American hip hop star Chingy is heading back to New Zealand for one show only. Entertainment reporter Kristin Macfarlane chats to the St Louis rapper ahead of his Kiwi performance.
*
We all know Chingy the rapper whose hits embraced his strong St Louis accent but there's another side to the hip hop star many of us may not know _ the businessman and entrepreneur.
It's been a few years since the American rapper has been to New Zealand but he's heading back this week for one show only where he'll perform his hit singles and new material for fans. Chingy, whose hits have included Right Thurr, One Call Away, Dem Jeans, Holidae Inn and Pulling Me Back, will perform at Studio in Auckland on December 27. Not only is he looking forward to coming back to New Zealand, he can't wait to perform for the Kiwi crowd again _ one he describes as fun people who appreciate his music.
"I appreciate the support,'' Chingy said.
In 2005, Chingy was part of the Edgefest line-up _ a show he and his audiences enjoyed.
This week, he's promising another great show _ one that will be energetic with a lot of crowd interaction.
"I like to have fun with the crowds ... I'll do old stuff and new stuff as well,'' he said.
"We're going to have a great show.''
Although we may not have heard a lot from Chingy musically in recent years but there's no doubt he's been busy. The St Louis rapper has continued to work in the music industry _ he part-owns a record company, has been doing gigs at different venues and he has released a mixtape.
He said he had continued to develop his music over the years and said he had to "adapt to the times'' and believes his sound was now more mature. However, although he wanted to remain current, he also didn't want to lose his style which had given him a lot of success in the past.
"It's still me, I'm still Chingy.''
But it's not only music that is taking up a lot of his time. He's also putting his taking advantage of new business opportunities as well.
In fact, he refers to himself as an entrepreneur who is making the most of what is offered to him, which includes his recently released product _ a new vodka called Shpilka.
We're also likely to hear more from Chingy musically in the new year. He says fans can expect "more and more music, great music'' and would love to work with artists including Drake, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
Meanwhile, Chingy has a message for his fans. He says what ever people want to be in life, they should stay positive and don't let anybody bring you down.
"Dreams come true,'' he said from experience.
Tickets for standard general admission costs $38.00, the upper deck VIP tickets cost $50 and a meet and greet pass costs $65. Tickets are available through www.iTicket.co.nz, Real Groovy, Jet Nightclub in Auckland or by emailing info@redline.com.