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Saturday, December 6, 2008
Ludacris: The Hip-Hop Statesman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ludacris and his bling. The artist says he’s more focused on helping others than in making is own Christmas wish list this year.
After wave upon crashing wave of dreadful economic news coming out this week, the folks at AT&T gave the ATL a break Saturday night by sponsoring a free concert at The Tabernacle featuring Ludacris and Soulja Boy Tell’em.
Before the show, Luda met with reporters for short one-on-ones, then a slightly longer joint confab.
There were a few questions about music - but lots about the economy.
“This Christmas, it’s important to give back to others,” said the artist, also known as Chris Bridges.
He said he doesn’t have much of a Christmas list of his own.
“I’m so blessed, I’m more focused on giving back,” he said. His foundation works with young people. It provides items like food, toys, school supplies and clothing to needy children, but also offers leadership and goal-setting training and promotes healthy eating and exercise.
His advice for folks struggling in this troubled economy? Get busy.
“Get more than one job,” he said. “You’ve got to hustle. Life is all about competition.”
Luda’s had more than one job himself lately. He was active during the political season, most recently stumping in the Senate run-off for Jim Martin. While Martin was unsuccessful at unseating U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Luda was pleased with the outcome of the presidential election - and at how many young voters became engaged during the campaign.
“That was one of the most important things in this election,” he said. “The younger generation came out. We stayed on each other.”
With government bailouts much in the news, Luda likes a simpler, more grassroots approach. He says it’s up to people who are able to help the less fortunate to step up.
“Barack can’t do it on his own,” he said. “We should help each other out.”
How’s this for product placement?
His latest album, Theater of the Mind, came out Nov. 24. He anticipates touring to support the CD, but was happy to unveil his new work in Atlanta.
“Whenever I come back to Atlanta, Ga., it’s a blessing,” he said. “This is where I started. I just continue to try to reinvent myself. I love music. I still have a passion for it.”
Soulja Boy opened for Ludacris
Soulja Boy Tell ‘em (known on his birth certificate as DeAndre Ramone Way) opened for Luda. His new album is out Dec. 16.
He didn’t sit for a formal interview back stage, but stopped for a friendly hello.
On stage he exhibited shrewd showmanship, at one point mopping his brow with great flourish and drove the screaming crowd nuts as he pondered where to toss the towel, Elvis-style.
Most folks partaking of the free concert packed the Tabernacle’s main level. A smaller, tamer VIP crowd of sponsors, record label execs and assorted invited guests nibbled at a buffet of crackers and brie, roasted veggies, chicken and mini quesadillas.
The pictures I took during the concert didn’t turn out so hot, so here are a few folks we ran into upstairs.
Cassandra Wimberley and Angelica Bell
Rhonda Donoho and Chenoia Bryant
Jodi Grieshop, Lauren Hart and Ben Harris
