These days, it's very hard for a young person to break into the music industry because, let's face it, they're just not respected like the legends before them. Part of that is due to the fact that we're now functioning in a digital world, which makes it easier for an artist to be heard, but it's also less lucrative due to things like digital sales, piracy and ringtones sales.

Artists like Soulja Boy and Hurricane Chris -- who are born into this digital world -- are unfairly categorized as one hit wonders and ringtone rappers, simply because they are indeed young and many of the elders/legends don't feel as though young people are paying enough dues so to speak, don't understand hip-hop and the struggle, and are making music about nothing.

But, one thing many fail to recognize is that music is a form of expression and is forever evolving. With each new generation, a new plethora of diverse artists are born.

Shreveport's own Hurricane Chris literally became an overnight success after local clubgoers got a little taste of the ratchet movement classic, "A Bay Bay," which eventually reached 2X platinum status.

"Throughout my whole local career, I just kept dropping mixtapes and eventually I came with the single 'A Bay Bay'. That was the first single I came in the mainstream with," Chris recalls.

Mr. Collipark recognized Hurricane Chris as more than your your average artist from his first encounter with him. He felt he was obviously a man of undeniable talent, as he would send even the calmest audience into a raging frenzy anytime his music was played.

After winning the people over with "A Bay Bay", Hurricane garnered more success from his bounce inspired track "Hand Clap", off of his first album 51/50 and "Playas Rock" featuring Boxie. He then appeared on Mike Jones' "Drop and Gimme 50", followed by "Jigga Juice" from Lil Josh and Ernest. His catchy hooks and lyrics have made him a force to be reckoned with, especially since he's still a rookie in the game.

Though he's a young buck trying to survive in a wavering entertainment industry, Hurricane Chris has proven he can hang with the big boys.

"It all depends on what you bred like, if you're built for it, you're built for it," the rapper explains of his success. "You know, you got people in the industry that aren't built for it and it may pressure them and tear them down, but if it's a Chevrolet, it's built for driving."

The first single off the sophomore album, entitled Unleashed, is swiftly climbing the Billboard charts. The ladies anthem, "Halle Berry (She's Fine)", was already an instant hit, but when award winning actress Halle Berry got her groove on to it during an appearance on the "Ellen DeGeneres Show," it became an official crossover smash.

Hurricane says on his upcoming album, he was able to gain much more creative control, thus allowing him to be himself. "The concept of this album is just me doing me with nobody holding me back, no anger and no restraints whatsoever," Chris tells us. "Nobody telling me to do this type of song and that type of song, you're just going to get me, Hurricane Chris."

While Hurricane's love for music is what blessed him to achieve his celebrity status, he's also taking advantage of other opportunities that come along as well. Fila recently tapped him to do a 30 second commercial and campaign ad for a their new shoe. He accepted the challenge and nailed the Fila commercial and campaign ad like a true professional, without any dilemma.

This year may prove to be an exciting year for Hurricane Chris. He's got the new album on the way, featuring Lil Boosie and upcoming artists Louisiana Will and Kaliko, and a new single featuring Bobby Valentino called "Last Call For Alcohol". Additionally, he'll be giving fans new mixtapes, including A Bad Azz Hurricane featuring Lil Boosie, and another mixtape for DJ Smallz acclaimed series Southern Smoke.

So, we leave you with one last piece of advice: take cover because Hurricane is coming.