Jay-Z and Ludacris, who occasionally collaborate, may be seen as operating in different lyrical styles by many. However, Jay-Z believes this assumption to be false. Recently, the rap legend from Illinois, but with roots in Atlanta, appeared on the All The Smoke podcast hosted by Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes.
During their conversation, they eventually discussed Ludacris‘ extravagant and iconic music videos, which have been a defining aspect of his illustrious, influential, and chart-topping career. The 45-year-old rapper recalled a conversation with Jay-Z where the latter told him that his focus on visuals caused people to overlook his skills as an MC. Nevertheless, Ludacris expressed that he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It was big,” Ludacris remarked of his early MV ambitions, which led to a successful acting career later on. “But there was a drawback because even JAY-Z said, you know, he doesn’t think I get the lyrical credit that I deserve because of the visuals.” ‘Why don’t you believe you receive the credit?’ people ask. That’s what I do since I’ve been playing much too much! And it wouldn’t be any other way for me. That’s why my name is Ludacris, because it’s insane, wild, and absurd. I enjoy post-effects and enhancing reality, as well as big-ass shoes with big-ass chains and bobble heads. So I understand; I can’t be furious at it. I just have to show the multi-faceted aspects of myself and I actually love that.
“I want to say like half a mil, something like that,” Ludacris responded to a question about his biggest music video budget. “Maybe it inched up to that $600,000. But you hear about when Diddy and Ma$e did the $1 million videos, it was a couple of those. I think Wu-Tang, that ‘Triumph’ video, Steve Rifkind said he did a million. I never made it to the million category, I never wanted to do that, but I did about half of that.”
Ludacris’ Complete Interview on All The Smoke
This certainly isn’t the first instance where the iconic New York artist has acknowledged deserving talent, although last time it was directed towards the newer generation. Jay-Z showered praise upon Vince Staples’ recent album “Ramona Park Broke My Heart” for its storytelling and creativity. Coming from one of the greatest figures in hip-hop, recognition from Jay-Z holds immense significance. But then again, why did we ever question the lyrical prowess of Velvet Jones in the first place? In any case, remember to return to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Jay-Z and Ludacris.