EXCLUSIVE: Where is Chingy? Rapper Chingy bounces back after loss in the music industry [VIDEO]
Watch the full Chingy interview and subscribe to Bobby Pen’s Put Yourself On Podcast
In 2003, St. Louis rapper Chingy had everyone (especially the ladies) dancing. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are when you hear the song “Right Thurr” you WILL instantly bust a move!
Let’s not forget about his other platinum hits including “Holidae In,” “One Call Away,” and “Pulling Me Back”. So what has the Billboard Music Award winner been up to since then?
Well, Bobby Pen sat down with him on the Put Yourself On Podcast and discussed everything from how he started his rap career, musical influences, getting his first record deal, highs and lows of the music industry, starting his own label, industry beef and more. Listen above.
Chingy gives credit to the legend, icon, king of pop Michael Jackson for being his first artistic influence.
“As a little boy I’ve seen MJ entertain and that’s what I wanted to do. Entertain,” he said.
“At the age of 7, I started writing my own music, battle rapping.” His first feature at the age of 9, yes 9, was on his cousins’ mixtape, and the track was called “Knuckle Up”.
Chingy signed with Capitol Records in 2004. He has worked alongside industry vet Jermaine Dupri which he refers to as “a dream come true” for his career.
After the success of his debut album with singles that peaked at no. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and no. 17 on the United Kingdom pop charts, he then dropped another no. 1 record with “Pullin Me Back“ featuring singer/actor Tyrese! So what could have possibly caused Chingy’s soaring career to come to a sudden standstill?
“In 2006, Capitol Records started sinking. They were doing a lot of revamping, replacing a lot of people, and I got caught up in it,” Chingy told Bobby Pen.
“This is around the time I bumped into Ludacris (DTP) in Vegas. We talked and I signed with Def Jam, but I shouldn’t have done it. Now I let bygones be bygones. Things didn’t get promoted right.
I remember going to a meeting with L.A. Reid and he was like, ‘What happened?’ He was upset with them. He asked why didn’t [I] get with Jay-Z? Why didn’t I get with Rihanna? This was stuff I was asking myself too because I wanted to work with these people.
I went back to Atlanta; told Ludacris I was tired. I wanted to just keep to myself. We talked about it. Next thing I know he’s dissing me in a song– subliminally. A mutual friend of ours sent word and said, ‘Yo Chingy, don’t trip off of it.’ This is real. This is real stuff. We cool now but I’m just saying this is what went on. “
Another setback blindsided Chingy’s rap career– a rumor that not only wasn’t true but caused immense damage to his music career and personal life. He explained how taking a simple photo with a random female dancer, quickly turned into a taboo dating rumor that “hurt” his career:
“In 2006, I’m back with DTP. We had a show in Chicago. After my show, we go and watch Ludacris show. There were some dancers on stage in body paint. Just dancing. One asked me to take a picture. I took the picture. I didn’t even know the person,” Chingy said referring to transgender actress Sidney Starr.
Two years later, they lie and say we had a two-year relationship. They were trying to get famous. They wanted the reality show and they tried to use me as the guinea pig to get their 15 minutes of fame.
They ended up apologizing, saying it was a lie. It hurt my career. It really did. It hurt my career a lot. At the time I was working on signing a record deal with Interscope. That [rumor] was so big socially [Interscope] didn’t go through with it. They didn’t want no parts of it. I was very hurt about that”.
Throughout the ups and downs of his music industry experience, Chingy remains humble, positive, and true to himself as an individual and as an artist. What advice does he give when it comes to staying true to who you are whether you’re a celebrity or not?
“Focus on your truth. For every truth, there’s a half-truth but be authentic with yourself. Keep it real with yourself. Stop trying to please everybody. You can’t please everybody,” Chingy said. “That worry is a disease. Stop worrying about whose hating on you. Who dislikes you. It’s gonna be there. Stop worrying about it.”
When asked his opinion on the quality of music now versus music then, Chingy responded:
“I hear people talk about mumble rap. Man, let them dudes do them. Be proud they not out here doing anything stupid. Stop trying to demise their character. Help them build their minds up. I don’t consider myself a role model but I like to help. Talk to them. See what their goals are”.
What does he have in store for 2018? Chingy started his own label FULLDEKK Music Group and is currently focused on rebuilding his brand. Make sure you check out fulldekkmusicgroup.com for updates on his next moves, upcoming shows, merchandise, and of course his MUSIC! Chingy’s Instagram is @chingyfulldeck.
When asked if he has any advice for independent artists trying to get a record deal, he said:
“You have to support the independent artists. A lot of artists get treated like crap. Support the artist on an independent level because they don’t always reap the real benefits. Sometimes you can get passed over by the labels. Nothing against the major labels, but it’s the reality of knowing the contracts, knowing what you’re getting into. You’re better off independent, especially nowadays. We need more support from the people.”
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