his earliest investments in a Houston-based auto dealer and car customization shop, Fly Rydes Kustom Toy'z.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yellowpages.com/houston-tx/mip/fly-rydes-kustom-toyz-481478927 |title=Fly Rydes Kustom Toyz in Houston, TX |website=YP.com}}</ref> Chamillionaire's partner, Big Ernest, created the company years back, and Chamillionaire decided to collaborate with him to get "corporate money" for the business and build its clientele.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allhiphop.com/2006/12/19/chamillionaire-talks-new-album-business-plans/ |title=Chamillionaire Talks New Album, Business Plans |author=GrouchyGreg |date=December 19, 2006 |work=AllHipHop |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Chamillionaire has since let Ernest take over the whole company, due to his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/01/0104_hiphopreneurs/source/4.htm |title=Hip-Hop Entrepreneurs: The Wheeler Dealer |website=BusinessWeek |access-date=March 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213220600/http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/01/0104_hiphopreneurs/source/4.htm |archive-date=February 13, 2012}}</ref> He says; "Out here in Texas, that car thing is big. We'll do videos and rent all kinds of cars and people will waste all kinds of money on them, and instead, they can come spend that money with me."
Seriki founded his own record label; Chamillitary Entertainment. Seriki created the label after he had left his previous record labels, Swishahouse and Paid In Full Entertainment, as he was unsigned. It was distributed by Universal Records but has been independent since January 15, 2011, due to Chamillionaire and the label parting ways.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.enotes.com/topic/Chamillitary_Entertainment |title=Chamillitary Entertainment |work=eNotes |access-date=March 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503090656/http://www.enotes.com/topic/Chamillitary_Entertainment |archive-date=May 3, 2012}}</ref>
=== 2006–2008: Masterpiece Mind Frame & Tour Bus Company === Seriki opened up a modelling company, called Masterpiece Mind Frame.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://www.masters-in-business.net/10-most-successful-hip-hop-entrepreneurs/ |date=October 22, 2013 |title=10 Most Successful Hip-Hop Entrepreneurs |journal=Master's in Business Degree Guide}}</ref> He believes it is his way of giving back to those who have things to offer, he says, but do not know how to get there. "I will go out and see people and everybody wants to make money, and I will meet video girls who want to live the good life and all, but it is like, you gotta have a plan, you know?" Chamillionaire stated. "That is why it's called Masterpiece Mind Frame because in the word mind frame, your MIND comes before your frame. Print modelling can turn into movies and other stuff, and you can just step all the way up the ladder. It's like that with males and females, and if you're trying to go somewhere, just walk up the ladder, you know, and take it to the next step."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dirtysouthrap.com/news/2006/12/19/chamillionaire-talks-new-album-business-plans/ |title=Chamillionaire Talks New Album, Business Plans |date=December 19, 2006 |website=DirtySouthRap.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121205256/http://dirtysouthrap.com/news/2006/12/19/chamillionaire-talks-new-album-business-plans/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 21, 2013}}</ref>
It is reported that Chamillionaire also owns a Tour Bus company. He founded the company in 2006 after seeing the business potential from touring around the US after the release of ''The Sound of Revenge'' as a rapper.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://swamplot.com/a-look-inside-the-woodlands-mansion-chamillionaire-gave-back-to-the-bank/2010-06-03/ |title=A Look Inside The Woodlands Mansion Chamillionaire Gave Back to the Bank |date=June 3, 2010 |website=Swamplot |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> In addition, most of the tour buses have internet, cable, studio, DVD, surround sound and a shower.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chamillionaire.buzznet.com/photos/default/?id=16570311 |title=Victory Tour Bus – Internet Cable Studio DVD Surround Sound Shower photo |website=Buzznet |access-date=March 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130109104247/http://chamillionaire.buzznet.com/photos/default/?id=16570311 |archive-date=January 9, 2013}}</ref>
=== 2009–2014: Maker Studios ===
Chamillionaire met Mark Suster in 2009, an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist who is a managing partner at Upfront Ventures. Chamillionaire became and invested in his online video talent agency, Maker Studios. On November 4, 2009, Chamillionaire also launched the Global Innovation Tournament 2009 at the Stanford Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University with Quincy Jones III as part of the Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar Series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chamillionaire |url=http://content.onlinenigeria.com/templates/template.aspx?articleid=395&zoneid=11 |website=Online Nigeria |access-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112224146/http://content.onlinenigeria.com/templates/template.aspx?articleid=395&zoneid=11 |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |date=May 17, 2011}}</ref>
Seriki also invested Cruise Automation, a self-driving automation tech company, during its startup stage in 2013. This investment proved successful after it sold to General Motors for over $1 billion in 2016. The self-driving company includes features such as a kit in which customers can transform their vehicles to include self-driving technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kulturehub.com/chamillionaire-silicon-valley-takeover/ |title=Chamillionaire's latest app presentation shows why he's taking over tech |first=August |last=Prum |date=February 12, 2018 |website=Kulturehub |access-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020194542/https://kulturehub.com/chamillionaire-silicon-valley-takeover/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
