Favorite Albums: 2000-2004
37. Ludacris, Back For The First Time
Original position on my Stylus ballot: n/a
Between being newly single and newly immersed in music blog culture in 2003, southern rap of the crunkish variety meant a lot more to me at the time than this countdown would suggest, and would probably dominate a Favorite Singles list. Chuck Eddy books had belatedly introduced me to the thrills of good-time, boys-are-back-in-town “classic rock,” and it was enthusiastic vulgarians like Lil Jon and Ludacris here who most recalled the glory of Bon Scott and early Kix. These were men who did not care, and as my pizza budget suggested, neither did I.
Not that I actually appreciated any of this when Back For The First Time dropped in 2000 (I was busy trying to appreciate Primal Scream and At The Drive-In), but in hindsight, Ludacris’ first album most consistently highlights his verbal relish (Chicken-n-Beer runs a close second). A former radio DJ who probably studied stand-ups and professional wrestlers as well as other rappers, Ludacris plays both the champ having sex on the field as he hits home runs with one hand and the sportscaster who LITERALLY CANNOT BELIEVE HOW AMAZING THIS GUY IS. Bracketing the middle’s weak guest spots and unkind “Ho” are winning auditions for the John Madden 2000 theme, two runs at “What’s Your Fantasy?” and worthy contributions from Timbaland and the Neptunes. Success and side careers have sapped his inspiration since, but he couldn’t have kept up this pace anyway.
