• Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2015
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Apr 9, 2015
    80
    While Ludacris’ name may miss several Best Rapper Alive lists, he never fails to deliver on each album. If Ludaversal is a reminder that he hasn’t fallen off lyrically, the game should pay attention.
  2. Mar 31, 2015
    70
    This is a welcome, snarling, and satisfying return.
  3. Apr 22, 2015
    60
    The problem Ludacris faces is that both sides of him are great to listen to but it inevitably restricts him from making the cohesive magnum opus his career deserves.
  4. Apr 10, 2015
    60
    It's a microcosm for the muddled thinking that holds Ludaversal back.
  5. Apr 7, 2015
    60
    The party anthems (“Lit Up”) aren’t as convincing as they once were, yet his star producers mostly serve him well; only David Guetta steers him wrong.
  6. Apr 2, 2015
    60
    His seemingly unshakeable integrity and forthright spirit in music making shrouds Ludaversal in serious tones, marking a stark departure from the Georgia emcee’s status quo, making this one a novel and welcome addition to his catalog.
  7. Mar 31, 2015
    60
    There's a thin line between owning up to the voracious hunger needed to reach a new level of fulfillment and being trapped by the desperation to regain a title that is no longer his. Ludaversal finds itself somewhere in between.
  8. Mar 31, 2015
    60
    On his first album since 2010, he's still the same elastically flowing shout-rap dirty bird.... At 37, Luda also indulges in some dad-rap introspect.
  9. Mar 31, 2015
    60
    The bum-outs outnumber the bangers by a decisive ratio on Ludaversal, but that speaks to the rapper's comfort in straddling dissimilar topics.
  10. Mar 31, 2015
    58
    Ludaversal offers little originality.
  11. Apr 3, 2015
    53
    Despite production from current-day heavy hitters like Da Internz and Mike WiLL Made It, he still comes off like a relic from the past, the class clown who never quite grew up.
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 48
  2. Negative: 8 out of 48
  1. Apr 6, 2015
    8
    A completely critically underrated album. Ludacris is rapping like he means it, and this album shows that he is a necessary addition to theA completely critically underrated album. Ludacris is rapping like he means it, and this album shows that he is a necessary addition to the rap game. He raps about various topics over the course of this whole album, and the beats are great too. This album isn't necessarily a perfect album (see "Not Long"), but it deserves way more than a 62 as a Metascore. Grade: B+. Highlights: "Beast Mode", "Come and See Me", "This Has Been My World", "Call Ya Bluff". Worst song: "Not Long" Full Review »
  2. Sep 9, 2019
    10
    This is definitely Luda's best and most consistent album, from beginning to end. The flows are on point every song, he is technicallyThis is definitely Luda's best and most consistent album, from beginning to end. The flows are on point every song, he is technically proficient on every verse, regardless of the content, he sounds great. Speaking of the content, this album has some of Luda's most serious topics, he has ever spoken about, a very welcome change for the veteran rapper. Here he raps about, his issues with the industry, confronts the death of his father, his media portrayal and how it affects his personal relationships, etc. How this album only has a score of 63 I will never understand, these critics need to get off their high horses, cause some of the review I read seem like they didn't even listen to the album. I hope Luda continues to drop projects with same type of energy and subject matter, because its simply a pleasure to listen to. Full Review »
  3. Apr 4, 2015
    10
    Most music publications are letting the lack of buzz for this album overshadow the fact that Ludacris just dropped his most CONSISTENT albumMost music publications are letting the lack of buzz for this album overshadow the fact that Ludacris just dropped his most CONSISTENT album since CHICKEN N BEER. This album is better than TRLD, RL, TOTM and BOTS (his worst album).

    His production, flow range, subject matter and overall execution is CONSISTENT from beginning to end. The only thing missing from this album are hit singles (which you don't always need to make a quality LP).

    This album is an easy 4 out of 5, or in Metacritic's case, should be damn near a 70.
    Full Review »