BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Putting aside his acting chops and commercial success, Ludacris proved to fans at Musikfest's main Steel Stage on Saturday that he is a rap star first.
Ludacris's meticulous planned setlist lasted 70 minutes and included a vast catalog of hits — from his first single, 1999's "What’s Your Fantasy," to 2004's "Get Back."
Ludacris led his set with lyrics from "Disturbing tha Peace," a title track from the 2005 compilation album featuring Shawnna, I-20 and Bobby V.
It was among the many moments of the night where he showcased his rap chops on collaborations with other hitmakers, such as Usher and Missy Elliott.
From beginning to end, fans sang along, hanging onto to his parts of tunes that dominated the radio for decades — on Fergie's "Glamorous" and "Yeah!" with fellow Atlanta musicians Lil John and Usher.
"Yeah!," released in 2003, became a viral hit again after the trio performed it at Usher's half-time show at Super Bowl LVlll in February.
Twice as nice
Ludacris reminded his current tour-mates, rapper Lil' Fate and DJ Infamous, that he had performed at Musikfest before.
"Thank you to the promoters for bringing me back," Ludacris said. "You could have had any rapper on Musikfest [in] 2024, but you chose Ludacris, and I love you for it."
Then he gave props to area code 610.
That area code, a nod to the Lehigh Valley, led to the intro of 2001's "Area Codes," a sexual innuendo chart-topper from the "Rush Hour 2" soundtrack and featuring Nate Dogg.
In between, Ludacris rapped his part (for the lovey-dovey couples in tow) of "Lovers and Friends" followed by one for the single ladies: "Holdae In," a 2003 hit with Missouri rapper, Chingy.
'Fast and Furious'
Ludacris, who was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2023, made mention of that honor, along with his acting successes in the "Fast & Furious" franchise.
Dubbed a rapper's rapper by New York’s N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN on a recent "Drink Champs" podcast, the three-time Grammy winner left promptly at 10:10 p.m. by police escort.
Fans in a VIP parking lot screamed "Luda" as three Cadillacs whisked him and his team away and the megastar waved through a slightly rolled down window.
Before his fast and furious departure, he performed songs so recognizable that even Musikfest's volunteers and security sang along.
The last songs, a sign of Ludacris' rap abilities (at best, quick-witted with a distinct drawl) and his undeniable fame.
Last on the set: flawless renditions of "Rollout (My Business)," "Money Maker," (a mix with Pharrell) and "Move B—ch" from 2001's "Word of Mouf."