Ludacris was born Christopher Brian Bridges in Illinois but later moved to Georgia, beginning his music career as a disc jockey on Hot 97.5 FM in Atlanta.

He released his first album independently in 1999, and was signed by Def Jam the following year. Ludacris left Atlanta to collaborate with famous rappers such as Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Jermaine Dupri, and received a Grammy with Usher and LIL Jon for their work on "Yeah."

Ludacris is unmarried, but has one daughter, Karma.