Review Summary: Ludacris proves to the world that he is no one trick pony on his first album that started his Hip Hop career on a good note.
When Ludacris first arrived to the scene of music, he was Scarface's first hope to bring in alot of money for Def Jam's new label, Def Jam South. The question is, did Scarface make the right choice of signing Ludacris? Well look at his career now, he is a well known star making his way into big films and was even in an oscar nominated flick known as Crash.
It's obvious that Scarface made the right choice so now let's take a trip back to memory lane and see the music that he was first known for. That single is "What's Your Fantasy" featuring Shawnna and while it is a sexual piece of work, it's just so damn catchy.
The album's opener, "U Got A Problem?" is basically Ludacris giving the middle finger to anybody that tries to *** with him. It should be noted that the song as well as others on the album, were produced by Bangladesh who would receive later success for Lil Wayne's "A Milli."
The album continues with "Game Got Switched," "1st & 10," and of course, "What's Your Fantasy?" which are all certified hits from Ludacris. Right off the bat you can tell Ludacris is from the south and not because of his accent, it's because the music that is presented feels Southern from it's basic synths and fast head nodding hooks.
There are a couple of skits on the album which show that Ludacris is one funny dude. He is so funny that I'm surprised that he doesn't star in more comedies. If he did, he would give Dane Cook a critical beatdown. It doesn't only show in his skits but also in his lyrics. Look at the song "Mouthing Off" for example, his freestyle type flow in that song proves that Ludacris would probably make it as a comedy rapper also.
But he doesn't and that's a good thing because if you heard any Southern rapper in your life, they are well known for creating antems that make you want to hit a punk in the face. "Get Off Me" and "Stick 'Em Up" show that music doesn't always have to be pleasant to be good.
The album ends with a bang with "Southern Hospitality," "What's Your Fantasy (Remix)," and "Phat Rabbit." The guest featured on this album increase repeated listens from UGK's hard as a rock rhymes from "Stick 'Em Up" to the dirty/hillarious rhymes of Foxy Brown, Shawnna, and Trina on "What's Your Fantasy (Remix)."
This is one solid album and will not dissapoint any Hip Hop fan. With a blend of solid rhymes with toe tapping beats, this is a certified buy.
