Why DOES Everybody Hate Chris?
Picture by Nigel D.
While all the talk and coverage this week will be on Kanye, another rapper delivered an album this week too.
Theater of the Mind is clever, diverse, creative, and different. Hip-Hop really needs to begin assessing Ludacris’ contribution to the music and his dopeness on the mic.
Ludacris= Top 5…I think so…
Pics: Ludacris’, “Theater Of The Mind,” Album Release Concert
“If you can make me think and make me laugh that is the sign of someone truly talented.”
We often associate a comment like this with great comics, actors/actresses, and other entertainers. But in Hip-Hop how often do we solicit this desire in our rappers?
While plays on words are staples of great literary works and verbal performances, it has a particular place in Hip-Hop culture. We often playfully attempt to “diss,” “rag,” “snap,” “get at,” or “cut” on one another. Whether in person or on wax, an MC battle clearly exhibits this quality.
But while in our culture we overwhelmingly have an affinity for humor (Katt Williams, Mike Epps)—and even more so for humorous social commentary (Chris Rock, Richard Pryor, Aaron McGruder, Dave Chappelle)—we don’t like it so much in Hip-Hop. Is it our constant need to legitimize the toughness, roughness, and harshness that we often call “real“? Does it undermine the street-cred mandate, “ski mask way” mentality that is almost mandatory for all rappers?
If Ludacris had a long rap sheet, two jail bids, and was a self-professed former D-boy, would his position in Hip-Hop be different? Would he be a more respected MC?
Is Luda a respected MC?
All Hip-Hop artists have to fit into a box: neo-soul, commercial, gangsta, thug, back-packer…the list goes on. It’s to the point where we don’t know what to do with people who don’t fit into one of the boxes.
Or rather we do know what to do with it…we call it “WACK!” right away.
The videos, singles, and popular conception of Ludacris often put him in this category. With album titles like “Chicken-N-Beer” and “Incognegro;” and videos like “Rollout,” “Stand Up,” and from the new album “One More Drink,” we can see why many casual fans see his funny, joking side. This becomes the popular conception of Luda.
Images over-power music. Stereotypes over-power words.
No question Ludacris had partially created and marketed this image—and to his financial benefit: endorsements, several multi-platinum albums, a budding acting career, world-wide recognition. But it hasn’t produced respect for him as an MC. He’s not one of the first names you think of when “Top-5″ or “Hottest in the Game” list are made.
But Ludacris’ music is not a clown performing in a circle.
His music is an example of a trait we use to distinguish great rappers: lyricism- a fluidity with words; punchlines filled with analogies, metaphors, and symbolism; the ability to explain common ideas in an uncommon, yet appropriate way. His work is often the exercise of a masterful, skilled performer who displays the qualities we find in great artist: witty, charming, daring, skillful.
Theater of the Mind puts on display all these traits. The album shows an attempt by Ludacris to create a conceptual element to his work. The album’s diversity of content stands out compared to today’s standard, mainstream Rap releases (underground artists like Devin the Dude can be an example of this refreshing approach as well). There’s drunken hook-ups with women, boasts of rap superiority, “day-in-the-life” stories, lyrical expositions on what is an “MC”, and ode’s to Hip-Hop. It is a diversity steeped in a variety of subject matter, a variety of styles, and a variety in the supporting cast (ranging from T-Pain, to Chris Rock, to Spike Lee).
This is the album’s strength: it takes us into the “mind” of Hip-Hop; a wide spectrum of the culture is shown threw participants, topics, and music. In a traditional Hip-Hop manner songs like “Undisputed,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Last of a Dying Breed,” and “Do the Right Thing” affirm Luda’s prowess on the mic: punchlines, wit, and creativity are as present as they have ever been in his rhymes.
Indeed Ludacris challenges himself conceptually while still staying true to the daring quality that has made him who he is. But this is no overnight occurrence. A closer look and listen to his last album, Release Therapy, shows similar characteristics and maturity. It was more than the hit “Runaway Love” (featuring Mary J. Blige); it was also about growing up a screw-up (”Grew Up a Screw Up” featuring Jeezy), remembering brothers in the pen (”Do Your Time” featuring Murder C, Beanie Siegal, and Pimp C), going to war with god, (”War with God”), and examining your “Freedom to Preach.”
