Three years after its initial announcement, Ludacris bridges the gap between music and Hollywood once again for his eight (not counting Battle of The Sexes) solo outing, Ludaversal.  With a penchant for exploding onto the scene, it is no wonder that Ludacris flies out of the gate on the introduction, hammering David Banner’s instrumental with punchline after punchline, reestablishing his lyrical prowess.  The Mike Will helmed braggadocio joint “Come & See Me” enlists K.R.I.T. for a back and forth heavyweight bout between Southern royalty.  Unfortunately, the album becomes hit or miss from henceforth.

“Grass is Always Greener” visits the familiar quotation as a conceptual idea, perusing the pros and cons of various decisions made from the Atlanta representative throughout his tenure in entertainment.  While the concept is amusing, the execution is flawed and lacking.  The same could be said for “Get Lit”, a liquor anthem which lacks the punch of the Ludacris of old.  Disturbing Tha Peace type singles were guaranteed staples on past offerings, but Ludacris has lost that bite as he has not had an undeniable hit record since Sexes’ double offering “How Low” and “My Chick Bad” in 2010.

Perhaps Ludacris decided to grow up and leave the music that made him a household name behind him.  If so, records like “Get Lit” do not have a place at this point in his career.  Records akin to the retrospective “Ocean Skies”, which recollects his father’s alcohol abuse, and even “Not Long”, an anthem of perseverance that finds Usher driving its message home via the endearing chorus.  Ludacris would have been better served stashing records from his preview extended play, Burning Bridges, for his album.  Records like the Rick Ross and Cee-Lo Green-featured “Money” and “Problems” respectively showcased the variety and snap that is lacking on Ludaversal.

Highlights—Come & Get Me / Not Long / Ocean Skies / This Has Been My World

Skip It—Get Lit / Grass Is Always Greener