#RunTheCulture

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is both a hip-hop legend and a true renesance man of The Culture. Starting his career as a radio jock before transition quite successfully into his true passion, rapping before transitioning again into Hollywood. Luda has used his drive, charisma, wits, and smarts to stay relevant in The Culture for two decades. And in his honor we’ve put together the 5 essential songs, performances, and roles of Luda’s career (so far).

5. Back For The First Time (2000)

This was Luda’s major label debut and introduction to the world. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200, and went triple-platinum thanks to hit singles “Southern Hospitality” and “What’s Your Fantasy” and featured guest appearances from Timbaland, Trina, Foxy Brown, and UGK. The album’s success made him a rising star in hip-hop and someone to watch.

4. Crash (2005)

Crash was the winner of the Best Picture Oscar in 2006 and boasted a star-studded cast including Terrance Howard, Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton, and Larenz Tate. Luda had a small supporting role but made a major impact that would lead to future acting gigs. The film was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and won Luda a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast along side the rest of the cast. This role showed that the funny and charismatic Ludacris could also be serious and deep.

3. Welcome To Atlanta (2002)

If you know anything about Luda you know he reps The A. So it should be no surprise that he co-created an anthem for Atlanta that became a hit worldwide. Teaming up with fellow Atlanta-resident and hip-hop icon Jermaine Dupri, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Rap Singles chart and of course spawned countless remixes as Luda had everyone wanted to either move to Atlanta or make a song to rep their hood.

2. Fast And Furious Film Franchise (2003 – Current)

Like it or loathe it, The Fast and Furious film franchise is a pop culture phenomenon raking in over $5.1 billion at the box office so far. Luda has played Tej Parker, the tech guy and comedic foil to Tyreese Gibson’s Roman in 5 of the 8 installments. Starting out as a bit character in the 2nd film and flipping that into a series mainstay in quite the impressive feat. And with at least two more films scheduled look for Luda to keep raking in that box office cash.

1. Move (2001)

When one thinks of Ludacris the artist, this is the first song that usually comes to mind. Bombastic beat with a simple yet catchy hook that encapsilizes people’s frustrations with any number of things at any particular time. It’s infiltrated popular culture, it’s been mentioned and/or played in movies, in other songs, it’s a meme, it’s played at HS and college football games every Friday and Saturday to this day. It is and likely forever will be Luda’s biggest song.

That’s all we got for the best of Ludacris, hit us up on Twitter and let us know if we missed anything. And while you’re still here check out or other Essential List:

• Beyonce
• Kevin Hart

Written by @TalentedMrFord

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