On March 24, 2014, Maker Studios, Inc. agreed to sell itself to The Walt Disney Company for $500 million, rising to $950 million if financial milestones were met.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fritz |first=Ben |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB20001424052702303949704579459811194114736 |title=Disney to Buy Online-Video Network Maker Studios |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=March 25, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2014 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |title=Disney Buys Maker Studios, Video Supplier for YouTube |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/business/media/disney-buys-maker-studios-video-supplier-for-youtube.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 27, 2014 |date=March 24, 2014}}</ref> Chamillionaire's investment in Maker Studios was $1.5 million and his payout was reported to be over $20 million. This investment forged a partnership between Chamillionaire and Mark in which Suster realised Seriki wanted to establish himself the tech industry. On April 14, 2014, Relativity Media submitted a competing bid of up to $1.1 billion, but Maker denied the bid.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/relativity-offers-up-to-900-million-for-maker-studios-in-bid-to-outflank-disney-1201156736 |title=Maker Studios Says Disney Acquisition Is Approved by Shareholders, Who Reject Relativity Bid |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=April 14, 2014 |work=Variety |access-date=April 15, 2014}}</ref> In December 2015, the company became a subsidiary of Disney Consumer Products and the Disney Interactive division of The Walt Disney Company. The Network also partnered with Fusion TV in a deal that falls under the corporate umbrella of The Walt Disney Company.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/disneys-maker-studios-teams-with-disney-backed-fusion-to-produce-block-of-tv-programming-1201328617/ |title=Disney's Maker Studios Teams with Disney-Backed Fusion to Produce Block of TV Programming |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=October 13, 2014 |work=Variety |access-date=November 14, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== 2014–2016: Upfront Ventures === Seriki invested in Lyft in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vibe.com/2019/04/chamillionaire-opens-up-about-early-investment-endeavors-with-lyft |title=Chamillionaire On Investments With Lyft And Black Financial Freedom |date=April 3, 2019 |website=Vibe}}</ref> In a 2019 interview with CNBC, he said that he sees great potential with Lyft and that he will keep his investment in the company for a long time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/04/01/chamillionaire-im-bullish-on-lyft-and-will-be-in-it-for-a-long-time.html |title=Chamillionaire: I'm bullish on Lyft and will be in it for a long time | work=CNBC |date=April 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/11/rapper-chamillionaire-launches-competition-for-minority-start-ups.html | title=Grammy winning rapper Chamillionaire launches $100,000 competition for minority-founded start-ups | first=Brandon | last=Gomez | work=CNBC | date=November 11, 2019}}</ref>
On February 23, 2015, Upfront Ventures, the largest early-stage fund raised in L.A since 2000, confirmed that Chamillionaire was appointed as an entrepreneur in residence. A spokesperson for Upfront Ventures has stated that; "Chamillionaire brings a wealth of expertise in this area to the table based on his own years of employing successful tech and marketing strategies as both an independent music artist and later a label partner with Universal Records. Add to that he has quietly been a fixture in the tech world for many years: attending major conferences both as a keynote and audience member, making him a sought-after promotional partner, advisor and potential investor. It was in this capacity that he met Upfront partner, Mark Suster, in 2009, becoming one of the earliest co-investors in Maker Studios, now a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company."<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://instagram.com/p/zd2K8fkpMw/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/zd2K8fkpMw |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Chamillionaire broadens his portfolio |first=Isiah |last=Carey |website=Instagram |access-date=February 24, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In a letter penned by Mark Suster explaining the week he's had at Upfront Ventures in Los Angeles, he explains the presence of Chamillionaire around the office. "The same Chamillionaire who was showing us how to get our respective shines on not a decade ago. But if Kanye has taught us anything, it's that we can find success in multiple creative outlets. In the past five years or so, Cham has been quietly but actively involved in the tech startup scene, from speaking on social media engagement in the music industry to hanging out with Y Combinator associates."<ref name="alexrussell">{{cite web |url=http://uk.complex.com/music/2015/02/chamillionaire-is-now-an-entrepreneur-in-residence-at-a-venture-capital-firm |title=Chamillionaire Is Now An Entrepreneur In Residence At A Venture Capital Firm |first=Alex |last=Russell |work=Complex UK |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref>
=== 2017–2021: Convoz === {{main|Convoz}}
Seriki teased that he was working on something bigger than music in summer 2017 as part of being an EIR at Upfront Ventures with a soft launch of the social media app. In February 2018, at the Upfront Summit, Seriki announced Convoz, a social media app which allows an influencer to connect directly with his fans.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/11/chamillionaire-is-a-presentation-genius-has-a-new-app/ |title=Chamillionaire is a presentation genius, has a new app |first=Katie |last=Roof |date=February 12, 2018 |website=Techcrunch}}</ref> Seriki describes the app as a "the place where you go to talk to people." and the launch comes after he "just wasn't happy with the communication channels that are currently existing on social media." The app permits users to share 15-second clips, which are usually addressed to celebrities. The celebrities can then decide which fan or user they can reply to, individually or all to see. The startup has a total of seven employees, and has cultivated an undisclosed amount of seed funding from Greycroft Ventures, Upfront Ventures, 500 Startups, Precursor VC, Okapi Ventures, XG Ventures, and a roster of angels including Justin Kan and Snoop Dogg.
