Considered one of the most influential Dirty South artists to gain mainstream success, Ludacris takes the stage on South Padre Island Friday, July 18. Doors open for the show at Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill at 8 p.m.
Recording artist, actor, philanthropist and restaurateur are just a few of the titles given to Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, who first gained worldwide acclaim more than 10 years ago with his debut album “Back for the First Time.”
Ever since that 2000 release, his unrivaled lyrical prowess, dynamic performances and timeless hits including “Stand Up,” “Get Back,”, “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker,” and “My Chick Bad,” have solidified him as one of music’s best entertainers and led to the sale of more than 20 million albums in the United States.
In addition to his commercial success, Ludacris’ consistent output of stellar music has garnered the admiration of his peers, as well as numerous awards and honors including three Grammys.
Dirty South is a name given to Southern hip hop music, a subgenre of American hip hop that emerged in southern cities like New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta, Memphis and Miami.
The music was a reaction to the 1980s flow of hip hop culture from New York City and the Los Angeles area, and can be considered a third major American hip hop genre, after East Coast hip hop and West Coast hip hop.
Originally from Illinois, Ludacris moved to Atlanta when he was 9. His passion for rap sparked early on, and after a brief stretch as a disc jockey, he recorded and released his first album in 2000.
Like many popular artists, Ludacris has invested in philanthropic efforts to benefit youth, including support for book drives in New Orleans and educational programs for younger generations.
In 2010, MSNBC.com named Ludacris, along with other eminent figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffet, as one of today’s most effective influencers on American culture.
