Ludacris

Nicki Minaj Deserves Best New Artist, Ludacris Says

10 Feb 2012 17:14:16 EST

Rapper also looks back on his own past Grammy wins and says he's 'coming right back at 'em soon.'
By Kelley L. Carter, with reporting by Kelly Marino

Ludacris knows how good it feels to win a Grammy.

The Atlanta-based rapper has three in his collection, and he's hoping his eighth studio album, Ludaversal, brings him a few more. No release date has been set, but it's expected sometime this year.

Luda won his first Grammy for his collaboration with Usher for 2004's contagious single "Yeah."

"Man, it was a great feeling. I'm happy to be working with Usher again on the Ludaversal album so we can come back and win yet another Grammy," Luda told MTV News on Thursday. "My best Grammy experience was winning Best Rap Album for Release Therapy (which was released in 2006). I worked hard on that album specifically to win a Grammy, and I accomplished my goal. So no words can explain how great that felt. But we're coming right back at 'em soon."

His pick for Sunday night is clear: He wants to see Nicki Minaj to win Best New Artist. He worked with the MC on 2010's "My Chick Bad," off his Battle of the Sexes album.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Nicki Minaj. I love her. I'm glad I got a chance to work with her. I'm extremely proud of her," he said. "She's just scratching the surface of what she's capable of. So Nicki: keep doing your thing, girl."

Should Nicki Minaj win Best New Artist? Leave your comment below!

Chaos! Profanity! Wardrobe malfunctions! Don't miss our Grammy red-carpet live stream this Sunday, February 12, for a full three hours of mayhem, starting at 5 p.m. ET on MTV.com. And the fun doesn't end Sunday: MTV News has you covered for all the Grammy red-carpet fashion, Grammy winners and Grammy news until the hangover wears off!

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Ludacris Taps Usher For Upcoming Spring Album

11 Jan 2012 14:23:10 EST

'I'd say we're maybe about 40 percent done,' Luda tells Billboard about his Ludaversal.
By Rob Markman

Are you ready for another Ludacris album? It's been two years since 'Cris dropped his last album, Battle of the Sexes, and the Atlanta MC estimates that his next one will hit stores this spring.

"I get the beats together and I put out my ideas, so I'd say we're maybe about 40 percent done," the rapper told Billboard of his upcoming eighth LP, Ludaversal, which he anticipates will be out around May with a first single dropping in March.

Luda, who dropped his 1.21 Gigawatts mixtape in November, also revealed one big-time guest on the LP. "Usher is one person that I've already worked with," he said. "In terms of other artists, you can say that there's going to be a lot of surprises on here."

The pair already have a few collaborations under their belt. Who can forget Usher's inescapable smash "Yeah!" from his 2004 Confessions album? The two also hooked up on Lil Jon's "Lovers and Friends" in the same year and then again two years ago on Usher's "She Don't Know." As far as what the two have cooked up for Ludaversal, fans will just have to wait and see.

Throughout his career, Luda has shown a ton of versatility. An undeniable hitmaker, at times the nimble-tongued lyricist has been comical (2001's "Area Codes" and 2004's "Number One Spot") and in other instances delivered healthy amounts of substance (2006's "Runaway Love" and 2008's "Do the Right Thing"). For Ludaversal, he will get a little personal.

"It's been a minute since I've been away from music, and there is just so much to talk about," he said. "So [the album] is mostly about my personal life, my travels, my experiences, rumors, gossip — you know, everything coming together in one."

What are your expectations for Ludacris' new album? Tell us in the comments!

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Mixtape Daily: Ludacris

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Mixtape Daily: Ludacris

15 Nov 2011 13:42:13 EST

Luda is back on the scene with a new mixtape 1.21 Gigawatts
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Mixtape Daily: Ludacris

15 Nov 2011 10:37:55 EST

The Atlanta native released another rare mixtape, 1.21 Gigawatts: Back to the First Time
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Ludacris 'Taking It Back To The Streets' On 1.21 Gigawatts

14 Nov 2011 19:34:56 EST

'All the fans for the past 10 years that's been supporting me: This is for you,' Ludacris tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman

Mixtape Daily Main Pick
Artist: Ludacris

Representing: Atlanta

Mixtape: 1.21 Gigawatts: Back to the First Time

Real Spit: Ludacris may be off in Hollywood these days, but the "Fast Five" rapper-turned-actor has not lost his touch with the streets.

