Artist: ChingyTitle: HoodstarRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Jesse Fairfax
Upon scoring their first hit song, every rapper hopes their success
isn’t a flash in the pan. 2003’s “Right Thurr” was monstrous for
Chingy, catapulting him to superstardom as he rode in on the crest of
the industry’s St. Louis wave. After defecting from Ludacris’
Disturbing Tha Peace crew, public interest seemed to wane with 2004’s
Powerballin’ doing much smaller numbers than his Jackpot debut.
Chingy’s latest album Hoodstar (Capitol) finds hope springing
eternally, as he is out to prove that his relevance and star power
haven’t faded.
Topically Chingy isn’t dissimilar from most of today’s Hip-Hop
climate, as he doesn’t stray far from discussing a lifestyle full of
violence, balling, and womanizing. The difference is he doesn’t
execute it nearly as well as some of his more skilled peers. He either
lacks inspiration or is just plain lazy, with one song about “Nike
Aurrs and Crispy Tees” and another titled “Brand New Kicks” (the
saving grace of the latter being Mannie Fresh’s trademark bounce and
voice). It’s not that the music is particularly bad, it just makes for
boring listening accompanied by his gall to look down upon other
rappers whom he feels aren’t on his level.
The album largely caters to women, only switching between the intended
settings of the bedroom and club. “Bounce That” sounds like a parody
of a BET Uncut video rather than a serious song on an album
distributed by a major label, while the lead single “Pullin’ Me Back”
features Tyrese and breaks down relationship problems. “Dem Jeans” is
about females fitting their posteriors into denim, and “U A Freak
(Nasty Girl)” is self-explanatory, as is “Ass N Da Aurr.” By the
second to last track “Let Me Luv U”, one is left questioning his
ability to come up with material he hasn’t already covered on this
album.
Hoodstar is sprinkled with its bright moments, such as the crunk “Club
Getting Crowded” featuring Three 6 Mafia who seem right at home, while
Chingy sounds out of place trying out a faster flow. The
aforementioned “Brand New Kicks” is a gem, and he somewhat succeeds at
introspection on “Cadillac Door”, with Midwest City doing his best
Sleepy Brown impression. Perhaps Chingy isn’t out to be progressive
and is satisfied making music that requires little thought to enjoy,
but the credibility that he will be extended is ultimately up to his
audience.
