Ludacris facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ludacris
Ludacris performing in 2024
Born	Christopher Brian Bridges (1977-09-11) September 11, 1977 (age 47) Champaign, Illinois, U.S.
Other names	Chris Lova Lova Luda Velvet Jones Bronze Bridges
Occupation	Rapper songwriter record producer music executive actor
Years active	1998–present
Spouse(s)	Eudoxie Mbouguiengue ​ (m. 2014)​
Children	4
Relatives	Richard Pryor (second cousin once removed) Rain Pryor (third cousin) Monica (cousin)
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip hop pop rap
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Disturbing tha Peace Def Jam Universal

Christopher Brian Bridges (born September 11, 1977), known as Ludacris, is a famous American rapper and actor. He was born in Champaign, Illinois. When he was nine, Ludacris moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he started rapping.

He began his career as a DJ. In the late 1990s, he started his own record label called Disturbing tha Peace. Through this label, he released his first album, Incognegro (1999). One of its songs, "What's Your Fantasy", became a popular hit. Because of this success, his album was re-released by Def Jam Recordings as Back for the First Time (2000). This album reached number four on the music charts.

Ludacris has had many hit songs throughout his career. Some of his songs, like "Stand Up" and "Money Maker", reached number one. He also appeared as a guest on other number-one hits, including Usher's "Yeah!" and Fergie's "Glamorous". In 2010, he was featured on Justin Bieber's song "Baby", which is one of the best-selling singles ever in the United States.

Ludacris is known as one of the first "Dirty South" rappers to become widely popular in the early 2000s. He has won three Grammy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an MTV Video Music Award. Besides music, he is well-known for playing Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious movies. He also starred in films like Crash (2004) and Gamer (2009). In 2021, he created a children's animated show for Netflix called Karma's World. Ludacris is also a private pilot.

Early Life and Beginnings

Christopher Brian Bridges was born in Champaign, Illinois. As a teenager, he moved to Oak Park, Illinois. He attended Oak Park River Forest High School for one year. Then, he moved to Centreville, Virginia and went to Centreville High School. He graduated from Banneker High School in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1995.

From 1998 to 1999, he studied music management at Georgia State University. Ludacris' parents are both African American. He is also a distant cousin of the famous comedian Richard Pryor. Ludacris wrote his first rap song when he was nine years old. Three years later, he joined an amateur rap group.

Music Journey

Starting Out: Incognegro and Back for the First Time

Ludacris started as an intern and then a DJ at Atlanta's Hot 97.5 radio station. His DJ name was "Chris Lova Lova". During his time in radio, Ludacris met music producer Timbaland. Ludacris was featured on Timbaland's album Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment on a song called "Phat Rabbit".

In 2000, Ludacris told MTV that his stage name was a fun way to use the word "ludicrous".

In 1999, Ludacris released his first album, Incognegro, through his own label, Disturbing tha Peace. Later, Def Jam South re-released Incognegro with new songs. This became his major label debut, Back for the First Time, in 2000. The album reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart. It included popular songs like "What's Your Fantasy" and "Southern Hospitality".

More Music Success: Word of Mouf and Chicken-n-Beer

In 2001, Ludacris contributed the song "Area Codes" to the Rush Hour 2 movie soundtrack. This song was also on his next album, Word of Mouf, released later that year. The song "Rollout (My Business)" from Word of Mouf was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003.

Ludacris also appeared on other hit songs in 2001 and 2002. He was featured on Jermaine Dupri's "Welcome to Atlanta". He also joined Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz on "Bia' Bia'". In late 2002, "Gossip Folks" by Missy Elliott featuring Ludacris became a hit.

In April 2003, Ludacris released "Act a Fool" from the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie soundtrack. He also played the character Tej Parker in that movie.

In the fall of 2003, Ludacris released his album Chicken-N-Beer. It featured many guest artists. The song "Stand Up" was on both Chicken-n-Beer and the You Got Served movie soundtrack. Produced by Kanye West, "Stand Up" became one of Ludacris' biggest hits. It reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

The next song from the album was "Splash Waterfalls", released in early 2004. Ludacris won his first Grammy Award with Usher and Lil Jon for their hit song "Yeah!".

