Whether you agree with me or not with what I'm about to say is entirely up to you, but in my opinion, there's a BIG difference between a RAPPER and a REAL LYRICIST! Being a rapper isn't really that hard because there's no vocal pressure, and it's even easier when you have your own distinctive flow and/or quality to your rapping style. In Chingy's case, he's got that occasionally annoying Southern drawl that's common in his hometown. A REAL LYRICIST, however, is a person who's capable of writing dope rhymes that either relates to your everyday city folk or the less fortunate individuals struggling to make a buck on the streets (more specifically, real gangsta, hustlers, etc.). It's the latter which Chingy is DEFINITELY NOT! If you don't believe me, check out his third studio effort, "Hoodstar".

Like his previous two albums, "Hoodstar" is another generic, indistinct pile of Pop-Rap where Chingy merely raps about bling, cash, money and misogyny over stale, recycled, lifeless club beats. "U A Freak", "Brand New Kicks", "Bounce That", "Club Getting Crowded", "Nike Aurr's & Crispy Tees"...the song titles of almost every track tell you everything you need (or don't need) to know. What annoys me most is not the fact that "Hoodstar" receives no true musical shine from it's ridiculously huge all-star supporting cast -Three 6 Mafia, Mr. Collipark, Poli Paul, Jermaine Dupri, Tyrese, Mannie Fresh, Timbaland, Kwame, etc.-, nor is it the fact that producer/rapper/classic mastermind Timbaland delivers some terrible production on a track where Chingy carelessly confuses love for sex (the horrific "Let Me Luv U"), but the simple fact that Chingy refuses to show any true growth in his music.

Amidst the sub-standardized truckload of filler, however, lies two stunning gems. The first one is lead single "Pullin' Me Back", a typically radio-friendly Pop-Rap gem where Chingy vulnerably contemplates how, despite all the troubles in the relationship with his girlfriend, he keeps coming back to her. Then there's guest singer Tyrese, whose smooth vocals welcomely bless the hook, resulting in an excellent track. The other album's undeniable gem is "Cadillac Door", a surprisingly mature moment where Chingy contemplates the hardships of his life and how he continues to try making it. With satisfactory production and guest singing credits from Midwest City, as well as some great rhymes from Chingy, "Cadillac Door" is the best song on the album, no question. It reminds haters and lovers that Chingy DOES have talent, and that he IS human like everyone else.

Sadly, introspective moments of lyrical greatness like "Cadillac Door" and sincere Pop-Rap gems like "Pullin' Me Back" are few on this album, which is why "Hoodstar" turns out to be such a disappointing effort. Actually, "effort" isn't the right word because Chingy doesn't seem to have put any of it into this release. It's such a shame, but then again, I can't say I didn't expect it. No classic club bangers like "Right Thurr" or Holidae Inn" either. 1 star for the two gems this album has!

Chingy is nice on the eyes, but this album is not nice on the ears. Back in high school, I may have bumped this, but listening to a grown man brag about wearing Girbaud, matching outfits, and partying just gets old after awhile. I would expect something like this from maybe Bow-wow, but Chingy is grown, and I wish he'd talk about more relevant issues. I was listening to lines that obviously were not meant to take on the poetic ability of true hip-hop (i.e. Dr. Seuss rhyming--pick the VERY first word that rhymes with the word before and make it a rap). The Chingy groupies will probably think this album is hot and PHYSICALLY he is, but not this album.

If any of y'all think i'm a rap basher or what ever than check my profile because i'm anything but that. Its just hip hop today is really starting to [...]. None of its original in the least bit its just the same crap over and over. Basically all they talk about is guns, woman, sex, money, and drugs. Chingy is a perfect representation of whats wrong with the hip hop scene. He relys on image by posing on the front cover to get a wannabe look and his rapping is simply laughable. All these people like Ja Rule, Chingy, Lil Jon, Nelly, Fabulous, Young Jeezy and all the other terrible rappers deserve to be banned from rapping. Someone outta pull Tupac on these candy pop stars

LAAAAME. Is there anything else out there besides cash, cars, and ho's?? Whats the point?? Every rapper before him has done this before and sometimes better then him.

This kind of rap just gets old. I could careless about what you have. Its all material stuff that will leave you anyways. Learn from MC Hammer Chingy.

...because releasing this cd HAS to be a f*cking April Fools joke. This blowtard is still around? Are you kidding me? Unbelievable. I don't think it'll be that hard to bring this trash heap to 1 star, just a couple more bad reviews and we'll have it ladies and gents. In fact I think this will hold the record for the FASTEST achieved 1-star average a cd has ever received! Hey at least Chingy accomplished something in his mundane life. He also has the honor of 2nd worst rapper of all time in my 25 worst rappers of all time list I'll make on Amazon. Do I really even have to explain why?