LUDACRIS - WEST AND LUDACRIS RAP IN COURT

LATEST: Rappers LUDACRIS and KANYE WEST raised a smile at a New York court on Thursday (24MAY06) when they performed part of their 2003 hit single STAND UP to the jury during their liability trial. The pair were defending themselves against allegations they stole the lyrics and style of the tune from New Jersey group I.O.F's (IT'S ONLY FAMILY) song STRAIGHT LIKE THAT. During West's testimony, US District Judge KEVIN CASTEL asked him to say the first two lines of STAND UP. West and Ludacris promptly performed it with their usual panache, hesitating slightly before singing a swear-word laden lyric. Castel laughed, "I'm sorry I asked. I think I'm going to withdraw my question." Earlier that day, Ludacris, real name is CHRIS BRIDGES, insisted he had never heard the phrase "straight like that" before, let alone the song by that title until he was sued. Ludacris told lawyer MEL SACHS, "I never heard anyone use the term." Sachs claims the words "like that" were repeated more than 80 times in each song. Ludacris believes the words are repeated fewer than 80 times in his song. If the rappers are found liable, a second phase of the trial will assess damages. The trial continues.