Nellyville

Release Date: 2022

Nelly's Nellyville from 2002 delivers smooth St. Louis hip hop with sing-along hooks and crossover appeal that dominated early 2000s radio. The album balances street credibility with pop sensibility, featuring Nelly's distinctive drawled flow over melodic beats that made him a household name.

Standout Tracks

• Hot in Herre: The sweltering club anthem with its infectious Neptune-produced beat
• Dilemma: The Kelly Rowland duet that perfected the rap-R&B crossover formula
• Air Force Ones: The sneaker tribute that became a cultural phenomenon

Mood: summer, driving, party, nostalgic