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Album Review: Ludacris "Theater Of The Mind"
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Ludacris’ Album Theater Of The Mind dropped Monday, November 24th after being pushed up from November 25th by his label. It was, in my opinion, overshadowed by Kanye West’s album 808’s & Heartbreak that was also released on the same day by the same label, Def Jam. In short Theater Of The Mind can be summed up in just one word; genius.
I’ve always liked Luda. He is one of the few rappers out right now that is so animated with his words as well as with his songs. I remember the first time I heard Luda; I was in North Carolina visiting family and I recalled listening to the radio station and they kept on playing this one song over and over again, it was called “What’s Your Fantasy” and it was by Ludacris and Shawnna. I remember thinking this song is not suitable for my ears but, I like it! And from that day on I have respected Luda for his contribution to hip hop; freaky things and all.
He always adds these really quirky ad lives and these extra background noises on his tracks that actually apply to the songs, such as roaster’s crowing and the sound of people getting punched in the face. His voice is so distinguishable and I could never worry about him trying to be the “next” Jay-Z, Biggie, or Scarface; he’s just always concerned with being Ludacris.
The album starts out with an intro that I just had to play twice. It gives us an introduction into the phenomenally produced and lyrically correct masterpiece we are about to listen to; and trust me I’m not over exaggerating. “Undisputed” featuring Floyd “Money” Mayweather (Floyd is very adamant about this “Money” nickname I see) was animated and really painted a picture that we could visualize; I felt like I was actually in the ring during a boxing match. The lively activity in the background of the song was done in true Luda style and was energized. It was really creative and great thinking to have Mayweather on the track simply because he is the “undisputed champion” so it was just right for his appearance. I happen to like Mayweather; I think I like people who are cocky with reason. I forgot how much B.S. Mayweather is capable of talking though, I love it!
My favorites on the album were “One More Drink” featuring T-Pain and “Call Up The Homies” featuring The Game and Willy Northpole. My favorite line in “One More Drink” was:
Get a couple of Coronas a couple of limes/Went up to the bar and saw a couple of dimes/ so I, slowly walked up and said hi/ my name is Ludacris and I’m a hell of a guy…
I see T-Pain is really trying to dig his feet in the R&B soul. “Call Up The Homies” is a conversational track similar to a story telling. This hasn’t been done by hip hop artist with features in a while. The Game’s verse was mediocre at best nothing to discuss at the bar over shots of Patron. I love, love, loved the beat in “Southern Gangster” featuring Rick Ross, Playaz Circle and Ving Rhames! Horns, organs, high hats oh my! Luda showcases his gangster swag in this song and Ving Rhames does the narration on the track. It reminded me of an audio of BET’s show “American Gangster” very creative. Rick Ross’ verse was ok; I had a hard time believing his rants after the whole C.O. controversy.
“Everybody Hates Chris” featuring Chris Rock has to be the funniest track on the album; upon play I was already laughing. I liked the chorus which happens to be a chant that I can not repeat for you (explicit content). My favorite part of one of his verses was:
Yeah, I’m sort of a big deal/ These Giovanni rims are sort of a big wheel/ this five course dinner is sort of a big meal/ This Bentley GT can make Luda disappear faster than David Copperfield.
Chris Rock as always was hilarious and made a few jokes about Ludacris that made me giggle. I love it when artist can make fun of themselves; it shows strength in character and a lack of ego.
“Do The Right Thing” featuring Common and Spike Lee takes the cake as the best song on the album. Besides the fact that it is named after one of my favorite Spike Lee movies, it had a way of shining light on the hood life. The track is very positive and it goes against the grain and smash’s stereotypes.
Theater Of The Mind has a theme that is perfect for the time that we are in. It was theatrical and I loved the cameos from people you would least expect to be involved in a music project. The album is authentic and fresh and is definitely a blessing to hip hop.
Ludacris has a way with words that keeps the attention of his listeners and transcends us into a musical anomaly rarely done before. We can actually hear every word that he raps (which is supposed to always happen) because he says it with so much energy and passion; and most importantly, he makes sense. It turns out there are still artist out, that are doing hip hop proud. I hope other artist take lead and dig into their originality bags and cook up something we can be proud of and eager to come back for more.
On a scale of 1-5, I give this album 4 1/2 Examiner globes.
Here is the track listing for Theater Of The Mind.
- Intro
- Undisputed (co-starring Floyd “Money” Mayweather)
- Wish You Would (co-starring T.I.)
- One More Drink (co-starring T-Pain)
- Call Up The Homies (co-starring The Game and Willy Northpole)
- Southern Gangsta (co-starring Rick Ross, Playaz Circle and Ving Rhames)
- Everybody Hates Chris (co-starring Chris Rock)
- What Them Girls Like (co-starring Chris Brown and Sean Garrett)
- Nasty Girl (co-starring Plies)
- Contagious (co-starring Jamie Foxx)
- Last Of A Dying Breed (co-starring Lil Wayne)
- MVP
- I Do It For Hip Hop (co-starring Nas and Jay-Z)
- Do The Right Thing (co-starring Common and Spike Lee)
Check it out for yourself! Just click here.
Check out the video for “One More Drink” featuring T-Pain off of the new album.
For more info: Visit www.ludacrisworld.com, lala.com for all your music choices.
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