During The St Louis Hip Hop Architecture Camp's Rap Competition, the young people were surprised by special guests Chingy and M.C. who volunteered their time as judges for the rap competition. The St Louis American covered the event:

“My name is Victor, and my rap name is Chocolate Cake.” Others could not help but laugh as the boy, in a circle of other middle schoolers, introduced himself to St. Louis rap star Howard “Chingy” Bailey and other guests for the first of the two-part culmination of Hip-Hop Architecture Camp.

After learning about design and incorporating the musical genre into building communities, Chocolate Cake joined Sprinkles, Lion (King of the Jungle), Lil Wolf and about two dozen other young people as participants. About half of them were ready to bust a rhyme. They worked on the lyrics over the course of the week-long camp, held at the Natural Bridge Branch of St. Louis County Library two weeks ago. Over an original beat made just for their camp, they would flow in the hopes of leaving an impression on the four judges – which included Chingy and fellow rapper M.C. The winning lyricists would have their rhymes featured on the rap video they were shooting at Busch Stadium.

Before the competition, the students had plenty of questions for Chingy. They wanted to know what it was like to attend the BET Awards. They were curious as to inspired him to make music. They wanted to know how old he was when he first started performing. After being inspired by Michael Jackson, Chingy was 12 years old when he started pursuing a career in music – the same age as several of the camp members."

St. Louis Rappers Chingy and M.C. surprises kids during their rap cypher!

The Hip Hop Architect and Chingy discuss architecture at The St Louis Hip Hop Architecture Camp.
Photos by Carolina Hidalgo/St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis Hip Hop Architecture Camp "Rap Competition" winners and volunteers pose with Chingy and M.C.

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