Ludacris

Despite his enormous popularity, Ludacris keeps his shtick consistently hilarious whether it’s on the big screen or on wax.

Chicken ‘n Beer, ‘Cris’s third major label release, represents his style of Hip-Hop junk food that is hard to turn down.

Ludacris’s braggadocio lyrics and woofing voice go best when paired with bass-heavy, energetic beats. Unfortunately, Chicken ‘n Beer is more like grilled breast and Michelob Ultra; less fat and carbs. ‘Cris’s mic proficiency is suffocated by ho-hum production.

There’s no “Southern Hospitality” or “Move” on here. The beats on this record aren’t fast or furious. Instead there’s “Stand Up,” a dull two-stepper that needs to be sped up a couple of RPMs, and “Screwed Up,” another loafing track where Ludacris’ flow is hampered by too much syrup.

The lapses in production are frustrating considering Ludacris’s forays into more lyrically inclined material. “Splash Waterfalls” is a conceptually brilliant piece that alternates sex raps between the loving and the raw.

“Hip Hop Quotables” is a three and a half minute mic wrecker where he “sh*** on the equator/the size of a crater,” and “Eyebrows Down” details his rise from radio personality to superstar.

He even takes potshots at universal-hater Bill O’Reilly and former employer Pepsi on “Blow it Out.”

This album shouldn’t be so forgettable. Ludacris has so much charisma. This is the cat that outshines Nas on the “Made You Look” remix!

Yet there is nothing on here that sounds as good as Chingy’s “Holidae In,” which ‘Cris appeared on.

Let’s hope he can “Move” on and get this one out of the way.