Chingy Preps New Album; Bashes Former Label, Capitol Records

Earlier this year, Chingy shocked the world by announcing he was re-signing with Ludacris and Disturbing Tha Peace Records. The St. Louis native started his career on DTP/Capitol Records, releasing his debut album, Jackpot, in 2003. Shortly afterwards, though, Chingy left DTP after allegedly having monetary disputes with Ludacris and DTP’s co-CEO, Chaka Zula. Now, after releasing two overlooked albums — 2004’s Powerballin’ and 2006’s Hoodstar — Chingy has squashed his beef with Ludacris and re-signed with the label that made him a star. “Our reconciliation started last year at the Billboard awards in Las Vegas,” Chingy told Billboard.com. “The whole situation was a misunderstanding because no one ever really talked [it] through. And as the days went on, it got worse. So, we settled it all at the Billboard Awards and left all of the differences in that room.”

Now, Chingy looks to release his fourth album, Hate It or Love It, later this year. The album will feature the lead single, “Celebrity Chick,” which is also featured on the upcoming DTP compilation album, Strength in Numbers. In addition, the LP will feature guest appearances by Ludacris, Rihanna, Anthony Hamilton, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and possibly Justin Timberlake.

As far as his old label, Capitol Records, Chingy isn’t biting his tongue. “I don’t think Capitol really knew how to work urban artists,” he told Billboard.com. “They’re really stuck on pop and they don’t know how to market me. I ain’t knocking them because that’s where I started, but I think that’s why they fired a lot of people in the LA offices recently. I’m glad I’m off the label.”