His latest mixtape, 1.21 Gigawatts: Back to the First Time, provides a reminder for those who may have forgotten about his lyrical prowess. "The sound of the tape is strictly taking it back to the streets, strictly taking it back to the essence," Luda told Mixtape Daily. "You know I been gone for two years, so I'm trying to flood the Internets with music, I'm trying to flood everybody. All the fans for the past 10 years that's been supporting me: This is for you."

The tape, which will be released Tuesday on mixtape site DatPiff, may boast a number of notable features like Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T. and 2Chainz, but Luda gets in superstar mode, spitting the same witty, rapid-fire flows that made him famous on his 2000 breakout Back for the First Time.

The bouncy "Mother----er Can You Buy That" samples the 1973 Blaxploitation classic "The Mack" and features Luda delivering some of his most boastful lines. "Ready, set, go, oh I'm so outrageous/ Your money is tied up, bitch, my money is the dominatrix," he spits in true Luda fashion.

"On Fire," though much slower, finds 'Cris spewing just as much heat. "Look, I make my own decisions, learn from my own mistakes/ My enemies, they want beef but don't know what's at stake," he delivers.

Over the course of 12 tracks, Ludacris makes it clear that despite any of his extracurricular activities, there is no other MC on the mic who can do quite what he does. Doubters need to look no further than the chest-pounding "Say It to My Face" or the get-high ode "What You Smoking On."

Think Luda went Hollywood? Think again. "[I'm] taking it back to the beginning, taking it back to the essence," Luda said of 1.21 Gigawatts. "It's gritty, it's grimy, it's hard core."

Joints to Check For
» "I'm On Fire" - "It's featuring Big K.R.I.T. My verse is on there, it's just letting you know about the life I live and where I feel I'm at in this game. It is produced by the one and only Mike Will. You gotta check it out; it's one of my favorite songs on the mixtape."

» "Mother----er Can You Buy That" - "Of course, still witty Ludacris, still having fun. Fast flow, people love when I do that, and this right here is produced by Drugs. Self-explanatory."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris Added To Grammy Noms Concert

03 Nov 2011 12:18:54 EDT

Lady Gaga and country artists Sugarland, Jason Aldean also set to appear at November 30 event in Los Angeles.
By James Montgomery

Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco and country duo Sugarland have been added to the lineup for the annual "Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!" (two exclamation points because it's just that exciting), set to air November 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

They join a list of performers that already includes Lady Gaga and country singer Jason Aldean, with LL Cool J once again serving as the master of ceremonies. In addition to the performances, nominees will be announced in several Grammy categories and, according to a press release from the Recording Academy, the show will also feature "a special, live announcement from a truly iconic group regarding their historic band reunion," set to take place at the upcoming Grammy Awards. (The ceremony will air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 12 on CBS.)

While we can only speculate about just who will be doing the reuniting (classic Van Halen?), in recent years, an onstage reconciliation has become nearly as much a part of the Grammy telecast as the golden gramophone award itself, as everyone from Blink-182 to the Police have used the event to bury the hatchet and launch comeback tours.

And though we won't know all of the nominees until November 30, presumed frontrunners include Adele, whose 21 not only features two of the year's biggest singles, but is also the year's best-selling album; Katy Perry, who continues to string together an impressive series of hits; Rihanna; and Lady Gaga, all of whom have also dominated 2011.

"The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music's Biggest Night" will air live on November 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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Ludacris And 'Scarface' Star Talk Hip-Hop Influence

25 Aug 2011 18:53:52 EDT

'We were all living vicariously through your characters,' Luda gushes to actor Steven Bauer as Mixtape Daily looks on.
By Rob Markman

Celebrity Favorites: Ludacris
There is no shortage of "Scarface" references in hip-hop. From Brad Jordan's rap moniker to the intro on Jay-Z's now-classic debut, Reasonable Doubt, rappers have been putting their love for the 1983 film on full display since its release, and the movie's actors have taken notice.

Tony Montana himself, the legendary Al Pacino, expressed his appreciation for the hip-hop community on Tuesday night, right before a Los Angeles party in celebration of the upcoming Blu-ray release of the movie. "They really get it and they understand it, and that's a great thing. They've been very supportive all these years. I think they've helped us tremendously," Pacino told MTV News.

And Pacino isn't alone, as his co-star Steven Bauer, who played Montana's best friend Manny "Manolo" Ribera, crashed MTV News' red carpet interview with Ludacris just to introduce himself and show love to the rapper.

