Lu-Era fits

Ludacris and New Era entertainment and marketing manager Jennifer Yu

The Capture the Flag Ludacris Cap

The Capture the Flag Ludacris Cap - inner

Lu-Era fits…

Words and Photos by C. Daniel

How can one man cap off his massive success? Just ask Ludacris.

The Grammy Award-winning rap phenomenon hosted a private event this evening to launch his signature fitted hat, courtesy of New Era Cap. Held at downtown Atlanta’s monumental flagship store, the night commemorates the fifth Hip Hop artist (yet, the first rearing from the South) in the company’s history to customize such a limited edition accessory.

According to New Era’s entertainment and marketing manager Jennifer Yu, New Era only selects two artists each year to customize and endorse a cap. Coming in the wake of previous artists/endorsers Fabolous, Cam’ron, Fat Joe, and The Game, The “Capture the Flag Ludacris Cap” has only 200 units of its kind with a price tag of $125.00.

The hat, set against a red and black body, features an “A” from clear and black rhinestones and the Disturbing the Peace logo tiled in the inner linings. Luda’s motto “Just Getting Started” is stitched on the back. Displays of the cap are kept in a golden-lined box with Luda’s name also stitched on the brim. Plasma monitors even rotated campaign promotional videos of the artist and the cap throughout the evening.

Though he briefly shows up to the affair after keeping everyone inside and out in anticipation throughout the evening, Atlanta’s former radio personality turned multimillion-selling artist, actor, entrepreneur, humanitarian, label owner, and restaurateur knows where his core is. “Man, it’s good to be home,” he tells Emperor Searcy as he steps onto the red carpet.

What starts as a sort of grim evening turned cool on Luckie Street. Reps from Glaceau kept the smartwater and vitaminwater coming as the bar stayed filled with glasses of Crown Royal, Nuvo Sparkling Liqeur, and Ciroc cocktails. DJ Ruckus tossed out everything from new jack swing to ol’ school and even previewed Theater of the Mind, Luda’s seventh album slated for a November 25 release date.

Guests include Yung Joc, Chaka Zulu, Kenny Burns, The Konsole Kingz, Meka Means, Killer Mike, BoneCrusher, D. Mapp and Chuck of Convertible Bertt (think Jeezy’s trademark rhinestone black tee doning “I AM THE STREET DREAM”), Gorilla Zoe, Rashan Ali, DJ Trauma, Keshia Knight Pullium, and D. Woods from Danity Kane.

Guests are also given gift bags with a New Era cap, gift card, and current cover issue of Ludacris on XXL. Guess ‘hats about it…