Nelly performing on stage, showcasing his iconic band-aid and confident stage presence
Photo: Malcolm Ali/WireImage
Nelly, the St. Louis rapper who burst onto the scene in 2000 with his groundbreaking debut album Country Grammar, did more than just introduce a new voice in Midwestern hip-hop. He became a cultural phenomenon, proudly representing his city while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the genre. From raunchy club bangers like ‘Hot in Herre’ to emotionally resonant slow jams like ‘Dilemma’, Nelly’s discography is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. With countless chart-topping singles and a lasting impact on hip-hop culture, let’s dive into the best Nelly Songs that have defined a generation.
Listen to a playlist of the best Nelly songs here.
Nelly: The King of the Charts
Nelly’s dominance on the music charts is undeniable. This Grammy-winning artist has consistently delivered hits that not only topped the Billboard charts but also resonated deeply with fans, resulting in over 20 million records sold and cementing his place as a hip-hop icon.
Country Grammar
Nelly’s debut single, ‘Country Grammar,’ released in 2000, was nothing short of a cultural earthquake. Transforming a familiar children’s rhyme, ‘Down, Down Baby,’ into an unforgettable hip-hop chorus, this track not only redefined Midwestern rap but also introduced the world to Nelly’s unique style and ambition to reshape the music landscape.
Nelly – Country Grammar (Hot…) (Official Music Video)
Hot in Herre
Securing Nelly’s first No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Hot in Herre’ remains one of his most celebrated anthems. Produced by The Neptunes, this quintessential party track brilliantly samples Chuck Brown’s ‘Bustin’ Loose’ and blends it seamlessly with Nelly’s signature, syrupy flow. His iconic opening line, “I was like/Good gracious, ass is bodacious,” perfectly sets the tone for a night of carefree, exuberant fun.
Nelly – Hot In Herre (Official Music Video)
E.I.
‘E.I.’ perfectly encapsulates Nelly’s infectious energy and playful spirit. His dynamic flow, particularly in the catchy chorus (“Andele, andele, mami/ E.I. E.I./Uh-oh/What’s poppin’ tonight?”), is irresistibly engaging. Nelly truly shines when the vibe is light and energetic, and ‘E.I.’ stands as a prime example of his ability to create upbeat, feel-good hip-hop.
Nelly – E.I. (Official Music Video)
Nelly: The Master of Swagger
Few artists can exude confidence and swagger quite like Nelly. Whether he’s showcasing his lyrical skills, charming a woman, or simply flaunting his success, Nelly’s self-assuredness is a defining characteristic of his music and persona.
Pimp Juice
In 2002, Nelly delved into sonic sultriness with ‘Pimp Juice.’ While some critiqued its lyrical themes, Nelly embraced the archetypal “pimp” persona prevalent in rap history. In this track, he confidently asserts that everything from his footwear (“anything from Timberland to Gators”) to his car (“that seventy-four Coupe Deville”) contributes to his irresistible allure. The song’s cultural impact even extended beyond music, inspiring an energy drink of the same name.
Nelly – Pimp Juice (Official Video)
#1
Featured in both the 2001 film Training Day and Nelly’s album Nellyville, ‘#1’ is pure, unfiltered bravado. The chorus, packed with declarations of the rapper’s inherent superiority, is both effective and incredibly catchy. Its undeniable appeal propelled it to No. 20 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart, solidifying its place as a fan favorite.
Batter Up
As the title suggests, ‘Batter Up’ is rich with baseball metaphors, chronicling Nelly’s and his group St. Lunatics’ ascent to the top. The lyrics speak of their journey to the “big leagues,” symbolizing their breakthrough in the music industry. Adding to its significance, the music video features a cameo by the legendary Sherman Hemsley, a true mark of success and cultural recognition.
Nelly, St. Lunatics – Batter Up (Official Music Video)
Nelly, St. Lunatics – Batter Up (Official Music Video)
Nelly: The Romantic Balladeer
While much of Nelly’s catalog alternates between hypermasculine anthems and feel-good tracks, he also possesses a significant collection of songs that tap into deeper emotions. Whether through collaborations with R&B stars or solo performances, Nelly has consistently surprised fans with his sensuality and emotional range.
Dilemma
‘Dilemma’ leans heavily into R&B ballad territory, rather than being a straightforward hip-hop track. Nevertheless, it became one of Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s biggest hits. Sampling Patti LaBelle’s ‘Love, Need and Want You,’ the collaboration showcased Nelly’s vocal and emotional versatility, revealing a softer side to the typically confident rapper.
Nelly – Dilemma (Official Music Video) ft. Kelly Rowland
My Place
The smoothness of Nelly’s whispered vocals on ‘My Place’ is perfectly complemented by Jaheim’s rich, sensual voice. As the lead single from his 2004 album Suit, it boldly samples Teddy Pendergrass’ ‘Come Go With Me’ for its chorus. The pairing of Nelly and Jaheim proved to be a winning combination, showcasing undeniable chemistry and melodic fluidity.
Nelly – My Place (Official Music Video) ft. Jaheim
Wadsyaname
Despite being released as a bonus track on Nelly’s fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles, ‘Wadsyaname’ remains a beloved and endearing song among fans. Sampling the piano melody from K-Ci & JoJo’s ‘All My Life’ proved to be a masterstroke, creating a foundation for Nelly’s persistent chorus as he tries to get the attention of a potential love interest. Nelly’s romantic approach has always been rooted in charming persistence, and this track exemplifies that perfectly.
One & Only
‘One & Only’ pays homage to the synth-heavy, lovesick ballads of the 80s, infused with Nelly’s signature style. This track stands out as one of his most emotionally expressive moments. Nelly’s tender side shines through as he passionately pleads for both giving and receiving love, revealing a depth of emotion not always seen in his more swagger-filled tracks.
