Review: Nelly Updates His Sound On 'M.O.'
Nelly’s seventh studio album, M.O. (Republic Records) is easy listening for longtime fans who were bumpin' Country Grammar in middle school English class or visiting Nellyville during summer vacations. But whether the rapper's latest work will resonate with Gen-Now’s limited attention span is uncertain. The standout tunes are obvious to the masses, while the lower points aren’t actually that low. We’ll make it easy on you with a track-by-track break down of Nelly’s M.O. —Sarah Polonsky
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Get Like Me (Feat. Nicki Minaj and Pharrell)
The quick drum taps are reminiscent of The Clipse’s 2002 classic “Grindin,” while there’s a slight turn-up of 808s at the three-minute marker. There’s the non-complex hook (“You know it” repeated in baritone three times) and Nicki Minaj’s verse exuding the very reasons (lyrics like “drop down shorty, get your eagle on”) why she’s loved (and hated).
“Give U Dat” Feat. Future
Classic Nelly bellowing out echoes in the hi-fi as Future takes to the mic for a tight solo look.
“Rick James” Feat. T.I.
Enter the LP’s standout track and insta-banger done Nelly style. T.I.’s cameo glorifies popping pills of “E” and getting high with him. All in all, it’s disco funky dope thanks to everyone’s favorite Rick James line (made famous by Dave Chappelle’s comedy sketch): “I’m rich, bitch!”
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"Heaven" feat. Daley
It may not be so deep, but “Heaven” is sweet like honey and fluffy like a Bruno Mars ballad. The uplifting vocals and Tupac nod (“Never hate the ladies that make the babies”) are something divine.
"Maryland, Massachuets"
Nelly must have been chowing down on crab cakes and watching football while making this one because that’s how Maryland does. This lyrical redundancy here is saved by the countrified sound that made Nelly… Nelly, in the first place.
"100K" feat. 2 Chainz
While the hook is sticky, “100K” is a low point on M.O. 2 Chainz's verse is tight, redeeming the otherwise mediocre, bass-heavy joint. Should've titled this one “10K.”
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"All Around The World" feat Trey Songz
Trey Songz makes all ladies swoon over trapped out 808s and big-room beats on this upbeat, danceable record. Nelly meets EDM on “Around The World”—without the predictably annoying drops.
"Idgaf" feat. T.I. and Pharrell
Every club goer in the world will soon be screaming “Idgaf” thanks to T.I., Pharrell and Nelly—or the “turn up crew,” as the song states. This is a trio of true dope… not that the the artists “give a fuck.”
"U Know U Want To"
It's subtly rapey (as the title suggests), but sung sweetly enough that you’d never file a police report.
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“My Chick Better” feat. Fabulous & Wiz Khalifa
This is a hybrid of old-school hip-hop with a new age approach to production due to high synths. Good to hear some proper spittin’ amidst a lyrically light LP.
“Walk Away” feat. Florida Georgia Line
Nelly brings it back to the country-hop revolution, which he spearheaded. Play alone in your bedroom—the gorgeous song is like therapy, only you don’t need health insurance to cover the bill. Just listen.
“Headphones” feat. Nelly Furtado
Nelly squared means double the reason to turn up your “headphones and fly away.” It’s got that “I Believe I Can Fly” cheesy-brilliance. All that’s missing is an R. Kelly verse to enforce the message: Music is an escape for anything.
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