The first film in the Fast & Furious franchise, The Fast And The Furious, came out in 2001. Back then, it was a simple film about a street racing crew helmed by Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel). But the film made nearly five-and-a-half times more than it’s $38 million budget. This would be the first film in a franchise that has become a pop culture behemoth.
The most recent film, Fast X, is on course to pass $1 billion at the box office and served as an Avengers-esque beginning of the end to the franchise. Furthermore, Ludacris’ first appearance in 2 Fast 2 Furious but became a franchise staple from Fast Five onwards. Tej Parker has become a beloved fan-favorite character. Now the rapper has explained why the franchise is so enduring.
Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast, Ludacris explained the very simple reason behind the long-running franchise. “Arguably these have gotten better and better,” the rapper and actor declared. “To the point where it’s like people just trying to understand how the hell we keep doing this shit. I also hear people say all the time ‘Why do y’all keep doing these movies?’ That’s the dumbest fucking question in the world. I’m gonna tell you why, because no matter what industry we’re in; podcast, music, movies, it’s all about a bottom line. It’s all about how much you spend compared to how much you make. We’re making billions of fucking dollars.”
He continued. “Because if you spend 200 million and you make a billion who the fuck is you gonna tell to stop shooting movies when you’re making 800 muthafuckin million dollars every time,” Ludacris added. “I need people to stop asking that question. Even if you don’t like it, even if you don’t want to watch it, it’s okay. Stop asking that goddamn question that is the answer.” How do you feel about the Fast And Furious franchise? Let us know in the comments. Get all the latest entertainment news here at HotNewHipHop.
The Simpsons has been an American comedy institution for over thirty years. Over the course of 34 seasons, the show has hosted myriad cameos from celebrities of all walks of life. The most recent guest was Lizzo, who made her Springfield debut on the show’s 34th season finale.
From professional athletes to politicians, The Simpsons has shown no signs of stopping when it comes to working with famous folks. While Lizzo certainly made a splash with her appearance, she was by no means the first figure from the world of hip-hop to grace the show. Let’s look at some of the best cameos from rappers on The Simpsons.
A trio of rap iconoclasts made their debut on The Simpsons in 2017 during the show’s 28th season. Snoop Dogg, RZA, and Common were featured in “The Great Phatsby: Part Two.” The two-part episode centered around Mr. Burns seeking revenge on the rap mogul Jay G, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
Mr. Burns, with help from Millhouse (Springfield’s local hip-hop head) attempted to produce a take down track against Jay G. Snoop, RZA, and Common were brought in help elevate the song. However, things didn’t shake out well for Springfield’s most famous miser. Jay G acquired a copy of the song before it could be performed, thus thwarting Burns’ plan.
In the episode “Walking Big & Tall” it is revealed that several towns across the country have the same anthem as Springfield. It turned out that Hans Moleman was the former mayor of Springfield. During his tenure, he bought the song from a salesman who had also sold it to several cities. Moleman didn’t think it would be an issue since people from Springfield never traveled.
Lisa and Bart offer to compose a new anthem. However, in a hilarious cameo appearance, Pharrell Williams also proposes to write the song for Springfield. Of course, he was denied and banished from the town via being tied to a horse. Pharrell musically laments, “Shelbyville rules, Springfield drools!” as the horse gallops away.
4. Sir Mix-A-Lot
“Treehouse of Horror XVII” featured a trio of outstanding horror parodies. However, the most memorable segment was “Married to the Blob.” The tale centered around Homer becoming an insatiable, gelatinous monster and wreaking havoc on Springfield.
During his rampage, Homer gets a taste for eating heavy-set people. He hunts them down to a parody version of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” appropriately titled “Baby Likes Fat.” Sir Mix-A-Lot did not appear in the episode, but he did record the tongue-in-cheek track. It was the kind of self-parody The Simpsons has always been known for.
