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Release Therapy

(2006, Rap, by Ludacris, Label: Def Jam)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Intelligence and humor, explicitly delivered.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A mixed bag, including sexist and racist language as well as some very good, strong messages about integrity, hope, and pride.
  • Violence:

    Some violent imagery in the lyrics.
  • Sex:

    Sex references are explicit and objectify women. "I'm gonna make 'em dance so I can see them shake they ass/then I'll put 'em in a trance till I get 'em out of them pants."
  • Language:

    Just about every four-letter word you've ever heard, and maybe even some you haven't.
  • Consumerism:

    Quite a few brand names are mentioned.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A couple of references to drinking ("Patron") and drugs ("X").
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Release Therapy

Parents need to know that Ludacris is neither for wussies nor for dummies. (Or more nicely put, he's neither for the impressionable/sensitive nor for the unsophisticated listener.) His strongly worded messages are delivered with humor, intelligence, and a social conscience -- as well as full-tilt enthusiasm for "wild" women and the party life. Parents with strict limits about lyrics in popular music should avoid Ludacris, plain and simple. The edited versions of his songs sound ridiculous; the omitted words are plentiful and obvious, and the tracks end up sounding like nonsense. For those willing to evaluate albums on a case-by-case basis, however, there's a lot to be said for making an exception for Ludacris' newest offering, despite a liberal sprinkling of racist, sexist, and explicit language.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether Ludacris could get his point across as vividly with milder language. Aside from shock value, what does he accomplish artistically by pushing the envelope in this way? Families with relatives in prison will appreciate "Do Your Time," a shout-out to incarcerated friends and relatives.

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Our Members Say

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See all 11 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    good songs bad messages

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 3.0

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Very Good Music...Mixed Messages

    It's awesome music and it delivers messages both good and bad. But a lot and most of them are good in the end.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    love him

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

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