In May 2019, Seriki, in an interview with Yahoo! Finance, announced that they are going to invest $25,000 into a startup founded and managed by a woman or person of color alongside rapper E-40.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rapper-chamillionaire-invests-in-startups-founded-by-women-and-people-of-color-125334655.html |title=Ridin' to success: Rapper Chamillionaire is investing in startups founded by women and people of color |first=Marabia |last=Smith |date=May 26, 2019 |website=Yahoo! Finance}}</ref> The move came after it was published that Caucasians make up 87% of Venture Capital-backed CEO's and 97% of those positions are held by men.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blackenterprise.com/chamillionaire-e-40-invest-25000-minority-owned-startup/ |title=Rappers Chamillionaire and E-40 Are Looking to Invest $25,000 in a Minority-Owned Startup |first=Sequoia |last=Blodgett |date=May 29, 2019 |website=Black Enterprise}}</ref> In September 2019, Seriki invested in Atoms, the first footwear company to come in quarter sizes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2049468/1-pakistani-founders-raise-8-1-million-sneaker-company-atoms/ |title=Pakistani founders raise $8.1 million for sneaker company – Atoms |date=September 5, 2019 |newspaper=The Express Tribune |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615110418/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2049468/1-pakistani-founders-raise-8-1-million-sneaker-company-atoms/ |archive-date=June 15, 2020}}</ref> The investment was led by Initialized Capital, the investment firm started by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian and Garry Tan. After seeing the success of his initial $25,000 investment pledge, Seriki and E-40 launched another, much larger, $100,000 competition for minority or woman start-ups. Shark Tank judge Daymond John and Republic.co also joined the team to narrow the search.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/11/rapper-chamillionaire-launches-competition-for-minority-start-ups.html |title=Grammy winning rapper Chamillionaire launches $100,000 competition for minority-founded start-ups |first=Brandon |last=Gomez |date=November 11, 2019 |website=CNBC}}</ref> The winner of the competition was Pierre Laguerre and it was announced in January 2020. His startup idea was "Fleeting Pro", a company that links certified class A & B drivers to trucking companies for scheduled, on-demand transportation needs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grimsley-Vaz |first=Ebony |date=February 21, 2020 |title=From College Dropout To Logistics Entrepreneur: A Pioneer In Trucking |url=https://moguldom.com/258682/haiti-born-pierre-laguerre-dropped-out-of-college-to-drive-a-truck-now-hes-a-logistics-entrepreneur-pioneering-a-new-generation-in-trucking/ |access-date=March 21, 2020 |website=Moguldom.com}}</ref>
=== Since 2022: Access Club === In May 2022, Seriki's tech company X Empire Inc. released the beta for the Access Club app, the private members-only social club was made for private investing and deals and gives members exclusive access to startups and companies looking to connect with people of influence.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/access-club/id1614199794 | title=Access Club | date=February 17, 2023 }}</ref>
== Personal life == {{Quote box |quoted=true |bgcolor=#bbccff |salign=right |width=350px |align=right |quote =Everyday I watch the news and look at how crazy the world is. It humbles you to see other people's problems and to see the amount of adversity others seem to be going through. If you think you're going through hard times, you can always turn on the TV to see someone else who's going through things 10 times worse than you. But then again, the media will also dedicate a majority of their time focusing on topics that I feel are not as news worthy, often times making celebrity gossip their main focal point. I wanted to do a record with some social commentary but also not be too heavy handed when it comes to discussing the stuff that we should really be focusing on. I wanted to find the perfect balance and go right down the middle." |source =– Seriki, on his main focus of making music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography of Chamillionaire |url=http://www.chamillionaireonline.com/bio.asp |year=2007 |website=ChamillionaireOnline |access-date=February 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501062208/http://www.chamillionaireonline.com/bio.asp |archive-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref>}} Chamillionaire announced through a video log that he has a son born on May 14, 2010. He points out that his son's name, Xavier, means "new house".