Release Therapy is the Grammy Award-winning sixth album from Def Jam recording artist Ludacris. It was released on September 26, 2006. Unlike the previous albums released by Ludacris, Release Therapy has a more mature and serious approach to the music (e.g the 2nd single Runaway Love is Ludacris's first stab at socially concerned music). It is also Ludacris's darkest album to date, both in mood and subject matter. The different approach Ludacris took with Release Therapy has caused many listeners and fans to debate on whether the album is Ludacris's best or worst.
The first single, "Money Maker", which was produced by and features Pharrell, was released to U.S. radio outlets on July 17, 2006. It was a huge success making number 1 on various charts through the U.S.. These charts included the Billboard Hot 100, the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Tracks and the Hot 100 Airplay.
Ludacris also stated that his new album will be somewhat like a tape on CD. "The way we're going to try to format the record is you have your Release side and your Therapy side," he said. "Everybody knows the Release side would be 'War With God,' 'Tell It Like It Is.' I have a record called 'Slap.' Just getting everything off my chest. The Therapy side would be feel-good — a song like 'Woozy' with R. Kelly on it is therapeutic. Even 'Money Maker.' Some women's therapy is getting out, going to the club and shaking they ass. It's therapeutic to them."
Ludacris also shaved his cornrows off for now a "fade" haircut. He said with a new album that was different than his other five albums, there would be a new haircut to go with it, similar to what Busta Rhymes did with The Big Bang. Bow Wow also shaved his cornrows off for his album, The Price of Fame.
Ludacris shot a video for the first single, "Money Maker" which premiered on MTV on August 17, 2006.
The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart selling 309,800 copies in the first week making it Ludacris' third number one album in a row. After 1 year, the album has sold about 1.4 million copies in the U.S. As of now, it has been certified platinum.
Release Therapy won the Best Rap Album award for the 2007 Grammy Awards.
