Ludacris Release Therapy Album Review

Ludacris (DTP/Def Jam Recordings)

Track by Track review

1- Warning- Ludacris' comes hard on this one, displaying his lyrical prowess, with Braggadocious lines like 'your favourite rapper went to Ludacris' training camp' (9/10)

2- Grew Up a Screw Up- This track featuring fellow ATL-ien Young Jeezy has my vote for Street Anthem of the Year, matter of fact Hip-Hop song of the year. I'm a fan of Jeezy, but I feel Ludacris should have handled the song on his own. The beat is undescribable, words that spring to mind are 'ridiculous!' 'thumping' 'banging', you have to listen to believe it. Ludacris as usual brings lyricism to another level on this one. A standout track (10/10)

3- Money Maker- You have probably already heard this song, number 1 song in the US. Acutally it is not that great, the Neptunes beat seems bland, the opening score is perhaps the highlight of the song. And Luda just seems to freestyle 3 boring verses. Also, you can barely dance to it. The hook is catchy though. (6/10)

4-Girls Gone Wild- The Neptunes redeem themselves on this track. A bumping beat. Perfect for the club, and perfect for your iPod. Ludacris' lyricism is top notch on this joint. Still as hilarious as ever. Ludacris proves that he is a lyrical genius on this one, with many qoutables 'Just figured out I'm ahead of my time, with a flow so fast, I'm ahead of my rhyme' (7.5/10)

5- Satisfaction- DTP members Field Mob are featured on this track. I wasn't feeling the beat, it samples Benny Benassi's 'Satisfaction'. The lyrics are tight though (7/10)

6- Mouths to Feed- Another standout track. Ludacris talks about the need to earn money. He handles the subject matter without sounding played out or corny, with lyricism unparalleled by no other Atlanta artists. Lots of bragging on this track 'I stay in heavy rotation like a wachine machine' The beat is also tight. (9/10)

7- End of the Night- Finally, Ludacris brings the bedroom to the forefront. Ludacris has many similar songs from past albums, but this one is special. Ludacris' lyrics are funny, smart, sensual and raunchy all rolled up. Bobby Valentino sings the chorus. Flow is more important in this song than lyrics, but lyrics don't come wack as many artists on radio with similar songs. Perfect hip-hop 'getting into the mood' song (7.5/10)

8- Woozy- featuring R.Kelly. The worst track of the album. The beat is boring, lyrics and flow seem uninspired. When you listen to it you get the feeling that Ludacris and R.Kelly did the song just for the sake of doing a song. A skippable track. Uninspired and bland.(3/10)

9- Tell It Like It Is- Forget the last track, Ludacris delivers on this one. He talks about the difficulty and complexity of the rap game, emphaszing the need to own one's image, and not be pushed around by others. Lyrics- 1st class, Flow- 1st class. Luda addresses the Chingy problem once more 'Never took no money from Chingy, thought I was cool with him, I wish his ass well, but I don't want NOTHING to do with him' Lots of advice for aspiring rappers, Luda raps: 'the first rule to the accumulation of wealth is don't trust nobody but your Godamn self!' His daughter Karma is featured on this track- Cute! (10/10)

10- War with God- You have to listen to understand the greatness of this track. The beat is soft and soulful. Here Ludacris disses an unamed rapper. Whoever it is, we'll never know, but it's a warning shot for any rapper who attempts to take Ludacris on in a battle. It can be called a 'Preemptive-Diss' track. (10/10)

11- Do Your Time- A solid track about black men in prison, Ludacris rap is heartfelt: 'I'll definately die for Jesus, coz he died for me' The track features Beanie Siegel, Pimp C and C-Murder, all of whom have recently been in jail. Solid beat. (7/10)

12- Slap- The perfect frustration song. The hook goes 'I feel like slapping a nigga today'. Ludacris vents frustration on this song. A standout track (9/10)

13- Runaway Love- Arguably the best track on the album (perhaps second to track 2) featuring R&B Queen Mary J Blige. Ludacris tells the stories of three young girls growing up in the hood, facing challenges and deciding to run away. Might bring a tear to the eyes of the emotional. Definately single material. Mary J is perfect for this song, she reminds me of 'No More Drama' in this song. Ludacris doesn't seem forced on this track. Perfectly placed, penultimate track (10/10)

14- Freedom of Preach- A seven minute long track, with a brief 'sermon' by Bishop Eddie Long. Here Ludacris discusses with God, with lines like 'Forgive Oprah for editing most of my comments off her show'. Bishop Eddie Long's sermon is inspiring and deep, only if many rappers and youth would listen and adhere to what he says. A perfect way to end a strong album (10/10)

Altogether, I think Ludacris delivers his best album yet. Most notably missing are skits. He manages the funny and the serious perfectly. It would have been better if the album were a double-disc or partitioned into 'Light' and 'Serious'. This album is almost a classic, but I believe for a classic album to be made, all tracks have to be hot, and 'Woozy' spoils that for this album. Ludacris also shows that he can rap to the ladies without compromising lyrical depth (End of the Night). Although 'Money Maker' is a huge hit, the Neptunes beat is not their best. With this album I can see Ludacris going on to create a classic. Less 'Pussy Poppin' and more 'Mouths to Feed' and Ludacris would be mentioned amongst names like Biggie, Nas, 2Pac, Jay-Z and Rakim.