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Ludacris fans will soon be staring down in disgust (as Luda seems to be doing on his cover art) when they realize that only thing he released this time lies in the dumpster of an unfortunate barbershop. Those trademark braids have been replaced by a new haircut, complete with hairlines that were obviously drawn-on with a sharpie. It's the songs that could really use a sharpie moment here.

Remember when being Ludacris was synonymous with being Atlanta's hip-hop ambasaddor, second only to OutKast?


Neither do I. Despite having sold millions of records over the years, Luda has had to share the limelight with other ATL-iens: Lil Jon, Dem Franchize Boys, Young Jeezy, and, of course, T.I. He's even faced some stiff competition from Chris Bridges, the dazzling actor who was part of a Screen Guild Award-winning "Crash" crew.

Angry that no one's given him the No. 1 spot yet, Luda adds yet another venomous intro to his catalog, his wordplay as slick as ever. "They say I'm up to no good, but I'm down for the cause," quips 'Cris on "Warning (Intro)." That No. 1 spot couldn't be more elusive now, as the rest of Release Therapy falls apart quickly.

For a man who celebrated his 29th birthday on September 11, 2006, you would expect a more mature disposition on album 5. Instead, Luda permeates Release Therapy with formulaic radio jingles like "Girls Gone Wild" and the R.Kelly-assisted "Woozy," which truly lives out its name. (Were you saying something about "Money Maker"?) Considering the fact that Luda has mastered the Art of Crafting Party Tunes, an excruciatingly lifeless track like "Money Maker" is proof that Mr.

Bridges has lost grip on his forte, for what it's worth.

Of course, there are flashes of brilliance on Release Therapy. Like, the Biggie-inspired "Grew Up a Screw Up" with Young Jeezy. Luda bobs and weaves his scintillating flow, while Jeezy brilliantly name-checks the entire Disturbing Tha Peace roster. "War with God," his reply to T.I.'s "I'm Talking to You," finds the D.T.P. General raising hell without raising his voice. But, by the time Bishop Eddie Long arrives to save the day on the tediously elongated closer, "Freedom of Preach," you've already heard it all.

Top Tracks

• "Grew Up a Screw Up"
• "Tell It Like It Is"
• "War with God"