Along with his 2000 debut album, Nation Grammar, St. Louis rapper Nelly not solely redefined what it meant to be a midwestern hip-hop artist, he proudly placed on for his metropolis whereas elevating the tradition. Nelly has a sturdy and numerous discography: The band-aid clad rapper is simply as snug concocting raunchy membership anthems (‘Scorching in Herre”) as he’s cranking out fascinating gradual jams (‘Dilemma”). He boasts a formidable profession, numerous No.1 singles and an immeasurable impression on hip-hop. These are the very best Nelly songs.
Nelly, The Chart Topper
Nelly’s arsenal of hits is simple. The rapper has had a slew of hits prime the Billboard charts, offered over 20 million information and gained three Grammy awards alongside the best way.
Nation Grammar
Nelly’s debut single was one in all gargantuan proportions. 2000’s ‘Country Grammar” unexpectedly transformed a children’s rhyme – ‘Down, Down Baby” – into one of hip-hop’s most memorable choruses. This observe redefined midwestern rap and launched the world to an artist decided to shift the tradition.
Scorching in Herre
Nelly’s first No.1 track on the Billboard Scorching 100 is one in all his most acclaimed. ‘Hot in Herre,” produced by The Neptunes, is a quintessential party anthem that masterfully interpolates Chuck Brown’s ‘Bustin’ Free” with Nelly’s signature and syrupy drawl. His unforgettable opening line: “I was like/Good gracious, ass is bodacious” served as a jaunty prelude to a narrative a couple of raucous – however enjoyable – night.
E.I.
‘E.I.” captures the essence of Nelly. His energetic flow – especially on its playful chorus (“Andele, andele, mami/ E.I. E.I./Uh-oh/What’s poppin’ tonight?”) – is downright infectious. Nelly is at his greatest when issues are gentle and frothy, and this observe is an ideal instance.
Nelly, The Sh_t Talker
Few rappers discuss sh_t in addition to Nelly. Whether or not he’s touting his lyrical prowess, seducing a girl or just displaying off how profitable he’s, Nelly oozes confidence.
Pimp Juice
Nelly tried his hand at sonic sultriness on 2002’s “Pimp Juice.” Though some baulked at its lyrical content material, Nelly merely leaned into one of the infamous caricatures within the historical past of rap. On it, Nelly insisted that all the things from his sneakers (“anything from Timberland to Gators”) to his journey (“that seventy-four Coupe Deville”) made him irresistible to the other intercourse. (It additionally impressed an power drink of the identical identify.)
#1
‘#1” appeared in the 2001 film Training Day as well as Nelly’s sophomore album Nellyville. It’s unfiltered braggadocio at its most interesting. A refrain stuffed with quips declaring the rapper’s innate superiority is each efficient and insanely catchy. It went on to peak at No.20 on the US Billboard Scorching R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart.
Batter Up
As you would possibly count on from the title, ‘Batter Up” has plenty of baseball metaphors. The song focuses on Nelly’s climb (alongside together with his group St Lunatics) to the highest, with a lyric in regards to the crew making it to the “big leagues”. However the true marker of success right here is getting the one and solely Sherman Hemsley to look within the music video. The final word cosign.
Nelly, The Lothario
Most of Nelly’s catalogue switches between hypermasculinity and really feel good tracks, however there’s a wealthy trove of tunes which have him tapping into totally different feelings. Whether or not it’s notable collaborations with R&B personalities or bellowing on a observe solo, Nelly has made a behavior out of utilizing his sensuality to maintain followers on their toes.
Dilemma
‘Dilemma” is more R&B ballad than straightforward hip-hop joint. But it remains one of Nelly’s (and Kelly Rowland’s) greatest hits. The collaboration sampled Patti LaBelle’s ‘Love, Need and Want You,” and revealed both Nelly’s vocal (and emotional) versatility.
My Place
The one factor smoother than Nelly’s whispery chants on ‘My Place” are Jaheim’s wealthy and sensual vocals. The lead single from 2004’s Go well with boldly samples Teddy Pendergrass’ ‘Come Go With Me” for its refrain. They pull it off, although: Nelly and Jaheim are a formidable pair with simple chemistry and melodic fluidity.
Wadsyaname
Though this track was solely launched as a bonus observe on Nelly’s fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles, it nonetheless stays one in all his most adorable songs. Sampling the piano line from Okay-Ci & JoJo’s ‘All My Life” proved fruitful for the rapper; he layered it with an unceasing chorus in which he attempts to holler at a potential muse. Nelly’s model of romanticism has all the time been rooted in persuasion.
