Ludacris goes gold with "Battle of the Sexes"

By    |  
Jun 14, 2010

Ludacris Strikes Gold Again With Battle of the Sexes

Atlanta’s own Ludacris proves once again why he’s a staple in hip hop with the commercial success of his latest project, Battle of the Sexes. In just over three months since its March 9 release, the album has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking Luda’s eighth consecutive gold album. With this milestone, Ludacris not only extends his unbroken run of RIAA-certified releases, but he also reclaims his passion for the rap game after a brief period of disinterest.

With three hit singles, contributions from hip hop’s leading ladies, and chart-topping sales, Battle of the Sexes signals a powerful return to form for one of Southern rap’s most charismatic figures.

A Comeback Rooted in Authenticity

For Ludacris, Battle of the Sexes isn’t just another album—it’s a personal and professional turning point. Following the lukewarm reception of Release Therapy and a film-heavy schedule, Ludacris found himself questioning his connection to music. Although he dropped Theater of the Mind in 2008, it was clear his heart wasn’t fully in it. The hunger that once drove him to release albums annually had dimmed.

But with Battle of the Sexes, that hunger returns. The album revives the comedic punchlines, lyrical agility, and Dirty South swagger that made Ludacris a household name in the early 2000s. And now, with another gold plaque on the wall, it’s clear the fans have welcomed his resurgence with open arms.

From Collaboration to Solo Statement

Battle of the Sexes was originally intended to be a joint album with longtime collaborator and former Disturbing tha Peace (DTP) labelmate, Shawnna. The project had been in discussion since 2007 and was supposed to highlight a lyrical back-and-forth between male and female perspectives in hip hop.

However, as Ludacris began work on the album in 2009, Shawnna had other plans. In the midst of talks with T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment, she ultimately stepped away from the project. Disappointed but undeterred, Luda pressed forward and reshaped Battle of the Sexes into a solo endeavor, transforming the void into an opportunity.

Rather than abandon the album’s central concept, Ludacris recruited a powerhouse lineup of female artists to deliver the “battle” dynamic. Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, Eve, Trina, and Monica each contribute verses, helping maintain the album’s thematic core while showcasing the talent of women in rap.

“It’s such a male-dominated industry that I feel like females need more of a voice,” Luda explained in a recent interview. “I got records where I’m talking about women… and where women are talking back to me.”

Chart-Topping Singles Push the Album Forward

The commercial success of Battle of the Sexes is fueled by a trifecta of standout singles:

  • “How Low:” A platinum-certified club anthem and the album’s lead single. Its infectious hook and signature Luda delivery pushed it to the top of urban radio and cemented it as a party favorite.
  • “My Chick Bad” featuring Nicki Minaj: A lyrical volley that introduced Nicki to a wider audience while reinforcing Ludacris’s versatility. The track charted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, hit #2 on the Rap and R&B charts, and became a crossover hit.
  • “Sex Room” featuring Trey Songz: The newest single to hit radio, blending sensual R&B with Ludacris’s sultry wordplay. It’s already climbing the charts, and fans are responding to the chemistry between the two artists.

Together, these singles represent the album’s careful balance between street grit, mainstream polish, and male-female interplay—a blend that has resonated with audiences nationwide.

An Unmatched Streak of Success

With Battle of the Sexes reaching gold status, Ludacris joins Lil Wayne as the only other rapper to release a gold-certified album in 2010. It’s a feat that places him in elite company and continues his unbroken streak of successful albums, stretching all the way back to his 2000 Def Jam debut, Back for the First Time.

Every album Ludacris has released—from Word of Mouf and Chicken-n-Beer to Release Therapy and Theater of the Mind—has met or surpassed the RIAA’s gold benchmark. It’s a testament to his consistency, fan loyalty, and commercial appeal across a decade of evolving trends.

Career Revival or Career Peak?

Some are calling Battle of the Sexes Ludacris’s best work in years. For a veteran rapper who had seemingly drifted toward Hollywood, the album feels like a career revival. But for Ludacris, it may very well be a career peak—one that blends maturity, creativity, and raw hunger in equal measure.

Having already made his mark on film with standout roles in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Crash, and Hustle & Flow, Ludacris is now using this album to remind audiences that his rap legacy is still being written. And with three Grammy Awards and now eight gold albums to his name, that legacy is only growing stronger.

Entrepreneurship and Beyond

Outside of music, Ludacris continues to thrive as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. His business ventures include:

  • Disturbing tha Peace (DTP): The label he founded that launched careers and helped shape Southern hip hop.
  • Straits Restaurant: An Atlanta-based Asian fusion restaurant launched in 2007.
  • Conjure Cognac: A premium liquor brand Ludacris introduced in 2009.
  • The Ludacris Foundation: A nonprofit organization founded in 2001 focused on youth empowerment and community outreach.

These efforts reflect Luda’s evolution—not just as an entertainer, but as a cultural force and business mogul.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ludacris?

Now that Battle of the Sexes is certified gold, fans are wondering what’s next. Will there be a follow-up? A full return to touring? Another collaborative project? Or perhaps more acting?

One thing is clear: Ludacris has reawakened his passion for music, and Battle of the Sexes proves that he’s far from done. With renewed energy and momentum, Luda stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation, ready to take whatever steps come next.

What comes next remains to be determined. However, what happens now is Luda adding another gold plaque to his collection.