Ludacris Hints at New Music and Album After Taking a Break from Rap

"Dashing Through The Snow" Atlanta Screening
"Dashing Through The Snow" Atlanta Screening | Paras Griffin/GettyImages

Ludacris, the iconic rapper and Fast and Furious luminary, has made a comeback splash after an eight-year hiatus from the music scene. He recently, spilled the beans on his musical endeavors, hinting at the release of a brand-new album in 2024 and the potential drop of a single later this year.

Having shifted his focus to acting, philanthropy, and family life since his last album, Ludaversal, in 2015, Ludacris opened up about his creative journey and what lies ahead. He assured fans of both a single and a full-length album, emphasizing the importance of stepping back to live life and gather experiences for inspiration.

"We're definitely gonna get some music before the end of this year," Luda shared in a Billboard exclusive⁵. "Sometimes you gotta step back and live some life in order to have experiences to be able to come back and talk about. That's exactly what I've been doing."

In a musical teaser, Ludacris dropped a new track, 'Butter ATL,' on his YouTube channel, showcasing his signature flow with an unconventional hook for his standards. The song pays homage to his roots in Atlanta and his online platform, Butter, which highlights the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the city⁴.

Fans are anticipating Ludacris's return, recognizing him as a highly influential and versatile rapper. Renowned for collaborations with artists like Usher, Pharrell, Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj, Ludacris has also left an indelible mark on the silver screen in movies such as Crash, Hustle & Flow, and the Fast and Furious franchise.

Ludacris joins a cohort of rap veterans making a musical comeback, with Dr. Dre reportedly working on new material alongside Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Nas, who released an album in 2018 after a six-year hiatus, is also gearing up for another project. E-40 also announced a comeback.

Confident in his enduring impact on the rap game, Ludacris dismisses concerns about competing with the younger generation, opting instead to inspire and showcase his unparalleled skills.

"I'm not here to compete with anyone, I'm here to complement and to contribute," he affirmed. "I'm here to show people that I still love this, I'm still passionate about it, and I'm still one of the best to ever do it."