The multi-platinum rapper and businessman electrifies audiences at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival in France as part of the Influential Beach event presented by Brand Innovators.
- Jun 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - On a swanky French Riviera beachfront, Ludacris performed a one-hour set for the ONE Night happy hour on Wednesday, June 19, accompanied by Carmelo Anthony for a duet of "Move B***h". The event celebrated the power and influence of Black culture at the international gathering.
"I started with Urban One [as a DJ in Atlanta]," Ludacris shared with Us Weekly. "It's a full circle moment for me coming back and having a chat and being able to perform for the company that I started with."
Ludacris also spoke at a Cannes Lions panel with Alfred Liggins, CEO of Urban One, discussing representation, Black excellence, and the importance of investing in the Black audience. The conversation took place on Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., further emphasizing the significance of the occasion.
"You can see that hip hop is international. It all started from different places and … can venture out, but understanding where I came from and where I started with Urban One and how it's affected the rest of the world," Ludacris commented.
Ludacris credited Urban One for providing opportunities and platforms for Black voices, including his own. He also performed at the exclusive VIP reception that followed the panel discussion, further amplifying the presence of Black culture at the festival.
Influential Beach returned for its second year to Cannes Lions, bringing together top advertising and marketing executives from around the world. The event featured a wide range of programming, including fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Urban One, the largest Black-owned diversified media company, showcased its commitment to celebrating Black culture and advocating for diverse representation. The ONE-on-ONE conversation between Ludacris and Liggins, as well as the subsequent performances, served as a testament to their mission.
