January 05, 2005 @ 12:43 pm

Chingy- Powerballin' (Capitol)

Toshitaka Kondo

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It was his distinctive schoolboy rapping and unforgettable enunciation that helped Chingy achieve double-platinum success with his debut, Jackpot.

It was his distinctive schoolboy rapping and unforgettable enunciation that helped Chingy achieve double-platinum success with his debut, Jackpot. For the follow-up, Powerballin’, the St. Louis native hopes to deliver more pop friendly vocals over polished production from the likes of Trak Starz, R. Kelly, and David Banner. While the R. Kelly–helmed “Leave Wit Me” is catchy—despite Kelly’s well-worn flamenco guitar formula—Chingy still kicks preschool game. Lyrically gambling on a line borrowed from the Temptations, he raps, “The way you sweep me off my feet, you should be a broom.” He stunts to the extreme on ostentatious tracks like “26’s,” “Balla Baby,” and “We Do.” But he concedes bling is nothing without someone to share it with on the ballad “Don’t Worry,” which features Janet Jackson’s dreamy vocals. Mr. Right Thurr even brings a touch of substance, commenting on Iraq for the bouncy “All the Way to St. Lou,” which flawlessly rides Banner’s vibrant electric guitar licks alongside Nate Dogg. When it’s all on the table, Powerballin’ is more solid than spectacular, but either way, Chingy proves he’s a safe bet.

Article tags: Chingy, Powerballin, Capitol 

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