Surfacing

Each week the spotlight will be on musicians who are making a commercial breakthrough.

-- Chris Lee

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Chamillionaire

“The Sound of Revenge”

Universal Records

Artist info: The Houston rapper (whose name is pronounced “ka-millionaire”) scored an urban radio hit this month with his single, “Turn It Up” (featuring Lil’ Flip).

Back story: Known in Houston as “The Mix Tape Messiah” for contributing freestyle verses to numerous underground compilations, Chamillionaire sparked a major-label bidding war over distribution of his Chamilitary Records after he sold in excess of 100,000 copies of his self-distributed “Get Your Mind Correct” album.

Influences: Geto Boys, 8 Ball & MJG, NWA

Trivia: Last week, fans from places such as Britain and Arkansas bid on EBay for a chance to spend a day with the rapper at promotional appearances. Winning bid: $6,300.