CD Review - Nelly BRASS KNUCKLES [Universal]

Would Mac Dre roll over in his grave if he heard Nelly use the word "treal"? Nelly's new album Brass Knuckles brings up the query with some questionable positioning by the St. Louis rapper. His latest offering not only angers dead rap gods but follows the modern hip-hop album blueprint. Tributes to other regions (see second track "L.A."), distended and stale lyrics, and a whole mess of barren collaborations are all staples of Brass Knuckles.

The fact that Nelly only spits solo on one track makes the number of guest appearances seem insecure. But even when he's backed up by Fergie, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross, his verse and subject matter are weak. "Lie" is an unremarkable story of online dating gone wrong while "Self- Esteem" resurrects Chuck D for the albums throwaway positivist track. But those songs are expected to fill anyways. Billed as a single, "Party People" is full of rather derivative beats and rather annoying voice modulation.

There are a few danceable and tolerable tracks on Brass Knuckles though. "Step On My J'z," while containing a cliche warning message, has a sugary beat that powers this territorial joint. Akon and Ashanti's appearance on "Body on Me" is one of the more inspired collaborations. But both these songs rely heavily on guests lyrical ability rather Nelly's. And the aforementioned solo track (apporiately titled "One and Only") is a definite low point in an already sunken valley of an album. His rhymes are weak boasts backed up by a watery R&B choruses that serenade himself. If hip-hop is dead, then albums like this must have had a hand in the drive-by. Nelly's formulaic production, stale verse and reliance on more talented artists make this album tedious, making Brass Knuckles not nearly as intimidating as its name suggests.