3. Cypress Hill
The first rappers ever to cameo on The Simpsons were the hip-hop trio, Cypress Hill. Way back in the season 7 episode “Homerpalooza,” the group appeared along side other musical acts like The Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth. However, Cypress Hill had the best gag in the episode.
The rap group was featured backstage of the show’s fictitious music fest, Hullabalooza. Cypress Hill’s gag centered around ordering the London Symphony Orchestra while they were high. The result was a unique version of “Insane In the Brain” that even got Marge bobbing her head.
In the season 16 episode “Pranksta Rap,” Bart found his passion for hip-hop and tried his hand at being an MC. Marge and Homer forbade Bart from attending a benefit rap concert called Murder 4 Life. Bart (being Bart) snuck out to attend the show and found himself on stage with his favorite rapper, Alcatraaaz.
After impressing Alcatraaaz with his rap skills, Bart was taken back home in the rapper’s Hummer limo. During the trip, none other than 50 Cent rolled up next to them. In a wonderful exchange, 50 Cent delivered some self-deprecating humor and admiration for the fledgling MC.
1. Ludacris
“You Kent Always Say What You Want” was an episode about rehabilitating anchorman Kent Brockman after an on-air gaffe. However, the cold open of the episode featured the absolute best rapper cameo The Simpsons has offered.
Ludacris appeared as an anthropomorphic tube of toothpaste named Luda-Crest in an informational dentistry video called “Menace Tooth Society.” Luda-Crest fights off various tooth diseases and raps about oral health. It was as baffling as it was hilarious. Shortly after the video, Ludacris appears again as himself, threatening a dentist with legal action. Of all the rappers who’ve made a cameo on The Simpsons, Ludacris’ appearance was by far the most memorable.
Carmelo Anthony formally announced his retirement from the NBA after beginning his career as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft for the Denver Nuggets — the same draft that saw LeBron James go No. 1.
Melo’s impact was celebrated throughout the music world upon his announcement. Melo’s comments section was predictably full of love from the likes of Juicy J (“Congrats mane!”), Lloyd Banks (“Thanks for everything you’ve done for basketball,” and Rapsody (five rose emojis).
“We’ll done [sic] brother we’ll done [sic] @carmeloanthony Congratulations you deserve all the glory,” Fat Joe wrote to caption an Instagram photo of Anthony during his New York Knicks years.
Nas narrated and reposted an Instagram reel made alongside Jumpman — Fabolous reposted the same reel to his Instagram Story alongside, “Congrats on a hell of a career” — and Metro Boomin simply posted a throwback photo of Nuggets-era Melo posting up the late Kobe Bryant:
King James might be joining Anthony in retirement sooner than previously assumed after the Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the 2023 NBA Playoffs by the Nuggets last night, May 22. But for now, it’s about Melo, who ironically last appeared on an NBA court as a Laker during the 2021-22 season.
“I remember the days when I had nothin’ — just a ball on the court and a dream of something more — but basketball was my outlet,” the 10-time All-Star and future Hall Of Famer said in a video posted to Instagram on May 22. “My purpose was strong, my communities, the cities I represented the pride, and the fans that supported me along the way. I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me Carmelo Anthony.”
He continued, “But now the time has come for me to say goodbye. To the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride. With this bittersweet goodbye to the NBA, I’m excited about what the future holds for me.”
Anthony also explained that he believes his legacy is “more than basketball” and will live on through his son. The video was soundtracked by “All That I Got Is You” by Ghostface Killah featuring Mary J. Blige.
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Atlanta rap legend Ludacris was celebrated on May 18th as he received a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star recognizes his outstanding contributions to both the rap and movie industry, solidifying his status as a multi-talented artist. A Well-Deserved Honor and Gratitude to Supporters Notable celebrities and friends such as LL […]
The past couple of years have been big for hip-hop artists getting stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Missy Elliott got one in 2021, Nipsey Hussle got his in 2022, and even DJ Khaled got one last year. The latest icon to join his contemporaries on Hollywood Blvd. is Ludacris, whose run of hits spanned from 2000 to 2018 and bolstered a career that saw him go from Atlanta underground rap hero to international movie star (Fast X is out now, only in theaters!).
