Ludacris & DJ Drama - The Preview

If you have this tape then I'm assuming you already know who Ludacris is so there is no need for an introduction. What are all the Ludacris fans suppose to do until October 2008 when Ludacris drops his 6th solo album, "Theater of the Mind?" I'll tell what you are going to do. You are going to download your free copy of Ludacris and DJ Drama "The Preview!" This is a Gangsta Grillz Mix tape and is offered to you for free all over the Internet and this is the preview before the album.

On the second track Luda comes out spitting over Mike Jones' " Still Tippin." Ludacris has been absent from the scene recently so it's only right he remixes this track into, "Still Spittin." Luda let you know from the beginning of the tape that he is coming back strong and still up to his bragging ways as he says " haters is so cold because I get a hundred grand for one show."

On the next two songs he brings in guest appearances Willie Northpole and Block Xchange. I never heard of these two artist so I didn't expect much. After a listen I realized they may not be on Luda's level just yet but they fit well on these particular songs.

Now the highlight of the mix tape may not even be an actual song. Ludacris gets on track number six with a shot at all the vocoder rappers. If you do not know what a vocoder is then you may want to listen to a number of T.Pain songs. Vocoder basically creates the robotic effect. The more an artist is out of tune then the more the Vocoder works to make your pitch correct. This skit basically pokes fun at artist such as Lil'Wayne, G-Unit, & T.Pain.

The remix to Rick Ross' "I'm the Biggest Boss" on this tape was one that was clever and creative. Ludacris takes the chance to change the hook to what else ? His big behind house ( just check the track listing for the real name). What you take from this song is that Ludacris has the biggest house that you seen thus far but the message of the song isn't what will have Luda fans repeating this selection. It will be the creative effort that makes the remix sound just as good as the original.

Ludacris goes a little political with the track, " Politics As Usual." Ludacris spits, " ..we about to make history / the first black president is destined and it's meant to be...black people it's time to get out and vote / paint the White House black and I'm sure it's got them terrified." I think if your a Barrack Obama supporter, Ludacris fan, or just simply want to hear something interesting then this track is a must hear.

I must say the downfall of this tape is all of the guest appearances. You have the usual like I-20, Lil' Fate, and Shawnna. Newcomers came on the ride this time such as Busta Rhymes,LA the Darkman, Lil Wayne, and Willie the Kid. Playaz Circle makes a few appearances offering their typical delivery and flow showing that they don't deserve to be on a track with Ludacris. I had heard a lot about the track "Pinky Shinin" featuring Small World and I must say this track disappointed me. Supposedly, this track made the cut for the upcoming album but all the bragging on this song just didn't settle good with me.

Ludacris did come strong down the stretch with tracks like " Stay Together, " and " Been Puttin On." I won't give away the secret to the last song but you will be surprised ! I must say Ludacris came with a strong effort with this tape with DJ Drama adding his usual touches throughout the tape. The features may of not always held their own but lets be honest, how many artist usually do when it comes to Ludacris ? I think there is something on here to keep the fans satisfied and to convince new fans to buy the upcoming album. If this is the preview then I can't wait for the main attraction.