NFARED REVIEWS: LUDA

Red Light District



“…Only nigga getting checks cut from four different labels”-- Luda



Local radio station. Recording songs when not on the air. Selling thousands of
CDs out of the trunk of your car and in local mom and pop shops. Instant blow
up. This, in short is the story of the rise of Ludacris. Probably more amazing
than all he has accomplished is how he did it. For the most part, listeners to
97.5 at the time had no idea that Luda would become one of the most well known
rappers out of the south. He was working though, quietly in the background,
setting himself up to be in a position to “change the game” a phrase he
often uses in interviews. Luda is now out with his fifth studio effort, “Red
Light District”. If only Bill O’ Reily could hear this one.



On the production side of the album, there are hardly any disappointments. Luda
has a versatile, but at the same time there is a certain type of track that Luda
needs. While a skilled lyricist, Luda is very energetic and humorous when he
raps, therefore making high-energy tracks a suitable fit for him. The jumpy
“Get Back” for instance is a trademark track for Luda. Produced by the
Medicine Men, this track seems to have come straight from Luda’s head. The
heavy and defined bass line, the hand claps (which are barely noticeable at
first, until you hear them) and the simulated trumpets all show that the
Medicine Men know the kind of tracks needed for this particular artist. The
track is busy and Luda is as energetic as the music, rapping as if he is
literally upset with someone.



There are of course other production highlights on this album worth mentioning.
Timberland was an obvious choice for producer to work with on this album. He
lends his creative skills on “Intro” (a track which is simply a bass line)
and on “The Potion”. With its child like beat and catchy rhythm, “The
Potion” shows Tim’s inventiveness and his ear for the style of an artist.
“Number One Spot”, produced by DJ Green Lantern is a very active track with
an aura of urgency. Yet listening to the track is not disturbing, but more so
interesting because of its unique sound. “Pass Out”, produced by Needlz for
Dry Rain Ent./Grindstone/Inc. is a intriguing track because of its dichotomy.
While this track is definitely for the club, it could also pass as something to
listen to during a ride down the highway with no particular destination. The
invigorating and funny, “Who Not Me”, produced by Craig King for Beat Bangaz
Productions is another club inspired track that also
has a lot going on. The business of the track though, adds to its energy. Craig
King was definitely going for something that Luda could have fun with as the
rapper raves that you can’t be talking to him.



Speaking of lyrics, Luda lets it hang out in some ways, yet there is still the
looming feeling that he is holding something back. Lyrically, his themes do not
journey much further than the “bling-bling look what I got” topics that have
flooded the airwaves in recent years. There is the “Intro”, which is
basically nothing more than a brag fest with a few interesting lines that catch
your attention like, “So if you see me in your town and I appear to be
moody/It’s cause I’m thinkin bout plans that’s bigger than Serena
booty.” Then there is “Large Amounts” in which the chorus goes, “In this
life one thing counts/In the bank large amounts.” You can see where this song
is going. This issue with this is the fact that it is clearly obvious that
Ludacris is a very talented rapper. He goes beyond the norm on only one song,
“Hopeless”. This track, which features Trick Daddy, talks about how even he
has troubles and feels like giving up some times. Here Luda shines
as he treks through some lyrically seldom traveled territory for him.


Final Grade
Even though the resounding theme throughout this album is what Luda has
accomplished and how he is spending his money, it is hard not to appreciate what
he has done. He started out as a local radio personality and rose to become one
of the biggest cross over rap artists the industry has ever seen. Though there
is a need for him to broaden his horizons, the production, and the collaboration
with Nas on the last track “Virgo” make this album well worth the purchase.
Final Grade: B+



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