Ludacris Is the Most Underrated Mainstream Hip Hop Artist of All Time

Hip-hop has always been a genre where even the most successful, talented, and influential artists still don't get the credit they deserve.

Music is an art form where celebrating the best of the best can come down to their list of achievements and public opinion.

A majority of the time, many legendary acts will still be overlooked entirely. They may not have certain boxes ticked to be considered part of the G.O.A.T conversations—sometimes not even a honorable mention. Still, I believe Ludacris is the most underrated mainstream hip-hop artist of all time.

Ludacris, AKA Luda, was born Christopher Brian Bridges on September 11th, 1977.

Before becoming a successful rapper, he was briefly a DJ under the moniker “Chris Lova Lova.” Then he began to record his debut album, Incognegro. This album was the defining example of what Ludacris would become known for.

A perfect blend of fast flows and wordplay; wild punchlines with comedic one liners; a unique blend of styles not seen by many southern rappers at the time.

Even though it sold poorly, Luda reissued the album under the new title, Back for the First Time. His major label debut (under Def Jam South) reached number four on the US Billboard 200.

For me, personally, this album is a classic, having certified classic singles like the raunchy “What's Your Fantasy” and “The Neptunes,” produced banger “Southern Hospitality.” Word Of Mouf was his next release containing the singles, “Rollout (My Business),” “Area Codes,” “Move Bitch,” and “Saturday (Oooh Oooh!)," charting number three on billboard.

"Move Bitch" was the unofficial driver's anthem of that year. Its catchy hook and heavy bass was blaring out of every young driver's stereo, resulting in a peak chart position of number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Ludacris's first top-ten hit on the chart

Chicken-n-Beer, his next album, did reach number one on billboard. Critics, however, felt his subject matter was starting to get repetitive. They still complemented him on his terrific flow and delivery.

His “Southern Fried Intro” is one of the best intros to a hip-hop album in the culture's history; extremely overlooked.

The Red Light District was another solid album but didn't change the shape of the genre. However, it did excellent commercially, going double platinum.

Going in a more serious direction with Release Therapy, it got mixed reviews, but had a number two hit single with “Runaway Love;" famously known for Ludacris's storytelling of the troubles of the lives of three fictional runaway female preadolescents.

The album went number one and received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and its lead single, “Money Maker,” won Best Rap Song at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007.

Theater Of The Mind, Battle Of The Sexes, & Ludaversal, while all getting generally favorable reviews and charting well, never had the impact as his previous efforts, but were fine addictions to his catalog.

So he has four number one US albums, four top 5 US albums, two number one singles as a lead artist. He has genuine classic mainstream singles and, in my opinion, one of the best movie soundtrack singles of all time with “Act a Fool.”

During his prime, you couldn't escape Ludacris. He was a hit maker and personally in my top five for the best guest verse assassins of all time.

His verse on R&B superstar Usher's hit “Yeah” is simply legendary. He had the best verse on the “Made You Look” remix featuring Nas & Jadakiss.

He stood toe to toe with hip-hop icons Nas & Jay Z on his single “I Do It for Hip Hop.”

Every DJ Khaled single he was on, Ludacris either had the best or one of the best verses. I'll make a bold statement and say Luda had more consistent great guest features during his prime than Lil Wayne.

Wayne may have been more prolific and creative, but I feel since Weezy was great at hooks, so that has given him the edge by the majority.

For me though, Ludacris came with outstanding flows and witty punchlines on a more consistent basis when doing guest features.

Letting you know that this rapper was taking over your song. Like it or not.

Lyrically one of the best rappers of his generation. A brilliant songwriter, but his verses are full of quotable lines.

His verse from the "Made You Look" remix:

“I'm from the school of hard knocks, sneak peeks and low blowsWhere Xs mark spots and kitchens mark OsWhere love's gon' getcha and hate is gon' snitch yaAnd fingers squeeze triggers like boa constrictors”

One of my personal favorites, his verse on the "I'm So Hood" remix:

“Everybody come equipped with bangersThrowin' up our middle fingersAnd you know I don't slipSo I gotta keep ten in the clip and one in the chamberBetter be walkin' with angelsAnd never take candy from strangers.Through the stress and strifeHad to earn my stripes like I played with the BengalsI'm in the zone, holmes, goin' for the two-point conversion.I'm so hood that Ludacris shoulda been on the original version.But this is the remix, with the cheap tricks, hittin' sweet licks.And I cut the braid offBut the waves and the fade will make you sea-sick”

What unfortunately keeps Luda lower in the rankings is his lack of celebrated classic albums & his subject matter.

I will argue his singles “Runaway Love” & “Slap” prove he has a talent for introspective storytelling. He's worthy to be in the same class of southern acts like Outkast, Lil Wayne, & Ti.

Combine his commercial success, legendary guest verses, hit singles, animated flow & delivery, Ludacris is definitely a top five pick from his generation and has a genuine claim to be a G.O.A.T candidate.

Liu Scott

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