Wayne Bridges

The father of rap artist Ludacris has died, two weeks after the Atlanta performer gave a public nod to his ailing father during a Grammy Awards acceptance speech. Wayne Brian Bridges, 52, died Sunday morning in an Atlanta hospital after a long illness, said Barry Florence, a publicist for Ludacris. The rapper, whose real name is Chris Bridges, thanked fans for their support and asked for privacy to grieve in a statement released Monday. Florence said the family has chosen not to publicly announce the cause of death. On Feb. 11, Ludacris won Grammys for Best Rap Album, for "Release Therapy," and Best Rap Song for "Money Maker." While receiving the best album award, he dedicated the win to his father, who he said was in critical condition and fighting for his life. "Mr. Wayne Bridges, I love you to death," he said at the televised Los Angeles ceremony. The Monday statement called Wayne Bridges a great influence on his son, saying he had exposed him to music as a young child. The family is planning a private funeral in Atlanta, Florence said.