Wayne Bridges,
the father of Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, died from unknown causes early
this morning (Feb. 25) in Atlanta, GA. Bridges
died just two weeks after Ludacris won two Grammy Awards on Feb. 11, for Best
Rap Album (Release Therapy) and Best Rap Song (“Money Maker.”)
That
night, he dedicated both wins to his father, who watched the 49th Annual Grammy
Awards show from his hospital bed."He
introduced me to all of my major musical influences and he will live on through
me," Ludacris told AllHipHop.com. "He bought me my first Hip-Hop record
when I was five years old and I fell in love with it from that day on."Ludacris
moved in with his dad at the age of 14 and has had his father by his side since.Bridges
made numerous appearances at numerous events for his son’s non-profit organization
The Ludacris Foundation and was also featured in the video for “Grew Up A
Screw Up."Bridges
condition was first brought to the attention of the public during Ludacris’ Grammy
acceptance speech, as an emotional Ludacris proclaimed his love for his ailing
father. "I’m
celebrating his life knowing that he has moved on to a better place and I will
continue to make him proud," Ludacris told AllHipHop.com.