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The Red Light District

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 16 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 21 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Def Jam
Release Date: 07 December 2004
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Rap
Summary
Trick Daddy, Nate Dogg, DMX and Nas guest on the latest from the Atlanta-based rapper, with production from Timbaland, among others.
Also By This Artist: Chicken & Beer Release Therapy Theater Of The Mind Word Of Mouf
Also On The Web: Ludacris @ Def Jam
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The Onion (A.V. Club)
In spite of a few missteps, The Red Light District marks the first time he's put all the elements together and delivered a great album.
Read Full Review >ShakingThrough.net
Yes, there's a fair amount of filler here... But District packs a number of bouncy, accessible car-radio stocking-stuffers.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times
Ludacris includes thoughtful rhymes on "Child of the Night" and "Hopeless," but his humor is still his biggest asset and the reason he commands respect. [15 Dec 2004]
Amazon.com
Red Light District has its share of filler, but, track for track, Ludacris still delivers satisfaction.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
As on his previous records, then, things taper off some after the opening fusillade of characteristically quiet introspection, but there's still a generous helping of fantastic fun to be had over the 15 tracks and obligatory skit; certainly enough to make Red Light District better than Chicken And Beer.
Read Full Review >New Musical Express
If you like loud choruses, ceaseless energy and the bug-eyed extremities of crunk, look no further. [15 Jan 2005, p.43]
Mojo
It's business as usual. [Mar 2005, p.106]
Dot Music
Despite the clichéd lyricism and patchy production in places, "Red Light District" contains enough strength and fun to remain an enjoyable and uplifting ride.
Read Full Review >cokemachineglow
So, Ludacris is still a distance from a definitive, unmatched hip hop statement, but I’m content with his glaciered pace and middling “a-a-a-a-b-b-b-b-etc” frame. It’s just too much damn fun to pass up.
Read Full Review >E! Online
Some of the posturing gets a little wearisome after a few rounds, but whatever, we like where the neighborhood's headed.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
Luda hasn't slipped into the complacent lap of luxury as deeply as some of his fellow platinum contemporaries, but it's evident that he's not as hungry as he once was.
Read Full Review >Vibe
Subpar sonically... Red Light doesn't push toward something greater. [Feb 2005, p.138]
Blender
A letdown after Chicken-N-Beer. [Jan/Feb 2005, p.111]
Entertainment Weekly
[Ludacris] largely trades in his playful personality for an unbecoming tough-guy posture. [10 Dec 2004, p.93]
The New York Times
Everyone's always complaining about how CD's have too much filler, but this one could use a little more: more big-name guests, more novelty songs and, most of all, more slow jams. It's that rare hip-hop album that might have been better if it had sounded more like a mixtape. [13 Dec 2004]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 7.7 (out of 10) based on 21 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
kyle l gave it a10:
he has much talent and artistic abilities... i love his song blueberyy yum yum.. it gives such a spark into the night.. esspacially when your bored and are hungry for some music. i can listen to it all night long.. no doubt. im listening to it right now!
Vanessa E gave it a10:
I think his cd is off the hook......my favorite...favorite songs on his cd is "pimpin all over the world" and "blueberry yum yum"! But all his songs are good. I cant believe people are hatin so hard on his cd....his cd is off the hook and he is my favorite rapper....he is so creative and different and i hope he continues it !
rburp gave it a10:
i love every song on this cd. my friend and i can sit and listen to it over and over again for hours. i especially like child of the night and blueberry yum yum.
Aunty M gave it a9:
It is amazing to me that this is a man who is not yet 35, came from a less than friendly environment, is called a cookie-cutter variety rap-artist, but still manages to sell, and sell, and sell what he makes. Ludacris is one of those artists who is not afraid to expand his talent and venture into places where others would not dare. He deserves to be praised rather than have untrue and downright mean and spiteful things said about him. This is a young, talented artist. THere are not too many of those around. Be glad that in a time when there are too many critics with too many things to downplay, there are still a few artists who could not care any less than they do about what said critics are saying about them. Very simply, they choose to move forward, giving great and entertaining music to the masses.
[Anonymous] gave it a7:
I don't know why people are hating so much on this Cd, its really not that bad. Not as good as Chicken and Beer, though. Keepers: Intro, Number One Spot, Get Back, The Potion, Spur of the Moment, Virgo. Skip the other songs
aaron gave it a10:
da album was hot i dont know y people r ahtin for its was fire
B.O. Braxton gave it a10:
awesome. i love child of the night, hopeless, pimpin, spur of the moment
