Tools for this page
Print

Release Therapy

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

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    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.

updated 07.04.08

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.
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Heard It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Release Therapy?
  •  I think this title is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

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

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Anonymous
    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.

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 17
    Anonymous
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    love him

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Anonymous
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I laughed

Find music reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Site of the Week

    KidZui

    KidZui

    Kids' browser features prescreened, safe sites.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Beach Body Blues

    Beach Body Blues

    Talk to your kids about body image and the media.

  • Must See TV

    BrainRush

    BrainRush

    Kid-friendly contest puts exciting twist on game shows.

  • Most Popular This Week

    Pixar Favorites

    Pixar Favorites

    If your kids are excited for Up, they'll love these!

  • Game of the Week

    inFAMOUS

    inFAMOUS

    How you play superhuman adventure results in fame or infamy.