One of the world’s most recognizable hip-hop artists—Ludacris—is bringing his distinctive Southern take on rap to the streets of downtown Starkville for the state’s largest, free outdoor concert, Bulldog Bash at Mississippi State.
On Oct. 4—just four weeks from now—the show begins at 7 p.m., with Ludacris taking the stage at 9:15 p.m., at the city intersection of Jackson and Main streets.
Selling more than 24 million albums worldwide, the multiplatinum hip hopper has built his larger-than-life rap persona on the success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.” He kicked off his music career in the early 2000s with such albums as “Back for the First Time,” Billboard’s No. 3 “Word of Mouf,” and Billboard’s No. 1 “Chicken-N-Beer. “Release Therapy” in 2006 also topped the chart and earned him a Grammy for Best Rap Album.
Also known for his artistic music videos, Ludacris came full circle as an entertainer when he transitioned to acting, best known for the character Tej in Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film series “Fast & Furious.” He added to this success with movie credits for 2005’s “Hustle & Flow,” in which he won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, and “Crash,” which won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006.
Inspired by his daughter Karma, he created the animated series “Karma’s World” in 2009, a children’s coming-of-age story about a young Black girl finding her voice to change the world. In addition, he began the Ludacris Foundation in 2001 to help the youth of Atlanta, Georgia.
Bulldog Bash also includes the Maroon Market during the day beginning at 3:30 p.m., showcasing local musicians on stage and featuring art, food vendors and a kid zone. The entire event is sponsored by MSU’s Student Association.
Opening act for this year’s Bash will be the winner of the Battle of the Bands sponsored by MSU’s Music Makers Productions. It happens Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium.