Music Details
Artist
Label
Genre
More details
See more music reviews

"How Low" (CD single) (by Ludacris, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

Not graphic, but lots of not-so-subtle messages about sex.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the single "HOW LOW" has multiple meanings. The words could describe dancing (getting low to the dance floor), or various sexual situations. Though the lyrics don't include hardcore swearing -- "ass" and "booty" are as bad as it gets -- their underlying message is all about sex.

Positive messages: Though the message isn't necessarily negative, it's definitely mature: women should "go low" on the dance floor and, by implication, in the bedroom.
Positive role models: Compared to many of his hip-hop counterparts, Ludacris lives an upstanding life. He's kept his scuffles to a minimum, has achieved success as both a musician and a movie actor, and established his own charitable foundation supporting students in the creative arts.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: There's nothing overtly explicit about sex here, but the allusion is unmistakable. For example: "She could go lower than I ever really thought she could / face down, ass up!"
Language: "Ass" and "booty" are as bad as it gets.
Consumerism: Mentions a Lamborghini.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "How Low" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about whether an artist like Ludacris can be successful in straddling two worlds: hardcore hip-hop and mainstream entertainment.   
  • With songs like "How Low," Ludacris tries to fit in with extreme artists like Lil' Wayne, who include tons of adult content in their songs, and more mainstream musicians, who leave out the foul language in favor of reaching a wider audience. Does Ludacris try to do too much? Should he choose one path or another?  

What's the story?

What's the story?

Fans of southern hip-hop artist Ludacris have waited three years for his latest single, "HOW LOW" (the first off his forthcoming full-length album that still doesn't have a solid release date). With its not-so-subtle messages about sex, the song marks the rapper's return to the seedier side of the entertainment business, after having spent the last few years making a name for himself as a mainstream movie star in films like Crash and Hustle and Flow. Though "How Low" veils its sex talk in references to dancing and doesn't include any super graphic language, the track is mature enough to earn it a Parental Advisory warning.

 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
If you don't mind the Chipmunks, you'll love "How Low," since the tune's hook revolves around a chipmunk-like squeak. The unusual angle definitely grabs your attention but gets annoying after the first few lines. Better by far are Ludacris' rhymes, which he delivers in a rich, solid tone that makes their delivery that much stronger. 

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 21, 2009
Label: Def Jam
Genre: Hip-hop
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes
This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 
 

Review It

 

Review "How Low" (CD single)

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

AngelB
kid, 13 years old
9
 
good for us
I Love it. Like comeon it is in my cheerleading music it is a good dance sing
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
ohya
parent of 14 year old
15
 
did they forget that they say n***a in this song?
sexual song
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)
divamexn
kid, 11 years old
11
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
l13
teen, 13 years old
12
 
It is an okay song it is about dancing
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)
mayaleefy
teen, 15 years old
13
 
This is a fun song, if the chipmunks don't bother you. It does portray women as sex objects. It has a nice beat.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)
uhya
teen, 13 years old
15
 
n---a is said
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
lorelei101
kid, 12 years old
16
 
Undetected cuss word
You do know that this song has the N word, right? Go look it up, I swear to God it's true.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
roxxc
teen, 15 years old
13
 
diz iz my jam
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
lilzo9
teen, 15 years old
12
 
awsume
love it say no more.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you add "How Low" (CD single) to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More rap
For kids who love rap and hip-hop
Browse more music
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines