Brass Knuckles [Explicit]

I have been a fan from the start and this CD is not a disappointment. I really love the beats and the collaboration with the other artist

Brass Knuckles is defintely an epic album for Nelly. We haven't heard anything from him since The Longest Yard Soundtrack. Nelly proves why he is the an expert at party rap music that can be accepted by everyone. with collobrations from Rick Ross, Ashanti, T.I., and LL Cool J, Nelly is truly showing just how accepted he has become to mainstream America. Brass Knuckles is must have for any Nelly fan.

After the great SUIT, Nelly was truly on top of his game. As poppish as that album was, it was strong. Who would've thought that Nelly would ever fall out of the limelight or that his pop-rap excursions would fall flat. Both of those terrible things happen on BRASS KNUCKLES. After a 4 year hiatus, you would expect that Nelly would be ready to comeback with a star-studded 4-star affair, much like SUIT was 4 years ago (Sweatsuit was issued in 2005 combining SUIT/SWEAT). BRASS KNUCKLES, much like Jay-Z's KINGDOM COME comeback falls short. The difference between those two is that KINGDOM COME was at least enjoyable. BRASS KNUCKLES just plain feels second-rate. Even the standout tracks aren't nearly as potent as Nelly's past triumphs - "Body On Me" featuring Akon and Ashanti feels stale, even though it is on of BRASS KNUCKLES standout's. "Party People" is fun enough, but its overall stupidity catches up quickly. I mean, Fergie rapping was so 2006. Evidently, Nelly rapping was so 2004, since he sounds so uninspired on BRASS KNUCKLES.

The album opens mediocrely with "U Ain't Him" featuring the ubiquitous Rick Ross. It's nothing to write home about for sure. The T.I./LL Cool J featuring "Hold Up" is at least fun, and the beat is sick, but still, it doesn't truly captivate the listener. "La" features an uninspiring Snoop Dogg, which does nothing for the momentum of the album. Usher shines on "Long Night", unfortunately, the track is forgettable. "Lie" featuring the St. Lunatics is average as well and ultimately forgettable. "Party People" featuring Fergie has only so much sustaining power before a couple of listens makes it sound as uninspired as everything else. "Self-Esteem" featuring Chuck D is a clear-cut miss and perhaps one of the corniest Nelly tracks - EVER. "Body On Me", a rather underrated single restores some momentum, and a couple of great proceeding tracks via "Stepped on My J'z" (featuring JD & Ciara) and "Let It Go Lil' Mama" (featuring Pharrell) finally bring some muscularity to a rather tepid album. From there, BRASS KNUCKLES falls on its arse with a couple of forgettable uninspired numbers ("One and Only", "Chill", "Who F***s Wit Me", and "Ucud Gedit").

It's unfortunate for Nelly BRASS KNUCKLES turned out so tepid. I don't recommend this album, particularly with many better hip-hop albums (Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, The Game...) 2 stars is generous.

What happened to the old Nelly...this cd was garbage..seems like they turned him into a muscle machine...oh well ..he's done...move on the cd was bull%$&*

Do not spend your monry on this listen to something with thought behind it. You will not be happy if you buy this.