Ludacris Acknowledges Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole as Key Inspirations for Keeping Him Motivated in His Rap Career
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Ludacris opened up about the newer generation of artists who motivate him to keep rapping. The legendary rapper expressed his admiration for Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, citing their "progressiveness" and "hunger" as significant factors that fuel his own passion for the craft.
“I love J. Cole. I definitely love Kendrick Lamar. Those are probably my top two. I love listening to them. I love how progressive Kendrick is, and Cole, he’s just… it’s the hunger. That’s what I need to motivate me in order to continue going. People like him. And I’ve told both of these individuals this. It’s nothing but love,” Ludacris shared.
During the conversation, Ludacris also touched upon his upcoming project and hinted at new music slated for a 2024 release. While keeping details under wraps, he emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of music and staying authentic to one's experiences.
“We’re still in the beginning stages, but there’s definitely music coming out in 2024. I’m going to keep it tight-lipped for now. Nowadays, you got to do that. Music and rap are all about what you’re going through and what your reality is," Ludacris stated. "And I think as I’ve grown as an individual and evolved as a person, so has the music. You got to talk about what’s real to you. You got to talk about what’s going on. And I think that that’s one of the things; I’ve always been competitive and wanting to evolve with the time. [I] love all of this new stuff that’s coming out.”
Ludacris last released an album in 2015, titled "Ludaversal." The project featured collaborations with notable artists such as Big K.R.I.T, Miguel, Usher, Monica, Rick Ross, Cee Lo Green, and Jason Aldean. "Ludaversal" achieved success on the charts, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. As the Grammy-winning rapper gears up for his next musical venture, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of Ludacris's impactful career.