Mr. “Hotlanta” himself returns after a two-year hiatus with his seventh studio hip–hop album “Battle of the Sexes.” Atlanta native rapper and actor Ludacris (a.k.a. Chris Bridges) makes his comeback with another hit album handled by star producers Swizz Beats, The Neptunes (Pharell Williams) and The Legendary Traxster, just to name a few.
“Battle of the Sexes” highlights the different viewpoints of life and love from males and females. Ludacris displays these relationships in his all-star collaborations with rappers Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, Eve, Flo Rida and R&B singers Monica and Trey Songz.
Known for clever, catchy lyrics on top of heavy hip-hop beats, Ludacris maintains his southern style swagger which garnered him fans from the very beginning of his rap career. “Club-bangers” like his first single release, “How Low Can You Go,” and second single, “My Chick Bad” (featuring Nicki Minaj), prove favorable as both peak the U.S. music charts.
The playful tone of his vocal manipulated rap-along “I Know You Got a Man” (featuring Flo Rida) is somewhat off track from his usual rap style and may be displeasing to listeners, but Ludacris prevails in sultry “Luda lover-man” tunes like “Sex Room” (featuring the R&B crooner Trey Songz).
As one of the music industry’s most distinguished and recognizable styles and vocals, Ludacris succeeds in alluring listeners with sharp lyrics and rhythmic beats; he fails, however, in delivering an album to display his talent and skill.
Though the concepts and collaborations are strong and creative, they don’t make up for the lack of overall originality and substance. Ludacris tries to mix it up with a broad range of featured artists, producers and sounds, it just wasn’t enough to save his seventh studio record.
Jamie Stephens may be contacted at jstephens@themiamihurricane.com.
RATING:
2.5/4 stars
Release Date: March 9
Genre: Hip Hop
Produced by: T-Minus, Bangladesh, Swizz Beatz, The Neptunes, The Runners, Xcel, The Legendary Traxster, DJ Montay, B Crucial & Tony Dinero, Kajun, Infinity, Khao, Gaggie
Label: Island Def Jam/Disturbing Tha Peace