Release Therapy (Explicit Version) (2006) - Grammy Winner!

Spin (p.99)
- 3 stars out of 5 -- "The anger is a new look for him, as is the role of political pundit or chronicler of social ills."

Entertainment Weekly (p.78)
- "His fifth major-label album offers enough fierce dis tracks and exuberant punchlines to all but ensure a top 10 debut." -- Grade: B-

Vibe (p.158)
- "RELEASE is his most serious work ever....Even the foreboding Billy Paul sample on the hook signals Luda's glimpse into corners previously avoided."

XXL (Magazine)
(p.149)
- "Luda manages to deliver social commentary with equal skill..."

XXL (Magazine)
(p.137)
- "Taking a curtain call of sorts, 'Cris was finally ready to get personal on wax."

RapReviews.com 9 of 10
Despite the fact Luda feels the need to go on the offensive there's really nothing to hate on "Release Therapy" unless you're just a straight up hater. Even if the name on the cover was Christopher Brian Bridges or Chris Lova Lova you'd be hard-pressed to deny the dopeness of tracks like "Do Your Time" featuring Beanie Sigel and Pimp C, "Runaway Love" featuring Mary J. Blige and straight up crazy solo songs like "Girls Gone Wild." There's nothing ludicrous about Ludacris giving his fans exactly what they want, and it's even less ludicrous that he will probably convert more new fans on the strength of "Release Therapy." It is indeed a very therapeutic experience, one that will relax your mind and let your conscience be free as you get down to the sounds of the L-U-D.
 
Entertainment Weekly 8 of 10
Like rappers-turned-thespians, rubber-jawed Atlantan Ludacris has transitioned from the world of rhymes to the land of casting calls. Has Ludacris made the same mistake now that he's a movie star? Definitely not. Release Therapy, his fifth major-label album, offers enough fierce dis tracks and exuberant punchlines to all but ensure a top 10 debut. - Michael Endelman
 

While it has only been two years since the release of The Red Light District, acclaimed rapper Ludacris (Chris Bridges) has gone through more than a few personal changes. From dealing with "haters" spitting in his direction to his role in the Oscar winning film Crash to his blown out of proportion "disagreement" with Oprah to being a father to his daughter, 28-year-old Luda continues to mature as a man and an artist on his fifth disc Release Therapy."

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges put his experiences of being not just an artist in Release Therapy, but also reveals some of what he has learned as CEO of Disturbing Tha Peace Records. Under his watch are a collection of talented and diverse artists, which include; Shawnna (the dynamic Chicago bred female rap star), Bobby Valentino (the smooth R&B platinum selling singer), Field Mob (the groundbreaking hip hop duo) and the newest addition to the DTP family and Shareefa (the dynamic R&B rising superstar).

Having gathered a dazzling crew of collaborators on Release Therapy, Ludacris releases his inner wild child alongside R. Kelly on Woozy, makes an aural film of life on "Based on a True Story," produced by Timbaland and brings the country hotness on "Satisfaction" with Field Mob.

Unafraid of the Black heavy metalist inside of him, Luda reveals his inner rock god on the Runners produced song "Slap." Talking about the madness and aggravation of just trying to make it through the workday, Ludacris sounds on the verge of exploding. "We all have struggles in our life," he says. "Not just Black people, but all people. I wrote 'Slap,' because there are times when we all want to punch a wall, knock out a window or just hit somebody." Smiling, Ludacris admits that "Slap" is one of his favorite tracks. "It's just one of those songs everybody, including myself, can relate to."

With Release Therapy, Ludacris releases a classic disc that rises to the top of the hip-hop heap. Yes, this is what rap music has been waiting for since the beginning of the millennium.