What’s the Story?

On RELEASE THERAPY, Ludacris shows that he knows how to build a song dramatically, with attention paid to instrumental dynamics and background vocals. Even at his most explicit and inappropriate, Ludacris delivers a potent mix of intelligence and humor. It's true he writes lyrics that objectify women, but there are also messages of hope, pride, and social consciousness ("I said it's time to stop the stealing/time to stop disrespecting our women/It's time to come home and raise our children ... to really mold our communities," on "Freedom of Preach"). The highlight of Release Therapy is "Do Your Time," a shout-out to incarcerated friends and family members meant to deliver a message of inspiration, hope, and self-esteem.

Is It Any Good?

The difference between Ludacris and someone like, oh, let's say Chingy, is that Ludacris brings more to the table than a bunch of swear words and a lust for the party life. He's a vivid, funny, and soulful lyricist, as well as an energetic performer. Parents with strict limits on lyrics in popular music should avoid Ludacris, plain and simple. But if you're going to break down and let your kids buy an explicit album every now and then, you could do a lot worse than Ludacris, who writes with substance and artistry.

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Have you heard it?

Cast & Film Details

Artist

Ludacris

Genre

Rap

Label

Def Jam

Parental advisory

Yes

Edited version
available

Yes
 

Release date

09/26/2006

For Your Family