I don't usually write reviews regarding rap albums anymore, or albums that are outside the seasonal bent, but it has been over a decade, and this record must have made enough of a mark to consider revisiting it for a tribute.
If you think that is a solid intro, the re-entry into the Ludaverse reminds us that "...I'm as hungry as the first day," not just with those exact words but also with a flow full o' braggadocio, and it would not be the same if he control/alt/deleted that aspect of personality though. Can I say he could lock in a win with any rapper in a competition? No, but his talent has yet to fade, and I'm not sure if his old 'do has been reclaimed.
Luda states an unfortunate truth and then personalizes it in "Grass is Greener." The grass must have been by teeter totter with all the time spent "searching for another high." The thing about teeters is that they work best with two people, and I am not saying he needs a collaborator on this song because he stands on that muthaflippa, and keeps his balance. But imagine if he did have someone to work off of...nah, I think this grass is green enough.
I can "Call Your Bluff," but I don't want any beef, this sarcastic presentation is more for my review's identity crisis-induced comedic relief. Fine, I engaged in exaggeration, but it wasn't the liquor that got me loose, I just cannot say that you will beat anybody in a rap battle and that's the truth, or was that just "Lyrical Healing?"
There is elegance in simplicity, and while the latter track failed to match my partially formed expectations, it was the subtle cheat code that led us to "Beast Mode." It may not have been fast and furious, but I prefer "Fast Five," even if "Furious 7" may be more parallel to the timeline of the album's release.
I did mention comedic relief a few paragraphs ago, and this "Viagra Skit" achieves it, as long as you don't mind some vulgarity, and hearing about the v-pill; how it worked so will it made the man's appendage chill.
"Come and See Me Intro" is for those that love their "whips." It's a partial character profile, part compare and contrast to Luda's lovers; both carry their own context, and only one runs on gas. I may have chosen the wrong words to describe it, may not get a pass.
"Come and See Me" itself leaves this small crit of Luda and Big Krit speechless, not because the lyrics are too dope or too dumb, but when it comes to one's own ignorance better brake and leave words unspoken.
While I cannot speak on the subject of "Good Lovin'," I can applaud Miguel's vocal performance, the production value of the song, and Luda's candid overview of his relationship history within rhyme. His opening set of lines can resonate with more people than they may care to admit.
From one type of heartbreak to another, I can say I was hypnotized by this song at first listen. That particular word choice is referencing a song by System of a Down, that hooked me. Then paying more attention to the lyrics and lamenting Luda's loss hit me. The loss of a parent need not be experienced to sympathize. The grammy speech verse reminded me of impersonal accounts of family members holding on to one specific moment before they pass, as well as members of my own family, grandparents mostly, holding on to a particular point in time; that phenomenon, if it can be called that without judgment, is an underrated miracle. I must give props to Monica, for nailing that performance, because this song requires a more emotionally attuned execution to balance the weight of its context.
"For those with heavy hearts, I would just like you to take a moment and breathe as you grieve. We have time, so I will give you yours. Some may say 'Not Long' enough, but we have a production to continue. I would like to thank all those that are hear tonight; today; this morning; afternoon; know or don't know I intentionally misused a word where it wouldn't matter if you heard what I had just transcribed instead of it being read."
I can picture this would be what I may say to accompany the instrumental to this song before Luda begins, while Ursher is singing or before he even starts, because this song itself just calls for gratitude without begging or asking for it. The instrumentation just affords declaration of appreciation to anyone willing to listen. He gives an account of his beginning, while acknowledging God's hand through his career during both losing and winning. While some of his actions may not relay that he puts God first, he is at least cognizant that he's only master of the Ludaverse; like Luda's line in the song.
That resentment and inclination to resolve another's selfishness, ignorance, and indifference with violence? You can "Charge it to the Rap Game."
With more commentary on the accompanying instrumentals of songs on the second half of the record, is it safe to say that the first half was lacking any interesting instrumentals? Or that one aspect was compensating for the other? Does that mean the second half is devoid of lyrical complexity because I find more of the beats memorable? Now that is Ludacris.
Writer's Block? "This Has Been My World" when it comes to talking about this song, but maybe I should just let Luda give you the recap himself. Beware of an earworm inhabiting the instrumentals, which may or may not conjure images of summertime jack-o-lanterns.
While there is a lot to appreciate lyrically, even if some things were plainly recalling certain aspects of his life, one of my favorite lines involved his shoutout to God, even if an iPhone is not required to talk to Him. However, that would be an experience for sure. Part of the chorus says, "My Life, your entertainment" and that is especially accurate because this song is one of my favorites, and he documents some of his life a little more specifically here.
A duo comprised of a famous and infamous rapper released one of my favorite songs of all time revealing a sad truth, "Mo' Money Mo' Problems." These next two solid songs are synced effectively because as we have seen and heard that "Money" is the root of all evil, Ludacris and Rick Ross document in rhyme how this is true. Then going further, Luda recruits Cee-Lo Green for his song "Problems." The song poses a potent question, and while I would prefer the money over fame, hearing how that amount of money procures even more rotten fruit, within the family to boot, I would rather stay in my lane instead of entering the spotlight.
"In My Life" literally sounds like a song of triumph with those instrumental flourishes and John Legend's vocals, Luda's victory lap. If I may sample some more of his lyrics, I will say this: "Some say the 'Ludaversal' album is underrated, I'd agree with them." I can also say that goes for his live show too, anyone that has been a part of one can attest; even if I was a little late to see Luda at a festival set, I was still blessed.
The two lines that follow the one that I sampled are also true, there is much that can be missed, which is why I had to compare and contrast what I heard and read, being given these bangers of beats doesn't mean lyricism is dead. I cannot mention everything that speaks to me, but this line also resonated with me "I'm a man of choice words, but I speak the truth," and less fearful of what others may say than what God could do.
If "Burning Bridges" can be avoided, most will do so, but I refuse to skip this song when I listen to the record. This song is already branded into my memory, thanks to Aldean's vocals and the instrumental bed, but then hearing what Luda had to say only intensified the heat. The third verse would have to be my favorite, especially relaying that "Our issues are deep within, we can't just talk them out." Many believe in the concept of karma, but it's just another label for God's business, which at the right time he will roll out.
While I cannot remember how much I liked the record for what it was upon first listen, I can say that it was falling in love with the record again after all those years.
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