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ludacris

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Fans of Ludacris will get a closer look at his life prior to becoming a world famous rapper. BET+ has greenlit a show based on his time as a DJ.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Atlanta, Georgia native is working with acclaimed film producers Malcolm D. Lee (Girls Trip, The Best Man) and Larry Wilmore (The Bernie Mac Show, Insecure). The streaming service will bring this time period to life in a comedy fashion. As per the press release the project aims to highlight his “experience coming up in the competitive music scene in Atlanta as DJ Chris Lova Lova, the series follows the misadventures of a sharply drawn ensemble who are willing to do anything and everything to bolster ratings at their hip hop radio station.”

Noah Gardenswartz of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel fame has been slotted to curate the script. Ludacris is as an executive producer and will also serve as the music supervisor. While the “Act A Fool” rapper has to formally comment on the announcement he did confirm the news via his Instagram account saying “stay tuned”. 

Ludacris‘ first foray into acting started back in 2001 via a brief appearance in the Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg comedy The Wash. In 2003 he would land the role of Tej Parker in 2 Fast 2 Furious which led to him reprising the role in five installments in the Fast & Furious movie franchise. The new project has yet to be titled.

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Source: Netflix / Netflix
The hit Netflix series Rhythm + Flow returns for a second season, with Ludacris and DJ Khaled as judges along with Latto.
On Thursday (Jan. 18), Netflix released the trailer for the second season of their wildly popular Hip-Hop competition series, Rhythm + Flow. The show features contestants hailing from all over the country to compete to be Hip-Hop’s newest star and to win $250,000. The new season comes with a set of new judges – Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Latto. The streaming giant also announced that Eminem will be joining in as a special guest “from a surprise location” for the battle round segment of the series. Other special musical guests will be announced at a later date.

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The trailer features a montage of each of the new judges speaking on what drew them to Rhythm + Flow, with Latto harkening back to her time as the victor on another Hip-Hop reality competition show hosted by Jermaine Dupri, The Rap Game. “I’m a contestant turned judge. So you know my opinion holds a little weight around this motherf–ker The first season of Rhythm + Flow debuted in 2019, seeing D-Smoke emerge as the winner with a judging panel of Cardi B, T.I. and Chance The Rapper.
“We are taking things up a notch with a new cast of global hitmakers in our judges and a new pool of undiscovered artists,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s VP of Nonfiction Series in the press release. “Hip-hop continues to evolve so it’ll be thrilling to see Ludacris, Latto, and DJ Khaled mentoring contestants during their journeys, along with legendary guest judges like Eminem providing their own brand of insight and advice.”
“This season features a powerhouse panel of judges, each with a distinct and influential role in hip-hop culture,” said executive producers Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon. “In this significant moment for the genre, the focus extends beyond the music alone. We’re seeking unconventional voices and authentic stories that peel back layers and invite fans to immerse themselves in the contestants’ world as we spotlight the continually evolving spirit of hip-hop.” In addition to Jesse Collins Entertainment, Gaspin Media and Get Lifted Film Co. are also producing the new season.

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Katt Williams shook up the entire interview space via an explosive chat with Shannon Sharpe that people are still discussing some two weeks later. Among those to respond to the comedian’s claims was Ludacris with a clever freestyle but Katt Williams fired back with one of his own and shared the track with Suge Knight.
Knight, as most know, is currently incarcerated but launched a podcast with The Source founder Dave Mays, Collect Calls with Suge Knight and the series is now several episodes deep. The concept is rather simple, with a computer-generated version of Knight, Mays, and their guests giving visual weight to the show.

