Howard Bailey, Jr. (born March 10, 1980),1 better known by his stage name Chingy, is an American rapper.
Biography
Chingy grew up in the Walnut Park section of St. Louis, a neighborhood he's referred to as the "Bad Blocks."23 The middle child with two older brothers and two younger sisters, Chingy became a music fan at an early age.
Chingy began writing lyrics at age 9 and was recording raps at age 10. He originally considered the stage names H. Thugzy and H Thugs before settling on Chingy, a slang term for money.34
Early career
Ludacris and his manager, Chaka Zulu, were quick to sign Chingy to their fledging Disturbing tha Peace label. The party rap track "Right Thurr" gained popularity, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
Jackpot (2003)
Chingy's debut album Jackpot was released on July 15, 2003 on Disturbing tha Peace. Unable to secure a distribution deal through Def Jam, Ludacris negotiated a deal to distribute the album through Capitol Records. Guest appearances included Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Murphy Lee, I-20, Tity Boi of Playaz Circle, Trina, and Jermaine Dupri. Fueled by "Right Thurr," Jackpot produced the hit "One Call Away" featuring J-Weav and "Holidae In" featuring Snoop Dogg and Ludacris. The album was produced by St. Louis production crew The Trak Starz. The album was received well by critics. Within a year of its release, Jackpot would be certified RIAA 3x Platinum.
Dispute with Disturbing tha Peace Records
A monetary dispute between Chingy and Disturbing the Peace resulted in a separation of the rapper from the label. The partnership between Ludacris & Chingy turned sour after Chingy accused Ludacris and DTP of cheating him out of cash. In 2004, Chingy left DTP to start his own Slot-A-Lot Records imprint through Capitol Records.
Powerballin' (2004)
Chingy released his second album, Powerballin', on November 16, 2004 through Slot-A-Lot Records and Capitol Records. The album peaked at #10 on the charts and featured the hit single "Balla Baby." The album featured guest appearances from artists R. Kelly, Bun B, Lil Wayne, Lil Flip, Janet Jackson, David Banner, Nate Dogg, and Get It Boyz. Powerballin' sold one million copies.
Lawsuit
In June 2006, St. Louis record producer Ronald R. Gavin filed a lawsuit against Chingy and The Trak Starz for more than $250,000, alleging that the rap star broke a record deal in 2002 so he could join DTP.5 Gavin claimed that in June 1999, Chingy signed an exclusive contract with his label, 49 Productions Inc., spending more than $100,000 developing Chingy's professional image and career as a rap star over the course of three years. According to court records, it was in 2002, that the Trak Starz got Chingy to sign a separate contract, with the promise to connect him with Ludacris.5
Hoodstar (2006)
Hoodstar is Chingy's third album, released on September 19, 2006. The album featured Mr. Collipark, longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, and Mannie Fresh. It features the summer hit single, "Pullin Me Back" featuring Tyrese. Other singles were "Brand New Kicks," "Hands Up," and "Dem Jeans." Hoodstar debuted at #8, selling 77,000 copies and has been certified Gold in the United States.6
Return
In 2007 Chingy returned to DTP.7
Hate It or Love It (2007)
Hate It or Love It is Chingy's fourth studio album. The album featured production from Scott Storch, Timbaland, and Cool and Dre. The lead single is "Fly Like Me," featuring Amerie. The album was released on December 18, 2007 and featured appearances by Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Steph Jones, Trey Songz, Rick Ross, and Anthony Hamilton.
Discography
Albums
Mixtapes
- 2009: Fresh Thug (with DJ Noize)
- 2009: Global Warning (with DJ Woogie)
- 2009: 1st Quarter (with The Young Hustla)
- 2009: Stars & Straps Reloaded (with DJ Noize)
EPs
Acting Credits
References
External links
|
Chingy |
|
| Albums |
|
|
| Singles |
|
|
| Labels |
|
|
| Related Articles |
|
|