S. Samuel
After making headlines by recently announcing his mixtape retirement, Chamillionaire has clarified why he has withdrawn from the popular marketing strategy and promised a third solo project.
Speaking via an audio social network, the rapper confirmed early reports of his “retirement.”
“Somebody told me that nobody’s paying attention,” Chamillionaire said in an audio clip. “But it looks like everybody’s paying attention now…Y’all ain’t got to worry, I’m not retiring from rap. I’m not completely retiring from rap. What I am retiring from is the Mixtape Messiah‘s, being the Mixtape Messiah. That part of my career, I’m done with that…I’ve done that for a decade strong, it’s time to let that rest and step to another level. It shouldn’t be a bad thing, it should be a good thing. We’re gonna open new doors, do something else…I’m not sad, not depressed, I just been doing this for a while. The formula is old…I’m not gonna drop the original material that was used for Venom…Originally when I was doing this, there was no label. It was just me crafting it in the studio, but now they seem to be pretty excited and there’s a lot of people coming in on this process now. So I’m gonna explain a little more of that on [June] 12th…There will be no Venom but the good news is there will be a third major release for me. The label is very excited.” (SayNow)
Earlier in the week he wrote via his MySpace page to break the news to fans.
“Fact. No more underground mixtapes after [Mixtape Messiah] part 7,” he wrote unmodified. “No jacking beats and putting out full CDs. That formula is old. To me. I have done it 100 million times and it just doesn’t inspire me anymore. Sorry if it makes you feel a certain way. There are plenty other artists out there doing it that you can choose from…Fact. Venom isn’t gonna drop. It’s not coming out. I’m not dropped. Not depressed. I’m not sad. Just telling you what I’m thinking and what I’m gonna do. No press release about it. No label rep saying it. Straight from the boss’ mouth…Past dope concepts will go into my vault. Key locked thrown away. Except for a couple of these that could fit anywhere. The music should fit together and not sound like it’s all over the place.” (Chamillionaire’s MySpace)
The rapper was initially known as “The Mixtape Messiah” upon making a name for himself within the rap game.
Through a prolific succession of mixtapes, Chamillionaire (born Hakeem Sediki) became known for his deep, versatile voice (he sings his own hooks very effectively) and lyrical ability. Originally part of Swishahouse, he switched to Paid in Full, where he and Paul Wall collaborated on 2002’s Get Ya Mind Correct — an album that sold 100,000 copies. Prior to inking his deal with Universal, he founded the Chamilitary label. (All Music)
He previously spoke with SOHH about the importance of fans’ support.
“My thing is OK, I’ma give y’all what y’all want,” he said in an interview last year. “All y’all have to do is just support my records when they come out. Support my album because honestly this time around I gotta hit a home run. If I don’t, I’m very realistic with myself. I probably won’t be doing this. (SOHH)
No further information has been released on his forthcoming third album.
Check out Chamillionaire speaking on his “retirement” below:
