“Child of the Night” talks of spiritual battles, notes that actions have consequences, and prescribes praying to God for healing. Lines tell fans to take a stand in life (“Hopeless”) and avoid greediness (“Large Amounts”).
Profanities range from the f-word to coarse slang for male genitalia. Explicit, often misogynist sexuality appears on “Spur of the Moment” (references to group sex and shooting porn videos), “The Potion” (oral sex) and “Get Back” (intoxicating women in order to take advantage of them). “Number One Spot” brags, “Shag now and shag later ’til these women can’t stand straight.” Gin and pot melt away pain on “Hopeless.” “Blueberry Yum Yum” is an ode to marijuana. Other cuts, including “Pass Out,” exalt drunkenness. Though it implies that gambling is addictive, “Put Your Money” seems more interested in glamorizing high rollers than telling a cautionary tale. Gangsta violence inhabits lines such as “I’ve got killers on the payroll” and “This seven-inch [knife] will put a stop to his ticker” (“Pass Out” and “Who Not Me,” respectively).
“I’m in the game to change the music,” says Charles Bridges of his mission as Ludacris. Nothing revolutionary here. Sex, thug violence, mind-altering substances and out-of-place nods to God parade through his Red Light District, just as they do through most rap CDs.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
