01/29- Chamillionaire Announces First Single; Retires Grill

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Houston rapper Chamillionaire announced Monday (January 29) that the first single from his highly anticipated sophomore album will be "Not A Criminal" featuring Nas' wifey, Kelis.

The Styalz Fuego-produced single will be the first off Ultimate Victory, which will be released through the rapper's Chamillitary Entertainment/Universal Motown.

According to the rapper, the track is somewhat of a therapeutic song about the prejudices he receives for his success.

"People treat you like you committed a crime when you speak the truth about what's really on your mind," confesses Chamillionaire. "People act like its wrong to have an opinion about things, especially when your views are different than theirs.

"I feel like setting the goal to be a successful entrepreneur should be looked at as a good thing and should not come with all the unnecessary hate and resistance. The business world can be a cruel place and even though I work hard at being successful and staying on top of my business, some people will look at me like I'm a criminal because of it, when I'm actually just working hard, so my company can grow and I can remain successful," adds the rapper. "Even though one may have money through hard work, you still get judged and have to deal with prejudices and problems. I plan on doing what I feel is right for me and not worrying about anyone that feels otherwise."

Cham is so frustrated with being looked at as criminal, that he is retiring his grill, so people will take him more seriously. "I need people to pay attention to what I have to say, instead of just staring at my mouth," explains the rapper. "I speak with a purpose and definitely want people to know that I'm not just some rapper with diamonds in his mouth. As soon as they get past the materialistic stuff and listen to the message on my album then I will feel like I have won."

Following up last year's platinum plus debut, Chamillionaire says he plans to get more personal with his fans, sharing his feelings and experiences, as well as expressing his opinion on the good and bad things that come with fame and money, tension towards the South, to friendship, love, media, the industry, beef, politics and life.

He has worked with a slew of hit making producers for Ultimate Victory including Three Six Mafia, Rick Rock, Play N Skillz, The Runners and JR Rotem, among others.

And guest appearances can be expected by artists such as Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Pimp C, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Slick Rick, and Devin The Dude.

Currently, Cham is putting the final touches on the new album, which is slated for release in the spring 2007.