Nelly says his period of Hip Hop was the “toughest ever” by one measure.
In an interview on LeBron James’ The Shop, the St. Louis rap icon discussed his 2000s breakthrough success and his struggles to separate out in a sea of stars.
He noted the Grammys’ inconsistent treatment of rappers: “Country Grammar sold five million and I wasn’t even nominated as Best New Artist! Since my album came out in 2000, I wasn’t on the ballot. Great, talented, well-deserving Miss Alicia Keys won in 2001 and should have won.”
He said he had a chip on his shoulder growing up in St. Louis when New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta ruled Hip Hop.
You must realize that my Hip Hop era was the hardest. He said ever. “When I released tracks, I faced DMX, JAY-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Luda. We’re all competing for one position! From 1999 to 2008-2010, getting albums was harder than ever.”
Nelly agrees with Styles P, who said Hip Hop isn’t as competitive as it used to be.
Last year, the LOX lyricist used basketball scoring comparisons to аrgue that modern rappers lack friendly sparring in an interview with former NBA star-turned-broadcaster Jalen Rose.
“That’s also the difference between Hip Hop of back then and Hip Hop of today—they’re not competitive enough,” he continued. “I think running with someone is business.
“In the studio, you should air someone out. Not to criticize, but you should be attempting a triple-double.”
He added: “If they drop a double-double, you want to drop a triple-double and I think that sense of competitiveness has left somewhat.”
Nelly’s influence on rap remаins strong despite his slowdown since the 2000s. Chance The Rapper, who called the “Ride Wit Me” singer “the most important country star of our time,” wаnted to work with him last year.
When asked about making country music on Jimmy Fallon, the Chicago native answered, “You know what? If it were with Nelly, the greatest country star of our time, I would.
His art is wonderful. I remember listening to his country song ‘Hоt In Herre’. Also [‘Over and Over’]. He has country classics!”
Nelly told Entertainment Tonight, “It’s funny, I just saw Chance out in Vegas. Chatted about it. He’s serious, so we’ll try.”