Ludacris invites us into his “Theater of the Mind”

Dave Leonard, NBC5 Street Team, (Video)
Last night a small gathering of Chicago’s industry tastemakers hung out at Plush (1104 W. Madison) and were treated to a sneak preview of the upcoming album, “Theater of the Mind” from multi-platinum rapper/actor, Ludacris.

The exclusive listening party was hosted by “Mr. ATL” himself, much to my surprise, and Def Jam Records. By the time I arrived, which was about an hour into the event, Ludacris was just beginning to introduce tracks from his sixth upcoming studio album which definitely doesn’t dissappoint. I sipped on the tasty sparkling vodka drinks that were being provided by the lovely Nuvo models, while bobbing my head to Luda’s bangin’ album which features a virtual “who’s who” in the hip-hop world.

During the listening session, a montage of Ludacris’ more popular music videos such as “Runaway Love” played on the video monitors in addition to a behind-the-scenes “making of” documentary of his current single “What Them Girls Like” which also features Chris Brown and Sean Garrett and “Undisputed” which co-stars Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Luda frequently stressed that this was a concept album which every song gave you the idea that you were looking at a scene from a movie. Outside of a few technical difficulties on the mic, Luda dropped gem after gem on which sounds to be like a another classic from the Disturbing the Peace camp. Key tracks to look for are the no-brainer club smash, “One More Drink” featuring T-Pain, the adrenaline pumping “Last of A Dying Breed” where Luda and everybody’s favorite “milli”-ionaire, Lil’ Wayne trade verses like true pros. Even Common and film director, Spike Lee, make a cameo on the appropriately titled, “Do The Right Thing”.

Ludacris kicked it until the event came to a close round about 10:30pm or 11pm. Other notables in the house included Luda’s longtime manager, Chaka Zulu, Traci Adams and Michelle Burden from Def Jam, Rawle Stewart (Twista’s manager), G.O.O.D. Music artists GLC & Really Doe and The Cool Kids.

Kudos to Def Jam and the wonderful staff at Plush for putting together an incredible event. “Theater of the Mind” is slated to drop on November 25th.  I give this “movie” a thumbs up!