We wanna send a big BNz thanks to our girl Stephanie Carr for her great interview with Ludacris and his Atlanta, Ga. based foundation. Christopher Brian Bridges is a multi-platinum hip hop mega-mogul, actor and rapper but Chris “Lova Lova” has a feel of affection that goes far deeper than the surface of multi-platinum selling albums. Behind the scenes, Ludacris wears many hats with his many titles. Bridges is a successful record label executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist and most recently Chairman and CEO of his very own thriving non-profit organization, “The Ludacris Foundation. (TLF)”

The Ludacris Foundation is a non-profit Atlanta-based organization that inspires and aids urban youth to live out their dreams. TLF was originally established in December of 2001, by Bridges, William Engram and Chaka Zulu after the three seen a need to help youth help themselves. The foundation is based on the principles learned at an early age by Luda which include: self-esteem, spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity and community service.

The Ludacris Foundation includes a team of 11 hardworking individuals with an average of twenty years of professional experience between them ranging from Fortune 500 corporate executives, to legal, healthcare, and financial and music gurus. These individuals have come together as a team sharing the same vision, passion and concern for young people. These individuals diligently seek to uplift families and foster economic development in several communities across the country.

Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation have received numerous awards and accolades, such as a Community Service Award for the city of Atlanta and most recently, the 2007 Spirit of Youth Award from the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS), for their community involvement. Bridges foundation has join forces in 2006, with the National Runaway Switchboard in a national effort to decrease youth runaways.

According to a study conducted by the Research Triangle Institute, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away each year. A study performed by The American Journal of Public Health, confirmed that youth aged 12-17 are at higher risk for homelessness than adults and of that number 47% of them runaway/homeless youth indicated that conflict between them and their parent or guardian was a major problem.

With such a stagnating number of youth running away from home NRS has adopted the popular hip hop genre as a means to connect with inner-city youth. Luda’s popularity and buzz fit perfectly in the grand scheme of things, as he helps to raise the awareness a number of ways including a smash hit “Runaway Love” featuring music world diva Mary J. Blige. Luda also raised the awarness through several audio and video public service announcements (PSA’s), fundraisers and many Luda Cares Initiatives.

The Ludacris Foundation provides gifts and grants to 501c3 organizations with music, arts and educational programs that promote youth development. In addition, they provide food clothing and toys for communities in need through their Luda Cares Initiatives. Their goal is to Increase the national awareness of issues facing runaways, educate every American about solutions and the role each can play in preventing youth from running away, increase awareness of supporting programs and most importantly helping to keep at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

For more information on The Ludacris Foundation visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org