His body of work has proven Ludacris to be Top 5 in the game today.
The challenge is getting people to not just see this:
But to also see this:
michaelpartis@gmail.com
www.michaelpartis.blogspot.com
http://my.rawkus.com/profile/ForeThought
Tags: Ludacris, Theater of the Mind, Top 5
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November 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Luda is Hot!
I think his album is as Good as Kanye’s.
Again, it is my opinion.
I think that Ludacris is an amazing rapper.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
1.Jay-Z
2.Eminem
3.Luda
4.Nas
5.Lloyd Banks
Wack Wayne lyrics are WACK !!!
November 25th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
i liked release therapy but theater of the mind was just boring.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
i liked release therapy but theater of the mind was just boring.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
1sttt
I definitely agree with realtalk. Luda=Top 5 in the South!
November 25th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Luda is lyrically better then Wayne. If you dont think so Jump off a bridge !
November 25th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Luda’s Top 25 In The Rap Game!!!! ..
November 25th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
LUDA!! kING of THE sOUTH PoiNT BLANkk!!!!!!!!!!Cop that THeater of The MiNd!!!!!!!
November 25th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Ludacris used to be hott his style is juss to simple andhis lines r WEAK nowadays he was top 5 8 years ago wit his first 2 cd’s ever since that Austin Powers jam he went down hill
November 25th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Who does everybody hate Chris? If you put him toe to toe with any rapper in the game today, Luda would put them in their place lyrically speaking. No disrespect to anyone of today’s greats ala a Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, or even Lil’ Wayne(I guess). Luda’s creativity and skill is on the level of Jay-Z and Kanye West in terms of album creation. I hope you all didn’t forget that his album Release Therapy won a GRAMMY! Let me repeat… A GRAMMY!. The album also went Diamond! Yes his success has only been just recently but it’s still a major accomplishment as a rapper and for Hip-Hop. With his new album, Luda brings double the creativity. Don’t under rate him or disrespect his hustle and skill. I’d choose that any day over a Lil’ Wayne album or mixtape. Which one would you pick? Dedication to hip-hop and expanding creativeness….or any random attempt to get money like what many of the current rappers do right now? Oh by the way… Name the rappers that had his success and tell me that they aren’t in the top 5…get back to me with that one and I’ll be waiting
November 25th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Awesome write-up, you hit the nail right on the head. Luda is definitely one of the most slept on in the game right now. Just because he isn’t the typical rapper with a rap sheet, doesn’t take away from his skills as an MC. I’m willing to argue that Luda is the one of the most versatile rappers out there right now. He does just as many features as Lil Wayne, and his features right now aren’t as corny as Weezy’s new auto-tune craze. Luda can hold his own with the heavyweights out there too, see I Do it For Hip Hop with Jay Z and Nas. Its kinda hard to be underrated being one of the most famous figures of hip-hop, but Ludacris definitely is being way overlooked. Thanks for the great article Michael.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
excuse me for my first word… Why*
November 25th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
lol excuse my other mistake…his album went 2x platinum
November 25th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Luda always did his own shit, had his own style. I’ve been sayin’ dude was the best in the south YEARS ago. He still is and it’s really because his shit isn’t repetitive. It’s creative, fresh, humorous with meaning and he doesn’t have to push that whole “I’ma gangsta” persona to get sales. I fucks with Luda.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
w0wserz…am i the ONLY one who sees Ludacris’ OVERusage of punchlines ANNOYING as hell?
dont get me wrong…production is dope, and i do like ludacris…but this dude O.D.’d with the punchlines after the 2nd track!!
I think this was a great attempt at an album, but a shitty attempt at lyricism…No, not in the top 5, sorry.
i refuse to dickride, ESPECIALLY just cuz somebodies album drops this week…that doesnt put them in the top 5.
Personally, my top 5, in NO particular order…
Canibus
Pun
Big
Ghostface
Nas
Ludas nowhere near the top 5…i’d say top 20….
call me a hater, i dont give a fuck…u dont feed my child gawddammit….
November 25th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
oh yea, best in south? scarface. straight up.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Theater Of The Mind is better than 808’s
November 25th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
and by the way…except Outkast, Luda is probably the BEST in the south
and Top 5 In The Game Now..DEFINITELY!!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
There’s a reason why Scarface named his last album Emeritus, look the word up. I’m talkin’ about relevant niggas. His status is legendary but it’s a different generation. You don’t compare pioneers of the game to new dudes, that’s just disrespectful.
