LOS ANGELES, CA. (Capitol Records) -- Multi-Platinum Capitol Records' rapper
Chingy entered a Los Angeles studio recently to record ringtones personalized with more than a hundred popular names using the music and lyrics from "Dem Jeans," the latest single from his new album Hoodstar. In a mobile music first,
Chingy recorded 123 personalized ringtones in his own voice using the hook "Damn Girl, how'd you get all that in Dem Jeans?" replacing "girl" with one of 123 different female names. Sprint customers will have exclusive access to the personalized ringers as both Ringers (ringtones) and Call Tones (ringback tones).
Unlike prior personalization efforts on other digital tracks, which used computer-generated voice inserts, Chingy personally laid down each hook in the studio unassisted, using names such as Beyonce, Oprah, Mariah, Jalisa, Lakeshia, and Nene. Fans can access the content by navigating to either the "Call Tones" or "Ringer" categories under "Downloads" on their Sprint phone. Additionally, Ringers will be available on Nextel phones. Sprint and Nextel subscribers can also purchase the content on the Web by visiting Sprint.com.
Personalized Chingy Ringers and Call Tones can be used in truly amusing ways. For example, Sprint customers that have a friend named LeToya can set one of Chingy's personalized LeToya Ringers to ring whenever LeToya calls. On the flip side, a personalized LeToya Call Tone can be set so that LeToya can listen to a personalized greeting from Chingy rather than the traditional "ring, ring." And just in time for the holidays, Sprint customers can "Gift" a personalized Chingy Ringer or Call Tone to another Sprint subscriber right from their phone. What better gift could you give to your friend Jetta this holiday than a personalized Chingy Ringer that says, "Damn Jetta, how'd you get all that in Dem Jeans?"
Sprint will also begin streaming the first two videos from Hoodstar, "Pullin' Me Back" and "Dem Jeans," as well as an exclusive interview Chingy did with one of Sprint's VJ's on Channel 33 or Channel 35 on Sprint TV, which is available on Sprint Power Vision phones. Additionally, all the full-length songs from Hoodstar are available to download over the air on the Sprint Music Store.
Having sold over four million albums since his 2003 debut, Chingy upped the ante with Hoodstar, delivering his most personal and compelling album to date. Part autobiographical, part club-bangin', it chronicles the life of a star from the hood -- the highs, the lows, the girls, cars, clothes and more. To realize his vision, he assembled an all-hoodstar team of producers, including Jermaine Dupri, Poli Paul, Timbaland, The Trak Starz, Mannie Fresh, Mr. Collipark and Kwame. In addition to Tyrese, Three 6 Mafia, Young Spiffy and Fatman Scoop also guest on the album.
Hoodstar's personal tone is captured perfectly in "Pullin' Me Back," produced by Dupri. Over a smooth R&B track, Chingy rhymes with his trademark laid-back flow about the difficulties of balancing a successful career and a personal relationship. Other highlights include "Cadillac Door," which details the struggles in the ghetto, the sexy "Let Me Luv U" and the dance-floor anthems "U A Freak (Nasty Girl)" and "Club Gettin' Crowded."
