Sometimes,folks in Charlotte make me mad.

Why? Here's an example: There I was — last night — at the SouthEnd nightspot Dharma, attending the CD release party for local soul/R&B singer Rudy Currence. (Big shout out to Tank!) Currence has been kicking around Charlotte for years, performing at clubs and writing songs for other artists. Recently, however, he made the leap to the "big show" when he was signed to Disturbing Tha Peace Records — the label owned by the hit-making rapper Ludacris. So, the event last night was organized to celebrate Currence's affiliation with DTP and his first project from the label — a holiday-themed CD titled Last Christmas.

But, back to my anger ... I didn't get pissed because the event was poorly attended; honestly, I've never seen Dharma that packed. And I also didn't get upset due to a poor performance by Currence. He killed it ... although I must say that I always enjoy hearing his original music more than his covers. He crafts great melodies and his vocals are incredible (church-inspired, no doubt), so let's hear more of that.

No, I got angry when Ludacris jumped on stage to actually bring out his newly signed artist — and people didn't seem excited at all. No rousing applause or unyielding shouts from the crowd — just a few anemic claps. How wack is that?

Now, I'm not some huge fan of Ludacris (I like a few of his songs.), but I can say with extreme confidence that Luda does not appear at small clubs in Charlotte on a regular basis. Moreover, he is definitely the most well-known celeb to ever visit Dharma ... so why no love? I mean, how wack is that?!

Anyway, I'm just venting. Oh but let me add this: I left the show early to avoid an exiting throng of people, so I may have missed some last-minute performance by Luda — one where people went nuts and danced on the bar and shit. If that's the case, then let me know. Otherwise, I stand by my stank attitude.