Back in my elementary school days, Nelly was the "ish." Every one of my friends saved up to buy his notoriously successful albums "Country Grammar" (2000) and "Nellyville" (2002) because not doing so was simply an abomination. The songs on these albums were so good that I still get nostalgic when I hear those classic tracks. Now, Nelly has finally returned with yet another masterpiece. Five long years after the unforgettable "Sweatsuit" which included classics such as "N Dey Say" and "My Place," his new album has hit the shelves.
"5.0" is the perfect comeback, putting him back on track as one of the most unique and well-liked rap artists in hip-hop history. His hit single "Just a Dream," included in this album, is his fifth career number one.
Unfortunately, this most popular single from the album probably has the least substance of any song on the album. Still, it achieves exactly what it sets out to achieve. It's supposed to grab the love and attention of fans of the new age of music, defined by swirling synth and guitar textures held together with effortless but monotonous melodies and surprisingly weak lyrics. Despite the fact that the song is typical in this sense, Nelly's singing and rapping style is what makes this song unique. He combines pop and hip-hop for a current feel yet with with familiar sounds recalling some of his best moments, such as "Dilemma" and "Hot in Herre," to create a true masterpiece.
For those who seek substance and meaning in songs, there are far better moments in the album. "She's So Fly," featuring T.I., is on its way to becoming a legendary track. It includes a catchy and original beat, held together by humorous lyrics sung and rapped by Nelly. But T.I.'s verse is what truly stuns listeners, as he introduces a new, fast-paced rapping style with a natural flow.
Another highlight of the album is a bonus track, "Go" featuring Talib Kewli. This song encompasses the entire array of Nelly's musical talent, he produces an unforgettable harmony, utilizing a quality beat and rapping brilliantly.
The only weak points in the album are "Gone (Dilemma Part 2)" featuring Kelly Rowland and "1000 Stacks" featuring Diddy. The first of the two is a huge disappointment. Listening to this lackluster track is a daunting task, due mostly to Kelly Rowland's deafening verses. Basically, this song is an insult to the success of the original "Dilemma."
"1000 Stacks" just happens to be a bad song, though for no particular reason. All it does is prove why one should never feature Diddy in his or her album. It's obvious that Diddy has lost the foundational gifts that first made his name in the business.
"Nothing Without Her" is one underrated, pleasant surprise in the album. This ballad is a change of pace, with Nelly abandoning rap in favor of conventional singing. He gives an impressive performance and manages to successfully appropriate Akon's vocal style to produce a soothing chorus. Who knew Nelly could actually sing? Though the song's slow-paced melody makes it a little cheesy, it is still an enjoyable track and features superb lyrics.
Nelly's "5.0" keeps you guessing as virtually every song features a different artist. T-Pain, Chris Brown, T.I., DJ Khaled and Talib Kewli among others all appear in the album. "5.0" is a solid piece of work. Though most of the pop and R&B tracks on the album are unfamiliar and unexpectedly original, he keeps the "dirty south" formula that made him a hip-hop fixture. This album is something that you can put on anywhere at anytime and has tracks for all musical tastes.