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://swamplot.com/chamillionaire-says-me-and-the-bank-are-cool-names-new-son-after-new-house/2010-06-10/ |title=Chamillionaire Says "Me and the Bank Are Cool," Names New Son After New House |website=Swamplot |date=June 10, 2010 |access-date=March 9, 2015}}</ref> Chamillionaire has stated that despite being a Texas native, he has always been a Los Angeles Lakers fan. He goes on to say that "I know a few people think I'm on the bandwagon because the Lakers are a hot team but I was on the Lakers when people wasn't really rooting for them."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sohh.com/2010/05/chamillionaire_olivia_styles_p_glasses_m.html |title=Chamillionaire, Olivia, Styles P & Glasses Malone Talk NBA Play-Offs |first=Cyrus |last=Langhorne |date=May 12, 2010 |website=SOHH |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716111544/http://www.sohh.com/2010/05/chamillionaire_olivia_styles_p_glasses_m.html |archive-date=July 16, 2010}}</ref>
On June 3, 2010, Chamillionaire's third mortgage property home was foreclosed on by the bank. The rapper told TMZ in a public video claiming to have given it back to the bank after paying just over US$2 million on it and claims it was a bad investment and he was never in it.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2010/06/03/chamillionaire-rapper-foreclosure-houston-texas-mansion/ |title=Chamillionaire – I Chose to Be Foreclosed On |date=June 3, 2010 |website=TMZ}}</ref>
== Feud with Paul Wall == On November 19, 2004, Chamillionaire's younger brother, Rasaq Seriki, was allegedly attacked by Paul Wall and his entourage at a nightclub. Chamillionaire expressed his disappointment in Paul Wall, arguing that they all used to be family and that these events should not have happened. Before the entire incident between Paul Wall and Rasaq they were all part of the group called "The Color Changin' Click" which now has become fragmented. Chamillionaire released a diss track with Rasaq titled "Go Head".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6-4fbEgJwY | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701113159/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6-4fbEgJwY| archive-date=July 1, 2013 | url-status=dead|title=Chamillionaire – Go Head (Feat. Rasaq) [Paul Wall Diss] |website=YouTube |access-date=September 25, 2012}}</ref>
The dispute ended in 2010, when the pair reunited for a full tour. Paul Wall stated "It took a long time and us growing. You know, we started off as a group and a lot of times when you go your separates ways, a lot of people say, "Oh you can't do it without him" and so you wanna prove them wrong. I know for me, I wanted to prove everyone wrong and prove that I could make it on my own." Chamillionaire replied; "We had been bumping into each other a lot. It's kinda been died down for a little bit now but we just kinda needed that stamp of approval. I think the tour kinda just solidifies it for other people. It's not like today we just stopped beefing, we stop beefing a long time ago, but nobody believed us."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/03/24/paul-wall-chamillionaire-discuss-moving-past-beef-jealousy-over-each-others-success/ |title=Paul Wall & Chamillionaire discuss moving past beef; jealousy over each others success |website=BallerStatus.com |access-date=September 25, 2012 |date=March 24, 2010 |archive-date=August 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823165916/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2010/03/24/paul-wall-chamillionaire-discuss-moving-past-beef-jealousy-over-each-others-success/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== Awards and nominations == {{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Chamillionaire}}
== Discography == {{Main|Chamillionaire 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 == {| class="wikitable" |- ! colspan="4" |Television |- ! style="text-align:center;"| Year ! Show ! Role ! Notes |- | rowspan="3" | 2007 |''Punk'd'' | rowspan="3" | Himself |1 episode (season 8, episode 2) |- |''The Game'' |1 episode ("When the Chickens Come Home to Roost – Part 1") |- |''Pimp My Ride'' |1 episode (season 6, episode 10) – featuring Chamillionaire as guest host |}
== See also == * Culture of Houston * History of the African Americans in Houston
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20100612194236/http://chamillionaire.com/ Official website] (Archive copy)
{{Chamillionaire}} {{MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video}} {{Portal bar|United States|Texas|Biography}}
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