Released: 2000 • Features: Shawnna
“What’s Your Fantasy” by Ludacris, featuring Shawnna, is a quintessential example of late 90s and early 2000s hip-hop sensuality, and a narrative exploration of erotic desires and fantasies. This song is all about Luda laying down the gauntlet of his own erotic imagination and asking the listener to match his level.
The track kicks off with a classic hook, “I wanna li-li-li-lick you from your head to your toes…”. Here’s Luda employing repetition and a stuttering flow to establish the scene – an intimate encounter that’s all about carnal pleasure. He’s asking what his partner’s ‘fantasy’ is, transforming the song into an open-ended conversation about desire. It’s an invitation for the listener to engage with their own fantasies and bring them into the open.
In verse one, Ludacris offers a detailed breakdown of his erotic daydreams. He references the “Georgia Dome on the 50-yard line”, alluding to a popular sports venue in his hometown of Atlanta, adding a bit of locale flavor to his provocative fantasies. His mention of “Whipped cream with cherries and strawberries on top” points towards a common theme in classic erotic scenarios, often associated with lovers indulging in each other’s bodies.
The second verse extends the erotic escapade to new locations – the bathtub, a Ludacris concert, even the White House, proving that his fantasies know no bounds. He’s witty, playful and doesn’t shy away from the adventurous and fun side of intimacy. The mention of “TLC” adds a touch of tenderness and care in his explicit verse. Here, he’s not just rapping about the physical aspect of love but also attaching emotions to it.
In the final verse, Ludacris shows off his desire to push boundaries even further, introducing ideas of role-playing into his erotic daydreams. He mentions dracula and school teacher as potential scenarios, adding a sense of frivolity and imagination to his depictions of lustful encounters. The continued repetition of the hook highlights the overarching theme of the song – exploring various fantasies in a consensual, partnered setting.
Ludacris’ “What’s Your Fantasy” isn’t just a carnal anthem, it’s a candid dialogue about fantasies and adult desires. The song manages to encapsulate the adventurous spirit and freedom to imagine different scenarios in pursuit of pleasure that is important in intimate relationships. Plus, it’s a classic example of the provocative, yet playful mid-90s hip-hop flavor.
