Ludacris Presents: Disturbing Tha Peace CD

With 2005's DISTURBING THA PEACE, Ludacris once again joins the grand hip-hop tradition of established rappers lending a helping hand to the crews they came up with. Although first and foremost a showcase for his label, Ludacris fans will be happy to know that he's all over the album, standing firmly in the spotlight on tunes like "Sweet Revenge" and "Family Affair." Not surprisingly--given Ludacris's barking drawl of a delivery, his wit, and his sense of fun--these are the high points of the album. Still, there's plenty to listen to here; in addition to a host of Hotlanta talent, including Shawnna, Lil' Fatek, and various members of Field Mob, the collection's first single, "Georgia," features Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx on vocals. And although the album's lyrics tend to stick to Ludacris's favorite subjects--partying, smoking, and sex--there are also poignant tales of growing up in Atlanta's rougher neighborhoods, and the camaraderie necessary to get by. DISTURBING THA PEACE also comes with an exclusive bonus DVD that features videos and documentary footage.

Five solo artists and four groups -- in addition to drop-by guests Jamie Foxx, Stat Quo, Rich Boy, and Gangsta Boo -- make up the second Disturbing tha Peace album. Keeping tabs on who you're hearing during most moments can be dizzying, and DTP is only united by Ludacris' presence and grooming, so it's not an easy album to follow. Like Golden Grain, this does not live up to the standards of a Ludacris solo album, but it has a few replayable tracks, such as Ludacris and Field Mob's rallying "Georgia" (with Foxx doing his getting-tired-fast Ray Charles), Norfclk's nasty Needlz-produced "Put Ya Hands Up," and the underrated Shawnna's low-slung "Gettin' Some." Bobby Valentino and newcomer Shareefa bring the R&B, while Lazyeye is a competent but average metal band that is given a bonus-track slot. [A clean version of the album was also made available.] ~ Andy Kellman

Amp - Amended Produc

Recording information: Circle House Studios, Miami, FL; Creative Space, Miami, FL; Doppler Studios, Atlanta, GA; Patchwork Recordings, Atlanta, GA; SoundTrap Studios, Atlanta, GA; Stankonia Recording, Atlanta, GA; The Ludaplex, Atlanta, GA; The Trak Meet, St. Louis, MO; Upstairs Studio, Atlanta, GA; Vudu Spellz Ent, Inc. Studio, Chicago, IL.

Photographer: Paul Aresu.

Personnel: Patricio Marķa Martinez, DJ Fernando, Misty Martinez (vocals); P. Sahlin (drums); Kimberly "Kymistri" Dennard (background vocals); Field Mob, Ghostface Killah, Jamie Foxx, Ludacris, Redman, Shawnna, Bobby Valentino , Luke, Shareefa, Lazyeye.

Audio Mixers: John Frye; Kevin "KD" Davis; Craig Bauer; Glen Marchese; Wassim Zreik; Jimmy Douglass; Ray Seay; Billy Hume; Leslie Brathwaite.