Brass Knuckles

Review

Common Sense Media says

Explicit, sexist album doesn't pull any punches.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are no holds barred here in terms of racist and explicit language and sexist posturing (status-wise, women are equated to designer clothing and nice cars). Some clothing brands are mentioned, and the title invites violent associations.

  • Positive messages0
    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").
  • Violence3
    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.
  • Sex4
    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."
  • Language4
    The "N" word is used frequently and gleefully, along with every other four-letter word.
  • Consumerism3
    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, & smoking3
    Nelly's nightclub exploits involve a cocktail or two.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

On BRASS KNUCKLES, Cornell "Nelly" Haynes wants us all to know that he's "young, black, and rich" -- and proud of it. In between sexy come-ons over appealing, danceable tracks, Nelly gleefully struts his (very expensive, designer-labeled) stuff on songs about sticking up for yourself and your brothers, impressing women with upscale gifts, and living the party life while -- do we need to spell it out, really? -- not taking any "s--t."

Is it any good?

 

The album's lyrics are filled with the kind of expletives parents love to hate: the "N" word abounds (along with the other usual four-letter words), and the title invites pugilistic references and images ("Hold up or I pop your brains"). But it's the pervasive, sometimes subtle sexism that will be most disturbing to many parents. Women in Nelly's world are adored and admired in the same way you admire an expensive car or elegant wardrobe -- while being encouraged to "show some ass, show some t-ts, or show sumthin'" for the amusement of men.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

Families can talk about the "N" word, which is used frequently on Nelly's new CD. Some people think it's no big deal, while others are deeply offended. How do you feel when you hear that word used? Is it OK for some people to use it but not others? Why or why not?

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Parent of 21 and 24 year old
March 16, 2009
AGE
2
 
he is my baby .he is so sexy
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (2) | Had useful details (3) | Read my mind (4)
Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 3 and 3 year old
March 16, 2009
AGE
2
 
He got some abbs
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (3) | Had useful details | Read my mind (4)
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Nelly
Release date:September 16, 2008
Label:Universal
Genre:Hip-hop
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

For kids who love
Browse more music
 

vote now

Will you add Brass Knuckles to your playlist?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already listened to it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it