Chingy rose to prominence in 2003 with the release of his debut album, Jackpot, which housed hit songs like “Right Thurr.” Between then and 2010, he dropped four additional albums before going on a long hiatus. Subsequently, he returned in 2022, and released his most recent project, Chinglish, in June 2023. Notably, the projects that came after Jackpot achieved varying levels of commercial success. None of them, however, were able to match his debut’s worldwide sales. Throughout his career, Chingy has recorded and released many songs, but his biggest hits were all featured on his debut album and helped boost its overall sales. All things considered, one of these songs stands above the rest in terms of sales.
Chingy during Chingy Visits SkyRock Radio in Paris in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage)
Jackpot was released on July 15, 2003. Prior to its release, the lead single, “Right Thurr,” which he recently performed alongside Sexyy Red, dropped in April 2003. Afterward, “Holidae In,” and “One Call Away” followed as the second and third singles respectively. All three songs were chart successes, peaking within the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, each of them has sold enough units to earn several certifications. However, when it comes to overall units sold, there is a clear victor, and that is “One Call Away.” The song peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart and appeared on several other charts in the US and beyond. “One Call Away” is also one of only three songs by Chingy to ever achieve a gold certification in the US, selling over 500,000 units in the States. The certification date was November 10, 2004.
Additionally, “One Call Away” sold 70,000 units in Australia. This earned it a platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). While the track failed to sell enough units to gain certifications in other countries, it remains Chingy’s best-selling song overall. “Holidae In” and “Bella Baby” also sold 500,000 units in the US. However, “Holidae In” only sold 35,000 units in Australia, and “Bella Baby” did not reach those numbers in the country. As a result, “Holidae In” is gold-certified in Australia, and “Bella Baby” is yet to gain an ARIA certification.
The Significance Of “One Call Away”
Interestingly, besides “One Call Away,” Chingy’s biggest song is “Right Thurr,” the aforementioned lead single from Jackpot. The song also peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart. In addition, it achieved higher chart positions than “One Call Away” in New Zealand, Netherlands, Canada, and the UK. Despite its success in the US, however, it is strangely not certified by RIAA. The song only has certifications in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In detail, it sold 35,000 in Australia, and 5,000 each in Canada and New Zealand. In conclusion, although it is certified in more countries, its overall sales pale in comparison to those of “One Call Away.”
Certainly, the single has also solidified its place as one of Chingy’s most recognizable tracks. The iconic hook sung by Jason Weaver is evergreen and unforgettable. Likewise, Chingy delivered smooth bars, and his signature swag, as heard on most of his songs. The single was written by Chingy, S. Martin, and The Trak Starz, with the latter credited with producing the track. All in all, “One Call Away” remains a standout moment in Chingy’s discography and a nostalgic emblem of the early 2000s Hip Hop era. Equally, it is a testament to the rapper’s impact on the rap scene of that time. Of all the songs in his catalog, Chingy literally struck gold with “One Call Away,” and it will continue to be celebrated as a quintessential 2000s track.
The Chingy-Sidney Starr saga has been going on for more than 13 years now. As the burgeoning rapper was burning up the charts, it seemed like nothing could stop his career. That was until one photo derailed everything. Once Chingy took a picture with transgender TV personality Sidney Starr, his life changed.
At the time, Sidney claimed she and the rapper were in a relationship. Remember that this was in 2010 when the word “transgender” wasn’t in the public vernacular and was vastly misunderstood. Even though Sidney has admitted she and Chingy were never involved, it was too late. Between transphobia, homophobia, and flat-out ignorance, this is how Chingy’s whole career was derailed based on a lie.
The Chingy-Sidney Starr Photo That Changed It All
Chingy during 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards – Arrivals at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, United States. (Photo by M. Tran/FilmMagic)
The Chingy-Sidney Starr drama all started in the most innocuous way possible. In Chicago in 2010, a young female fan wanted to take a photo with Chingy after one of his shows. He obliged, thinking it was no big deal. The young lady was a transgender woman, Sidney Starr, looking to kickstart her career. From that picture, she started a whole narrative that Chingy had no idea about.
