Ludacris will visit the MSU Auditorium for a Homecoming kick off concert Thursday at around 7:30 p.m. and perform hits from his debut album, “Back For The First Time,” including “Throw Them Bones,” “Area Code” and “What’s Your Fantasy.”

Brent Lee, director of Ebony Productions, a student organization founded to bring concerts to minorities at MSU, headed efforts to recruit the rapper, along with BTM Productions and ASMSU.

“He’s very up-tempo, energetic, he’s a great performer, live performer and brings so much energy,” Lee said.

“His songs are well written with a nice beat and an artist that lots in the community can like.”

Lee is a Ludacris fan and has seen him perform before.

The Atlanta-based rapper, once known as Chris Bridges, is with Def Jam South. “Back For The First Time” was released independently and will be re-released as the first record on its new Def Jam South label.

“It might get a little kinky up on the stage,” Ludacris told the press when asked to describe the staging of “What’s Your Fantasy.”

When pushed to offer more detail, he asked, “What do you call it when there‘s whips and chains?”

Computer engineering sophomore Octavia Gildersleeve will be at the performance as an usher for Ebony Productions, and is a Ludacris fan as well.

“I like the music, the lyrics are easy to dance to,” she said.

“I just enjoy him and his voice.”

Monday the Wharton Center said more than 700 tickets were still available.

Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, or from the MSU Wharton Center at (517)432-2000.