Ludacris and Barack Obama meet to discuss youth empowerment

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Ludacris and Senator Barack Obama, who is contemplating a run for the presidency, met privately in Illinois on Wednesday, November 29th. Forbes.com reports that Ludacris was at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, to launch the YouthAIDS "Kick Me" campaign to raise HIV/AIDS awareness.

Ludacris said of their meeting at Obama's downtown Chicago office, "We talked about empowering the youth." Ludacris compared the sit-down to meeting with a relative.

Interestingly the two men have something in common. They both have won Grammy Awards. Obama for readings from his memoir, Dreams From My Father, and Ludacris for appearing on Usher's "Yeah!"

Ludacris is currently promoting his latest album, Release Therapy. The rapper will release a new single and video, "Runaway Love" featuring Mary J. Blige.