HOODSTAR - CHINGY
Aside from a few catchy club tracks, there is nothing that exciting about Chingy’s third album. As with his previous effort, “Powerballin’,” the St. Louis rapper stays within his stale comfort zone, keeping his lyrics as basic as ever (although he does show off a speedy flow on a couple of songs). The first few cuts, notably “Hands Up” and “Nike Airs & Crispy Tees,” are worthy of playlisting, but the latter is an outdated makeover of Nelly’s “Air Force Ones” and Dem Franchize Boyz’ “White Tees.” While lead single “Pullin’ Me Back” featuring Tyrese finds Chingy sincere and a bit vulnerable, the same cannot be said for songs like “Bounce That” and “Ass N Da Aurr,” dooming “Hoodstar” to be just a middle-of-the-road rap record. Billboard