One & Solely
‘One & Only” pays homage to synthy 80s lovesick ballads with Nelly’s trademark flare. The observe is one in all his extra expressive moments. You gained’t hear extra Nelly extra tender than when he’s pleading and insistent about each giving and receiving love.
Nelly, The Style Renegade
Nelly’s private fashion – which included the notorious band-aid, du-rags, outsized chains and sports activities jerseys – is iconic. It’s clear that trend has all the time been an enormous precedence.
Air Power Ones
‘Air Force Ones” is a perfectly penned ode to the classic Nike sneaker. Alongside Ali, Murphy Lee, and Kyjuan, the rappers trade boasts about the colors and designs of the shoes they’re shopping for, and the way it practically seems like a sanctimonious act. A thunderous beat brings residence the texture of Nelly “stomping in [his] Air Force Ones”.
Grillz
Nelly’s jewel-encrusted mouthpieces take entrance and centre on the aptly titled ‘Grillz.” Having a grill is virtually thought-about a ceremony of passage in hip hop, however Nelly took the custom to new heights with this No.1 single. You may virtually hear how proud he’s as he described one in all his favorites: “I got a grill they call penny candy, you know what that means/It look like Now and Laters, gum drops, jelly beans”.
Stepped on My J’z
Alongside Ciara and Jermaine Dupri, ‘Stepped on My J’z” reveals Nelly narrating the aftermath of getting his Air Jordans sullied. The theatrics solely heighten the power of the observe. As Nelly and Dupri change bars about their sneaker obsession, Ciara sleekly reminds everybody listening that ladies partake within the tradition as nicely.
Nelly, The Experimental Crooner
Certainly one of Nelly’s most admirable musical traits is his willingness to discover. Though he initially got here on the scene as a hip-hop artist, he shortly made his curiosity in different genres clear. Whether or not it’s pop, nation, or rap, Nelly’s sonic malleability hasn’t simply translated to immense album gross sales – it’s additionally impressed the following era to be extra adventurous.
Experience Wit Me
Certainly one of Nelly’s most profitable songs is a fancy anthem that manages to oscillate between pop, nation, and hip-hop. Its engaging guitar intro, mellifluous soundscapes, and smooth cadences are easy, and that’s the purpose. The track is finally a showcase for Nelly’s dynamism. ‘Experience Wit Me” paved the best way for rappers trying to widen their sound.
Over & Over
The second single from 2004’s Go well with featured a memorable cameo from nation famous person Tim McGraw, with each wallowing within the ache of doubtless dropping a lover. Though McGraw says he by no means thought-about ‘Over & Over” a rustic track, the observe nonetheless pushed the boundaries of each genres. ‘Over & Over” is a primary instance of when worlds efficiently collide.
Only a Dream
‘Just a Dream” showcases Nelly’s savvy pop inclinations, however it additionally demonstrates his lyrical and emotional maturity. It’s exhausting to think about early profession Nelly rapping about dropping the love of his life, not to mention pensively evaluating the position he could have performed in what occurred.
Hey Porsche
On M.O.’s lead single, Nelly went full-on pop star. It was a dangerous transfer for the artist. Though he’s ventured in genre-bending earlier than, this explicit track is bolder in its radio sheen. ‘Hey Porsche,” in all its synthesized glory, reaffirms the rapper’s confidence and devotion to crafting inescapable mainstream anthems.
Nelly, The Celebration Starter
For those who have been in a hip-hop membership within the 2000s, likelihood is you heard a Nelly track (or two). Remodeling risqué dance strikes into cultural traits is not any straightforward feat, however Nelly makes it look straightforward.
Shake Ya Tailfeather
There’s nothing fairly like membership staple ‘Shake Ya Tailfeather.” It’s one of the notorious songs from 2003’s Dangerous Boys II soundtrack, and it’s additionally acquired one in all Nelly’s most quoted traces. (“Is that your ass or your mama half reindeer?”)
Flap Your Wings
“Drop down and get your eagle on!” That’s the notorious dancefloor command from ‘Flap Your Wings,” but it would have little power if it weren’t backed up by a usually easy, usually wonderful Neptunes manufacturing. The Neptunes’ spare, tribal beats are the right backdrop for Nelly’s lighthearted, melodic circulate.
Celebration Folks
This Fergie assisted observe was featured on the deluxe model of her debut document, The Dutchess, in addition to Nelly’s fifth studio album Brass Knuckles. It’s unapologetically loud and boisterous. Its monstrous beat is the right backdrop for Nelly’s strident and blustery yells. On ‘Celebration Folks,” hedonism reigns supreme because the pair insist that their model of clubbing is paramount.
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