Southern Hospitality

Ludacris Was Surprised That “Southern Hospitality” Was A Hit

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Ludacris has let fans in on a surprising tidbit about one of his biggest hits. The rapper recently appeared on the All The Smoke podcast hosted by Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. There, Ludacris dropped a surprising revelation about one of his chart-topping hits. Despite his successful career, he admitted that the song “Southern Hospitality” from 2000 took him by surprise. Apparently, it was initially created as a rush job to complete an album.

Luda shared that the track was produced at the eleventh hour to revamp his independent album, Incognegro. This was for his major label debut, Back For the First Time. He credited Pharrell and Chad, known as The Neptunes, for their ability to deliver a hit even at the last minute. Luda then reflected on the creative process. The rapper-turned-actor explained that when he first heard the beat, he vibed with it and thought it was cool. However, he didn’t anticipate the song’s immense success. “I did not know that it was the hit that it became,” Luda said.

Luda On Why He Isn’t Given Credit As a Lyricist

Recalling the writing process, Ludacris mentioned sitting in his car in the studio parking lot, penning lyrics to the instrumental freshly cooked up by Pharrell and Chad. Although he felt it was good, he admitted that others around him believed the record had the potential to be a huge hit. Ludacris also reflected on why some people don’t seem to give him credit as a lyricist.

“JAY-Z was one of the ones that said, you know, he don’t think I get the lyrical credit that I deserve because of the visuals,” Luda revealed. “People ask me, ‘Why don’t you think get the credit?’ Because I played too goddamn much, that’s what I do! And I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s why my name is Ludacris, because it’s beyond crazy, it’s wild, it’s ridiculous.” Regardless, Luda has had a larger than life career and an insane amount of success. What do you think of the new revelations in the interview? You can check it out above and let us know in the comments below!

Ludacris Had No Clue ‘Southern Hospitality’ Would Be ‘The Hit That It Became,’ According To The ‘Fast X’ Star

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Before Ludacris starred in box office films such as Fast X, he was one of the most impactful Southern rappers. Although his Hollywood Walk Of Fame star is credited to his lengthy filmography credits, he hasn’t forgotten the big music shoes he left behind. However, there are pockets of success that he had as an artist that still shocks him.

During a sit-down with All The Smoke podcast hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, he reflected on his biggest hits, including his single “Southern Hospitality.” Co-produced by Pharrell Williams, Ludacris did not expect the 2000 song would take off the way it did.

“If anybody can give you a hit at the last minute, it’s Pharrell, Chad, and The Neptunes. He throws on this beat, and I’m vibing to it. I’m thinking it’s cool. I’m not like thinking, ‘This is a hit… I did not know that it was the hit that it became,” exclaimed the entertainer.

The track was eventually revamped from its appearance on his independent album, Incognegro. Then, after a few tweaks, it was promoted as the second single on Ludacris’ major label debut album, Back For the First Time via Def Jam Records.

Watch the full interview above.