Ludacris became part of Georgia’s music history when he became a staple on Atlanta’s Hot 97.5 (now Hot 107.9) before propelling himself to a multi-platinum career in Hip Hop and Hollywood. More than two decades after he last set foot on Georgia State University’s campus as a student, the former Chris Lova Lova will receive a degree from the institution.
On Wednesday (April 13), the school announced the Georgia Board of Regents approved for the artist to receive an honorary Bachelor of Science degree in Music Management.
“We are proud that Chris Bridges got his start at Georgia State,” Georgia State President M. Brian Blake said. “He has gone on to become a cultural and philanthropic icon, representing Atlanta and giving back in many ways. Our students in the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) and College of Law have benefited from learning from his career, and we’re excited to honor him as a member of the Panther family.”
Ludacris attended the school from 1998 to 1999 but stopped going to class once he signed his deal with Def Jam Records. In 2019, he became the school’s artist-in-residence, mentoring students and working with professors dealing with entrepreneurship in the music and film industry.
He shared the good news on Instagram, writing how the honor made his mother proud.
“MY MOMMA IS SHEDDING REAL TEARS,” he wrote. “When I put “what’s your fantasy” out in 2000 I had to choose between leaving school or a career in Music. History has already been made on one front and NOW it’s about to be made on ANOTHER. Everything comes full circle. THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME. THANK YOU GA STATE.”
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Luda will receive his honorary degree at the school’s spring commencement ceremony on May 4 at 9 a.m. at Center Parc Stadium. The ceremony can also be viewed online.
Although his last studio effort arrived with Ludaversal in 2015, the Disturbing Tha Peace leader can still drop a mean freestyle to remind people of why he was a sought-after guest feature in the 2000s. After Omeretta The Great set Atlanta ablaze with her “Sorry Not Sorry” track declaring all suburbs surrounding the city shouldn’t claim Atlanta, Luda chimed in with a quick 16-bar verse – to heavy praise from fellow Atlanta legends such as Big Boi of OutKast.
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