Nellyville

by

Nelly

Edit

Cornell Haynes is back with his follow-up to his multi-platinum LP "Country Grammar." This time he introduces us to his utopian world he calls "Nellyville." Nelly's vocals along with beats from probably THE most underrated hip-hop producer, Jason Epperson (Jay E.) look to make this album just as successful as his first. Guest spots on "Nellyville" include "Country Grammar" skit man, Cedric The Entertainer, LaLa (I believe to be the same LaLa from MTV's Direct Effect), King Jacob, *NSync'er Justin Timberlake, Destiny Child's Kelly Rowland, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and also, of course, his fellow St. Lunatics (Murphy Lee, Ali, & Kyjuan).

Track by Track Review:

1. "Nellyville": Pretty solid track in which the Mayor Of Nellyville, Nelly, explains this hip-hop star utopia. I don't think it would make a strong single, but it would be interesting to see a video for this one. Ranking: 7 out of 10

2. "Gettin' It Started"(Skit): Ced the Entertainer try's to show his game with LaLa, but fails to fulfill her want for the "Nellyville" CD. Not that funny of a skit, except for the Akinyele comment by Ced. Nelly should have used the same concept as the "Country Grammar" skit sequences. Also, since when is a song the first track on an album and a skit the second.... 4 out of 10

3. "Hot In Herre": Probably the most overplayed song everywhere in the world currently, but, the Neptunes produced track still is a pretty hot track which is a good first single for this album. 8 out of 10

4. "Dem Boyz": Nelly and the rest of the Tics put this one together and it seems to be their theme song of sorts. But, this song seems to cut short at the end, most likely for needed space on the CD. 6 out of 10

5. "Oh Nelly": A catchy hook by the Lunatic's next big thing: Murphy Lee, and a phat beat by Jay E. Put a video with this one and you got yourself a hit. 8 out of 10

6. "Pimp Juice": Nelly brings a funk style to this track and explains the juice that he seems to have an abundance of. Very original type of song with good beat and decent chorus. 7 out of 10

7. "Air Force Ones": "'Err' Force Ones" is an ode to his kicks, featuring the rest of the 'tics. Very good beat by the Trackboyz, nice flows, good hook, this song puts a smile on your face and makes you want a pair. This track is butter. 9 out of 10

8. "In The Store"(Skit): Ced at the record store trying to score the new Nelly CD but only can find the Edited version. Skit has no laugh out loud moments, just brings the story along. 4 out of 10

9. "On The Grind": This one has definitely the best beat on the album. Jay E is very impressive. Featuring King Jacob, whom kind of sounds like Kyjuan and raps similar to someone other than G. Dep. Good chorus, and, once again, great beat. 8 out of 10

10. "Dilemma": If Nelly ever stops rapping, he probably could have a career in the R&B field. Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child provides the vocals for the chorus. Very good slow jam. Definitely would be a tremendous hit, but alot of rappers don't release there slower songs as singles. 9 out of 10

11. "Splurge": Good song in which Nelly explains that what you see on tv and in the media might give the wrong impression, but sometimes he does go all out. Solid B side song. 8 out of 10

12. "Work It": Hmm, Nelly is most likely gonna take alot of heat for this track. It features *NSync's Justin Timberlake. Decent track, good vocals by Justin. Maybe a single in the future. 6.5 out of 10

13. "Roc The Mic-Remix": Obviously, a remix of the State Property song, "Roc The Mic." Although Nelly and Murphy Lee are featured on the track, it seems kind of weird that this track would be on a Nelly CD, especially in the middle of all the tracks. Should be bonus song. I'm guessing it's on this CD because of the nicely inserted KRS-1 diss by Nelly Nell. Anyway, really good song. Murphy Lee's flows are hot. Don't be surprised to see this school-boy blow-up in the near future. 9 out of 10

14. "The Gank": This one is my personal favorite on this CD. Nelly's in and out voice is spectacular as he tells the story of his girl leaving. Produced by Wally Yaghnam, this track has a nice beat, smooth verses, and a laughable pause in which Nelly explains that his girl took his stash. Best song on album. 10 out of 10

15. "5000"(Skit): You think you wanna laugh with all the laughing going by the 'tics. But, honestly, I have no clue what they're talking about. Maybe when I find out it'll be funny. 5 out of 10

16. "#1": Y'all know this one. Track is significantly shorted than the version on the "Training Day" soundtrack, CD space again. 8 out of 10

17. "CG 2"(Country Grammar 2): Nelly has traded in his Range Rover for a Six-Fo', and put together a remix of some kind to his first ever hit. This time, the rest of the 'tics put their flows on this version. Has a similar beat to the original version, but it is unique still compared to "CG 1." 7 out of 10

18. "Say Now": A slower song that puts an end to the musical side of the album. Decent track, but the chorus doesn't really match the verses. Mediocre beat, average flows. 6 out of 10

19. ... It Then"(Skit): Ced brings his girl the clean CD, but she isn't too happy that its edited and leaves. Again, not too funny, except for Ced's interpretation of *NSync's gone, that's pretty comical. 5 out of 10

Overall, "Nellyville" is a great follow up to his debut album. Nelly is sure to stay on top of the hip-hip game and so are the rest of the Lunatics, especially Murphy Lee.

I guess the title for my review said it all. However I'll add a few more thoughts because I also want to comment on the state of 'music' today.

First of all I'm not really a rap fan, but I do appreciate it sometimes. I like people like Mos Def and the Roots, among others. Jay Z and Snoop are cool, but they aren't my type. But this guy Nelly, together with a host of others, is the bottom of the barrel. He can't really rap, but that's not the point.

The point is that his crap is being taken seriously. People think he's a real artist, that he's oh so hot-----just because he sang one song about it being 'hot in here'.

But I do believe people are getting tired of him now----I haven't heard him mentioned for some time now, and I hope it will be that way for ever.