Hoodstar is the third studio album by the hip hop artist Chingy, following the release of Powerballin'. Released on September 19, 2006, the disc is split into two sides with different musical styles. While the "Hood" segment has the tracks "Hands Up" and "Cadillac Door", "Star" has more uptempo and club-oriented tracks like "Brand New Kicks" and "Dem Jeans". The guest features are by Three 6 Mafia, Chopper and Chingy's cousin Young Spiffy. The album was produced by Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, the Trak Starz, Mannie Fresh, Mr. Collipark and the dance group Hoodstarz, among others. The album entered the Billboard 200 at #9 with first week sales of 77,000 copies in the US. It was certified Gold by RIAA for shipping over 500,000 copies in the US.
The first official single was "Pullin' Me Back", featuring the R&B singer/actor Tyrese. The second single was "Dem Jeans", featuring Jermaine Dupri.
Yes,
Hey yo, what up
This one for all my homeboys across the world, right, been through some shit.
I know you've all had a lot on your mind, man.
Had a lot of struggles you went through in your life.
Keep your head up dirty.
Chorus 1:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
I've been hit, been low, been high, I guess...
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
See the star was born.
Don't think nobody notice.
Goin' through these trials and tribulations kept me on focus.
Tried to do a 9-5, but where's the money?
Coming to work damn near bumming, people thinkin' it's funny (haha).
I'm fed up.
Plus my homies sellin' crack doin good.
Now I'm thinking fuck doing it legal bring it back to the hood.
Man it's hell, you see, wasn't no woman there for me.
I ain't got shit but a dream, that's why they chose to ignore me.
Chorus 1:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
I've been hit, been low, been high, I guess...
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
Chorus 2:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
but I ain't blowin' up I'm built to ride to death.
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
Hey
Now I'm on the block pumping rocks toting blocks.
Grand-mama on my head, I'm ducking and dodging the cops.
All cuz I'm trying to make a living (living).
Consequences of that:
end up dead or in prison, ain't shit given.
I done struggled too long not to floss and get on.
Imma get it with the double, if not the microphone.
I'm headstrong plus I'm out for those dead presidents.
And the government ain't doing shit for my residence.
Chorus 1:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
I've been hit, been low, been high, I guess...
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
Chorus 2:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
but I ain't blowin' up I'm built to ride to death.
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
It's been a long time coming (yeah we struggled)
It's been a bumpy ride (but we gonna make it)
So these wheels will keep on turning (say what)
till the day I die (ride with me fo a minute yall).
(repeat)
Chuch
Now my homies busted and getting shot at it's getting serious.
Plus I'm praying but they breaking down in tears.
See now that I'm on, people think money make you proud.
But I've been struggling trying to come up since I was a child.
Who are you to judge me for my sins and what I did wrong.
I'm trying to live don't my mama singing a sad song.
They say look out for your family and so I try to shurr.
Look Tommy I miss you but I'll see you when I get thurr.
Chorus 1:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
I've been hit, been low, been high, I guess...
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
Chorus 2:
I've been through the dirt, been slammed from right to left.
but I ain't blowin' up I'm built to ride to death.
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
I'm like a Cadillac door (say what)
Hey, I'm dedicating this song to everybody that lost a loved one, to the people in 9-11, hurricane katrina, all the folks that lost folks that they care about, and if you down yourself, you got somebody that's down, you tryin to bring they spirits up, this for yall man.
I know you can relate to my pain so just feel your boy ching-a-ling man I do this for all yall.
Chuch.