Another day, another GWHH Review. This one of Ludacris’ 6th LP, Theater Of The Mind, which is in stores NOW! The album is packed with “co-stars” as, to paraphrase Luda, each track is like their own movie. It makes for a diverse hip hop album with each track’s guest stars providing a fresh new sound over beats that do the same. Consequently, the album’s sound will keep listeners coming back, depending on what kind of track they are in the mood for. The kinds of tracks that really shine on Theater Of The Mind are when Luda finds his deepest lyrical side and spreads a meaningful message. He does so with the help of A-listers Jay-Z, Nas, Lil’ Wayne, & Common and in the process solidifies his status amongst them, in some cases, outperforming them. Exhibit A: Ludacris’ masterful and passionate 1st verse on what I feel is the strongest track off the album, “Last Of A Dying Breed” f/ Lil’ Wayne. It’s the unmatched combination of passion and reflection along with fun wordplay and clever references that make “Last Of A Dying Breed” the track of the album.

“(Aowwww!) Luda!
I done killed so many niggaz in the booth I sell rappers on eBay (hey!)
Cause every one of my verses been instant like replays (hey!)
Speakers get blown like candles on yo’ B-day (hey!)
Cause Luda’s catalog got mo’ records than the DJ (woo!)
The bank yells “MAYDAY” cause every day’s a payday
I put it on tape and then I’ll sell it like Ray J
But not out the sto’ (nope) straight to the buyer
Cause I slung ‘em out my trunk like the D.C. sniper
And six albums later you’ll deposit every word
‘Til your memory bank gives me the credit I deserve
Top 5, damn right! But really it just hit me
that three of yo’ top 5’s too scared to FUCK with me (woo!)
So how can I advance if you don’t give me no opponents? (yeah)
How can you see the future if you livin for the moment? (yeah)
Hip-Hop couldn’t die, I never offer my condolence
But I’ll offer y’all a day of atonement - cause”

- Ludacris “Last Of A Dying Breed” f/ Lil’ Wayne

It would not be a Ludacris album if he did not have a couple tracks to start the party and he does so with his first two singles, “What Them Girls Like” f/ Chris Brown & Sean Garrett and “One More Drink” f/ T-Pain! While the singles scream a formulaic appeal to the mainstream, Ludacris delivers on both tracks with clever punchlines and storytelling that make the tracks even appeal to fans of his raw style. In fact, Ludacris shines as one of the most clever and fun rappers on Theater Of The Mind, moreso than any of his previous albums where he made a name for that same style. His punchlines are undeniable to even the casual listener as even non-hip hop fans chuckle at some of Ludacris’ lines that he delivers with clarity and passion. Not only would I recommend this album to all fans of hip hop, but if you were trying to pick a hip hop album from 2008 to appeal to a casual fan of mainstream music, pick Theater Of The Mind. It has all the elements to appeal to almost any listener and Ludacris has never been at a higher point in his game. I am already looking forward to the curtain call!

Top 5 *Tibs Favs.™ (in order)

11. Last Of A Dying Breed f/ Lil’ Wayne

13. I Do It For Hip-Hop f/ Jay-Z & Nas

14. Do The Right Thang f/ Common & Spike Lee

12. MVP (prod. DJ Premier)

09. Nasty Girl f/ Plies

Production: 8.5/10

Lyrics: 9/10

OVERALL (not an average): 9/10

BUY: Ludacris - Theater Of The Mind [iTunes]

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Ludacris “Everybody Hates Chris” f/ Chris Rock

VIDEO PREMIERE!

~ Sgt. Tibs