Ludacris enjoyed music at an early age and his father, Wayne Bridges exposed him to different genres. So music was a major part of Ludacris’s childhood in Illinois. Also, it was instilled in him by his mother to always go after your dreams and set goals for yourself. His family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia during his high school years. Well, our old friend destiny took over and Atlanta, Georgia was where it all began. Ludacris, stayed focused on his dreams and aspirations. He found himself working with music behind the scenes, as the man that plays the music, as a DJ as Chris Lova Lova at Hot 97.5. Little did Ludacris know that one day his music would be played on that very same station. The station later became known as Hot 107.9, an urban radio station in Atlanta, Georgia. Ludacris and Chaka Zulu, also founded the label called Disturbing tha Peace Records, known as DTP. The label was formed when Ludacris was trying to get a record deal. Fame became his best friend after his release, “Back For The First Time” debut on the Def Jam label. Also, DTP has signed an exclusive deal with Island Def Jam.  Ludacris, was living out his dreams with the right kind of exposure. So much so, that he caught the ear of hip hop producer/rapper Timbaland. Timbaland then produced a beat with Ludacris and recorded a debut on “Phat Rabbit, a track from Timbaland’s album Tim’s Bio: Life from da Bassment. Once again Ludacris wanted to take his music even further. So he decided to release an album called Incognegro independently in 1999. Still staying focused, selling 50,000 copies of his independent project, paid off for Ludacris. He soon was offered a deal through Scarface, Def Jam Records in 2000. A new imprint was created called Def Jam South. Def Jam re-released a newer version of “Back for the First Time,” which put Ludacris on the map as a number one southern rapper. He soon found himself being nominated for a 2002 VMA and performances for awards shows. Ludacris also found himself bitten by the acting bug. You may remember seeing him in The Wash, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Eve (TV series) as the cab driver, Crash, Hustle & Flow, Law and Order, The Heart of the Game (Narrator), The Simpsons and many more. It’s no wonder Ludacris wants to give back to communities. He knows that dreams can become reality. Ludacris said, “I’m 30 years old and I’m still mapping out my dreams and that is one reason I feel I’m successful today.” Sounds like the message from Ludacris is to never stop dreaming and never give up.

The objective was to talk to a select group of students about their dreams, the challenges they face and resources available to them. For this particular town hall discussion the students were selected from Douglas High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Ludacris said, “get the word out because this is going to be an annual event.” “At the Ludacris Foundation, we understand the importance of going back into the communities, said Ludacris.” He even talked about his own childhood experience when George Foreman came back to his community. Ludacris said, he was real young, but he knew Foreman was someone big.” Visits by key figures definitely can have a positive impact. Ludacris says, “it’s important in life to know what you want to do in life and what you are good at.” “Be real with yourself and love yourself.” Roberta Shields, President of Ludacris Foundation also takes a hands on approach, by meeting with the kids and reaching out to them directly. This is a huge effect on young people being around high achievers.

November is National Runaway Prevention Month and Ludacris stands out with his song “Runaway Love,” featuring Mary J. Blige. He is also the recipient of the National Runaway Switchboard’s 2007 Spirit of Youth award and BET Award for Best Collaboration w/Mary J. Blige for the song “Runaway Love.” Ludacris, was inspired to send a message through this song, he has a 6 year old daughter he wants to keep safe. Ludacris says, I have a 6 year old daughter and it is my job as a father to protect and keep her safe.” He also, has the world of runaways in mind letting them know they are not alone. The Ludacris Foundation and the National Runaway Switchoard first teamed up in 2006 for a public education campaign. Switchboard has a crisis hotline that is anonymous, non-judgmental and free. The 1-800-RUNAWAY hotline is available 24-hours a day to runaways and anyone who needs assistance with a runaway. The goals of the program are to increase national awareness of issues facing runaways, increase awareness of supporting programs, and educate people on solutions and to help keep at-risk youth safe and off the streets. The Ludacris Foundation is committed to providing monetary support and donating time in communities at large. Since 2001 TLF has impacted 7000 lives. When Ludacris was asked about the state of the black male population in trouble, he said, “the statistics are out there you can do the research yourself.” If we can bring individuals together, and if I can just change one life, I’ve done my job, but I know we can change more than just one life.” Also, when asked about dreams, Ludacris says, “I’m looking for an entertainer that can sell more records than I ever have.” Ludacris is a success story, still striving for his dreams and having an unselfish heart, by helping others go after their dreams. Center Stage Magazine thanks you for being a part of a working force to change the world.

Check out the live Ludacris video Interview
Videography Courtesy of Sal Columbus –PaPa Razzi Studio

Donza Meagley, Managing Editor, Center Stage Magazine