November 25th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
@ realtalk
its surprisin i didnt see you put him up agenst jada and nas. he nice but he aint that nice.. anyway even out here luda has a lil cult following. back in high school my fren bought chicken and beer and red light district in one buy. i liked luda roll out stand up allo dat was nice but ironically that was the same reason i didnt buy those albums also he was too querky for me so i assumed he didnt ave wat i was lookin for; flow, punches and just music wit an genuine existential look on life. then he dropped release therapy…. switch up the presentation. i guess after loadso platinum albums he just wanted a bit of respect in the game caz he was already gettin cake. that doesnt mean ima buy every shit i see. infact it seems retarded to buy an album when u cud just download it. i dnt even play CDs anymore i always end up downloadin the song over anyway caz its more portable than aving a CD.
anyway…….presentation is a fascade caz its never wat you initially perceive it as. i tell my yunginz its good but to run a 100 miles you need to seek on improving the other qualities of your person. caz after that guy shoots the gun, if u aint strong enuff u might just end up dead last…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuMmfDWMLgY
November 25th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Ludacris top 5 Your Buggin but maybe top 10……….maybe
November 25th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
And nobody hates Cris he should have just pushed his ablum back he would have gotten more attention from his label and the media. Kanye is one of the biggest first week sellers in the industry Luda shoulda known better.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
man luda never died in da game dis nigga juss keeps killin it das what the game needs
November 25th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Definitely love Luda. But the Kanye album has gotten more juice this time around because (in my opinion) Kanye was going for something completely different. That automatically gets people talking. After listening to both, Luda should have just as much or maybe even more shine.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
i think luda has been top 5 for a minute..
i think hes one of the most underrated rappers of all time
November 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Most underrated rappers:
Beanie Sigel
Sheek Louch
Freeway
Fab
All theses rappers are better then gay wayne.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
luda always brings the heat and i’ve always felt he was underrated. but this album here is lukewarm, its sorta watered down. its not ur usual luda lyrics. it was a dissapointing album this time around. its like luda was so nice when nobody took him seriously and didnt think he was nice. but now since everyone expects it he’s not delivering. sorry luda, i’ma still support u cuz u aint a frontin ass nigga like alot of other rappers out here
November 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
caz allo yall informants..// so i get higher than new york insurance..//
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiRIkFNKZ2s
November 25th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
IDK Its to hard to have a top 5 i mean new niggas comeing out are getin nicer and nicer, so its like eryone trying 2 be top 5. rightfully so. but unlike most luda should be in top 5 but if u throw luda you have to throw in outcast. sooooo u got 2 more votes.
November 25th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
i dnt even think yall understand how fucked up the game is now
Old folk say “cam stop ur route
why you gotta get the guns
just box it out”
Listen that there is trife
only person fightin is the doctor
and thats for your life!
http://vagalume.uol.com.ar/dj-clue/fantastic-four-pt-2-feat-camron-fabolous-the-lox-nature.html
November 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
TOP 5?!? Give me some of the stuff your smoking realtalkny. It’s one of his best albums but enough of this overhype nonsense
November 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Great review. Here’s my take on Theater:
http://www.yourfavoritewhiteboy.com/2008/11/album-review-theater-of-mind-ludacris.html
I think you’re right. Luda came with a diverse album that essentially showcases all that make up this thing called hip-hop in 2008.
As a rap album, its a much more solid piece than 808 and once again shows why Ludacris is the underrated workhorse of hip-hop.
November 25th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I love Luda he is a great rapper
November 25th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Luda is more like top 25… In my opinion top 5 in ORDER Goes like this…
1. Biggie
2. Tupac
3. Rakim
4. Jay Z
5. Nas
The other 20 in NO REAL ORDER goes like this
6. Ludacris
7. Common
8. Talib Kweli
9. Ghostface
10. Lupe Fiasco
11. KRS One
12. Ice Cube
13. Busta Rhymes
14. Big L
15. Big Pun
16. Scarface
17. Black Thought
18. Andre 3000
19. Raekwon
20. Eminem
21. Cannibus
22. CL Smooth
24. Snoop Dogg
25. AZ
Sidenote: I know Im not important but I’m just sayin this for the sake of sayin it… To me when I think of rapper its more than just the lyrics… Its about lyrics, flow, charisma, word structure, use of metaphors and the passion that is brought to the mike… And how the songs just come together. This is why I placed Big of Pac… as far as being a Rapper is concerned…
November 26th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Luda is def top 5 alive right now but def not top 5 all time
November 26th, 2008 at 12:19 am
cosign # 34 on the sidenote
i keep my top 5 away from my fav.
luda is my fav mc
my top 5 is based on alot of things.
