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Chingy's new album will be released in 2020.

10 New York, NY Its hard to believe that its been more than 15 years since Chingys seminal album, , hit the streets. The St. Louis native went from struggling rapper to household name almost overnight when his 2003 debut album, released on Ludacris Disturbing Tha Peace label (now a part of Def Jam Recordings). Jackpot s three No. 1 singles including the classic Trak Starz produced Right Thurr and the Snoop Dogg-supported Holidae In secured Chingys place in both the Hip Hop and pop culture zeitgeist. But the Midwesterner born Howard Bailey Jr. has grown above and beyond that fun yet anachronistic time. When I think about all the now-classic records I made that have left their historical mark, I cant help but be grateful for everything, he told HipHopDX exclusively. Ive been both passionate, and compassionate, about music for as long as I can remember. So to not only be able to do it for as long as I have, but to actually be a part of musical history thats a blessing, man. For Chingy, making music today is no longer about getting bodies on the dance floor and butts in the seats. Rather, its about making a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Recently, Chingy joined forces with the UP Companies to bring attention to an interesting opportunity: a call-to-action in the construction industry. Thanks to the lack of interest from Millennials and Gen Z to work in construction (despite the surplus of well-paying positions and low-cost/free education and training), there is a dearth of construction workers and an ever-increasing demand. In fact, a staggering 80 percent of U.S. construction firms are having trouble hiring talent, and the trend is predicted to worsen. While this seems like a rather non-traditional cause for a rapper to get behind, Chingy feels its a natural fit. I come from poverty. I grew up with the hood mentality that the only way out was with drugs, and guns, and being a gangster, he said. People think that this is the only way to accumulate this we Read more