Tomorrow, Chamillionaire will drop his sophomore album, Ultimate Victory (Universal Records). A couple weeks ago I spoke with Chamillionaire about his forthcoming release and what he could have been on the basketball court…

Dime: Living in NY, your first single, “Hip-Hop Police” seems especially relevant.
Chamillionaire: [The song] is actually not even about the police who stand outside of shows. I’m talking about police in hip-hop, not just actual police themselves. This could be anyone who’s trying to take down someone who’s coming up. You got all these artists trying to do what they love and make a living but they’re under a watchful eye. We all make mistakes, and when a rapper makes mistakes it’s like they’re charging him with murder. I talk about The Chronic, The Blueprint, The Clipse … it’s the music that matters.

Dime: You have Slick Rick on that track. What was it like working with a legend like him?
Chamillionaire: He’s real cool, real humble. He came to studio by himself, no jewelry, and he seemed like he didn’t wanna do the record at first but we talked for a while and then just started to work on making music. We weren’t planning on cutting the single … it just turned out that way. And he was really cooperative with the video. Some rappers think costumes are corny but he was cool with it.

Dime: The video has a clear story line, which is often absent in hip-hop videos. You play a few different roles, is acting something you want to get into?
Chamillionaire: Yes. Rapping is a stepping-stone to so much more, but I’m not going to act just because. I’m willing to practice and learn it. I’ve read three scripts but I’m picky. It’s definitely something I’m trying to get into though.

Dime: At the end of the video I you go into a teaser for another track called “Evening News.” Tell me about that single.
Chamillionaire: I’m playing a news reporter and I’m arguing with myself about different current events as if they happened in one day—Katrina, Bush, Imus, …

Dime: People often discredit southern rappers abilities to rhyme about “real” issues or make “real” hip-hop, but you seem to defy that stereotype. Can you speak on the Southern explosion and how you fit in it?
Chamillionaire: On my new album I have a song called, “Welcome to the South.” The whole world looks like the south. If I go to the East Coast, West Coast, or anywhere, I see grillz or people doing southern dances. There’s lot of followers. Everyone’s trying to make music for the young people. Everybody’s music is dumbing down. So people get all surprised when if I have a record with social commentary. It’s not new … It’s well needed.

Dime: When it comes to hoop, which team are you pulling for?
Chamillionaire: The Lakers.

Dime: Do you have a favorite player?
Chamillionaire: Allen Iverson. I kicked it with him in the club last time I was in ATL.

Dime: Recording artists are among the privileged few who get to watch the game with their feet on the floor. Do you go to a lot of games?
Chamillionaire: I would like to but I spend 90% of my time focusing on my career. I’m trying to build a dynasty. I used to play. I wanted to go to the NBA, but I gave that up when reality stepped in.

Dime: Really? Who in The League would you say your game is most comparable to?
Chamillionaire: A.I. I used to watch his tapes and copy his moves. He’s not that tall and he is a point guard like me.

Dime: Which player’s game is best compares to your approach as an MC?
Chamillionaire: Kobe. He’s super good, but he’s still learning. He’s kind of an outcast and he just focuses on his game.