Later Albums and Projects

In 2008, Ludacris released a mixtape called The Preview. His album Theater of the Mind came out on November 24, 2008. Many famous artists like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and T.I. were featured on the album. It debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart. His songs "What Them Girls Like" and "One More Drink" were popular singles from this album.

Ludacris' eighth album, Battle of the Sexes, was released on March 9, 2010. The first song from it was "How Low". The album entered the charts at number one and is now certified gold.

In 2012, Ludacris released singles "Representin" and "Rest of My Life". On May 24, 2013, he released a mixtape called #IDGAF. He also worked with singer Anita Baker on a song about his father.

On October 9, 2014, Ludacris announced his album Ludaversal would be released in March 2015. It was preceded by an EP called Burning Bridges. The song "Good Lovin'" featuring Miguel was the first single from the EP and later from Ludaversal. After some delays, Ludaversal was released on March 31, 2015. It reached number 3 on the Billboard 200.

In March 2017, Ludacris confirmed he was working on his tenth album. He released a new song called "Vitamin D" with Ty Dolla $ign. In 2018, he was featured on country singer Carrie Underwood's song "The Champion". This song was used for the Super Bowl LII and 2018 Winter Olympics.

In October 2020, Netflix ordered his new animated musical children's show, Karma's World. This show was inspired by his oldest daughter, Karma Bridges. Ludacris said he and Karma worked on the show for almost 15 years. The series premiered on Netflix on October 15, 2021. In 2022, Karma's World was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards. Netflix renewed the show for a second season.

In August 2021, Ludacris released the song "Butter.ATL". In December 2022, it was announced that Ludacris would open for Janet Jackson's "Together Again Tour". Ludacris also made a surprise appearance at Usher's Super Bowl LVIII halftime show.

Life Outside Music

Family Life

Ludacris dated model Eudoxie Mbouguiengue from 2009 until they married in 2014. They got engaged in Costa Rica on December 26, 2014, and married the same day. In June 2015, they welcomed a baby girl. In May 2021, Eudoxie announced they were expecting their second child together. Ludacris also has two other daughters from earlier relationships.

In January 2020, Ludacris and his mother and two daughters became citizens of Gabon.

Business Ventures

A special Puma Clyde sneaker with Ludacris's "Disturbing tha Peace" logo

Ludacris founded his own record label, Disturbing tha Peace. He also co-owns a brand of Cognac called Conjure. In 2011, Ludacris launched his own line of headphones called "Soul By Ludacris". He also owns various real estate properties.

In 2006, Ludacris appeared in ads for Puma. Puma released special "Clyde x Luda" sneakers with his image and "DTP" (for Disturbing tha Peace) logo.

In November 2016, Ludacris opened a restaurant called "Chicken N Beer" at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. In December 2023, he became a producer for the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio.

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

In 2011, Ludacris worked with Do Something and Better World Books. They collected books to help libraries in New Orleans. He made a public service announcement to support this book drive.

Ludacris also started the Ludacris Foundation in 2002. The foundation aims to inspire young people through education and positive experiences. It focuses on what Ludacris calls the "3Ls": Leadership and Education, Living Healthy Lifestyles, and LudaCares.

In October 2019, Ludacris was named an artist-in-residence at Georgia State University. He mentors students in the Creative Media Industries Institute. On April 13, 2022, Georgia State University announced that Ludacris would receive an honorary Bachelor of Science degree in Music Management. He received this degree on May 4, 2022, and gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.

Awards and Recognition

Ludacris has won many awards during his career. These include three Grammy Awards for his music. He also won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his acting in the 2004 movie Crash.

In October 2019, Ludacris became an artist-in-residence at Georgia State University. He helps mentor students there. On May 4, 2022, he received an honorary degree from Georgia State University.

What He's Created

Studio Albums

• Incognegro (1999)
• Back for the First Time (2000)
• Word of Mouf (2001)
• Chicken-n-Beer (2003)
• Release Therapy (2006)
• Theater of the Mind (2008)
• Battle of the Sexes (2010)
• Ludaversal (2015)

Soundtracks

• Karma's World Official Soundtrack (2021)

Film Appearances

Television Appearances

Video Game Appearances

Documentaries

Theme Park Attractions

Theater Productions

See also

In Spanish: Ludacris para niños

• List of artists who reached number one in the United States
• List of awards and nominations received by Ludacris