In the 2000’s, Nelly single-handedly put St. Louis on the map. Which in turn, made him the biggest artist to come out of the city. However, if there were ever someone close to taking his spot, I’d say it was Chingy.
In 2003, The Gateway to the West rapper dropped, Jackpot under Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace imprint. The album got everyone’s attention, including mainstream.
[Tune In To HipHop-Album-Debate, “The Podcast” Every Tuesday and Friday!]
“Right Thurr” was the album’s first single. It got it’s share of spins on radio, video shows, and dancefloors. “Holidae In” featuring Snoop Dogg and label boss, Ludacris rippled the same effects.
Chingy took another route in terms of subject matter with “One Call Away.” It was the classic boy meets girl story told from a Show Me state of mind. The video was memorable because it reintroduced a grown & sexy Keshia Knight-Pulliam — whom everyone remembered as Rudy Huxtable from The Cosby Show — to the world.
Jackpot offered its share of party records for the era, but overall, it lacked the sound that would be pleasing to the ear in years to come. “Represent” was a clear example. A track featuring 2 Chainz, then known as Tity Boi, was just what it was: a song about representing your turf. But it was nothing special. The song surely didn’t give us in what would come with Chainz.
“Wurrs My Cash” was a decent nod to the Pimp association. However, I don’t think it was ever in rotation at the annual Player’s Ball. We’ll leave the formal stamp of approval — or denied — to Fillmore Slim, Bishop Don “Magic” Juan, and Pimpin’ Ken, among others.
With the 314 slang and hometown The Trak Starz at the helm of the production, no one can’t say Chingy didn’t stay true to his roots.
Again, I don’t think Jackpot was much of a complete album. But that’s not to say it wasn’t banging at the time. When the aforementioned “Right Thurr” and “Holidae In” hit the speakers, the dancefloor was flooded.
And besides, the album peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 and was certified 3X Platinum. You can’t dispute those numbers right thurr.
Chingy’s ‘Jackpot‘; Classic!, Dope, Regular, or Garbage?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Regular – Unanimous!
Garbage – 0%
Dope – 0%
Classic! – 0%