Back For The First Time
If you're looking for that typical "bounce baby bounce" Southern flair, then Ludacris's debut is not for you. Instead of working from the usual template, Def Jam South's first man out enlists the likes of hit-makersJermaine Dupri, Organized Noize,Timbalandand the Neptunes (along with himself) to give the listener an album with a variety of contrasting styles and musical feels. There are the hard-hitting keys and snares on "U Got a Problem," a streetwise freestyle track with more than enough boom for the beat junkies and plenty of lyrics for hip-hop purists. Then a cut or two later, there's the radio-favored "What's Your Fantasy," with its eerie keyboards and pattering drums.UGK,Foxy Brown, and Pastor Troy all stop by to lend a lyrical hand, but Ludacris is the star on this record. He's got a lyrical style and charisma that transcends coastal allegiances. No gimmicks. Funny skits. Moving music.--Kenji Jasper