Album Preview: Ludacris Unveils “Battle Of The Sexes” At LA Listening Party

Ludacris - "How Low" cover from the album Battle of the Sexes - Island Def Jam

Promised to be a great album that fans won’t be disappointed in, Battle of the Sexes is Ludacris’ 7th studio album, slated to be released March 9th.  To prepare listeners for this epic battle in love, sex, and everything in between, he offered a sampling of what’s to come at a listening party at Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood on January 28.

On first look, the concept sounded great, bringing in female artists/rappers from the past, present, and future such as Eve, Lil Kim, and Nicki Minaj to “battle” out the war between men and women when it comes to love and relationships.  Other artists featured on the album include Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Ciara and Monica, just to name a few.  From the sample of songs played, Ludacris seems to be on a mission to identify the definition of, the differences, the dynamics, and the double standards between males and females.  A large task, but one he’s confident he tackled.

In “Hey Ho” Ludacris and Lil’ Kim shed light on the double standard of men being championed for taking on a number of lovers, while women who do the same are frowned upon and greeted with a, “Hey Ho.”   Not a heavy hitter, but sure to give some shine to Lil’ Kim, who’s been missing in action for quite some time, not having delivered a verse this hot since her first album, Hardcore.  The song and the intended irony in the double-standard, however, did not do much to remove the distastefulness of its title.

“Tell Me Your Secret” is a song about a nice gesture Luda gives to a woman whose affection he attempts to gain.  With the immensely talented Ne-Yo on the hook, this song is sure to draw the ears of women in droves.  The tone in Luda’s delivery is like a whisper in a potential lover’s ear, promising that she can trust him with all her private matters (yes, the intent in this song is very clear).

Up next was “My Chick Bad,” a track featuring the “Harajuku Barbie” rapper on the rise, Nicki Minaj.  While Ludacris and Nicki complement each other very well with their animated lyrical delivery, surprisingly, the track somehow managed to be forgetful among others.

A track that’s sure to get a ton of radio play as Ludacris declared, “one for pop radio,” is “Got A Man” featuring Flo Rida.  Luda, again, positions himself as a man who doesn’t have a problem being a “side piece” for a woman in a relationship.  As he shouts in the simple and direct hook, “I know you got a man,” the song rings with a synthesized melody and background vocals from an unidentified man and woman.  As intended, this song is definitely a club banger.

A real standout that encompasses a dynamic that will have people talking is the track featuring Monica, titled “Can’t Live With Ya, Can’t Live Without Ya.” In this song, Ludacris references his involvement in a relationship in which he’s suffering from an internal battle of love/hate in regard to the woman he loves one moment, but can’t stand in the next.  The track was played only for a few seconds, but the passion delivered from both artists is sure to strike a universal chord with fans; particularly those who’ve experienced relationship woes.  Not sure if his team recognized it, but I believe this one will be an anthem—for both men AND women.

The room was jumping when two of several remixes to his new hit, “How Low” were played.  One featured rap artists Rick Ross and Twista, while the other featured Ciara and Pitbull.  Both remixes are hot, and guaranteed to jumpstart any party.  And based on its popularity among fans as well as his peers, I’m sure this is not the last of the many remixes to be crafted from this song.

The final song shared with listeners was “Sex Room” featuring R&B artist of the moment, Trey Songz.  If the name alone doesn’t speak for itself, the sound of the song will be an instant trip down memory lane for fans of the Ludacris/Usher/Lil Jon hit “Lovers and Friends.”  It capitalizes on that domineering, slow, melodic groove as Luda insists in a verse, “I want your inner freak.”  From the sounds of the seductive track, somebody’s “inner freak” is bound to emerge.

Overall, Ludacris is on a mission to remind his fans exactly why he’s been able to remain in the rap game for a decade… Battle of Sexes is well on its way to being an album audiences and his fans won’t soon forget.