As a rapper, Ludacris’ primary flair is for well-delivered punchlines, but he’s not always been the most adept at focussing this talent into the creation of wholly-satisfactory full-length LPs. Indeed, over his last couple of records, he increasingly resembled a great hip-hop comedian whose lack of sonic and lyrical range would forever preclude him from delivering a great album.
Theater Of The Mind possesses many of the faults that have hindered Luda’s recent releases, but there seems to be a quiet self-awareness at work here. Put plainly: Ludacris successfully plays to his strengths on this record.
The opening handful of tracks are enough to seal the deal. The intro – enigmatically entitled ‘Intro’ – is a straightforward blast of grinding beats and synthetic brass, though it’s Luda’s cool, confident, barrel-chested flow that makes the track.
‘Undefeated’ is a frantic succession of quick-fire gags and boasts, delivered over swooping, triumphalist horns and treated soul samples, while ‘Wish You Would’ is an enjoyably ugly, malevolent Dirty South roll. ‘Southern Gangsta’ is dark and filmic, Luda’s deep, macho delivery perfectly suited to the thick, syrupy swirl of the backing track.
The record starts to sag a little from here on, but there are still another couple of fine songs to savour. ‘Last Of A Dying Breed’ is a punchy, dramatic delight, though its most startling element is the delivery of guest MC Lil Wayne – the pre-pubescent whine of old replaced with a bleary, weed-induced croak. Best of all is ‘MVP’, a funky, old skool charmer produced by Gang Starr beatmaker DJ Premier.
Theater Of The Mind may not represent a huge departure for Ludacris, but it’s pleasing to hear a rapper this well-established maintaining such high levels of creative hunger and lyrical vibrancy.
Key Track: ‘MVP’