By Kim SoMajor
St. Louis, MO – CHINGY, the multi-platinum rapper known for his infectious hits like “Right Thurr,” made a triumphant homecoming at the Music at the Intersection Festival, delivering an electrifying performance that resonated with fans and family alike. In addition to his performance, Chingy was honored with a proclamation from Mayor Tishaura Jones, officially declaring September 14th as “Chingy Day” in recognition of his contributions to St. Louis’ rich musical landscape.
Returning Home to Perform
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Chingy, born and raised in St. Louis, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to perform in his hometown, noting how much it means to receive such an outpouring of love from familiar faces in the crowd. “It felt great. You see the love. When you come home, it’s all these people I know in the crowd — relatives, friends, and just so many people,” he shared, acknowledging how special it was to prioritize performing in St. Louis over other commitments that night.
Reflecting on the honor of receiving the mayoral proclamation, Chingy beamed, “You can’t ask for much more coming from your own city. To be recognized like that, it’s amazing.”
Evolving Musically Over Two Decades
With over two decades in the music industry, Chingy’s sound has evolved, blending his signature party tracks with deeper, more introspective themes. His latest album, Chinglish, includes songs like “Ballen’,” which dives into spiritual wealth and self-knowledge, contrasting his earlier hits. “There’s more substance now. It’s not just about material wealth but about spiritual currency,” he explained, highlighting his personal growth as an artist.
Yet, Chingy still embraces his party vibe, showing that his musical journey has been one of balance. “I still party. I still do those types of records,” he said, showcasing his versatility on stage while giving fans a taste of new and old hits.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Growth
Mental health has become a key topic for many artists, and Chingy is no exception. Sharing insights into how he stays grounded, he revealed his commitment to physical and mental well-being. “I meditate, I work out, I do yoga and mobility training. Meditation gives me mental clarity,” Chingy said. He also emphasized the importance of continuous learning, mentioning his lesser-known academic achievements. “A lot of people don’t know I have like four or five degrees. I’ve studied everything from metaphysics to psychology,” he said, stressing the importance of expanding one’s mind and maintaining inner peace.
A Critical Look at the Industry
Chingy took the opportunity to address some pressing issues in today’s music industry, including the disparity in revenue from streaming platforms. “The artists don’t really be getting enough money,” he said, pointing out the imbalance between the billions made by executives and the small payouts artists receive. He also touched on the rise of AI in music, voicing both caution and curiosity. “AI is both a benefit and a harm. It can be used in creative ways, but it can also mess up artists’ lives,” Chingy said. He was especially critical of the use of AI to mimic the voices of deceased artists, adding, “Like that song where they put Tupac’s voice on it — that should never happen. Let people rest, let them transition.”
Supporting the Next Generation
Despite the changes in the music industry, Chingy remains optimistic about the future, particularly when it comes to new talent emerging from St. Louis. He mentioned his collaborations with local artists, including J.R. and his cousin Fast Money Nephew, and gave a special nod to rising star Sexyy Red. “I would totally do a song with Sexyy Red. She’s from the north side where I’m from, and she’s doing her thing,” Chingy said, showing his ongoing support for the next generation of artists.
Venturing into Business and Beyond
Outside of music, Chingy is expanding his brand with several entrepreneurial endeavors, including fragrances, 9/EThurr, a clothing line, and a soon-to-be-released book. His fragrance line, featuring “Catch” for men and “Caught” for women, reflects his personal style preferences. He also teased the upcoming release of his book, Conscious Creation to Manifestation, an e-book and audiobook designed to help readers reprogram their subconscious minds using affirmations.
As Chingy continues to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, his commitment to St. Louis remains unwavering. Whether through his music, his support of up-and-coming artists, or his growing business ventures, Chingy’s influence is as strong as ever — and with a day dedicated to him in his hometown, his legacy is firmly cemented.
Check out photos from Chingy’s energetic performance at Music at the Intersection.
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