Depending on the demographic in which you fall, you might consider him the most famous contemporary person who originally hailed from Champaign.
Ludacris — who back then was known as Chris Bridges — will return to the town of his birth when he performs Oct. 15 at the State Farm Center in concurrence with University of Illinois homecoming festivities.
The State Farm Center announced the performance on Tuesday, signaling that tickets for the 8 p.m. show will go on sale at noon on Sept. 19.
TikTok star charlieonnafriday will be his special guest.
If you don’t know about Ludacris, you perhaps do not fall into the demographic referenced previously.
Here’s what you need to know: The rapper has sold more than 24 million albums, topped by singles “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker,” and “My Chick Bad.” He has also been a visible and active actor, featured as “Tej” in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, which will see him appear again when the series offers its latest movie in May 2023.
According to publicity material, the father of four also has an “educational platform devoted to the enrichment of children called ‘KidNation.’ In addition, he created the animated series KARMA’S WORLD which launched in the Top 10 in 42 countries on Netflix, received two NAACP Award nominations and has already been picked up for a third season. The series for children ages 6-9 is a coming-of-age story about a young Black girl finding her voice and using it to change her world — originally inspired by Chris’ oldest daughter Karma and based on the interactive educational website of the same name created by Karma’s World Entertainment in 2009.”
Ludacris, 45, was born in Champaign and moved to Atlanta at age 9. His cousin is Peoria native and renowned comedian Richard Pryor.
Tickets can be purchased at StateFarmCenter.com/Ludacris, by calling 866-ILLINI-1, or at the Illinois Ticket Office at State Farm Center. Tickets range from $49.50 to $69.50 before fees and current University of Illinois students will receive a $10 discount.