• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

  (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

  Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.

• Is it any good?

  2.0

• Common Sense says

  Explicit, sexist album doesn't pull any punches.

Why We Rated This

What to watch out for

• Messages:

  Although Nelly indulges in a few sweet, romantic moments on a ballad or two, the overall impression is one of deeply ingrained sexism. Women are appreciated in the same way one appreciates an expensive possession or a momentary diversion ("You're the one I wanna spend this night with / tryin' to get in those drawers and bang it out till the morning").
• Violence:

  The album title and some of the photos on the CD insert evoke violence, as do lyrics about "getting dirty looks from the LA cops" -- but Nelly does a lot more damage with his credit card.
• Sex:

  Loaded with explicit and sexist lyrics: "You gotta freak that s--t, freak that s--t like you want it / You gotta show some ass / show some t-ts ... just like a marathon, girl, just ... go on, run it."
• Language:

  The "N" word is used frequently and gleefully, along with every other four-letter word.
• Consumerism:

  Many clothing brand names are mentioned, especially in "Stepped on My J's," a celebration of a trip to the mall and the power of plastic ("Now I wanna take this time to thank my American Express / for allowing me to express my American the best").
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

  Nelly's nightclub exploits involve a cocktail or two.

What Parents Need to Know

About Brass Knuckles

Families Can Talk About