Nelly's "Brass Knuckles"

An Overview of the St. Louis Rapper's New Album

Sep 17, 2008

As the industry changes many formerly successful artists are finding themselves in a tough spot. But can Nelly box his way out of the possible failure of his new album?

After a taking a four-year break from recording albums, Nelly is back with his fifth studio album, “Brass Knuckles,” but with a rapidly evolving industry and hungry up and comers hitting the scene, can the St. Louis rapper knock his competition out?

Nelly’s Got “Brass Knuckles”

After many delays and much hype, Nelly’s “Brass Knuckles” hit record stores yesterday (September 16). But with his arguably lack luster singles failing to catch on with fans, critics are claiming the album will be a flop.

The album’s original single, “Wadsyaname,” which featured the piano riff from “All My Life” by K-Ci & Jo-Jo wet fans appetites for a strong album… until it was announced that Nelly decided not to use the track. He replaced it with the poorly received “Party People” featuring Fergie and produced by Polow Da Don.

In an effort to generate more buzz, Nelly released the album’s second single “Stepped On My J’z” featuring Jermaine Dupri (who also produced the track) and the princess of Crunk&B Ciara. In the same vein as his 2002 his “Air Force Ones,” the song relayed the rapper’s love for overpriced tennis shoes. Although some fans may have shared his sentiments, this song also failed to light a fire until the word on “Brass Knuckles.”

The only song to generate some kind of marginal interest was “Body On Me” featuring his unconfirmed girlfriend Ashanti. It is the most successful of the songs released, based on radio airplay and digital downloads.

Ciara, Fergie, LL Cool J, Ashanti, & Nelly

If the guests featured on “Brass Knuckles” are any indication of the quality of the remaining tracks, critics are saying there may just be some hope for Nelly. The album includes collaborations with Akon, Ashanti, Avery Storm, Chuck D, Ciara, Fergie, Gucci Mane, Jermaine Dupri, Keri Hilson, LL Cool J, Nate Dogg, Pharrell Williams, R. Kelly, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, St. Lunatics, T.I., and Usher.

“Nelly’s got a crazy collaboration he’s trying to put together, which is him, Janet, and Mariah Carey all on one song,” Jermaine Dupri said of Nelly’s unified approach. “That’s what he wants. If he could convince them to do it, it would be crazy. He wants Janet to rap a 16-bar verse, he wants Mariah to sing the hook and he’s gonna do two verses. He has it all planned out. You ask him about it! That is what he wants; he’s 100-percent deadlocked into it.”

“Brass Knuckles” Track Listing

The copyright of the article Nelly's "Brass Knuckles" in Rap/Hip Hop Music is owned by Erin T. McMillon . Permission to republish Nelly's "Brass Knuckles" in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.