Although the track "Country Grammar" has been on my playlist since January (thanks Napster), I was interested to see if the rest of the album would play out on the same level. Many of the debut artists that come out with a single months ahead of time hit you with a horrible debut album in the future. Attention: This is NOT the case with Nelly. The CD starts out with a hilarious intro from Cedric the Entertainer. It flows right into the "Hood's" theme song, "St. Louie". At this point I usually expect there to be a fall off until the popular track comes on and then the rest of the track to be so-so. But no! The tracks all exemplify the astoundingly new voice of Nelly. His voice is a mix of R+B and Rap. It's like he's singing/saying his lyrics at the same time. It is very refreshing in the times of all the wanna-bes that all sound the same. Nelly doesn't care about being hardcore like DMX. He doesn't care about being as big a playa as Jay-Z. He doesn't spit the hate like Eminem. Yet, this is what makes Nelly a standout. I would have given the album five stars, but it's only his debut. We'll see if he has the staying power. I think he does. If you are any fan of rap, hip-hop, or R+B, pick up this album TODAY!

Nelly! Is one of this Summer's Best Cd's! Every track is a Hit! This Cd will have you Bobbin your head to every cut! Project Pat! 504 has nothin on Nelly! This is a must have! Great bass for a boomin system! Roll all your windows down and cruise the local strip! Yea Yeah!

Let me start by saying I was highly impressed with Nelly before this album came out and I liked this album a lot before I heard it all day, every day, everywhere (so my review is as of its release - late June 2000). The production is different -but tight and mostly done by Jayson "Jay E" Epperson and City Spud. It has 1 classic, 1 near classic, 1 or 2 I skip, 2 or 3 ok songs, and the rest are all good songs. Guests are limited to fellow STL rappers with the exception of Lil Wayne. He brought a whole new style to the table and brough STL into the rap game (much for the worse - St. Lunatics & Chingy are some of the worst "rappers" (hip-poppers) ever. After this he blew up like Vesuvius and I can't stand his music now but this CD is high quality and a must have.

#2 - 8.5

#3 - 10 (classic song)

#4 - 9.5 (I liked this song a lot until it got WAY overplayed)

#5 - 6.5

#7 - 8 (f/ City Spud)

#8 - 8.5

#9 - 8 (f/ Murphy Lee & Ali of St. Lunatics)

#10 - 8 (f/ Lil Wayne)

#11 - 7.5

#12 - 8

#13 - 8 (f/ St. Lunatics - ali, murphy lee, kyjuan)

#14 - 4 (f/ Murphy Lee & ali of st. lunatics)

#15 - 7 (f/ Teamsters)

#16 - 9.5 (great deep touching song)

STL!!!

STOP HERE! READ THIS! I'm not sure these other reviewers haveactually listened to the entire album or know anything abouthip-hop. I give them credit for at least giving the album a good rating, but I think most of them sound like teeny boppers who are too stuck on Em and Jay-Z to know what a good hip-hop album is. I bought this album off the strength of the single Country Grammar, and because he gives props to my home state of Indiana in it(much love for that Nelly), but I wasn't expecting much more than that. Was I ever surprised. This album is off tha hook and completely tears the roof off the new sound that crawled out from the south. Move over Juvi there's a new king in town and Nelly's wearing the crown. Although it's risky giving this much credit to a young upstart I'm going out on a limb to say Nelly has done an amazing job at bringing a new fresh sound to the hip-hop/rap scene,and lets hope it has staying power. Jay-ZZZ(yawn)and the "sHot" Boys only wish they could have made an album this good. I mean what a novel idea, load the album up with good tracks from start to finish not just one or two good songs and a bunch of filler(yeah Jay I'm talkin to you). Anyway, I digress, the album itself is a unique breakthrough best described as a fresh blend of St.Louis blues,good R&B, and hip-hop/rap. The lyrics are crazy good and full of homegrown midwest flavor that has never been caught on a rap album before(again,much love Nelly for telling the world we're not corn-bred hillbillies),and the flow is all laid-back-mellow gold-chillin-with-the-top-down good. The guitar lick on Ride wit me(#7)is the smoothest groove I've ever heard on a rap album. Country Grammar(#4) is,of course, good its blazin the charts. Other good tracks are: Batter Up(#14),which makes dope use of The Jefferson's theme song;and,Luven Me(#16),a beautiful,beautiful shout out to the ladies in his life. Most of the tracks feature boys from the St. Lou crew who do excellent work supporting the album. Solo projects from them should be anticipated. In short,this album is one of the best new things to come off the block and you people should eat it up,it's worth it. What are you waitin' on? Go buy it!

Being from St. Louis, I was quick to pick up this CD. I did like him at first..."Country Grammer" is a catchy song that grows on you. Overall, the album has a few catchy songs, some mediocre beats, and cliche lyrics. If you happen to enjoy hip hop that has no real meaning, no depth, & you just want something to bob your head to, then pick this CD up. Personally, I'm tired of hearing it on every radio station.

Before Nelly blew up, before the St. Lunitics got a taste of fame, they did actually have some potential. I remember hearing the St. Lunitics on the radio just a couple years ago. I doubt anyone outside of St. Louis even knew who the hell they were. I liked them then & I expected a lot more...Oh well.