Common Sense Note
Though still filled with graphic descriptions of sex, the edited version of Nelly's SUIT CD is unusually well-produced, and softer-sounding than its companion CD, SWEAT. Given that this more sensitive CD is "for the ladies", you might want to ask your teens what they think of Nelly's portrayals of relationships and women.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
St. Louis rapper Nelly has released two new CDs simultaneously, SUIT and SWEAT. SUIT, the gentler and softer of the two, is apparently meant for the ladies, showing a side of the artist that is more cerebral and also more lyrical. For Nelly, this means there is still a lot of sexual innuendo and drug talk, but the edited version is surprisingly well-done. The songs maintain their integrity without those pesky four-letter words.
The production is superb, with a terrific rhythm section cranking out a wide variety of rhythms. "Die for You" starts with a sweet recorded father-son phone conversation, and tells the story of Nelly's worry and guilt over the birth of his premature son and the frustrations of being a dad on the road. However, on the other end of the spectrum there are graphic descriptions of sexual encounters that can't be entirely overcome by editing.
Nelly and his producers get an "A" for musical effort, but the real stars of SUIT are those in the impressive gallery of guest performers, an unusually assorted mix featuring cameos by Pharrell Williams, Jazze Pha and T.I., Jaheim, Snoop Dogg, Ron Isley, Avery Storm, Mase, Anthony Hamilton, and -- most fabulously -- country star Tim McGraw.
Releasing two CDs at once also means that Nelly had to come up with a lot of material, and some of the songs really do sound like filler; perhaps one CD with only the best material would have been a good idea.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA lot of explicit sexuality. |
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ViolenceA few violent images. |
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LanguageA lot of strong language. |
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Social BehaviorThe dad stuff is great! The sex stuff can be sexist. |
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CommercialismSome brand names mentioned. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSeveral drug references. |
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