Ludacris (b. 1977)

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Biography

Christopher Brian Bridges, known professionally as Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Born in Champaign, Illinois, Ludacris moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he first began rapping. Starting out with a brief stint as a DJ, he formed the record label Disturbing tha Peace in the late 1990s to release his debut studio album Incognegro (1999). After its single, "What's Your Fantasy", became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, the album was re-released by Def Jam Recordings as his major label debut, Back for the First Time (2000). The latter album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned his second top 40 single, "Southern Hospitality".

In Their Own Words (1)

Watch out for the medallions, my diamonds is reckless, feels like a midget is hangin' from my necklace.

2003

Timeline

The story of Ludacris, told in moments.

1977 Birth

Born Christopher Brian Bridges in Champaign, Illinois. Moved to Atlanta as a teenager. Attended Banneker High School, then studied music management at Georgia State. Started as a DJ at Hot 97.5 in Atlanta.

Starting as a DJ at Hot 97.5. Was radio always the stepping stone? Studying music management. Did the business side come before the art?

2000 Event

"What's Your Fantasy" cracked the Billboard Top 40. His independent debut Incognegro got re-released by Def Jam as Back for the First Time. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The Dirty South had a new voice.

An independent debut re-released by Def Jam. Did the major label change things? 'What's Your Fantasy' cracking the Top 40. Was the Dirty South ready?

2003 Event

Appeared in 2 Fast 2 Furious as Tej Parker. He'd continue playing the character across the franchise for two decades. Chicken-n-Beer went multi-platinum the same year. He was balancing rap and acting without dropping either.

Tej Parker for two decades. Was acting the backup plan that stuck? Chicken-n-Beer going multi-platinum the same year. Were you balancing or dominating?

2004 Event

Guest-appeared on Usher's "Yeah!" which spent 12 weeks at No. 1. Won his first Grammy the same year. He later scored two No. 1 singles as lead artist: "Stand Up" and "Money Maker." Three Grammys total.

'Yeah!' spending 12 weeks at No. 1. Was being a guest easier than leading? Three Grammys. Was any single one the most satisfying?

2021 Life

Created and starred in the children's animated series Karma's World for Netflix. Also a licensed private pilot. Still acting, still recording. One of the first Dirty South rappers to cross into mainstream success, and he never left.

A children's animated series and a pilot's license. Are you still the same person? One of the first Dirty South rappers to cross over. Did you open the door?

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