Music Review: Ludacris Disappoints On New CD

Ludacris "Theater of the Mind" (Island Def Jam)

For some odd reason, Ludacris feels the need to prove himself on his latest studio CD.

"Theater of the Mind," the rapper's sixth album, is full of trash talk as to why he is rap's "MVP." But talk is cheap.

Ludacris is not only a platinum rapper, he's also a major success in film, TV, on the Web and even in the food industry (the rapper opened a Thai restaurant in Atlanta). He's also known as one of the game's best lyricists.

But he disappoints on "Theater of the Mind" by trying constantly to prove it with boasts that are boring and empty, devoid of the cleverness we've come to expect from Luda.

Except for the radio-friendly "One More Drink" with T-Pain, the first nine tracks drag. The CD finally picks up speed as he begins to add the crucial element of storytelling to the equation.

The Scott Storch-produced, Jamie Foxx-featured "Contagious" is a smooth collaboration between the recording artists/actors. And what's left of the CD keeps up the little momentum it has.

"Last of a Dying Breed" is Ludacris at his best _ and though he boasts on it as well, his lyrics are deeper and more confident than cocky; the ubiquitous Lil Wayne assists.

On the CD's top track, "I Do It for Hip-Hop," Ludacris trades bars with some of the best rappers alive: Nas and Jay-Z. Producer 9th Wonder, Spike Lee and Common help close the album with "Do the Right Thang" _ a cool tale where Ludacris advises, "Use your brain homey, do the right thang!" If only "Theater of the Mind" had more jams like this one.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: On "I Do It for Hip-Hop," Ludacris shows he can hang with rap's elite.

Comments

[auramac]

He sucks, anyway. No expectations = no disappointment.

[LeaveArtieAlone]

I miss artist like Otis Redding and Jim Croce! Yep I am old but dammit, music was cool then! Lyrics meant something! WTH happened? Music reviews need to be about musicians with great talent, I have not seen that is years! Everything seems to be a revamp of what once was.

[adamfeser]

Why is this album being reviewed? There are very few reviews on this site, and I am confused as to why this CD was chosen. There are loads and loads of talented artists with better albums out regular readers would prefer. If the genre is rap, why not Kanye? He is a much better artist with greater influence. This just seems odd. Who cares about Ludacris? I was unaware he was even making music.

[Thinklongterm]

Hip Hop is dead....and the record industry killed it.

[AndyDandy]

He's probably trying to prove himself because he's becoming one of those "singles" artist. His last album came out two years ago and had two huge hits, but only sold a bit over 1 million copies. Kanye West had two huge hits and is close to 3 mil and his album only been out for a bit more then a year. Luda also has Lil Wayne and T.I. ahead of him.

[SwingVoter]

I can't listen to rap made after 2000. Very very few exceptions. Hip Hop is d e a d.

[SwingVoter]

I can't listen to rap made after 2000. Very very few exceptions. Hip Hop is dead.

[bpowell1]

I wish they would stop trying to put R&B in the same category as rap music. It's never has been and never will be the same. This rap music is crapt. I have always hated rap and always will and because they tied it to R&B real R&B singers and musicians have been put out of business. Thank Goodness it's on it's last leg. In the next five years real music will be back.

[SENATORCALLENBOWE]

NOTHING EVER PLEASES AN UNBREAKABLE MIND :)

[Eric8869]

How can you tell a good rap CD from a bad one? It's all Dr. Suess with stolen music from real musicians in the background.