Number One Spot

Album: The Red Light District (2004)
Charted: 30 19
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is a rap reworking of "Soul Bossa Nova," a 1962 Quincy Jones instrumental that was revived as the theme song for the Austin Powers movies. Jones is a mentor to Ludacris, who appeared on Quincy's 2010 album Q: Soul Bossa Nostra.
  • Luda raps about coming for that #1 spot on this song. His prophesy came true: The Red Light District album hit the top spot in America, where it went on to sell over 2 million copies. He was regular at the top of the chart as this time: His 2003 album Chicken N Beer and 2006 album Release Therapy also went to #1.
  • The "Hi, Mr. O'Reilly" line in the song is in response to talk show host Bill O'Reilly, who complained on his show that Ludacris was a bad role model after Pepsi hired Ludacris as a spokesman. In 2004, O'Reilly was involved in a scandal that involved inappropriate phone conversations, to which Ludacris viewed as hypocrisy on his behalf. The line comes after he says "respected highly." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jim - Oxnard, CA
  • The music video has an Austin Powers theme, with Ludacris playing some characters from the franchise, including Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard. Verne Troyer reprises his role as Mini Me, and LisaRaye McCoy plays Foxxy Cleopatra (portrayed in Austin Powers in Goldmember by Beyoncé). Quincy Jones and Slick Rick also make appearances.

    The video was directed by the team of Fat Cats (Eric Williams and Randy Marshall) along with Ludacris' manager, Chaka Zulu.
  • Ludacris performed "Number One Spot" when he was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, January 22, 2005.

Comments: 5

  • Jenn from Norwalk, CtI'm sorry, but I have a hard time getting mad at an artist who is called "Ludacris" it's like "Oh, Luda, you so crazy!"
  • Jim from Oxnard, CaNah, "Splash Waterfalls" was much worse in 2003 than "#1 Spot" was in 2005.
  • Matt from Millbrae, Cathe austin powers thing just screams VH1's most awesomely bad songs for 2005
  • Wesley from Midwest City, OkLuda is awesome, and is very opinionated. Bill o'reilly doesnt like Luda not being censored about how he feels. I happen to like some of Luda's songs.
  • Ashley from Auburndale, Flwho ever thinks a inspirational artist like ludacris is a bad role model does not desever to have a talk show i mean i think people shold have a opinion but that is just unperfessional
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Jimmy Webb

Jimmy WebbSongwriter Interviews

Webb talks about his classic songs "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park."

Michael Bolton

Michael BoltonSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for this talk with Bolton from the '80s when he was a focused on writing songs for other artists.