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Ludacris, whose real name is Christopher Brian Bridges, is an American rapper and actor known for his contributions to hip-hop music and his roles in various films.
He was born on September 11, 1977, in Champaign, Illinois, and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began his rap career.
Ludacris gained fame with albums like Word of Mouf and Chicken-N-Beer, showcasing his unique style characterized by comical wordplay and larger-than-life imagery.
In addition to his music career, Ludacris has appeared in movies such as Crash, Hustle & Flow and the Fast and the Furious series, where he played the character Tej Parker.
Ludacris has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, as seen in his commitment to empowering his children to make a positive impact on the world.
| Net worth | $40 million |
| Profession | Actor, rapper |
| Date of birth | September 11, 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
Background
Ludacris was born to African-American parents, Wayne Brian Bridges and Roberta Shields.
He was raised in Champaign, Illinois, where he started rapping at the age of nine.
At the age of nine, Ludacris and his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where his father exposed him to various music genres, including Hip-Hop and Rock.
He attended Banneker High School in Atlanta and later graduated from Georgia State University.
Net worth
Ludacris’ net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.
He has earned his wealth through his successful career in music and acting, as well as his entrepreneurial ventures.
Ludacris began rapping at a young age and released his debut album, Incognegro, in 1999.
His major label debut, Back for the First Time, was released in 2000 and became a massive success, selling over three million copies and earning him a three-time Platinum certification from the RIAA.
Ludacris has since released several successful albums and has won multiple Grammy Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Critics Choice Awards and has a star on the Walk of Fame.
Pepsi endorsement deals
Ludacris has endorsed various brands throughout his career.
One of Ludacris’ endorsement deals was with Pepsi, but it ended in controversy.
In 2002, Pepsi pulled a 30-second commercial featuring Ludacris after Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly called for a company-wide boycott, characterizing Ludacris’ lyrics as “immoral” and a bad influence on youth.
The discontinuation of Ludacris’ ads led to accusations of racial bias when Pepsi decided to run commercials featuring the Osbournes.
In the end, Pepsi agreed to pay $3 to the Ludacris Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, to avoid a hip hop wide boycott.
Despite this failed endorsement deal, Ludacris has continued to endorse other brands.
For instance, he recently penned an endorsement deal with popular peanut butter company JIF, creating a new single along with a hilarious commercial featuring fellow Atlanta rapper Gunna.
Ludacris’ endorsement deals are part of a broader trend in marketing, where companies use celebrities to influence the purchase decision of consumers and increase their sales and market shares.
Soul by Ludacris
Soul by Ludacris is a headphone brand that competes with Beats by Dre, offering a range of models including SL300, SL150 and SL100.
The SL300 model, priced at $299, competes with Beats Studio headphones but has colored and loose sound quality compared to alternatives like Skullcandy Mix Master or Bose QuietComfort 15.
The SL150 model, priced at $199, is a good option among Soul, Beats, and 50 Cent headphones, offering a warm sound and portability, with alternatives like Skullcandy Aviators and House of Marley Exodus.
The SL100 model, priced at $149, has decent bass but lacks overall sound quality, with alternatives like Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviators or House of Marley Exodus recommended.
The Soul by Ludacris headphones are known for their stylish design, comfort, and features like noise-canceling technology.
The SL300 model offers advanced driver and circuitry design for balanced audio, wireless connectivity, and active noise-canceling technology.
Users appreciate the sound quality, comfort, and value of these headphones, although opinions vary on performance and size.
The SL150 model is praised for its bass-heavy sound profile, making it suitable for genres like Pop, R&B, Reggae and Hip-Hop, with comparisons favoring its sound quality over Beats Solo HD headphones.
Conjure Cognac
Ludacris is the co-owner and creator of Conjure Cognac, a premium cognac brand.
Conjure Cognac was introduced by Ludacris to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of Consejo Regulador del Tequila, a significant milestone in the world of spirits.
The brand is a testament to Ludacris’ entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to providing quality products to his fans and consumers.
Cognac, a type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France, has gained popularity in the black community, partly due to its association with luxury and status.
Ludacris’ involvement in Conjure Cognac has contributed to this trend, as the brand has become a symbol of sophistication and success for many consumers.
The popularity of cognac, particularly among African Americans, can be attributed to various factors.
One reason is the historical association of cognac with affluence and prestige, which has made it a desirable drink for those seeking to express their success and status.
Additionally, the unique flavor profile and smoothness of cognac have made it a popular choice for those looking for a premium drinking experience.
Chicken + Beer restaurant
Ludacris ventured into the culinary world by opening his Chicken + Beer restaurants.
These establishments, located at airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and LAX, offer a unique dining experience.
The concept behind Chicken + Beer revolves around serving Southern soul food, including dishes like chicken and waffles, paired with a selection of local and independent beers.
The restaurants aim to provide travelers with a taste of Southern comfort food and a variety of beer options, creating a distinctive and enjoyable dining atmosphere for those passing through the airports.
Ludacris’ foray into the restaurant business has been well-received, with patrons looking forward to trying out this innovative dining concept during their layovers or travels
Car collection
Ludacris has a diverse and impressive car collection that includes luxury, sports and classic vehicles.
His favorite car is a 1993 Acura Legend, which he bought as a used car for $30,000 and has been involved in an accident and restored by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles.
Ludacris also owns a 2017 Acura NSX, a supercar with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine that produces 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In addition to the Acura NSX, he owns a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, a luxurious SUV with Nappa leather massage seats, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and a starting price of over $200,000.
Ludacris also owns a 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia, a high-performance sports car with a 4.5-liter V8 engine that produces 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
His car collection also includes a Ford GT, a classic American sports car with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine that produces 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed manual transmission.
