Ludacrisis raising the bar for girl dads everywhere!
“When Karma was 6 years old, she joined me in the studio and asked if she could make music, too. I remember giving her the classic but true advice, ‘Write what you know,’ " Ludacris (born Chris Bridges) tells PEOPLE in an email interview about the book, which is linked to his Netflix showKarma’s World.
“This is the basis of both the show and the book — a story for families that addresses what real kids go through,” the actor, 44, continues. (Ludacris shares daughters Chance, 11 months, and Cadence, 7, with wife Eudoxie. He also has daughters Cai, 8, and Karma, 20, from previous relationships.)
“I want each of my daughters to live out their own dreams, and at that time in her life it was fun to hear that Karma had an interest in following in my footsteps.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Scholastic, Inc.
Ludacris hopes young fans of the book and the show will “not feel alone.”
“I also hope that when they connect to Karma’s music, it inspires them to find their own form of self-expression,” he writes. “I want people who read the book and watch the show to know that it’s okay to make mistakes and that there are tools available to help us all through difficult situations.”
He’s proud to create stories that highlight a young Black girl’s experiences. “The response to the first two seasons ofKarma’s Worldwas overwhelmingly positive, and it reaffirmed our purpose — that there is power in representation,” Ludacris explains.
While Karma’s time with him in the studio influenced the original story concept, Ludacris says that all four of his daughters continue to inspire him and he loves being a girl dad.
“I have absolutely loved being the father to four incredible girls,” he writes. “They have taught me so much and changed me for the better. It’s my daughters who inspired me to create this show for kids to spread a message of confidence, creativity and empowerment.
Ludacris adds, “The best part of being a girl dad is that every day is something different and each daughter has unique needs, so I am learning and adjusting every day just as much as they are.”
The star’s kids may vary in age and interests, but he loves cheering them on. Ludacris says he’s excited to have a break on Father’s Day so they can have some “family fun.”
As he gears up for the release of season 3 ofKarma’s Worldon July 7, Ludacris hopes to keep motivating his daughters and young fans.
“I want to teach them that they have the strength and the ability to do anything they set their minds to,” writes Ludacris of the lessons he wants to share with his girls. “I want them to know that you are never too young to make a difference.”
Daddy and Me and the Rhyme to Beis on sale now.
source: people.com