Sidney used the photo as proof she and Chingy were involved in a sexual relationship. She wanted the world to know she was the one “right thurr” for the rapper. While stories about Chingy’s relationships were a dime a dozen, this one picked up more steam than most since Sidney was transgender. People began questioning Chingy’s sexuality, the last thing an artist in the notoriously homophobic and transphobic hip-hop world wants. Fans began eyeing him differently and made assumptions about his personal life. He essentially became persona non grata. Not only did Chingy’s reputation take a hit, but also his career.
The Derailment
PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA – MAY 16: TV personality Sidney Starr attends “Baddies ATL” premiere screening at CMX CinéBistro Peachtree Corners on May 16, 2021 in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The backlash was swift and brutal for Chingy. After being on top of the world with a double Platinum debut album, Jackpot, and songs with some of the top artists in the game, like Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, everything soon fell off. Chingy ended up without a major label backing him, a distribution deal, or even industry support.
The rapper told HNHH in 2017, “I watched people in the industry who were cool turn their backs. I feel like my career was sabotaged.” Unfortunately, Chingy became the butt of jokes, and his music career was the last thing fans were concerned about. They were more invested in his personal life and deemed him an outsider—nobody wanted to be linked to Chingy.
The Admission
It only took two years, but in 2012, Sidney finally decided to speak her truth and admitted there was never a Chingy-Sidney Starr relationship. In fact, it was all a lie, and they didn’t even know each other. The photo was just that—a picture between a fan and an artist.
In a video posted on WorldStarHipHop, Sidney admitted it was all a lie and was apologetic. She said, “I’m very, very sorry, Chingy, for anything that I caused to throw dirt on your name.” Sidney acknowledged that Chingy knew nothing about her, including that she was a trans woman. Getting emotional through her confession, Sidney said she was trying to gain some notoriety at the time and wanted to get her name out.
Unfortunately, it just so happened to be at Chingy’s expense. She said she was young and profoundly sorry for her mistake. Sidney added that she was only a fan, and Chingy was an artist nice enough to take the picture. That was all. Despite her heartfelt confession, the damage was already done.
Chingy Speaks Out
In a 2014 interview with VladTV, Chingy criticized everyone who believed the rumor without any proof. “It goes to show you how many people wanted it to be true.” He added, “It goes to show you that that person who nobody knew had that much power to come out and say one negative thing about me, and a whole mass of people just instantly took to it.” Further, Chingy claimed he was in the middle of a major deal and was close to sealing it, but the head honchos said the bad publicity was too much. They wanted no part of him, leaving him out in the cold. Despite all of that, Chingy said he forgave Sidney.
Sidney Speaks Out
Sidney granted her own interview to VladTV. At the time the pic was taken, she claimed Chingy was her favorite rap artist and didn’t know anything “about her situation.” She said she put the story out two years after the photo because “I had a lot of people in my ears,” telling her she would be on top. Sidney also admitted she wanted to be a star and decided, “Let’s do this sh*t.” She said if she could change the hands of time, she wouldn’t do it because she wasn’t in the right mindset.
Instead, she said it backfired and also hurt her in the process. Even though she was remorseful, she threw some subliminals. Sidney stated she wasn’t the only person who said stuff about Chingy but added she wouldn’t go into it because that was “their situation.” Additionally, Sidney disagreed with Chingy about him losing his record deal due to her. Sidney blamed the team around him because he should’ve been able to bounce back to get “better hits.” Sidney added, “I wish you the best, bro.”