Ludacris also owns a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, a luxury convertible with a 6.75-liter V12 engine that produces 453 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Another high-performance sports car in his collection is a McLaren MP4-12C, which has a 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces 592 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Ludacris also owns a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, which has a 5.2-liter V10 engine that produces 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
His car collection is estimated to be worth around $3 million, reflecting his success and passion for cars.
He has shown off his Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 on his Instagram, and gifted a Range Rover Sport to his daughter on her 16th birthday.
The Range Rover Sport has a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Real estate
In 2013, Ludacris purchased a home in Hollywood Hills for $4.8 million, boasting five bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, four fireplaces, a home theater, a wine cellar and an infinity-edge swimming pool.
He also owns a condo in the same building in West Los Angeles, which he listed for sale at the same price as the one he previously sold for $879,000.
In Atlanta, Ludacris owns a house in the Cliftondale Neighborhood, offering a serene and private atmosphere with unique rooms such as the “swamp” hallway and a kitchen reflecting his diverse culinary interests.
His former Westside penthouse in Los Angeles, featuring hardwood floors, walls of windows and balconies with city views, was listed for $1.178 million.
Music career
Ludacris’ music career began with his debut album, Incognegro, in 1999, which he released independently before signing with Def Jam South.
His major breakthrough came with the album Back for the First Time in 2000, featuring hits like What’s Your Fantasy and Southern Hospitality.
Ludacris continued to release successful albums like Word of Mouf, Chicken-N-Beer and Release Therapy, the latter earning him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2006.
Apart from music, Ludacris has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Crash, Hustle & Flow and the Fast and the Furious franchise.
Throughout his career, he has maintained a dynamic presence in both the music and film industries, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Private jet
Ludacris purchased a second private jet to celebrate his accomplishment of receiving an honorary degree from Georgia State University.
This is not his first private jet, as he previously owned a Hawker 700, which is worth around $20 million.
The new jet, which he introduced on Instagram, has a black exterior and comes with a kitchen on board and three living areas, including eight beige leather seats and two sofas that could seat three people each.
The cabin also seems to include another area that possibly includes a bed.
The model and brand of the new jet have not been disclosed, but it is speculated to be a 14-passenger 1984 Dassault Falcon 900, tail number G-HMEI, which was completely refurbished in 2013.
Ludacris captioned the video of his new jet with “Bought myself a little graduation gift. #familyupgrade #motivation”.
Acting career
In addition to his music career, Ludacris has had a successful acting career.
He made his first significant cinematic appearance in 2 Fast 2 Furious, the second installment of the popular Fast & Furious franchise, playing the character of Tej Parker.
He has reprised this role in six Fast & Furious movies, becoming a mainstay of the series.
Ludacris’ character has evolved from a former street racer to a key figure in the action-packed narratives.
Beyond the Fast & Furious franchise, he has showcased his versatility in various genres, including comedy and animation.
In Fred Claus, he brought his unique charm to the comedy genre, and in New Year’s Eve, he held his own alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
In Show Dogs, Ludacris lent his voice to a Rottweiler police dog, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different forms of acting.
He has also made appearances in television shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, So You Think You Can Dance and The Simpsons.
Ludacris has also served as a host, judge, and co-host in various shows and events.
Throughout his acting career, he has been praised for his performances, although he has not won any major acting awards.
Ludacris’ most critically acclaimed film is Crash, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
He has also done voice acting, as seen in Show Dogs, where he voiced a character.
Awards
Ludacris has won 11 awards and has been nominated for 68 awards in total.
In terms of music awards, he has won 6 Grammy Awards, 5 BET Awards, 3 VMAs and 1 Screen Actors Guild Award.
His Grammy Awards include Best Rap Album for Release Therapy in 2007, Best Rap Song for Money Maker in 2007, and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for Yeah! in 2005.
In addition to music awards, Ludacris has also been recognized for his acting roles. He received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his role in the film, Crash, in 2006.
He has also been featured on Justin Bieber’s hit single Baby, which became one of the highest-certified singles of all time in the US and gained international success.
In 2017, Ludacris confirmed that he was working on his tenth studio album.
He also hosted YouTube’s Best.Cover.Ever show in 2017 and was featured on country singer Carrie Underwood’s single, The Champion, in 2018.
In 2018, he received three nominations and one win at the 2018 CMT Music Awards. He also received three nominations for his children’s television series, Karma’s World, at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards.
Ludacris has also been involved in various business ventures, including his own record label, Disturbing tha Peace, and his involvement in the drink industry.
Philanthropic efforts
Ludacris is deeply committed to philanthropy, with a focus on giving back to the community through various initiatives.
His philanthropic efforts include providing scholarships for higher education, organizing annual events like Ludacrismas to bring joy to underprivileged children with gifts and food, and promoting safe driving habits through his Ludasafe initiative.
Additionally, Ludacris actively supports charitable causes, such as providing assistance during crises like Hurricane Katrina, partnering with organizations like Artists for Peace and Justice, and contributing to children’s theater projects.
His dedication to inspiring youth through education, community outreach programs and scholarships showcases his strong commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Personal life
Ludacris is married to Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, and together they have four children.
Their children include Cadence Gaelle Bridges, Chance Oyali Bridges, Cai Bella Bridges and Karma Christine Bridges.
Ludacris also has an eldest daughter named Shaila Scott from a previous relationship.
Eudoxie and Ludacris have been candid about their family life, including overcoming challenges like a tragic miscarriage.
Ludacris has expressed his dedication to being a hands-on parent and husband, especially during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of family bonding and teaching his children valuable life lessons.
