It's been five years since we've had a full-length release from the one and only Ludacris. The southern rapper has been busy throughout the years starring in films like the Fast & Furious franchise. A few years back, we began to get wind of Luda's newest project: Ludaversal. While the release date suffered many push-backs, we finally got hints that the project was finally on the way. This started with the Burning Bridges EP back in December. The six tracks on the EP showed that Ludacris had only gotten better with time. If he could do this with an EP, the sky was the limit with a full-length release. Well, Ludaversal has finally dropped, and I'm sad to say it's an utter disappointment.
While Ludacris has improved his overall lyricism, focusing on very personal issues in his life, the reality heard on Burning Bridges only comes around in spurts throughout Ludaversal. Many tracks seem to be merely more of the same, with little to no substance. Tracks like "Get Lit" and "Come And See Me" are quite underwhelming and sound like tracks that have been sitting around for quite some time.
The album does have some standout tracks that are definitely worth a listen. The Usher-featured "Not Long" is a solid, deep track that deserves to be a lead single off of the album. There is also the deeply personal "Ocean Skies," detailing his father's struggle with alcoholism throughout his life, culminating with his death. "Call Ya Bluff" also digs deep, by calling out rappers in the game and makes some hard hits with its rhymes
Some of the album's most engaging tracks are, unfortunately, ridiculously short. "Lyrical Healing" has a solid beat with an excellent flow by Ludacris. Sadly, this track lasts under ninety seconds. Another short standout track is the interlude leading into "Come And See Me." It can easily make one disappointed when they hear the actual track.
Other tracks worth a listen include "Good Lovin," which was actually a track that first appeared on the Burning Bridges EP. There is also "This Has Been My World," which is another track where Ludacris shows his realness on the mic. However, not matter how real Luda may be here, it isn't enough to salvage the album. It seems like it's been pieced together as tracks have been recorded throughout the years, and it clearly shows on the album.
At the end of the day, Ludaversal is an album that is worth listening to for the conventional Ludacris fan. However, this album is not an essential by any means for the average hip hop fan. A lot of the album leaves little to be desired, and the standout tracks mentioned are the only ones that show how truly talented Ludacris can be. A solid alternative to Ludaversal would be the Burning Bridges EP. Songs like "In My Life," and "Money" are tracks that are album-worthy, but sadly did not make the cut. At least most of the Burning Bridges tracks made the bonus tracks section for Ludaversal's deluxe edition!
Grade: C-