The Continued Chingy-Sidney Starr Fallout
Chingy’s career never recovered, but Sidney’s took off with her appearing on Love & Hip Hop: New York. Although she established herself as somewhat of a celebrity in her own right, Sidney has continued to be linked to Chingy. When hw was named one of the 50 Worst Rappers in 2022, he was shocked and outraged. He spoke out on VladTV and said the list was disrespectful because he had the hits to prove the notion wrong. As his interview made the rounds, messy social media folks decided to tag Sidney.
Sidney wasn’t having it and wrote, “Y’all better stop tagging me in this Because the situation that happened with me happened 10 years ago.” She said she had already apologized, and Chingy accepted. Sidney further shared she was ready to move on from the situation and wished Chingy nothing but the best.
The Chingy-Sidney Starr Beef Continues
Time doesn’t heal all wounds because Chingy still hasn’t forgiven Sidney and blames her for ruining his career. During the 2022 VladTV interview, Chingy said he was still traumatized by the ordeal and, for a while, was weary about posing for photos with fans, especially those who are gay. He said, “I was about to stop taking pictures with homosexual individuals because I felt like they may try to do something like that.”
Eventually, he realized that was the wrong state of mind and understood that Sidney didn’t represent the entire community. Referring to Sidney as “the individual,” he said she must have “listened to somebody or had evil intentions” to do what she did. Chingy pointed out how “the individual” took photos with many other artists but wondered why he was targeted. He also said he’s never spoken to Sidney and has no interest in doing so, even though she has tried to reach out. He added, “I put it in the past, but we don’t have nothing to talk about. Ain’t nothing to discuss. I’m cool.”
Chingy may not be as “cool” about the situation as he says because he threw a major shot. When the interviewer said Sidney was “woman enough” to admit her wrongdoing, Chingy laughed and said, “Let’s just say it, he was man enough.” Meanwhile, Sidney got her lick back by trolling Chingy all over social media. She posted, “Tell Chingy I got a million bucks to give him.. come get some money bro …. since apologizing doesn’t work these days …” She also posted a thirst trap video showing off her goodies with the caption, “One thing my name gonna do is Ring Bells whether Good or Bad! Trust Me!
As Chingy’s fans dragged her, Sidney said she wasn’t a bad person and made a mistake. She posted on Instagram, “Wow! I was young Af and made a mistake! My god! I will never be able to move on from this! SMH I’m done.” She claimed she wasn’t playing the victim but was so over the whole thing. Sidney admitted that her apology didn’t change anything, but she did own up to her role.
Even though Chingy has always vehemently denied the accusation, and Sidney has admitted it was a lie, the rumor still persists. In an August 2023 episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Joe continued to push the false story of Chingy and Sidney. Although the entire Chingy-Sidney Starr “relationship” wasn’t true and was proven years ago, the hip-hop community still can’t let it go. Unfortunately, Chingy continues to pay the ultimate price. It goes to show the dire repercussions one little lie can have.
Chingy is unbothered about the racist meme shared by an Estee Lauder Executive that featured his name. Over the weekend, the senior executive, John Demsey, shared a racist meme, allegedly without reading it.
Demsey apologized online, stating he made “the terrible mistake of carelessly reposting a racist meme without reading it before hand.” Chingy commented on the post that he “didn’t take it a way at all.”
Chingy went on to speak a bit more about the meme. “Matter fact I can tell you wurr jus trying to be hip like the kids today an it jus came out the wrong way. I didn’t see it as being a racial slurr either my brother. I love you guys products always have and I hope you keep yurr job my man.”
In a memo, Estee Lauder revealed Demsey will retire effective this Friday: “This decision is the result of his recent Instagram posts, which do not reflect the values of The Estée Lauder Companies, have caused widespread offense, are damaging to our efforts to drive inclusivity both inside and outside our walls, and do not reflect the judgment we expect of our leaders.”
A high-powered executive at Estée Lauder was fired for sharing an offensive meme on Instagram last week. The meme contained the n-word and a reference to a Chingy concert. When Sharing Is Not Caring John Demsey, a 65-year-old Estee Lauder senior executive who was earning $9.6 million dollars a year, was suspended from his 20-plus-year […]
You would think someone would think twice before posting something on social media that could get them into trouble.
