Richardine Bartee
In a well-made parody, ‘Right Thurr’ singer Chingy promotes careers in construction with a take on Lil Nas X‘s ‘Old Town Road’. It’s called ‘Old Construction Road’. Based on the announcement, the need for new buildings and structures have increased. It goes on to identify the problem the industry faces.
A significant part of the problem is the lack of interest from younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, to work in construction despite the surplus of well-paying positions and low-cost or free education and training. In many high schools and colleges around the US, four-year degrees and white-collar jobs are emphasized over skilled labor training, with certain vocational programs being cut altogether. A staggering 80% of US construction firms are having trouble hiring talent, and the trend is predicted to worsen.
I got involved with the project to bring awareness to the opportunity that the construction industry is providing for everyday people who are looking for work. UPCO is providing job opportunities to folks in need who want to work and better themselves, said Chingy. With me, it’s always about helping and healing. I do things out of love and compassion, so I am excited to be a part of this project and touching lives one at a time.
Aside from the intentional poor singing on the record by Square UP employee Cornelius Blanks, the video does what it hopes in bringing awareness to the younger generation. Check out the hilarious video featuring Chingy, Cornelius Blanks, and the UPCO President Michael B Kennedy below.
To learn more about the initiative, visit this link. Chingy is on the Millennium Tour with Omarion, Ashanti, and others. He plans to release a new album in 2020.
