Deeper than Ridin Dirty: 10 Chamillionaire Songs You Need to Know

Being a Chamillionaire fan is difficult. When you you mention the Houston rapper’s name, it is typically met with derisive comments such as, “The ‘Ridin Dirty’ guy?” This is certainly an understandable pigeonhole, given the fact that “Ridin” is still Chamillionaire’s biggest hit to date and was inescapable for years. However, it’s disheartening to see any artist with a catalogue as deep as Koopa’s be relegated to one song.

Save for perhaps 50 Cent, there is no other rapper who had a bigger impact on the mixtape circuit, with more releases than any one torrent file can hold. His Mixtape Messiah series is legendary, if for no other reason than the fact that part one was the most purchased mixtape in Texas history. He also scored a platinum debut with the Sound of Revenge and has managed to stay relevant while many of his Texas peers who blew up around the same time period have faded away. Therefore, in the interest of education, we’ve compiled a list of ten records that showcase a broader and deeper side of Chamillionaire. You gon’ learn today.

“Void in My Life” (Sound of Revenge, 2005)

The most introspective track on his major label debut finds Cham looking for a deeper meaning in life, turning to religion and even mentioning the conflict of having a Muslim father and Christian mother.

“Rain” feat. Scarface & Billy Cook (Sound of Revenge, 2005)

With the help of Scarface and a soulful chorus from Billy Cook, “Rain” details some of the hardships faced in life and having to power through them. Never one to dwell on the negative, though, Cham turns what could have been a down-on-your-luck story into an uplifting and positive message.

“Willing to Try” (Hangin’ With Mr. Koopa, 2009)

If there was one record that could encapsulate Chamillionaire’s character, it may be this one. From starting out as a mixtape hustler, to becoming a self-made success with a platinum plaque to his name, the Houston rapper is nothing if not determined. Here, he makes note of his perseverance in the face of doubt.

“It’s Just Pain” (Mixtape Messiah 3, 2007)

If you’re going to tackle a classic beat such as “Renegade,” you better put your unique twist on it. Instead of delivering an arsenal of bars to show that he can match up with some of the game’s top lyricists, Koopa paints a somber picture of his childhood. From a fractured relationship with his father to his fear about the afterlife, this is a fan favorite and certainly one of the rapper’s finest moments because of the detailed, specific pieces of Cham‘s life on display.

“I Think I Love You” (Ultimate Victory, 2007)

Chamillionaire has always had a knack for storytelling. On a standout record from his sophomore album, we get a compelling story worthy of a Hollywood movie. Cham details his relationship with money, but masks it as a girlfriend, capping it off with a show-stopping third verse.

“Internet Nerd’s Revenge” (Mixtape Messiah 4, 2008)

In addition to being a great rapper, Cham is also a pretty funny guy. He takes advantage of that humor on a brilliant concept record for Mixtape Messiah 4. Here, he plays the role of an internet troll who despises Chamillionaire’s music. The troll, unsurprisingly, is a lonely, angry kid. The song takes a dark turn at the end but it makes for an extremely memorable record.

“Roll Call Reloaded (Fire Drill)” (Mixtape Messiah 2, 2006)

Continuing on the lines of comedy, Cham makes use of some impression skills here and delivers a star-studded posse cut — all by himself. Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, E-40, Jim Jones, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Jay Z and more get dead-on impersonations as Koopa gives us some of their typical lyrical content.

“Go Hard” (Mixtape Messiah 4, 2008)

Aside from moments of comedy, introspection and radio hits, Cham can flat-out rap. He showcases this many times throughout his career but this one in particular is a standout. A lyrical tirade is delivered here for over four minutes and Cham rips through this record with noticeable hunger in his voice.

“Voice of Reason” (N/A, 2012)

Over J. Cole’s “Lost Ones,” we get two perspectives from Koopa. The first verse is the young man, getting his first taste of fame, while the second verse is the more mature, seasoned man giving his viewpoint.

“Think I’m Crazy” (Sound of Revenge, 2005)

A fan favorite here from Cham’s debut album. The song finds the rapper at a bar with a woman who begins telling him a story. As the record progresses, the story becomes more frantic. Without spoiling anything, the song is another metaphor, this time about a few old friendships Koopa lost along the way.