Luda — real name Chris Bridges — was honored in a ceremony on Thursday (May 18) attended by inspirations like LL Cool J and Queen Latifah, his Fast & Furious Family, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and onscreen banter partner Tyrese, and his real family, wife Eudoxie Mbouguiengue, mother Roberta Shields, and four children. According to the LA Times, his eldest daughter Karma told him she was speaking at her school, Spelman College (an aside: It’s so weird that Karma is in college when the children’s TV show based on her, Karma’s World, still has her titular character in grade school), then surprised him at the ceremony, bringing tears to his eyes.
During his speech, Chris took care to thank the two late Hollywood icons who brought him on board the Fast series way back in 2003, John Singleton and Paul Walker, as well as his longtime managers Chaka Zulu and Jeff Dixon. Interestingly enough, the Times notes that Luda’s star bears the motion picture logo instead of the one for music, although, in this writer’s opinion, he deserved it for either. Give him two. And speaking of his music career, he promised that he’d get to work on that 11th album whenever he finds time. Maybe Vin can have Tej put in a coma or something so Luda can get a break.
Ludacris is one of the latest stars to be immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Luda’s star is located at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles and became the 2,756th star.
On hand to join the rapper and actor were Fast & Furious co-stars, Vin Diesel and Tyrese, along with LL COOL J, Queen Latifah, Larenz Tate, Letoya Luckett, Chaka Zulu, and his family and friends.
“When the best days of my life are considered, make sure you put this one in the rankings,” Ludacris wrote on Instagram.
During the ceremony, Luda said, “This means that I’ve made my mark, my own personal history being documented. To be amongst these names is just amazing to me. I’m just so thankful. So, getting a star is a statement, but be clear about this statement, the even bigger statement to me is that we are all interconnected.”
You can see the full ceremony and more pictures below.
Ludacris has become one of the few rappers to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star, numbered 2,756, now belongs to him and is located at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The unveiling of the star was held earlier today and livestreamed online. Ludacris was accompanied by an impressive lineup of supporters, as well. Big names such as LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Vin Diesel, and Tyrese were all in attendance. However, there was a particularly moving moment for the rapper during the ceremony. Legendary Los Angeles radio host Ellen K announced that Luda’s eldest daughter, Karma, would be sharing some thoughts. The rapper had no clue.
“I was fighting tears. Seriously, I was glad that I had my sunglasses on today,” Ludacris said. “That blew me away. Usually, it’s not easy for people to keep certain things from me, but that was 100 percent a surprise. Seems like everybody knew but me! I’m a little pissed off right now. I’m a little mad.” The ceremony came just before the debut of Luda’s new Fast and Furious film, which is set to release tomorrow.
As the ceremony was a celebration of all of Ludacris’ accomplishments, he made sure to thank those who helped him get where he is. The rapper acknowledged and praised his contemporaries and supporters. Furthermore, he emphasized that he owes his success to the collective of individuals who contributed to shaping him into the person he is today. “No matter what people say I can’t do, I will continue to shatter those stereotypes and show people it’s possible in order to make everyone who got me here proud,” Ludacris noted. “Because you all inspire my hard work and dedication to receive this star today. I’m motivated by legacy and history.”
Luda continued to thank those who came to support him during the ceremony. “I’m just so thankful. So, getting a star is a statement, but be clear about this statement, the even bigger statement to me is that we are all interconnected,” he said. “And I am a culmination of the people who showed up for me today believing in me and pushing me to inspire me. So y’all be clapping for me all day I’m gonna need y’all to give yourselves a round of applause. Because I’m nothing without you.” It’s an extremely selfless sentiment on a special day for Luda. What do you think about his comments? Let us know below!
