Ludacris Brings 'Theater' to Life in New York
Fans of Ludacris filled up on blushed-out Nuvo cocktails on Tuesday evening at New York City’s Highline Ballroom as boisterous Hot 97 radio personalities hyped up the crowd, who started getting a little fidgety after the fashionably late line had been crossed. The slick-talking “Mouf of Da Souf” made up for it with his usual energy and some unexpected side dishes—guest appearances from LL Cool J, T-Pain, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Shawnna, DJ Premier, and Jadakiss.
Hitting the stage at around 9:30 p.m., Luda disregarded the concept of presenting his new album and dished out signature hits to a grateful audience. He performed a few tracks from Theater of the Mind, and then collaboed with LL and his other guests on some classics with a twist.
We wouldn’t go as far as to say it was predictable, but a lot of the people at the private concert pretty much knew what they were in for when they clicked on the purchase button for Theater on iTunes. “I knew it would have some clever lyrics, some funny material, and then a few fillers,” an intern from Def Jam said of the album. “And I was right.”Â
Fillers or not, Luda knows what the people want—let’s just hope he minds the recession and gives the people a bang for their buck. With a close eye on SoundScan, we’ll find out soon enough.
–Rajul Punjabi