When the music pundits begin compiling a list of this generation’s most innovative music videos, the body of work created by rapper Ludacris deserves to be included in that conversation. In many ways, it would be ‘ludicrous’ not to include him in that discussion (pun intended). After all, Ludacris has consistently stepped up as the one guy in hip-hop who hasn’t been afraid to push the envelope when visually expressing his music.
Despite our best efforts, it was nearly impossible to rank our favorite Ludacris videos, as there are so many to choose from. So, instead of racking our brains trying to figure it out, we decided to go straight to the source by asking Ludacris to rank his own videos. Here’s what he came up with:
1. Number One Spot
“I was having fun the entire day when I was filming the ‘Number One Spot’ video. In this one, I emulated the Austin Powers movies, and had the actual Mini Me [actor Verne Troyer] there with me. I was such a fan of the Austin Powers movies, and to be able to dress up and wear the costumes was a lot of fun. Plus, [the song features] the ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ sample, which was created by Quincy Jones, so that was cool, as well. If you look back at it, anyone that knows me, knows that I like to laugh and I like to have a good time, so you can see that I was having a lot of fun the entire time.”
2. Get Back
“I loved the special effects in this video, especially with me having the big arms. Plus, I liked doing something different by having the ‘healthy’ girls in this video instead of the skinny video models. They were cooking me food on set, and were hugging and kissing me the entire time … it was a beautiful thing.”
3. Stand Up
“I loved this video because of all of the crazy post effects; there was me on the baby’s head and I had the big shoe. It was just a visually stimulating video.”
Now it’s time to hear from you. Do you have a favorite Ludacris video that didn’t make his list? Tell us about it. –dewayne rogers
