No Rapping and Singing Around Ludacris

By: Rizoh

      It’s a familiar tune. Rapping and singing are not the only lucrative careers in the music industry, or so says Def Jam recording artist Ludacris. While speaking to 300 Atlanta high school students, Luda urged the youngsters to redirect their focus to career other choices.

      The discussion was held at the Clark Atlanta University‘s Park Street Music & Art Complex as a warm up event leading up to the Grammy Awards.

      “Self education is the most important thing to have,” Ludacris said. “I know you can have street smarts. But if you combine that with book smarts, you’ll be unstoppable.”

      He also had a piece of advice for aspiring musicians. “Watch out for people who you hang around with. Being surrounded by negative people will just bring you down. However, if there are positive folks around, then positive things will happen.”

      R&B singer Lyfe Jennings cosigned Luda’s sentiment with an “Amen.”

      ‘It’s a tough world out there, and I just kept messing up,’ said Jennings, who rose to popularity through his 2004 album Lyfe 268-192, a direct referrence to his former prison number. “Hopefully, students can reflect from our faults and apply how overcame them to their lives.”

      Ludacris is up for three Grammys this year, including “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Album.”