Katt Williams is still very much a topic of discussion after his all-out barrage on the Club Shay Shay podcast where comedians such as Rickey Smiley, Kevin Hart, Cedric The Entertainer, and more caught strays.
What caught the attention of Ludacris was Williams saying that the popular rapper and actor joined the so-called Illuminati and has a carbon copy wife of other celebrities in the elite cabal. Luda’s jab was considered solid, if light, by most standards and it didn’t seem like he took things too seriously.
Enter Williams, who previewed a diss track going directly at Ludacris and while it’s clear in the clip that he’s not a professional rapper, it was a game effort. Williams told Knight that he would soon refine the track and put it out to the world.
Check out Katt Williams firing shots at Ludacris on Collect Calls with Suge Knight below. Hop to the 20:00-minute mark to hear the track in question.
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Photo: Getty

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Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
For years now Donald Trump‘s mental decline has been on full display both on camera and on his social media posts, and yesterday the front runner for the Republican nomination for President of The United States once again found himself trending for showing just how mentally incompetent he’s become.Yesterday Donald Trump once again lashed out at New York Attorney General Letitia James for trying to make him cough up $370 million dollars in the civil-fraud case he’s currently battling in court and in a video rant he posted on his Truth Social website, Trump titled his post “Even my Political Opponents Have Spoken Against the Ludacris Demands of NYS AG Tish James.”
Of course many were quick to notice that “Ludacris” somehow broke through unto Donald Trump’s limited vocabulary and Rep. Jared Moscowitz (D-FL) was quick to point out the rapper’s name and tagged him on the post for comedy’s sake saying “@Ludacris he forgot to tag you.”

It was all downhill for Donny after that as social media users pounced on the opportunity to once again remind Trump and his cult that the wannabe dictator isn’t exactly the brightest bulb in the bunch. Might be the whitest, but not the brightest.
Though Luda hasn’t responded to the tag nor to Trump using his name, the rapper did denounced Donald back in 2020 when he said he felt that Trump’s administration was causing more “dissension instead of unity.” This statement came well before MAGA cult members resorted to death threats, swatting and actual violence against Trump critics, so maybe Luda is steering clear of that MAGAt smoke that no one wants any part of.
Check out some more of the hilarious responses to Trump’s “Ludacris” post below and let us know your thoughts on the hiccup in the comments section.

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Source: @ludacris / Twitter
The fallout from Katt Williams’ explosive appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast has compelled those whom he mentioned including Ludacris and Kevin Hart to respond.Veteran comedian Katt Williams’ scorched-earth appearance as a guest on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast Wednesday (Jan. 3) shook up the Internet thanks to a plethora of jokes, wise observations, and of course, his pointed barbs at other notable comedians and entertainers beginning with Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey. Ludacris and Kevin Hart were also called out with some inflammatory remarks. “In 15 years in Hollywood, no one in Hollywood has a memory of going to a sold-out Kevin Hart show, there being a line for him, ever getting a standing ovation at any comedy club,” Williams said.
The Emmy Award winner returned to jab Hart again with more detail, stating: “For a five-year period, every single movie that Kevin Hart did was a movie that had been on my desk that all I had said was just, ‘Can we take some of this Stepin Fetchit shit out and then I can do it,’” adding: “Yeah, it’s interesting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Again, I’m on the winning side of these decisions.” Hart would respond on Friday via a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Gotta get that anger up outcha champ….It’s honestly sad,” Hart wrote. “In the meantime…. Please enjoy MY MOVIE TRAILER to my next film “LIFT” which will be dropping on @netflixin 8 days!!!!

Grammy Award-winning rapper and The Fast and The Furious actor Ludacris was also a target for the comedian’s barbs. “We were both invited to an Illuminati thing,” Williams said later on in the podcast. “It had to be one or the other of us, and decisions had to be made.” Ludacris would respond early Friday morning with a freestyle, seemingly aiming at Williams with the line, “Never been Illuminati, only Ill-Luda-nati.”

Sure enough, responses to Williams’ remarks surfaced after the episode’s smash airing (presently, it has over 15 million views). Cedric the Entertainer responded in the show’s comments section on Instagram, writing: “Revisionist History, regardless of whatever Katts opinion My career can’t be reduced to One Joke Katt Williams claims as his.” Trick Daddy even submitted an expletive-filled response to Williams through his own Instagram account.
Check out the other responses from Ludacris and the reactions from others on social media to those reactions below.

1. ModestyQueen19

This X user posted a further response from Cedric The Entertainer, where he states again that he doesn’t know where Williams’ accusations stem from.

2. Trick Daddy

Trick Daddy snapped back at Katt Williams, yelling “Keep all O.G.’s names out your mouth!!”

