Although Ludacris was one of the best mainstream rappers of the 2000s, Back for the First Time is definitely not one of the reasons why. Ludacris's debut, the album showed a lot of potential, but too many missteps. While entertaining in spots, the album is dull in a lot of places. However, this doesn't negate from how entertaining Ludacris actually is on some of these tracks.
Tracks like "Southern Hospitality" and "U Got a Problem?", are truly great tracks. On those songs Ludacris shows glimpses of his lyrical ability, and high-energy that he would become famous and acclaimed for. However, when talking about the great tracks on this album, that's there the conversation ends. Most of the hooks on the album are repetitive and simple ("Game Got Switched", "Hood Stuck), but even on a lot of the weaker tracks, Ludacris shows how entertaining he can be (such as on the aforementioned tracks). The MC's lyrical ability, flow and charisma is quite impressive at spots on the album, but at times it's just flat and unimpressive.
The guests on the album don't help matters that much aside from UGK and 4-Ize. People like Trina, Shawna, and Pastor Troy were extremely unnecessary, and could have been left off the album, as they lower the enjoyability of some of the tracks. The worst song on the album ("Get Off Me") features the terrible Pastor Troy, who adds absolutely nothing to the track that wasn't even good in the first place. Notable producers include Timbaland, Organized Noize, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, and a young Bangladesh. The beat selections are hit or miss, but when they hit, they truly hit, like "Southern Hospitality", which is the best song on the album. The beat is a club banger, but still well-layered, and features Ludacris rhyming with an impeccable flow.
As a whole, Back for the First Time is very inconsistent. Ludacris showcases moments of brilliance, but also extremely questionable moments of mediocrity. If you aren't a Ludacris fan and are looking for a good introduction to him, don't listen to this. Skip to his much superior sophomore album, Word of Mouf. If you are a Ludacris fan, however, you may find moments on here that are worth repeat listens, and should perhaps check it out. Otherwise though, Back for the First Time is an average album, with low replay value, but showcases Ludacris's potential as an MC in spots.
Ratings:
1. U Got a Problem?: 4/5
2. Game Got Switched: 3/5
3. 1st and 10 (feat. Infamous 2-0 and Fate Wilson): 3/5
4. What's Your Fantasy (feat. Shawna): 3.5/5
5. Come on Over (Skit)
6. Hood Stuck: 3.5/5
7. Get Off Me (feat. Pastor Troy): 1.5/5
8. Mouthing Off (feat. 4-Ize): 3.5/5
9. Stick 'Em Up (feat. UGK): 3.5/5
10. Ho (Skit)
11. Ho: 3.5/5
12. Tickets Sold Out (Skit)
13. Catch Up (feat. Infamous 2-0 and Fate Wilson): 2.5/5
14. Southern Hospitality (feat. Pharrell): 4.5/5
15. What's Your Fantasy (Remix) (feat. Trina, Shawnna, and Foxy Brown): 3/5
16. Phat Rabbit: 3.5/5
Best songs:
Southern Hospitality
U Got a Problem?
What's Your Fantasy?
Phat Rabbit
Stick 'Em Up
Weakest song: Get off Me
Production: 6.6/10
Lyrics: 6.2/10
Overall rating: 64/100
Grade: D