Ludacris is set to return to the silver screen in Fast X this weekend, but could he also be eyeing a return to the recording booth?
In an interview with Tamron Hall, Luda spoke about his recording career, revealing new music will come before the end of the year, and he is targeting a new album for 2023.
“We’re definitely gonna get some music before the end of this year,” Luda said, via a Billboard exclusive. “I would say an album, probably next year.”
He added, “It’s extremely important for me to prove to people that even though I’m doing all this other stuff, make no mistake, I still got it, and I’m still as hungry.”
Atlanta rap legend Ludacris has teamed up with Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats to create a limited edition family game set called Treat. Eat. Repeat. The game set features various games centered around the iconic Rice Krispie Treats snack. Limited Edition Game Set The limited edition game set features games like “Wrapper Rhymes,” where players engage […]
Ludacris and Eudoxie Bridges’s love story has been a rollercoaster ride with its fair share of highs and lows. From their business moves to overcoming infidelities, their relationship has been an interesting one to follow. Ludacris, who holds the titles of a rapper, actor, and entrepreneur, and Eudoxie Bridges, a businesswoman and philanthropist, have been together for over a decade. Like many couples, they faced obstacles that could have broken them apart. However, the couple chose to work through their issues and rebuild their trust.
Their decision to stay together and make their relationship work shows a level of maturity and dedication rare in celebrity relationships. Throughout their journey together, they have shared their thoughts and feelings about their romance, offering insights into what makes their relationship work. We’ll look at Ludacris and Eudoxie’s love story, from their first meeting to where they stand today.
How They Met
Eudoxie and Ludacris attend The 4th Annual Thanksgiving Carnival & Turkey Giveaway on November 23, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
Ludacris and Eudoxie first met in 2008 when the rapper hosted an event for his annual LudaDay Weekend in Atlanta. Eudoxie migrated from West Africa to America to create a better life for herself. Then, the chance meeting with Luda changed everything. The pair began dating, and while they didn’t share details of their romance with the world, their bond strengthened.
Eudoxie also made a surprising revelation in 2018 while celebrating their anniversary. “Today marks 10 years we’ve known each other,” she captioned a social media post. The image showed the couple sharing an adorable kiss. “We met August 30th Ludaday weekend 2008 but don’t get it twisted he didn’t get to kiss these lips until 2009.”
Relationship Troubles
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 01: Ludacris and Eudoxie Bridges attend Jeezy TM-104 Album Release Party at Compound on September 1, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
In 2013, it was revealed that Ludacris had fathered a child with Tamika Fuller, a longtime friend, while he was on a break from his relationship with Eudoxie. The news shocked Eudoxie, who had been with Ludacris for several years at that point. The revelation caused a lot of controversy and negative attention towards the rapper. However, the couple decided to work through their issues and reconciled. Ludacris and Fuller would later engage in a contentious legal war over their daughter.
Despite the setback, Ludacris and Eudoxie’s relationship continued to flourish. In 2014, the couple got engaged on a private plane, and later that same day, they tied the knot in a small ceremony. The happy couple shared the big surprise with their millions of fans on social media.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Cadence Gaelle Bridges, in 2015. Their second arrived in 2021. Ludacris also has three other children from previous relationships, Karma, Cai, and Shaila. That makes the rap icon a father of five girls—the ultimate hip hop “girl dad.”
After weathering the pandemic with their blended brood, Luda and his wife welcomed their latest addition. In the Summer of 2021, Eudoxie gave birth to their second child. “That’s the biggest difference,” Ludacris told Distractify of trying to hold down a bustling household. “We’ve made sure that we’ve kept them busy, as opposed to wandering around the house. In a nutshell, it’s just us being more hands-on with teaching them things that may not be a part of their everyday curriculum in virtual school.” The couple also launched businesses with his children in mind, moving from rap star to acclaimed actor to business mogul.
