Over the past decade, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges has swiftly transitioned from an A-list rapper to a well-liked film star. The Atlanta native’s debut album Incognegro got here in 1999 by way of his personal file label, Disturbing Tha Peace. Def Jam repackaged the album to what followers got here to know as Again for the First Time. This was after Def Jam signed Ludacris to the New York-based label. The file spawned hit singles like “Southern Hospitality” and “What’s Your Fancy.”
Ludacris climbed to the highest of rap royalty together with his subsequent albums and hit singles. He launched seven extra studio albums after Again for the First Time. His Launch Remedy file gained a Grammy for Greatest Rap Album. The lead single “Cash Maker,” that includes Pharrell, additionally gained Greatest Rap Music on the Grammys of the identical yr. Then, he launched Ludaversal in 2015. A few of his fashionable hit information embody: “Space Codes” that includes the late-great Nate Dogg; “Rollout,” “Stand Up,” “My Chick Unhealthy,” and “How Low.” Luda additionally made visitor appearances on Usher’s hit singles “Yeah” and “Lovers and Associates.” Additional, he’s featured on DJ Khaled’s membership banger, “All I Do is Win.”
Bridges is extra acknowledged in Hollywood as a blockbuster actor than a hip-hop artist today. That is largely due to his function within the multi-billion-dollar Quick & Livid franchise. He has appeared in six of the sequels. Luda has additionally signed to seem within the final two movies of the franchise. But, the Quick and Livid Franchise movies are usually not the one films in his filmography. Listed below are among the finest films the “Space Codes” rapper has appeared in thus far.
Finish of the Street (2022)
Ludacris and fellow hip-hop alum Queen Latifah crew up on this Netflix crime thriller, Finish of the Street. The movie was launched on the streaming platform in September 2022. It acquired combined opinions as a consequence of its easy storytelling. Nevertheless, it was a film that showcased the performing vary from Ludacris and Latifah.
Ludacris portrays Reggie, the brother to Brenda (Queen Latifah). She has two youngsters, Kelly and Cam. The household is compelled to relocate from Los Angeles to Houston after Brenda’s husband dies of most cancers. Reggie, who hasn’t fairly put his life so as, joins them to dwell with their mom whereas they get again on their ft.
John Henry (2020)
Ludacris stars alongside Terry Crews on this thriller drama movie. The movie had a restricted theater launch in January 2020. Nevertheless, it was on Netflix that the movie garnered viewership success. It premiered on the streaming platform in Could 2020 and was the second hottest film title at a sure level. Maurice Fadida and Eric B. Fleischman, who produced the film, have expressed curiosity in a sequel after its preliminary success on Netflix.
The movie is loosely primarily based on the folklore of John Henry. Terry Crews performs John, whereas Ludacris portrays his crime-lord cousin, Hell. John can be an ex-member of Hell’s gang. The 2 cross paths after John tries to avoid wasting two immigrant youngsters from the clutches of his crime boss-cousin.
The Journey (2018)
The Journey is a heartwarming impartial drama movie that was launched in 2018. It’s obtainable for viewing on Prime Video. The movie acquired largely constructive opinions upon its launch. Ludacris and Sasha Alexander play an interracial couple (Eldridge and Marianna Buultjens). They resolve to undertake John, a minor initially positioned in juvenile detention after a violent and racially charged incident.
The movie facilities on the couple’s efforts to assist John overcome the challenges of his white supremacist upbringing. Eldridge and John slowly bond over the love of BMX using and excessive sports activities. The household kinds a bond of admiration, mutual respect, and redemption because the movie concludes.
New 12 months’s Eve (2011)
New 12 months’s Eve is a romantic comedy that facilities on a number of {couples} interconnected by their problematic New 12 months’s Eve experiences. The movie is directed by Garry Marshall. It consists of an ensemble forged together with Halle Berry, Jessica Biel Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, and Ludacris. Zac Efron, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sofía Vergara additionally seem.
Ludacris options as Lieutenant Brendan Nolan within the movie. He’s buddies with Claire Morgan (Hillary Swank) and helps her make the ultimate preparations for the well-known New York Metropolis New 12 months’s Eve ball drop. The movie opened at No. 1 on the field workplace and has amassed $142 million worldwide. Critics, nonetheless, weren’t too form to the film, which a number of publications rated as one of many worst. Many recommended it was due to the bloated star-studded forged.
Gamer (2009)
Ludacris co-stars alongside motion film phenom Gerald Butler on this science fiction thriller movie that premiered in 2009. The movie additionally options Terry Crews, who would later be a part of forces with Ludacris for the film John Henry. Gamer is a basic story of how expertise can be utilized to regulate human beings in opposition to their will. After all, there all the time needs to be resistance in such films to create battle. Ludacris performs the character of Brother, the spokesperson and chief of the Humanz. The Humanz is a small group of activists who’re in opposition to mind-controlling expertise.
Hustle & Move (2005)
Former rappers like Will Smith, Ice-T, and Ice Dice have actually paved the best way for rappers transitioning into films. Movie studios are extra snug now than earlier than, bringing hip-hop acts like Ludacris, 50 Cent, and even Quavo into movie franchises. Issues have been slightly tougher within the 2000s and backward. Hip-hop artists, and to some extent, Black actors, needed to accept stereotypical roles to show their skills.
Nevertheless, that sidebar doesn’t diminish the brilliance of Hustle & Move. The movie debuted to rave opinions as a consequence of its course and the performing prowess of Terrence Howard. Ludacris performs the character of Skinny Black. He’s a well-known Memphis rapper who crosses paths with DJay (Terrence Howard). The battle between the 2 ‘alphas’ is transient however plausible. After all, in 2005, Ludacris was already a well-known rapper, which additionally helped ship his scenes with Howard.
Quick & Livid Franchise (2003 – )
The Quick and Livid franchise is a collection of action-packed films that revolve round road racing and worldwide heists. Additionally they have a robust theme of household. The primary sequels centered on the connection between Dominic Toretto, performed by Vin Diesel, and Brian O’Conner, performed by the late Paul Walker. Notable actors like Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Hellen Mirren appeared within the later movies because the franchise grew.
Ludacris performs Tej Parker within the movies. He was initially a road racer/referee and an previous pal of Brian O’Conner. The later sequels painting Tej as a tech genius, often serving to Toretto and Co. hack into varied laptop techniques. He’s regularly paired with Roman Pearce, performed by Tyrese Gibson, to supply comedian reduction.
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