Estée Lauder, senior executive John Demsey, was fired from his position on Monday, February 28, after posting a racist COVID-19 meme mentioning Chingy on his Instagram.
“My n***a Snuffy done got the’ rona at a Chingy concert,” read the meme which featured a masked Big Bird and sick Snuffy.
Estee Lauder senior executive John Demsey has been fired after posting this meme on his Instagram.
After being fired, Demsey posted an apology where he claimed he did not read the meme before posting it.
Estée Lauder has since released a statement about Demsey’s firing, saying the meme does not “reflect the values of The Estée Lauder Companies.”
“This decision is the result of his recent Instagram posts, which do not reflect the values of The Estée Lauder Companies, have caused widespread offense, are damaging to our efforts to drive inclusivity both inside and outside our walls, and do not reflect the judgment we expect of our leaders,” the statement said. “Our employees, and especially our senior leaders, are accountable to continue driving our progress and to respect the values of this company for the long term.”
Social media had a field day with the news story. While nobody seemed mad at Demsey posting the meme, many made jokes about Chingy trending and the sheer stupidity of losing a nearly $10 million a year job over a Chingy meme.
“The plan is to get an Estee Lauder senior executive fired from a job that pays $10 million a year. But first, we’ll need a Chingy meme.” pic.twitter.com/y6KXssgKFI
Demsey, whose former title of executive group president oversaw brands under the Estée Lauder umbrella including Clinique and Mac, had posted the meme to Instagram, where he generally shares memes and brand-related advertising. The meme in question featured a spoof Little Golden Book cover with Big Bird visiting an apparently sick Snuffleupagus with a surgical mask on under the caption, “My n**** Snuffy done got the ‘rona at a Chingy concert.”
Estee Lauder senior executive John Demsey has been fired after posting this meme on his Instagram.
Apparently, not everyone found it as amusing as he did, prompting him to take down the meme, replacing it with an apology. “I am terribly sorry and deeply ashamed that I hurt so many people when I made the horrible mistake of carelessly reposting a racist meme without reading it beforehand,” it read. “There are not enough words to express me remorse and sorrow.Not only did I hurt many people whom I respect, the terrible mistake that I made has undermined everything I have been working for since I began my career 31 years ago. The meme is the furthest thing from what I stand for and I should have never reposted it. I am so sorry that I let down the company that I have dedicated my life’s work to as well as its employees, artists, friends and colleagues. I hope that in time people will judge me, not for this awful mistake, but for my lifetime of words and actions, which demonstrate my respect for all people.”
Hey look, I can only speak for myself, but I didn’t read that as racist. Maybe a 60-year-old white guy shouldn’t have shared it, but it’s pretty funny. A lot of folks on Twitter seem to agree, as Chingy has suddenly found himself trending for the first time since maybe “Dem Jeans” came out in 2006. Let’s take a look at the reactions, shall we?
“The plan is to get an Estee Lauder senior executive fired from a job that pays $10 million a year. But first, we’ll need a Chingy meme.” pic.twitter.com/y6KXssgKFI
Apparently, the meme itself originated over on Reddit and Demsey was amused enough to share it without considering the whole “n-word” angle. There’s also this tweet, which, like all tweets, is suspect, but relevant. Also, Chingy concerts/tickets seem to be a recurring theme in the account’s meme-making.
Sorry to that man. Something tells me he’ll be fine, but as long as we’re on the subject, Chingy was actually a pretty good rapper and deserved better. I’ll die on this hill. Drop something while your name is hot, Ching-A-Ling, I will support you, even if the streets say you look like a youth pastor/substitute teacher now. Between this and the whole Rocco fiasco a few months ago, it seems like Sesame Street has gone viral for a lot of strange — but hilarious — reasons.
Sidney Starr (@sidneystarrbad)
(@dirtywhiteups)