Ludacris "Theater of the Mind" (Island Def Jam)

For some odd reason, Ludacris feels the need to prove himself on his latest studio CD.

"Theater of the Mind," the rapper's sixth album, is full of trash talk as to why he is rap's "MVP." But talk is cheap.

Ludacris is not only a platinum rapper, he's also a major success in film, TV, on the Web and even in the food industry (the rapper opened a Thai restaurant in Atlanta). He's also known as one of the game's best lyricists.

But he disappoints on "Theater of the Mind" by trying constantly to prove it with boasts that are boring and empty, devoid of the cleverness we've come to expect from Luda.

Except for the radio-friendly "One More Drink" with T-Pain, the first nine tracks drag. The CD finally picks up speed as he begins to add the crucial element of storytelling to the equation.

The Scott Storch-produced, Jamie Foxx-featured "Contagious" is a smooth collaboration between the recording artists/actors. And what's left of the CD keeps up the little momentum it has.

"Last of a Dying Breed" is Ludacris at his best — and though he boasts on it as well, his lyrics are deeper and more confident than cocky; the ubiquitous Lil Wayne assists.

On the CD's top track, "I Do It for Hip-Hop," Ludacris trades bars with some of the best rappers alive: Nas and Jay-Z. Producer 9th Wonder, Spike Lee and Common help close the album with "Do the Right Thang" — a cool tale where Ludacris advises, "Use your brain homey, do the right thang!" If only "Theater of the Mind" had more jams like this one.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: On "I Do It for Hip-Hop," Ludacris shows he can hang with rap's elite.