"You know what? You're responsible. You and everybody that came before you brought 'Scarface' to [the] mainstream," Bauer told Luda after exchanging pleasantries. "We were dead in the water, we were forgotten and we were lepers."

The film was panned by critics after its theatrical release and the over-the-top violence proved to be too much for mainstream America at the time. But "Scarface" eventually became a cult-classic, and the rap community had a lot to do with it.

"We were all living vicariously through your characters," 'Cris told Bauer of the flick's hip-hop appeal. "As the whole rap community, we definitely support."

There was clearly mutual admiration between Luda and Bauer, as the veteran actor jokingly told the MC that he had "ho's in different area codes," making a reference to Luda's 2001 hit single.

After the exchange, Luda gushed about his favorite "Scarface" scene. "Say hello to my little friend," he said, referencing the climactic death scene where Montana's home is invaded by rival drug lord Alejandro Sosa's assassins. "That is definitely my best line and best part of the movie, because he just went out in a blaze of glory, man. If you gonna go out, that's how you go out."

For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Wu-Tang Clan's RZA Jumps Into Headphones Biz

14 Jul 2011 13:16:33 EDT

'It's a fashion statement,' Wu-producer tells MTV News of his Chambers by RZA line.
By Rob Markman, with reporting by Adam Murphy

All the cool rappers are doing it. From Dr. Dre to Ludacris to 50 Cent and now Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, A-list hip-hop stars are cashing in on the headphone craze. Teaming up with street-clothing brand WeSC, the Wu producer will be launching Chambers by RZA in the fall. MTV News sat down with the RZArector last week while he was out in Berlin for the Bread & Butter Supershow and discussed his latest endeavor.

The producer/rapper is known for his discerning ear, intricate beats and expert mixes, so fans should expect the headsets to be on point, sonically. "I wanted to make one that was going to be cool, dope, that's going to be fly to wear, as well sound good, as well as practical in use, and that's when we came with Chambers by RZA," he explained.

Functionality was key, so there are quite a few features that the RZA says set his headphones apart from others on the market. One unique feature, in particular, is the battery-powered noise-canceling function. "I wanted to make sure that when the noise-cancellation batteries run out, the headphones still work. I hate when the batteries run out and the headphones don't work," RZA said. "What's the use of paying a couple hundred bucks for headphones that's dependent on $5 batteries? It don't make sense. So these headphones, when the batteries run out, you still can use it as a regular headphone."

Another key feature is the headphones' ability to link to other ear buds, allowing multiple people to listen to the same device simultaneously. "We made ours as to now you can plug right in; you can connect headphone-to-headphone-to-headphone," he said. "You and your girlfriend could be chillin' on the train maybe, she can have her iPod, and guess what? You're both hearing the same song, enjoying each other's company."

The Chambers by RZA also light up while the music is playing, creating a kind of light show. And in addition to the flashing lights, the Shaolin representative wanted to make his line fashionable, even taking into account his Wu-Tang bandmates during the design process.

"I wear Timberlands, black Timberlands a lot, right? So I needed an all-black pair of headphones," he said. "Raekwon, he likes wearing Air Force 1s — him and Method Man wear Air Force 1s. Almost every Wu-Tang Show, [Rae] got on a pair of Nikes, so I thought about headphones that would match his Nikes."

Combining functionality with fashion is what RZA hopes will make his line of headphones stand out from the competition. "That's what I think it should be; it's a fashion statement," he added. "It's not only something that's useful — because they gotta be useful, of course — but to be useful and cool, you can't beat that."

Would you buy Chambers by RZA headphones? Let us know in the comments

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Ludacris 'Inspired' By Aspiring MCs At 'Live Large' Competition

05 Apr 2011 14:12:38 EDT

'It's all about competition,' he tells MTV News about Magnum-sponsored freestyle contest whose winner will get to perform with Luda.
By Alvin Blanco

Ludacris is a marquee hip-hop artist but he has no problem lending aspiring rappers a hand.

On Monday, the Atlanta-based MC/actor was at New York City's Highline Ballroom for the Magnum-sponsored Live Large Project 2, a hip-hop/freestyle competition that gives contestants a shot at a cash prize and the chance to perform alongside Luda at Springfest 2011 in Miami.

