BATTLE OF THE (EX)

Recording information: Carrington House, Atlanta, GA; Chalice Recording, Los Angeles, CA; Doppler Studios, Atlanta, GA; Midnight Blue Studios, Miami, FL; No Excuses Studios, Santa Monica, CA; Papermill Studios, Chicago, IL; Patchwerk Recordings, Atlanta, GA; Platinum Sound Recording Studios, NYC; Poe Boy Studios, Miami, FL; Setai Recording Studio, Miami, FL; S-Line Studios, Atlanta, GA; The Ludaplex, Atlanta, GA. Photographers: Kristen Yiengst; Chad Griffith; Lyndon Wade. If it seems odd that an album as bravado-filled, trash-talking, and schoolboy horny as this one comes with the title Battle of the Sexes, perhaps it can be explained as a leftover title from what was originally planned as a joint release from Ludacris and his DTP prot?g?, Shawnna. After the album's better half left the project -- along with the DTP family -- the title was never readjusted, and there are further confusing traces of the original concept, such as the "us vs. them" intro, which opens an album that's almost entirely "us." Still, quality control is less important than titillation when it comes to the porno-style album, and Battle of the Sexes delivers on that level. Redd Foxx-like ideas, such as making limbo instructions sound especially nasty ("How Low") or having fun with the Tiger Woods sex scandal ("Sexting"), are coupled with safe and slick beats from the likes of the Runners, Swizz Beatz, and the Legendary Traxster. Luda is inspired enough to drop at least one belly laugh-worthy punch line per track, while the numerous guests are, at worst, on point, and at best (that would be Nicki Minaj), on fire. The less-sexed "Everybody Drunk" barely fits into the mold, but it's still a party time highlight, and when you add the very R. Kelly-esque "Sex Room," plus Lil' Kim getting vicious on "Hey Ho," you've got more prime material than expected. The album is limited and a little patched together, but if cheap thrills are what you're after, this one puts the dirty back in the dirty south. ~ David Jeffries