3. Michael Blackson

Comedian Michael Blackson, who was also called out by Williams, took umbrage in a thread on his own X account, ending with this joke meme.

4. Etan Thomas

The motivational speaker and writer brought up an Instagram video of Deon Cole speaking about Williams’ generosity from last month, asking others to focus on those positive elements from the interview.

5. Charles Barkley

The Katt Williams effect also hit TNT’s Inside The NBA, as Charles Barkley shouted “Don’t make me call Katt Williams on your ass!” at co-host Shaquille O’Neal. 

6. Boosie

Boosie took time out to also speak about Katt Williams’ generosity. 

7. Robert Griffin III

The former Washington Commanders quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner apparently enjoyed the Ludacris freestyle.

8. Roy Wood Jr

The comedian offered this sage statement when someone asked his opinion of Williams’ comments. 

9. ElginBarrettEugeneSmith

This X user shared a response from Gary Owen, who Williams mentioned in his interview as someone “who’s been doing standup for 25 years and never crossed over.”

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Chaka Zulu, a longtime music manager and music executive, was cleared of charges connected to the 2022 shooting in Atlanta. Prosecutors determined that Zulu shot and killed a man in self-defense, putting to rest the harrowing ordeal.
As reported by WSB-TV, Chaka Zulu, known to most as the manager for Ludacris, was involved in an incident in the summer of 2022 in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood with three people shot, including Zulu among the victims. From what was reported then, the incident stemmed from a fight outside a popular bar in the area but it wasn’t clear then if that was where the altercation began. Of the three people who were shot, an unnamed 23-year-old died at the scene.

Jeff DiSantis, a spokesman for Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis, explained the decision via an exclusive statement:

“The Atlanta Police Department made an arrest on charges determined at a standard of probable cause, which is their duty in this and all cases The District Attorney’s office investigates cases to determine what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial…Our investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law indicates that this is an appropriate resolution of this case based on the standard of proof required. Because the defendant is now involved in a pre-indictment diversion program, we will not comment further about the matter at this time.”
Last week, Gabe Banks, the attorney for Zulu, offered his own statement in the matter:
“Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of Atlanta, is pleased with the outcome of the thorough investigation conducted by District Attorney Fani Willis and her team of lawyers and investigators. From the beginning of this case, Mr. Zulu was committed to a fair process. He fully believes that after a thoughtful examination of all the facts and evidence related to this matter, District Attorney Willis reached an appropriate and just decision. It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that there was a loss of life under extraordinary circumstances. However, it is now time for Mr. Zulu to put this difficult process behind him, and to focus on the support and nurturing of his family. Accordingly, we respectfully request privacy at this time, and that any inquiries be directed to the office of Gabe Banks, Esq.”

Photo: Prince Williams / Getty

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Source: MICHAEL TRAN / Getty
Busta Rhymes has been an electrifying force in Hip-Hop since before many of today’s rappers were born. Last month, the Brooklyn bred emcee took home the 2023 BET Awards biggest honor as this year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient.

Some of music’s greatest talents, including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Diddy paid homage to the 12-time Grammy Award nominated rapper in a heartwarming video. Fans took to Twitter to share their favorite Busta Rhymes moments while reiterating that a Lifetime Achievement Award was overdue for the “mayor of Hip Hop.”

Busta’s award sparked an even bigger conversation about other icons whose contributions in Hip-Hop have seemingly gone unnoticed. Check out our list of Hip-Hop legends who deserve their flowers while they can smell them. 
Ludacris
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty
Before rappers like Big Sean and DaBaby captivated fans with their animated delivery, wild punchlines and humorous videos, Ludacris had the game on lock. His major label debut album Back for the First Time, spawned several hit records that many fans deem to be instant classics — including the Neptunes- produced track “What’s Your Fantasy.”
While Atlanta was still finding their identity in Hip-Hop, Luda continued cranking out chart topping records and big budget music videos throughout the 2000s. But after years of hard work and a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2007 for Release Therapy, he started to feel that his contributions to Hip-Hop weren’t being acknowledged. In May 2023, Luda appeared on the All The Smoke podcast and revealed that Jay-Z credited his outlandish videos as the reason why Luda doesn’t receive the lyrical credit he deserves. “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you think [you] get the credit?’ Because I played too goddamn much…And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Luda said.

