The word ludicrous is defined as, “amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or eccentricity,” and emcee Ludacris definitely lives up to his name. Not many emcees can successfully cross over to the big screen, produce their own albums, and still maintain the tightest super-afro in the rap world, all in the same year. The birth of the third album, “Chicken & Beer,” proves that Ludacris’ hectic schedule has not interfered in the way of his musically ridiculous (in a good way) content.
OK, we all have guilty pleasures and no matter how “hardcore” you like your rap, the first single, “Stand Up,” is unavoidably entertaining. Whether it is the humorous lyrical substance or images of a dancing and diaper-wearing “baby Ludacris” in the music video, it is impossible to keep a straight face.
An example of the extremely descriptive lyrics: “Watch out for the medallion my diamonds are reckless/Feels like a midget, is hanging from my necklace/I pulled up with a million trucks/Looking, smelling and feeling like a million bucks.”
The most fascinating aspect of Ludacris’ rising popularity is the way he reaches an ethnically diverse audience. In “Blow It Out” Ludacris comments on his fan base: “Black people show me love when I’m up on the block and Latinos are always waiting for my CD to drop/ White people love the flow, they say ‘dude you f-ing rock.’ your fans are my fans, right?”
When an emcee is flexible enough in his career to rub elbows with Paul Walker in 2003’s, “2 Fast 2 Furious,” and still not be labeled a sell-out, he has earned a stable spot in the rap scene.
Like almost-all contemporary emcees, Ludacris discusses the way women flock to him, of course. In “Teamwork,” Ludacris addresses a sexual situation comically: “Hey, we’re going to be having some fun cuz’ two is better than one/ So, get ready for the mack attack cuz’ I got them thinking I’m an acrobat.” While the sexual statements are plentiful, the apparent joking tone softens the message a bit.
A personal favorite, “Southern Fried Intro,” proves to showcase Ludacris’ shockingly fast-paced rapping skills. Who knew he had it in him? Apparently, he does.
Ludacris confidently raps, “I got fans in retirement homes and teenagers and little itty bitty boys and girls/Dropping lyrical bombs up in your hood, non-stop and I’m gonna hit them till the block explodes/Hip-hop, R & B, Pop, what ya want?/I even got a little bit of rock and roll… Better turn your stereo louder, listen up and let me preach/let’s get arrested for disturbing the peace.”
For some unexplainable reason, the listener has an urge to turn up this track and “disturb the peace.” Oh yeah, a criminal in the making.
Ludacris’ trademark animated personality and clever rhymes sparks an interest with a wide range of fans. “Chicken & Beer” is currently in stores.