In a groundbreaking revelation, Ludacris, known for his mesmerizing music videos, has shared a profound conversation he had with Jay-Z regarding the recognition of his lyrical prowess. During an episode of the highly popular All the Smoke podcast hosted by Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, the Atlanta rap legend delved into his larger-than-life visuals and disclosed an insightful comment made by Hov, saying that his outlandish visuals came with a downside which helped Ludacris shed some light on why his music might not be receiving the full credit he deserves as a skilled MC.
Ludacris reflected on the impact of his extravagant music videos, stating, “It was big, but there was a downside to it because even JAY-Z was one of the ones that said, you know, he don’t think I get the lyrical credit that I deserve because of the visuals” These words from one of hip-hop’s most influential figures resonated deeply with Ludacris, offering an invaluable perspective on his artistic journey.
When asked about the lack of recognition he receives, Ludacris candidly responded, “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you think get the credit?’ Because I played too goddamn much, that’s what I do! And I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s why my name is Ludacris because it’s beyond crazy, it’s wild, it’s ridiculous.”
He further elaborated, “I like post-effects and augmenting reality, big-ass shoes with big-ass chains, and bobbleheads and all that. So I get it. I can’t be mad at it. I just have to show the multi-faceted aspects of myself, and I actually love that.”
During the interview, Ludacris also revealed some intriguing details about his music video budgets. Although he may not have reached the seven-figure milestones achieved by his contemporaries, such as Diddy, Ma$e, and the Wu-Tang Clan, Ludacris disclosed that his most expensive music video still came with a jaw-dropping price tag. When asked about his highest budget, he responded, “I want to say like half a mil, something like that,” he answered. “Maybe it inched up to that $600,000. But you hear about when Diddy and Ma$e did the $1 million videos. It was a couple of those. “I think Wu-Tang, that ‘Triumph’ video, Steve Rifkind said he did a million. I never made it to the million category, I never wanted to do that, but I did about half of that.”
As Ludacris continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled style and unbridled energy, it is evident that his commitment to delivering visually stunning experiences has played a role in shaping his journey as an artist. While some may argue that the focus on visuals has overshadowed his lyrical prowess, Ludacris wholeheartedly embraces his unique approach, showcasing the world the diverse facets of his musical genius.
