Ludacris is a Grammy-winning rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for his rapid-fire flow, charismatic delivery and a catalog of high-energy hits that helped define Southern hip-hop in the early 2000s. With his unmistakable voice, larger-than-life personality and crossover appeal, he became one of the most dominant and entertaining figures in rap—and later, a global film star.

Born Christopher Bridges in Champaign, Illinois and raised in Atlanta, Ludacris first made waves with his independently released album Incognegro before breaking into the mainstream with Back for the First Time in 2000. Fueled by the smash single “What’s Your Fantasy,” the album introduced his animated flow, witty wordplay and club-ready beats, earning platinum status and launching a string of hit records that followed.