November 26th, 2008 at 12:56 am
Luda in my top 5. He slept on worse than Fab. Has anyone heard Luda’s verse on Young Buck’s – Stomp remix? he fucking murders that shit. He murders EVERYONE on ANY track, no if and or buts. Time to give it up to him, I know he wont sell more than Kanye but that’s just cause most music fans don’t listen to content anymore. Luda in Grew Up a Screw Up… COME THE FUCK ON NOW!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:03 am
@Thel2ealistic1…first off, i knew what the word Emeritus meant before u googled it(retired yet Relevant)…HOWEVER, he DOES have a new album coming out, (emeritus), hes still RELEVANT, and can ANYBODY tell me since when has Luda been a new nigga? Far as IM concerned, EVERYBODY ON WAX is still RELEVANT. Whats disrespectful about comparing pioneers to new dudes anyways? if these so-called “new dudes” knew they’re history, and actually know WHY they’re even in the game and RESPECT their predecessors, comparisons WOULD be fair. but the lack of respect for the art of hip-hop is to blame for the “unfairness”. Just touching on that. Luda needs something more than punch lines to impress me. This isnt middle school anymore. and, btw, i KNOW niggas is gonna hate, but i just listened to 808s THOROUGHLY, (had it for 2 weeks, but i took the time for the whole thing), and w0w. now, THATS a mufuckin ALBUM for yo asses. NOBODY GOT THE BALLS TO DO WHAT KANYE DID. and for me to say that means suttin, cuz i HATE kanye as an artist. w/that said, im out goodnite….
November 26th, 2008 at 1:56 am
its pretty obvious that luda paid something to rtny considering that there was a ludacris link at the top of the page. i wouldnt be surprised if this post was sponsored by him as well..
November 26th, 2008 at 3:04 am
Lupe = overated.
Kanye = has been, manic who is only still around cuzz of all yall sac riders.
Soulja Boy= King of Rap.
November 26th, 2008 at 4:30 am
Very good article!
Luda is one of the most consistent in the rap game. He’s VERY underrated.
Top 5? Yes, definitely.
November 26th, 2008 at 4:31 am
Top 5 ? …damn right
But really it just hit me…
3 of your Top 5’s to scared to FUCK with me!
LUDDDDAA!
November 26th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Luda = Our generations Slick Rick
November 26th, 2008 at 4:47 am
The thing I like about Luda that seperates him from some other artists is that he’ll have u laughin at the silly shit he says, but he will give u the business on the track,that’s why I feel his music.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
LUDAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Great article! LUDA is definitely in the top 5 RIGHT NOW. Which also includes(in no particular order) Wayne(hate me or love him), Lupe, Kanye, and T.I.
BUT!!!!!!!!!!!
As much as I like Luda, he is not in the all time top 5.
PS
808 is a great album. It’s not as good as The Love Below though.
Open your minds people, good music is good music hip hop or not.
November 26th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
you guys must only listen to gorilla zoe and t-pain. otherwise, you would not be impressed with this dudes catalog. this dude is like adam sandler of the rap game. his is funny at times but SUPER CORNY at other times. very hit or miss.
there are tons of rappers just a nice or MUCH NICER that do not receive 1/28th of the mainstream love as luda. i bet someone kim kardashian is feeling underappreciated too.
