Powerballin
Can growing bank accounts and artistic integrity co-exist in Chingy's world? It's a question that begs for an answer onPowerballin', considering he's become a multi-platinum solo seller and not just aLudacrisaccessory. A very large chunk of studio time is given over to expounding on his newfound wealth: on "Give Em Some Mo" he's a "young Donald Trump," and on "I Do" he reminds listeners about his new cars (Caprice, Range Rover with spinners, Impala). Fair enough--you have it, you flaunt it. But devoting a whole song ("26's") to the size of his car rims is a bit disturbing. The interesting thing is that numbers like "Balla Baby" are legitimate heat-seeking dance-floor winners, as his breakout smash "Right Thurr" was. But guest shots byR. KellyandJanet Jacksondon't add much to the effort, and when Chingy objectifies young women in the worst way--literally conversing with a body part on "Make That Ass Talk"--it's clear that he needs to refocus his lyrics to match the great beats that are here.--Dalton Higgins