It's the second year Luda has participated in the event, and the Disturbing Tha Peace Records founder said it always makes him remember his days as a hungry unknown.

"I remember being an aspiring artist and up-and-coming rapper and wishing I had opportunities like the one that Magnum Live Large Project is giving out — $5,000, a trip to Miami, able to perform — all of these different things is good, man," Luda told MTV News. "It's all about competition. That's what hip-hop is all about anyway."

The Highline stop was just one of four regional events that span the West Coast (Bay Area), South (Miami) and the Midwest (Detroit). The top three contestants from each region, as well as a fifth selected via YouTube, will make the trip to Miami to compete for the $5,000 prize. New York's top three winners were Perelli, Renegade and Pumpkinhead, who won $1,000 for being the fan favorite.

According to Ludacris, anyone who's achieved his level of success should feel obligated to support events like this one and serve as a source of inspiration.

"It's definitely important for me to give back to MCs coming up," he said."That's part of the reason we do what we do. You can never forget where you come from or how you came up. I'm very excited to be doing this. And don't get it twisted, I'm getting inspired my damn self by watching the up-and-coming rappers and it's making me realize and remember back in the day when I was the same way."

A rap industry neophyte that Ludacris thinks highly of and can relate to is Big K.R.I.T. After making strides independently, the Meridian, Mississippi, rapper and producer signed with Luda's label home, Def Jam, last year and recently released a new mixtape, Return of 4Eva. Luda, along with Bun B, makes an appearance on the remix of "Country Sh--."

"When [Big K.R.I.T.] speaks, you can feel his heart," Luda told us. "His heart is on the outside of his chest. He's talking about his experience and being from the South and being from Mississippi. Just respecting the fact that he's the production side as well as spilling his heart out on the beats, I can respect that."

Ludacris is working on his eighth album, Ludaversal, due out later this year.

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DJ Khaled Brings A-List To 'Welcome to My Hood' Shoot

01 Apr 2011 12:59:20 EDT

Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Twista and Rick Ross gather for remix's video.
By Alvin Blanco

DJ Khaled can always count on the support of his A-list rap buddies when he's making his "movies." MTV News caught up with the Miami-based DJ and recording artist in New York City on the set of the video for his "Welcome to My Hood (Remix)."

Always in promotion mode, the Palestinian (by way of New Orleans) revealed that his new album is going to be available by the summertime. "It's a historical event, man," Khaled told MTV News. "We the Best Forever, the album, June 28th. This remix is just a sample of some of the things I'm 'a be doing on the album."

We the Best Forever will be Khaled's fifth album and his first since signing to Cash Money Records last year. The original version of "Welcome to My Hood," produced by Khaled, the Renegades and the Nasty Beatmakers, is the album's lead single and features Rick Ross, Plies, Lil Wayne and T-Pain. The remix's roster features a hip-hop who's who with added verses from Waka Flocka Flame, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Ace Hood, Jadakiss, Bun B, the Game and Ludacris.

"I'm happy to be a part of it," said Ludacris, wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with an image of the late Nate Dogg. "I just left a movie set, and now I'm on a video set. We just continuing making moves, believe that."

Dancehall artist Mavado is on the remix as well, but according to Khaled, his part will be filmed in Jamaica because he was unable to obtain a travel visa. Other performers at the NYC shoot included Ace Hood, Busta Rhymes, Twista and Rick Ross, who noted that his Maybach Music Group compilation album, Self Made, will be in stores May 24.

Fat Joe revealed he is working on new material. "We in the studio right now; we doing the new album," he said. "We doing a mixtape with Pharrell — it's crazy. Darkside 2: I'm giving it out as a mixtape for the street, and I'm coming with the album. It sounds amazing right now."

Joe Crack also mentioned a "My God" remix with Pusha T is in the pipeline. Khaled is part of Joe's Terror Squad and all of his previous albums were released via Koch Records (now E1 Entertainment). Thanks to his new alliance with Cash Money, which is distributed by Universal Motown, We the Best Forever will be Khaled's major-label debut. It should make paying the bill for bringing a dozen artists, including cameos, together for one video easier to handle.

"We're definitely in overtime, and overtime costs a lot of money," Khaled said. "But I'm real passionate about my music. I'm real passionate about winning. I'm real passionate about all my supporters out there. So, we shooting this video for you. It's a remix. We shooting this to show you this is real hip-hop right here."

Are you a fan of DJ Khaled? Tell us in the comments below!

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