common is UNDERATED
black thought (of the roots) is UNDERATED
ghostface is UNDERATED
talb is UNDERATED
busta is UNDERATED
fabolous is UNDERATED
killer mike is UNDERATED
big boi is UNDERATED
the clipse are UNDERATED
royce is UNDERATED
AZ is UNDERATED
joe budden is UNDERATED
styles p is UNDERATED
chamillionaire is UNDERATED
devin the dude is UNDERATED
crooked i is UNDERATED
chino xl is UNDERATED
joel ortiz is UNDERATED
freeway is UNDERATED
redman is UNDERATED
November 26th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
TOP 5 SOUTH:
andre3000
ti
bun b
chamillionaire
jeezy
November 26th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
TOP 10 SOUTH:
1.andre3000
2.ti
3.scarface
4.wayne
5.bun b
6.chamillionaire
7.jeezy
8.luda
9.killer mike
10. who cares
November 26th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
@ 38
Don’t catch feelings my dude, I was goin’ at you. If I was, you’d know it. You gotta understand context though. When I say relevant, you think about how much shit a dude puts out. That’s not what I mean at all. Real relevance is how you affect hip hop, how you change the course of it. It’s how you use your style, swag, lyrical ability and musical intelligence to consequently push the game in a different direction, albeit good or bad. Scarface did that in his time, you feel me? That was around what? 88? On some real shit, Luda only been going in since the late 90’s. There is a generational difference here.
Much respect to Face, he did his bid in his time and Luda’s doin’ his right now. I said it’s disrespectful to compare the two because of that. It’s like comparing Souljah Boy to Biggie or Berg to Eazy, you don’t do shit like that. If Ye’s autotune does it for you, then that’s you. I appreciate lyricists who rap with meaning and clever word play. I listen to Ye’s shit for the most part, but pop isn’t really my thing. I guess it’s a difference of opinion.
November 26th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
As nice as Luda is i think that he is underrated because he is from the South. Think about other nice dudes from the South, Andre 3000, Bun B, Scarface, they’re not even mentioned as top 5 in the south n they are the best down there. Then, Luda jus doesn’t have that stand out style. He doesn’t have a thousand, tatoos, he’s not always screamin about b.s., n he doesn’t have a different style of dress. I don’t necessarily think that he’s top 5, but he is def top 10 right now, n theater is def one of the best albums out right now, but i had to cop 808s.
November 27th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Luda has been mah dude since 2000.
I admit, he did fall off a bit in the mid 2000’s but came back strong with Release Therapy, and seems to be on track with Theater of the Mind.
From the tracks that I have listened to, he seems to be back on his grind and going hard at it like he was a new artist all over again.
Lyrically, not too many cats can hang with this dude.
Evidently he does NOT have the rhyme cadence of a Nasir Jones or Shawn Carter, or spit intellect shit like Talib or AZ, BUT he does hold his own correct like
As far as the south is concerned, the only dude that can quarrel with dude is ‘Dre 300 (and Big Boi…both HEAVYHITTERS).
Luda is witty, comical, he can go mainstream and switch back to go hard. He dont need to promote gangsta violent rap to get his point across.
TOP 5? I wouldnt say that…and as much as I love and appreciate Luda’s music, being in the top 5 (with the likes of Mr. Wallace and Mr. Shakur) is setting expectations WAY TOO HIGH
TOP 15 (Alive)? Yes
He is THAT dope.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
LUDA ALREADY HAS A MEDIA OUTLET AND SOLD MANY RECORDS BEFORE. TONS A DUDES AS NICE OR NICER THAN HIM THAT HAVE NO MAINSTREAM PUSH. WHETHER YOU LIKE LUDA OR NOT, YOU WILL ALWAYS HEAR HIS MUSIC. THATS MUCH MORE THAN MOST RAPPERS CAN SAY.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 pm
LUDA ALREADY HAS A MEDIA OUTLET AND SOLD MANY RECORDS BEFORE. TONS A DUDES AS NICE OR NICER THAN HIM THAT HAVE NO MAINSTREAM PUSH. WHETHER YOU LIKE LUDA OR NOT, YOU WILL ALWAYS HEAR HIS MUSIC. THATS MUCH MORE THAN MOST RAPPERS CAN SAY.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:36 am
i defecated on a homeless person
December 7th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Wow realtalk yall kinda Late in realizing Luda the shit. Lyrically there are few rappers in the game that can fuck with him right now. My top 5 current rappers.
1. Hova
2. Luda
3. Yeezy (go listen to College Dropout)
4. Loso
5. TIP
Hot Mentions.
Kiss, Julez, Cass, Busta, Jeezy, Game, J. Ortiz, Freeway, Lupe, Pharell(when he rap), Nas.