In 1999, Dru Hill’s Sisqó freaked the charts with his solo smash hit “Thong Song.” While “Got To Get It” had broken into the Top 40, the veteran Baltimore, Maryland singer crossed over in the biggest way by making a simple song about ladies’ lingerie. At the time, Nelly, Lil’ Kim, and 112 were making waves through suggestive songs that could play on radio and video without overtly revealing their real meaning. Sisqó, while not exactly raunchy, did not cover up his fetish or anything surrounding the record’s true meaning. What may have seemed simplistic to some, was a smash hit with audiences familiar with Dru Hill and not.

Within a year, Ludacris emerged with Back For The First Time. In the same label system as Sisqó, Luda’ took it to another level on songs like “What’s Your Fantasy.” A talented MC, ‘Cris was informed by guys like Luke, Sir Mix-A-Lot, and Too $hort in his ability to make raunchy records that never shortchanged on rapping. Crowds rejoiced, and both Ludacris (with Shawnna) and Sisqó contributed a composite of a sexual awakening in urban Pop music in Y2K.

Dru Hill Reunite For The Soul Train Awards & Sound As Great As Ever (Video)

Two years ago today, ‘Cris dropped his eighth album, Ludaversal. A highly introspective release, the DTP founder went to Top 3. For his first single since, Luda’ is back to the type of sounds that got him to Rap’s top stage. “Vitamin D,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, is not about sunshine. Instead, channeling Tim & Bob’s 1999 strings, the song is all about sex. More than thongs, this song is about craving bodies,  endless love-making, and a ton of Ludacris metaphors for making it happen.

Ludacris is taking aim for the mainstream with a song that speaks bluntly to his own 17-year dominance, and ability to keep lyrical Hip-Hop present, while making records that couples globally can thank him for.

5 Years Ago, Ludacris Disproved The Sophomore Slump With Back For The First Time

There are no additional details on Ludacris’ presumed ninth album in the works.