Ludacris Is Independent Now But He Still Knows How To Make A Def Jam (Video)

Going into 2017, Ludacris appeared to be the most tenured act on Def Jam Records. Signed to Def Jam South back in 2000 when Scarface ran the short-lived label offshoot, Luda’ since released eight albums and two compilations with the label, dating back to Y2K’s Back For The First Time. Four of those LPs have gone multi-platinum, with another going single, and two reaching gold. Since the days before he was a mainstream actor, the Atlanta, Georgia-based superstar has been a major label juggernaut. However, unlike so many peers, Ludacris started out independently with 1999’s Inconegro.

It has been confirmed that Ludacris is independent again. On The Breakfast Club (posted below), the Disturbing Tha Peace MC announced, “I’m a free agent at this moment. I started out independent; I’m just going back to my roots,” he says, admitting he’s “testing the waters out” too. As competitors decide to open the checkbooks, Ludacris makes song that the fans get their deposit.

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Ludacris drops the first indie visual. “Vitamin D,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, is textbook Chris Bridges. The MC makes a song that sheds light on what he likes to do in the bedroom. Naturally, the video fits right into canon of Luda’ videos (scantily-dressed women, charming the camera, flexing his status, etc.). He and Ty bask in their glory, as they prescribe “vitamin D” injections with a staff of alluring nurses. Even independent, this visual matches the high production value Ludacris vids have been known for, 17 years and counting.

In today’s interview, ‘Cris also reveals that Sisqó has cosigned this very apparent homage to 1999’s “Thong Song.” In the T.B.C. appearance, the DTP founder also suggested that the Dru Hill artist (who was himself in the Def Jam family alongside Luda’) may have to appear on a forthcoming remix.

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It appears that Jeezy, whose platinum Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 released in 2005, may now be Def Jam’s most tenured act.

#BonusBeat: Ludacris speaking about being independent:

It is after the 23:00 mark.