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Ludacris is one of the top-charting rappers of his era and has moved on to become a Hollywood star along the way. While the big screen is still a viable medium for the rapper born Christopher Bridges, music is still a centerpiece of his life as evidenced by Luda being spotted in the studio with popular Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie.
Ludacris, 45, saw his name trending after being seen on video vibing with Sarkodie over some new tracks. At one point, it appeared that Luda found a moment of inspiration and grabbed his phone to jot down some bars.
In the clip, Ludacris is seen checking out Sarkodie’s track “Country Side” featuring Black Sherif, which has a million views for the video on YouTube.
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Sarkodie and Luda are no strangers to each other, this after the Ghanaian star rocked on Luda’s “How Low” track in 2012 during a live performance.
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It could be speculated that Luda was in Accra, Ghana to record a remix to “Country Side” and the track, as seen above, would be perfect for Luda and Sarkodie’s dextrous flows.
On Twitter, the excitement about a possible audio reunion between Ludacris and Sarkodie has the streets talking. We’ve got the best reactions to the clips below.


Photo: Ollie Millington / Getty

PETA is planning to take a stand at Ludacris‘ upcoming concert at SeaWorld, the organization announced Thursday (Feb. 23) citing the aquatic theme park’s mistreatment of dolphins and whales.

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“Ludacris is using the marine park as a money maker, despite being informed that dolphins and whales at SeaWorld are confined to cramped tanks with nothing to do but swim in circles and lash out at each other in frustration,” PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman said in a statement. “PETA will be there fast and furious to let the public know that supporting marine prisons is ludicrous.”

Opposition to the rapper’s performance — which is scheduled to take place Sunday, Feb. 26, as part of SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival — will include PETA supporters and members of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, as well as a costumed crying dolphin that will carry a sign that reads “What’s My Fantasy? A Life Outside of SeaWorld!” — a reference to the Fast & Furious star’s 1999 hit “What Your Fantasy?”

SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival kicked off Feb. 4 with a performance from En Vogue, though the girl group’s concert was not protested by PETA. PETA previously protested SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival in 2018, when Hanson took the stage to perform despite opposition from the organization to cancel in the form of an online petition, a fundraiser, and even a cake asking the band to cancel the show.

Following Ludacris’ performance at the festival, *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone will take the stage with a few special friends on March 4. Admission to the festival’s concerts is free to all park attendees.

Free bets for everyone? That’s… Ludacris!

The rapper joins Kevin Hart and a host of sports legends for a new DraftKings Super Bowl commercial, which promises every customer a free bet on the sports betting site.

The commercial transitions seamlessly between its celebrity guests by using their names, starting with former Boston Red Sox superstar David Ortiz.

“Everyone gets a free bet?” Hart asks. “Man that’s big…”

“Papi!” retired Dallas Cowboys star Emmitt Smith says to greet Ortiz by his “Big Papi” nickname. “What’s Kev betting?”

“The short odds,” Papi quips, making a swipe at Hart’s height. Hart responds by knocking Ortiz’s snack plate out of his hands and yelling, “You’re both…”

“Ludacris!” says NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, standing with WNBA superstar Lisa Leslie, when he sees the Atlanta MC, who makes his own height joke. “I heard Kevin’s taking the under.”

There are also punny transitions to retired pro wrestler The Undertaker and skateboarding pioneer Tony Hawk. Watch below to see it all play out:

Luda joins a list of music stars appearing in 2023 Super Bowl commercials, including Diddy’s Uber One ad (which co-stars Kelis, Montell Jordan, Donna Lewis and Haddaway); Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Dunkin’ Donuts ad; Jack Harlow with Missy Elliott and Elton John in a Doritos ad; John Travolta in a T-Mobile ad; Sarah McLachlan in a Busch Light ad; and Metro Boomin in a Budweiser ad.

The 2023 Super Bowl kicked off with Chris Stapleton singing the national anthem, Babyface performing “America the Beautiful,” and Sheryl Lee Ralph performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”