Nelly – One & Only (Official Music Video)
Nelly: The Fashion Iconoclast
Nelly’s distinctive personal style, featuring the iconic band-aid, du-rags, oversized chains, and sports jerseys, has made him a fashion trendsetter. It’s clear that fashion has always been a significant element of his artistic expression and public image.
Air Force Ones
‘Air Force Ones’ is a perfectly crafted tribute to the classic Nike sneaker. Featuring Ali, Murphy Lee, and Kyjuan, the song showcases each rapper boasting about their preferred colors and designs of the shoe, almost elevating the act of buying sneakers to a sacred ritual. The track’s powerful beat underscores the feeling of confidently “stomping in [their] Air Force Ones”.
Nelly – Air Force Ones ft. Kyjuan, Ali, Murphy Lee (Official Music Video)
Grillz
Nelly’s diamond-encrusted mouthpieces take center stage in the aptly named ‘Grillz.’ While grills are a common symbol in hip-hop culture, Nelly elevated the trend to new heights with this No. 1 single. His pride is palpable as he describes his elaborate grill: “I got a grill they call penny candy, you know what that means/It look like Now and Laters, gum drops, jelly beans,” showcasing the extravagance and playful nature of his style.
Nelly – Grillz ft. Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp
Stepped on My J’z
Collaborating with Ciara and Jermaine Dupri, ‘Stepped on My J’z’ humorously narrates the dramatic aftermath of someone stepping on Nelly’s beloved Air Jordans. The theatricality of the song amplifies its energy, as Nelly and Dupri trade verses about their sneaker obsession, while Ciara smoothly reminds listeners that women are equally invested in sneaker culture.
Nelly – Stepped On My J’z ft. Jermaine Dupri, Ciara (Official Music Video)
Nelly – Stepped On My J’z ft. Jermaine Dupri, Ciara (Official Music Video)
Nelly: The Genre Explorer
One of Nelly’s most commendable artistic qualities is his willingness to experiment and explore different musical styles. Although he initially emerged as a hip-hop artist, he quickly demonstrated his interest in genres beyond rap. From pop to country to R&B, Nelly’s sonic adaptability has not only translated into massive album sales but has also inspired a generation of artists to be more musically adventurous.
Ride Wit Me
‘Ride Wit Me’ stands as one of Nelly’s most successful songs, a complex anthem that seamlessly blends pop, country, and hip-hop elements. Its captivating guitar intro, mellow soundscape, and smooth cadences are intentionally simple yet highly effective, showcasing Nelly’s musical versatility. ‘Ride Wit Me’ paved the way for other rappers to broaden their sonic palettes and experiment with genre fusion.
Nelly – Ride Wit Me (Official Music Video) ft. St. Lunatics
Over & Over
The second single from 2004’s Suit featured a memorable collaboration with country music icon Tim McGraw. ‘Over & Over’ explores the pain of potential heartbreak from both a hip-hop and country perspective. While Tim McGraw himself has stated he never considered ‘Over & Over’ a country song, the track undeniably pushed the boundaries of both genres, demonstrating the successful fusion of seemingly disparate musical worlds.
Nelly – Over And Over (Official Music Video) ft. Tim McGraw
Just a Dream
‘Just a Dream’ highlights Nelly’s strong pop sensibilities, but it also reveals a newfound lyrical and emotional maturity. It’s hard to imagine early-career Nelly rapping about the pain of lost love and thoughtfully reflecting on his role in a relationship’s demise, showcasing his evolution as an artist and songwriter.
Nelly – Just A Dream (Official Music Video)
Hey Porsche
For the lead single from M.O., ‘Hey Porsche,’ Nelly fully embraced his pop star persona. It was a bold move, even for an artist known for genre-bending. While he had ventured into pop-infused sounds before, ‘Hey Porsche’ is overtly mainstream and radio-ready. With its synthesized melodies and catchy hooks, ‘Hey Porsche’ reaffirmed Nelly’s confidence and commitment to crafting inescapable mainstream anthems.
Nelly – Hey Porsche (Official Video)
Nelly: The Ultimate Party Starter
If you frequented hip-hop clubs in the 2000s, you were almost guaranteed to hear a Nelly song (or several). Transforming suggestive dance moves into widespread cultural trends is no easy feat, but Nelly made it seem effortless, solidifying his status as a party anthem king.
Shake Ya Tailfeather
‘Shake Ya Tailfeather’ is a quintessential club staple. Featured on the Bad Boys II soundtrack in 2003, it boasts one of Nelly’s most quoted lines: (“Is that your ass or your mama half reindeer?”). The track’s infectious energy and playful lyrics made it an instant party favorite.
P. Diddy [feat. Nelly & Murphy Lee] – Shake Ya Tailfeather (Official Music Video)
Flap Your Wings
“Drop down and get your eagle on!” This iconic dancefloor command from ‘Flap Your Wings’ became a cultural phenomenon. Powered by a characteristically minimalist yet brilliant Neptunes production, the track’s spare, tribal beats provide the perfect backdrop for Nelly’s lighthearted and melodic flow, making it an irresistible call to the dance floor.
Nelly – Flap Your Wings (Official Music Video)
Party People
This collaboration with Fergie, featured on the deluxe edition of her debut album, The Dutchess, as well as Nelly’s Brass Knuckles, is unapologetically loud and boisterous. Its massive beat creates the perfect sonic landscape for Nelly’s assertive and commanding vocals. ‘Party People’ is an anthem of unrestrained hedonism, with Nelly and Fergie asserting their definition of clubbing as the ultimate experience.
Nelly, Fergie – Party People (Official Music Video)
Have we overlooked one of your favorite Nelly songs? Let us know in the comments below!
