Chingy

Fun Fact: He began rapping under the psuedonym Chingy, which is what he and his friends would call someone that they felt were rich, which is what he aspired to be.

Claim to Fame: Chingy signed to Fo-Reel Entertainment, which is home to Nelly and the St. Lunatics. Chingy would get his first shot at fame by touring with Nelly. This would lead to a chance meeting with legendary southern rapper, Ludacris, who immediately signed Chingy to his Disturbing tha Peace record label.

Howard Bailey, Jr., better known by his stage name Chingy, is an American rapper.


Chingy grew up in the Walnut Park section of St. Louis, a neighborhood he's referred to as the "Bad Blocks." 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.


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.



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.


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.


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.

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