Rap's Hot New Sponsorship? Chingy Promoted To Night Manager At Holiday Inn
ST. LOUIS, MO—In the world of modern-day hip-hop, it seems that being a brand ambassador is as synonymous with emceeing as a mic and a beat. 50 Cent and Vitamin Water, Travis Scott and McDonalds, Chingy and Holiday Inn. But more specifically, Chingy and The Holiday Inn Express & Suites #63101: Wentzville St. Louis West.
“Honestly, I first wrote my song 'Holidae In' as a fan,” admitted Chingy (born Howard Bailey, Jr.) when asked how he first became involved with the hotel chain. “But I titled it with an ae instead of an ay because I didn’t want them to catch on—sort of like how you’ll ask an embarrassing question ‘for a friend’ but really the friend is you all along, you know? I think everyone should be their own friend.”
But even with such a dubiously cryptic approach, the chart-topping track could only stay under wraps for so long. Sheryl Kurtz, Holiday Inn's CEO, describes when she first became aware of the smash hit off of the St. Louis native’s 2003 debut album Jackpot.
“My 19-year-old intern was blasting it in his car while I caught him smoking weed on his lunch break. I confiscated the CD, fired him on the spot, and then immediately called Chingy’s manager. It’s not too often that someone names a song after a two-star hotel chain, so we would've been fools to ignore it.”
Now, just over 17 years after the release of the certified double-platinum album, Chingy, formerly known as H-Thugz, finds himself still reaping the records rewards.
“Initially it was a win-win: they got free advertising, and while on tour I got double queen rooms with HBO, Starz, Cinemax, the works” the rapper explained. “But when we were filming the music video, that’s when they really stole my heart. The level of care that the staff showed me and the crew went above and beyond.”
Holding back tears, he added: “They made me feel at home while I was on the road, not an easy task. Unlike The Radisson… fuck that place forever.”
As time went on and his commercial success dwindled, Chingy sought a more grounded role within the company, where Kurtz says his years of hard work and dedication made the promotion a no-brainer.
“Normally, the board doesn’t get involved with this type of stuff, but after shutting down that New Year’s Eve party, we felt that this promotion was more than deserved.”
Remaining gracious to the company for the opportunity, the rapper added that he “was only doing what was right,” when it came to the aforementioned party.
“While I was working the desk and the phones, I noticed someone bringing in liquor, and knowing that there were already eight shawties in the room, I simply put a stop to it before anything could pop off. I mean, it’s a pandemic, y'all—that’s just not safe!”
While he’s enjoying the promotion and newfound responsibilities, Manager Ching-A-Ling added that he does wish more of his cohorts had chosen to follow in his footsteps.
“I email Luda and Snoop every single time we have an open position,” he mentioned while noting that his lunch break was ending and he would have to return to his duties. “I want people to know that there is life after rap!”
When asked if the hip-hop legends ever respond to his messages, Bailey finished his Snickers while mumbling under his breath: “They busy.”
Ludacris and Snoop Dogg did not respond when reached for comment
