Only two singles came from {$Chingy}'s second album, 2004's {^Powerballin'}, neither of which matched the successes or strengths of {^Jackpot}'s {&"Right Thurr"} and {&"One Call Away."} {^Hoodstar} makes it more apparent that the St. Louis MC's overnight popularity was like lightning in a bottle. Like a number of {\rap} albums from the distant and recent past ({$Cassidy}'s {^Split Personality}, for instance), {^Hoodstar} is broken into sections with themes, but the themes in this case -- the "hood" side and the "star" side -- aren't all that distinct. The hood side has songs titled {&"Hands Up"} and {&"Nike Aurr's & Crispy Tee's,"} while the star side has songs titled {&"Ass N da Aurr"} and {&"Brand New Kicks,"} so we're not exactly dealing with a modern-day {^Death Certificate}. Once again, {$Chingy} does his best to balance his softer side (which he still does best, as in the {$Tyrese} feature {&"Pullin' Me Back"}) with some menace (as in the {$Three 6 Mafia} feature {&"Club Gettin' Crowded"}). {$Timbaland}, {$Jermaine Dupri}, {$Mr. Collipark}, {$Mannie Fresh}, {$Kwamé}, and longtime collaborators {$Trak Starz} make for an impressive lineup of producers. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide