Description
Nelly – Nellyville – Double Vinyl Record
Released on June 25, 2002, Nelly’s Nellyville is a hallmark of early 2000s hip-hop and stands as the rapper’s second studio album, following the enormous success of his debut, Country Grammar (2000). Building on the momentum of his breakout album, Nelly’s Nellyville cemented his status as one of the most commercially successful and innovative rappers of the time, blending elements of Midwestern rap, pop, and R&B into a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience.
Featuring chart-topping hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland), Nellyville became a cultural phenomenon, helping to define the sound and aesthetic of mainstream hip-hop in the early 2000s. The album was a major commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earning multiple Grammy Awards, further propelling Nelly into the upper echelons of hip-hop superstardom.
Before Nellyville, Nelly had already become a household name with his debut album Country Grammar, which sold over 10 million copies worldwide and introduced listeners to Nelly’s distinctive style, mixing Southern-influenced beats with Midwestern slang and pop-friendly hooks. By the time Nellyville was released, Nelly had built up significant anticipation for his sophomore project, and he didn’t disappoint.
Produced primarily by The Neptunes and Jason “Jay E” Epperson, Nellyville took the formula of Country Grammar—catchy hooks, sing-song delivery, and genre-blurring production—and refined it further. The album was a reflection of Nelly’s growing confidence and ambition, aiming for both club bangers and crossover appeal with radio-friendly hits.
Nellyville showcased Nelly’s versatility as a rapper, fusing hard-hitting hip-hop beats with catchy, melodic choruses that appealed to both hip-hop fans and mainstream pop audiences. The production was crisp and polished, often leaning into pop territory, which was a conscious effort to bridge the gap between hip-hop and broader audiences. Nelly’s distinct Midwestern drawl and laid-back flow were central to his appeal, making him accessible to a wide demographic.
Tracks like “Hot in Herre” and “Air Force Ones” were designed for the clubs, with infectious beats and playful, boastful lyrics. “Hot in Herre,” produced by The Neptunes, became an instant summer anthem, with its funky, bass-heavy beat and catchy hook. The song’s sensual vibe and danceable rhythm helped it top the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Nelly his first Grammy Award for Best Male Rap
Songs like “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland) helped Nelly cross over into the pop charts. “Dilemma” was a smooth, R&B-tinged love song that paired Nelly’s laid-back delivery with Kelly Rowland’s soulful vocals, creating a duet that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks. It remains one of the most iconic songs of the early 2000s, cementing Nelly’s ability to make both hard-hitting rap tracks and soft, radio-friendly ballads.
Despite its pop appeal, Nellyville didn’t shy away from street themes. Tracks like “#1” and “Pimp Juice” showcased Nelly’s swagger and braggadocio, with lyrics that focused on success, wealth, and status. The album balanced these harder-edged tracks with the more melodic songs, showing Nelly’s dual appeal to both hardcore hip-hop fans and mainstream listeners.
Notable Tracks
“Hot in Herre”: One of the biggest tracks of 2002, this Neptunes-produced song was an undeniable club anthem with its infectious, funky beat and suggestive lyrics. The song’s catchy hook (“It’s gettin’ hot in here, so take off all your clothes”) became a pop culture moment and helped the song win a Grammy Award.
“Dilemma” (feat. Kelly Rowland): This duet with Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland became one of Nelly’s biggest hits, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy. The song’s blend of hip-hop and R&B, along with its smooth, heartfelt lyrics, made it an instant classic.
“Air Force Ones” (feat. Kyjuan, Ali, and Murphy Lee): A tribute to Nelly’s love for sneakers, this track became another hit, popularizing Nike’s Air Force 1 shoes even further in hip-hop culture. The song’s playful, catchy beat and sing-along chorus made it a fan favorite.
“#1”: A boastful track where Nelly claims his spot at the top of the rap game, “#1” features a harder, more aggressive sound than some of the album’s other tracks. It was also featured on the soundtrack for the movie Training Day.
“Pimp Juice”: This song dives into Nelly’s self-confidence and swagger, with a funky beat and slick production. It became a controversial track due to its provocative lyrics, but it also underscored Nelly’s ability to generate buzz and stay at the forefront of pop culture.
Nellyville explores a range of themes, many of which revolve around Nelly’s newfound success and the lifestyle that came with it. Much of the album is celebratory in tone, with tracks that emphasize wealth, partying, and relationships, but there’s also a sense of introspection in a few key tracks.
Many of the tracks, particularly “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones,” and “Pimp Juice,” are about enjoying the perks of fame—whether it’s money, material possessions, or attention from women. Nelly’s persona in Nellyville is one of a man who’s made it to the top and isn’t shy about showing it.
On songs like “Dilemma” and “Splurge,” Nelly softens his bravado to explore the complexities of romance and relationships. “Dilemma” in particular deals with the emotional struggles of love and connection, showing that Nelly wasn’t afraid to reveal a more sensitive side. The album is also a tribute to Nelly’s hometown of St. Louis. The title Nellyville suggests that Nelly has created his own world—one rooted in the experiences and culture of his Midwestern upbringing. This hometown pride and his ability to stay connected to his roots are important themes throughout his career.
Nellyville was a massive commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone. The album solidified Nelly’s place in the mainstream music industry, making him one of the biggest stars of the early 2000s.
The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Nelly’s ability to blend genres and create catchy, radio-friendly hits. It showcased his versatility, as he effortlessly moved between club bangers, rap anthems, and smooth, melodic love songs. Nellyville also helped popularize the pop-rap crossover sound, a trend that would dominate much of the decade, influencing artists like Flo Rida, Pitbull, and T-Pain.
Nelly’s style, which combined catchy hooks with slick, confident delivery, made him a pioneer in the blending of hip-hop with pop and R&B. His success with Nellyville also contributed to the rise of the Midwest rap scene, putting St. Louis on the map as a hub for hip-hop talent.
Nellyville earned several Grammy nominations and won Nelly two Grammy Awards, including Best Male Rap Solo Performance for “Hot in Herre” and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Dilemma.” The album’s success across both pop and rap categories highlighted Nelly’s widespread appeal and cemented his status as a crossover star.
Nellyville is a defining album of its era, capturing the sound, style, and energy of early 2000s hip-hop. With its mix of party anthems, pop crossovers, and street swagger, the album helped shape the trajectory of mainstream rap and pop music for years to come. Nelly’s infectious hooks, innovative production, and ability to connect with both rap fans and pop audiences made Nellyville a cultural moment, and its influence can still be heard in today’s music.
For fans of early 2000s hip-hop and pop, Nellyville remains a nostalgic classic that perfectly encapsulates the sound of a moment when hip-hop was becoming the dominant force in mainstream music.
Deluxe Edition
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Nellyville
Gettin’ It Started Featuring – Cedric the Entertainer, Lala
Hot In Herre
Dem Boyz
Oh Nelly
Pimp Juice
Air Force Ones
In The Store Featuring – Cedric the Entertainer, Lala
On The Grind Featuring – King Jacob
Dilemma Featuring – Kelly Rowland
Splurge
Work It Featuring – Justin Timberlake
Roc The Mic – Remix Featuring – Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Murphy Lee
The Gank
5000
#1
CG2
Say Now
Fuck It Then Featuring – Cedric the Entertainer, Lala
Not In My House
Kings Highway
Work It (Copenhaniancs Remix) Featuring – Justin Timberlake
Hot In Herre (Corporate Mix)
