Ludaversal (Deluxe)

In the early ‘00s, Ludacris’ sense of humor and balletic flow helped put Southern rap on the national map. With production and guest spots from familiar faces (David Banner, Usher) and newer ones (Mike Will Made It, Miguel), he still sounds vital, a class clown capable of mic-drop lines like “I leave rappers confused like will.i.am’s barber” and scrappy, playful tracks like “Call Ya Bluff.” More surprising—and touching, too—are moments like “Grass Is Always Greener” and “Ocean Skies,” on which he grapples with his dad’s alcoholism so candidly it makes Eminem look shy.