Classic Verse: Ludacris Murders the “I’m So Hood (Remix)”

I know most of you probably punched your computer screen when you saw the words "classic" and DJ Khaled associated, and normally I'd agree, but hear me out. Classic verses can happen anytime, and after I somewhat randomly came across the "I'm So Hood (Remix)" yesterday I had a bit of an epiphany - this might just be one of the best Ludacris verses of all time. (Kanye voice; "Of all time!") Seriously. Listen with an open mind and tell me I'm wrong.

Lyrics are beneath the video:

"Everybody come equipped with bangas
Throwing up our middle fingas
And you know I don't slip so I gotta keep 10 in the clip and 1 the chambers
Better be walking with angels
And never take candy from strangers
Luda's dressed in stripes had to earn my stripes like I played with the Bengals
I'm in the zone homes going for the two point conversion
I'm so hood that Ludacris should have been on the original version
But this is the remix
With the cheap tricks
Hitting sweet licks
And I cut the braids off with the waves and the fade that will make you sea sick
See this is the way that we ball
And this is the way we roll
So put a fist in the air if you care
United we stand and divided we fall
When the south is in the house you better watch your mouth
Cause we on that hood shit I'm hood rich
Coming around your hood bitch
I swear I'm so.."

Sweet baby jesus. The rumpr is that Luda was seriously, actually mad about not being invited to rhyme on the original version, and he decided to shove Khaled's mistake in his face with a verse that, while lyrically not particularly remarkable, is everything you could possibly ask for some a flow and delivery perspective. It's so obvious that we take it for granted, but Luda's breath control is absolutely incredible- he hit's the extended "With the cheap tricks / Hitting sweet licks / And I cut the braids off with the waves and the fade that will make you sea sick" section without hesitating; most rappers would be gasping for air after that. The man's a beast.

Also, I've got to give huge props to Big Boi and Weezy, who also drop some fire (extra props to Wayne for the only Kelsey Grammar reference in hip-hop history). Take away Khaled, Jeezy, Rick Ross, Birdman, Fat Joe and Busta and you've got own a classic track. (Just a few small tweaks, right?)