Autumn of 2002 is when I started filling out all the gaps I had on my rap collection. Mexico was never keen on the genre and it was hard and expensive to get albums, whether it was Notorious B.I.G. or Krumbsnatcha (and his Gang Starr cohorts).

I knew of Ludacris but never heard his music. The University  of Nottingham music library had a healthy collection of music and Ludacris and Orbital were one of the first albums I borrowed for a week. 50p per album, one week. Whatever you did on your own, that was your responsibility.

Bought a good pair of Harmon Kardon speakers from Maplin, as the funk samples and heavy bass use of rap was worth it.

Back for the first time is Ludacris’ second album, but his commercial debut. All red carpets are rolled out for him, with production including heavy hitters like Timbaland and the Neptunes. It’s an intense, hook laden album and Southern Hospitality is easily the crowning achievement of the album.

Produced by the Neptunes and featuring Pharrell, the crisp production makes this slow burn track a keeper. Ludacris flow is generous and the dank vibe is one of the defining moments of southern rap.

-Sam J Valdés López