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Ludacris’s rap music career started in the southern city of Atlanta Georgia where he moved to when he was nine years old. Three years later, Ludacris joined an amateur group where he slowly started building his career and learning how to perform. Ludacris formed his label “Disturbing tha Peace” in the 90s. Unlike many rap artists who try to portray a street sensibility without a chance in life, Ludacris is a graduate of Georgia State University. Ludacris would eventually sign with Def Jam Records. Ludacris has won three Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
# 10 – How Low
“How low” is a stunning track by Ludacris from his seventh studio album “Battle of the Sexes.” This lead single was premiered at the BET Hip Hop Awards on 10th October 2009 in Atlanta. Later in the same month, this hit was aired when it won the “Best Collaboration” as it featured T-Minus and Lil Scrappy. Unlike other songs that feature a lot of adult content, this track is mature enough for a parental advisory warning. The song peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. The music video is quite interesting, beginning with three girls in a room for a sleepover. They then start speaking into a camera recorder revealing that if you “go low “enough behind a mirror, Ludacris’s face will appear and start rapping.
# 9 – Stand Up
Ludacris is an outstanding rapper whose music is unique compared to that of other hip-hop artists. This can be with his hit song “Stand up” released as the second single from his fourth album Chicken-n Beer in 2003. The song was an instant hit playing throughout the year 2004 on the radio after the hit, ” What’s your fantasy?” had no significant impact. The song was produced by Kanye West, who was not that popular at the time yet.
To clearly show what a hit the song was, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks and ultimately won Ludacris his first Grammy Award. This is a hit that you will automatically like with your first listen, keeping in mind that it featured in several great commercials due to its greatness.
# 8 – Representing
At number eight is this amazing track, “Representing.” When you listen to this special track, Ludacris slows everything to a unique and sexy crawl. Ludacris featuring Kelly Rowland is what makes it a standout. She carries the hook to the bedroom spinning the heights with a lovely and seductive sense of soul. When you listen to the lyrics closely, he praises his woman telling her that she is unforgettable, incredibly edible with a body that is so beautiful that Ludacris asks whether he could marry her if he wanted.
The instruments have a magnificent rhythm while the lyrics are fun, amusing, and clever, maintaining an r&b feeling entirely through the track. When you take your time to listen to the instruments, you will be taken back to the ancient movies thus reminding you of your childhood memories.
# 7 – What’s Your Fantasy
This song by Ludacris is from his debut album Incognegro. The song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 acquiring a platinum certification showing his classic prowess in hip-hop and rap music. The hit talks about sexual fantasies including role-playing and cunnilingus. “What’s Your Fantasy” was included in Jesse Dylan’s 2001 stoner comedy known as How High. The song ranked number 58 on the VH1’s top 100 greatest Hip-Hop songs.
# 6 – Money Maker
“Money Maker” is a track by Ludacris featuring Pharrell Williams. This hit song was released on 17th July 2006 from his fifth studio album Release Therapy. The song was Ludacris’ third number-one hit on all streaming networks in America and radio. The song also topped other world charts including Australia where it featured as Ludacris number one ever.
The lyrics to this hit are so enlightening giving a bright day if you opt to listen in the morning. “Money Maker” received a good number of promotional campaigns from international airplay and radio stations in America. In the music video, Ludacris raps with girls and he has a machine that counts the number of times that a girl shakes her back which is the “Money Maker ” for him.
# 5 – Roll Out
At number five is this incredible track “Roll Out.” This is the second single from the “Word of Mouf “album released in 2001. The song debuted at number 95 on Billboard Hot 100. It later advanced to the top 40 one month after its release. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award where Ludacris carried the Best Male Rapper Individual performance prize.
# 4 – My Chick Bad
At number four is this great hit by Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj. The song’s theme is about how both Nicki and Ludacris have different men in their lives. This hit peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100. It also received nominations for the best collaborative Rap performance during the 2011 Grammy Awards.
The music video was filmed in Miami, Florida. This track was first performed at the Bet’s Rip the Runway in 2010. Additionally, the music video features Nicki Minaj playing the character of Freddy Krueger including where she is chained to a radiator in clothes that light ablaze. Precisely, the music video is one of a kind and you cannot afford to miss it.
# 3 – Act a Fool
The good thing about Ludacris is that when he is not making some good music, he is out there composing some unique movie soundtracks. “Act a Fool” is featured in his album “Chicken-n’ Beer” The song was nominated for the Best Song at the Grammy Awards. This song was also the signature track for Fast and Furious 2. It peaked at number thirty two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and is rated among Ludacris’s best-performing songs.
# 2 – Get Back
This song “Get Back” by Ludacris was released to the masses in 2005 and peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track is featured in his Red-Light District album. The song went platinum on sales selling over one million copies worldwide for the first two weeks. The song is amazing, delivering unmatched energy to take you throughout the entire day.
# 1 – Southern Hospitality
“Southern Hospitality” is the best song on our list. Attaining a top position on our list is not an easy feat and thus listening to the track guarantees that you will achieve what you are wishing for. The song is the second single from Ludacris’ album Back for the First Time. The song debuted at position 86 on the US Billboard Hot 200 when the track was released in 2000. By the end of the year 2000, the song ranked at position 23. This is a great song for any Ludacris fan.
Conclusion
Ludacris is a global icon when it comes to rap and hip-hop music. His music career has extended for many years with hits that have been incredible winning him the fan-favorite votes for quite some time. The above Ludacris quotes will, without a doubt, inspire you to listen to more of his songs.
![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
