The Acura Legend, alongside Beemers, Benz Wagons, Cadillac Escalades, Lincoln Navigators, and a host of other vehicles has been name-dropped throughout Hip-Hop’s history, particularly during the 1990s through present day. From A Tribe Called Quest’s 1991 “Jazz” (“Boomin’ in ya Jeep or ya Honda or ya Beemer or ya Legend or ya Benz”) to Biggie’s 1994 “Juicy” (“now my mom pimps a Ac’ with minks on her back”) to Jay Z’s 2006 “30 Something” (“By twenty-two I had that brand new Ac’ coupe”), to Thurz’ 2012 “Acura Legend” (“That dope boy aura was a weapon in that Acura legend”), the car has been a mainstay in many eras. In fact, the car became such a popular choice for American consumers, the sedans are more and more difficult to find, and even more expensive than 2015 models of other vehicles, in many cases. Only produced from 1986-1995, the car’s lifespan dovetails quite perfectly with Hip-Hop’s maturity into mainstream visibility, and it’s probably a certainty that many MCs, DJs, and producers once drove an Acura Legend. Ludacris still does.

As many fans of his may know, it was in his 1993 Legend that Luda penned the lyrics to some of his future’s biggest hits, including “How Low,” “Move Bitch,” and “Stand Up.” Purchased in ’96, it’s his car of choice when he’s cruising around Atlanta, and while he also owns several other more expensive rides, there’s no questioning it’s the Ac’ that holds the most sentimental value. His beloved Legend was totaled in an accident in 2014, and when word got to Acura’s local headquarters, they presented the Grammy-winning rapper with a molasses-sweet deal. According to Mashable, “Over the span of two months, Acura Design Studio employees painstakingly restored the car inside and out,” but what he got in return wasn’t exactly the same car he had before. “[Its] design studio team lowered the car by two inches with some H&R sport springs and bolted up a set of 18-inch Rays wheels wrapped around Bridgestone Potenza High-Performance tires. Those bronze-colored wheels are backed by custom high-performance brakes, which are likely far more powerful than the rebuilt original 3.2-liter, 230-horsepower V6 engine.” No diamond in the back, but rollout ready.

For Acura Heads who live in Las Vegas (or those willing to travel), Luda’s fresh and clean Legend is on display at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) in Sin City this week. Check out the entire story of the car’s makeover by visiting “Acura just restored an influential piece of hip-hop history, Ludacris’ 1993 Legend” at Mashable.