Country Grammar Review
With the No Limit and Cash Money crews having permanently seared the once-ignored Deep South into the hip-hop map, Nelly arrives to make a mark for the heretofore uncelebrated St. Louis scene. After outlining the rules of the game from lifestyle (gats, grass, and sex) to wardrobe (he cuffs his jeans like Beaver Cleaver), the rapper offers scenario after scenario depicting the gangsta world as one big party; he and his crew seem much more interested in fellatio than shootouts. The title single, which preceded this CD's release by months, is the clear standout with its low-rider groove, but the midtempo R&B-flavored flows of "Utha Side," "Greed, Hate & Envy," and "Steal Da Show" are also seductive.
--Rickey Wright
