Kicking off his career in 2003 with the massive hit “Right Thurr,” St. Louis rapper Chingy spent two solid years in the limelight, releasing two platinum-selling albums while becoming a household name thanks to some television appearances and movie roles.

Born Howard Earl Bailey Jr. on March 9, 1980, he began writing rhymes at the age of 10 and began rapping under the name of “H Thugz” during his teen years. Renamed Chingy after a slang term for money, he signed with Fo-Reel Entertainment, an artist management firm with local heroes Nelly and St. Lunatics on the roster. While on tour with Nelly in 2002, he met rapper Ludacris and signed to his label Disturbing Tha Peace in 2003.

Aside from “Right Thurr,” his 2003 debut album Jackpot also includes the singles “Holidae In” with Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, and “One Call Away” with J-Weav. A monetary dispute between the rapper and DTP would result in a supposed “beef” with Ludacris. Luda issued some tense words through a press release while Chingy claimed there was no animosity, and would end with Chingy’s move to Capitol Records.