Chingy

Chingy (born Howard Earl Bailey Jr. on March 9, 1980) is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He is best known for his hit singles "Right Thurr," "Holidae In," and "One Call Away." Chingy was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and he began rapping in his late teens. He gained national attention in the early 2000s with his distinctive style and catchy hooks.

Early Life

Chingy was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in the Walnut Park neighborhood. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began writing his own lyrics. He attended McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri.

Career

Early Career

Chingy started his career under the stage name "H Thugz" and was part of the group Without Warning. He later changed his stage name to Chingy, a slang term for money. His big break came when he was discovered by Ludacris and signed to Disturbing Tha Peace, Ludacris's record label.

Breakthrough and Success

Chingy's debut album, Jackpot, was released in 2003 and was a commercial success. The album featured the hit single "Right Thurr," which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of Jackpot was followed by his second album, Powerballin' in 2004, which included the singles "Balla Baby" and "Don't Worry."

Later Career

In 2006, Chingy released his third album, Hoodstar, which included the singles "Pullin' Me Back" and "Dem Jeans." He continued to release music and collaborate with other artists, although his later albums did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his earlier work.

Acting Career

In addition to his music career, Chingy has also pursued acting. He made his acting debut in the 2005 film The System Within and has appeared in several other films and television shows.

Personal Life

Chingy has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including working with organizations that support underprivileged youth in his hometown of St. Louis.

Discography

• Jackpot (2003)
• Powerballin' (2004)
• Hoodstar (2006)
• Hate It or Love It (2007)
• Success & Failure (2010)

Filmography

• The System Within (2005)
• Scary Movie 4 (2006)
• Speed-Dating (2010)

Awards and Nominations

Chingy has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including nominations for the American Music Awards and the BET Awards.

See Also

• List of hip hop musicians
• St. Louis hip hop