Ludacris

Ludacris says "Mr. October is my new nickname," referencing his busy fall schedule that includes the highly anticipated album "Theater of Mind" and two new movies.   "Theater of the Mind," Ludacris' sixth album slated for release October 21st fits right in with the star, also known as Chris Bridges' movie releases including his co-starring roles in "Max Payne" (October 17), adapted from the popular "Rockstar" videogame, and Guy Ritchie's "RocknRolla" (October 31).   "I'm energetic and I'm hungry. So I'll continue to strive" says Ludacris who also appears on T-Pain's upcoming project Thr33 Ringz.  Ludacris' rap and acting personas intersect on "Theater of the Mind." The album comprises tracks envisioned as short plots from movies. And in Ludacris' special brand of musical theater, the featured guests -- including T-Pain ("One More Drink"), the Game ("Call Up the Homies") and T.I. ("Wish You Would") -- are billed as co-stars.   Among the additional track selections is the healing-themed "Let's Stay Together." Armed with a beat and hook from artist/producers Juicy J and DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, Ludacris -- starring as a music fan -- exhorts artists to quell their beefs and come together to make better music.   The set's official lead single is the bouncy "What Them Girls Like," co-starring Chris Brown and writer/producer Sean Garrett as Ludacris' female-loving sidekicks. During the video's August 24 shoot at the Microsoft House/Studio in Los Angeles, the trio's natural camaraderie and magnetism were in keeping with the video's premise: three fly guys who know what women like. The Chris Robinson-directed video takes its cue from the Mel Gibson movie "What Women Want," with balloon pop-ups revealing the female extras' thoughts.   "'Theater of the Mind' is all of my albums put together," says Ludacris. "There's the funny Ludacris, the serious Ludacris and the story-telling Ludacris as well as the movie-making Ludacris."  In related news, Ludacris has been tapped by AT&T to appear in a fall advertising campaign which is slated to kick off sometime this month.   Ludacris' sixth studio album "Theater of Mind" is due in stores October 21st.