Nelly

• Country Grammar [Universal, 2000] B+
• Nellyville [Universal, 2002]
• Suit [Universal, 2004] *

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Country Grammar [Universal, 2000]
Cornell Haynes's St. Louis singsong rolls over an easy mix of N.O. Bounce, Cleveland thug harmony, and L.A. tweedle-twaddle. He remains faithful to Cedric the Entertainer's congenial cellphone-jester intro as he works through some mild dope-slangin' and bitch-mackin' consumer fetishism, and despite all the expensive cars I hope he paid cash for, the jolly diffidence of his heavily accented local color makes his hedonism seem more benign and accessible than the N.O. if not ATLien variety. There's bite to the mild moralism he works through, too, especially the St. Lunatics' detailed report on cannabis addiction. "Blow 30 mill like I'm Hammer," he boasts early on, and he's such a nice guy you hope it is 30 mill--and wish with all your heart he wasn't certain to blow whatever it turns out to be instead. B+

Nellyville [Universal, 2002]

Suit [Universal, 2004]
Representing for treating women decent ("Paradise," "My Place"). *