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Release Therapy (by Ludacris, Rap)

common sense media says

Intelligence and humor, explicitly delivered.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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").

More on Release Therapy

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

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?

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.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: September 26, 2006
Label: Def Jam
Genre: Rap
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Skater 101
kid, 11 years old
 
ive only heard warning, but i can guess the rest of the album is gonna be like warning-langauge filled, angry, and violent-but great. Also if you dont trust me, all the songs on the album are explicit and its a PA album.

smart kid
teen, 16 years old
 
I laughed

nazz4ever
teen, 16 years old
 
good songs bad messages

012angel
teen, 18 years old
 
a good album
although parents may not agree with all of his lyrics they are still genuine (he's really cute) but back to business his lyrics sometimes match up with his rapper name ludacris but datz all i got to 2 say

 
Great for adults!
This album is meant for adults, and I promise to any adult: You will enjoy it!

mizlala17
teen, 15 years old
 
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.

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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