January 18, 2005 @ 6:56 am

Ludacris- The Red Light District (Def Jam South)

by: Jayson Rodriguez

Everything you would expect, but nothing fit for a king.

Everything you would expect, but nothing fit for a king. As the Mouth of the South, Ludacris has made a name for himself by delivering witty one-liners and crunkesque choruses that were as absurd as his moniker. Unfortunately, on his fourth album, TheRed Light District, the rapper sticks with that formula and conjures up classic ’Cris rather than a breakthrough. Highlights come courtesy of the riotous first single, “Get Back,” and the Austin Powers–themed “Number One Spot.” On the latter, Luda has fun flaunting his mojo with lingo like, “Ladies tell me, ‘Take off my clothes and get in my belly.’” And “Virgo,” an ode to the old school, featuring Nas and Doug E. Fresh, finds Chris Lova Lova putting the mack down in a stop-and-go flow. Produced largely by newcomers, save an Organized Noize contribution and two Timbaland tracks, Red Light is subpar sonically. Cuts like the Needlz-produced “Pass Out” and the Craig King–helmed “Who Not Me” fall flat as the synth-heavy beats attempt to pass for crunk. Though Luda always charts strongly with his familiar boisterous brand, Red Light doesn’t push toward something greater. But the same old Luda still moves the crowd.

Article tags: Ludacris, Red, Light, District, Def, Jam, South