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He entered the national hip-hop spotlight ten years ago with his major label release, Back For The First Time. Now rapper/actor/entrepreneur Ludacris, comes back to Jacksonville, this time touring with The Black Eyed Peas.
Since the year 2000, Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges, has released six studio albums, and according to online music store Amazon, he has Battle of the Sexes scheduled for release next month.
Along with receiving various accolades for music excellence like Grammy Awards, MTV Awards, and American Music Awards, Illinois-born/Atlanta-raised Ludacris has also starred in some top-rated television shows and major motion pictures, including Crash, the Academy Award winner for Best Picture in 2005.
With a legion of Twitter followers (parental guidance suggested), an infamous run-in with Fox News' Bill O'Reilly, multi-platinum album sales, crossover success, a mens' fragrance deal, and his very own cognac, those outside the hip-hop culture may be surprised to know that "dirty south" rapper and proud parent Ludacris is also an avid giver.
Making recent headlines for offering his private jet to help earthquake relief efforts in the Republic of Haiti, Ludacris also donated his time/talent by joining teen pop sensation Justin Bieber on stage during the SOS: Help for Haiti Telethon on MTV/BET.
His non-profit organization, The Ludacris Foundation, was founded in 2001. Roberta Shields, the rapper's mother and foundation president, says the charity "has donated $1.5 million to support grassroots organizations that work to help our youth..."
During the holidays, including December's "Ludacrismas" the foundation provides meals and presents to needy families. In 2009, Ludacris and the foundation made nationwide headlines by giving away 20 used vehicles to needy drivers in the Atlanta area who were willing to share their stories of hardship.
Hardcore sexually-charged lyrics in tow, the self-proclaimed "ridiculous" and "ludicrous" entertainer is taking the stage at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena tonight because according to him, with all of his professional endeavors, "music is still #1." Considering his off-stage philanthropy, thousands of Ludacris' fans might also add "generous" to his growing list of adjectives.
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