Nelly | Interview (2004)

Aries (T M H): First off congratulations on your Grammy nomination, how important are the Grammy's to you?
Nelly: Thanks man, I appreciate that. Anytime you're nominated for anything you appreciate it. But I still think The Grammy's, have a long way to go when it comes to hip-hop.

Aries (T M H): What made you decide to put out two albums at once?
Nelly: Well when I first started it was just to work on one CD. Then I ended up recording so much material, I decided to just put out two at the same time. I thought that was a good way to do it. Plus it was creative to me and something that was never done before. I felt only one person could pull it off and that was me (laughs). I felt like it would be hot and could sort of be my signature. I honestly didn't know they would be doing as good as they are. When I told people I was going to do it, they said it wasn't going to ruin my career and would never work. I'm happy they were wrong (laughs).

Aries (T M H): What inspired “Over and Over?"
Nelly: I had the track when I first started working on the CD(s). I really didn't know what to do with it. So I just wrote the lyrics and then I needed something else to set it off. So then I started thinking about who could sing the hook. I wanted it to be creative. The guitar in it made me think of country music. So I was like should I (laughs), I mean really, should I (laughs)? So I invited Tim on to do the track with me.

Aries (T M H): Who inspires you musically?
Nelly: Just life man. There is so much stuff I want to do. I don't want to be one of those that didn't give my all. If I didn't deal with every challenge thrown at me, I would be cheating myself. I would be cheating my fans, if I didn't expand all of my talents.

Aries (T M H): There is a rumor you said politics shouldn't be in hip-hop or music, is that true, if so why do you believe that?
Nelly: Man I didn't say that. Someone asked me a question on why I personally don't put politics in my music. Who am I to tell people what they should or should not rap about? Just because I don't doesn't mean others don't like it. Anyway, I love peeps like Public Enemy. That's what I do, fight for people to say or to do whatever they want. That's what I love about this shit (hip-hop) man. But yeah I heard that I said that before and let me clear it up now, I never did and it's something I would never say.

Aries (T M H): What is the most frustrating aspect of being a recording artist?
Nelly: Dealing with the media B (laughs). Stuff like what we were just talking about. Everything else is cool, I love to work, I'm not lazy. But stuff like that gets out and it's not even true. Stuff people never expect. Then people having the wrong perspective of you when they meet you from what they think you should be and what not.

Aries (T M H): What are your plans with The Bobcats?
Nelly: love them guys. They play at their best and I'm proud. I love their heart and they're tough. We beat the champs and The Knicks the other night. I'm proud to be their owner.

Aries (T M H): Are there any plans to work with any other artists in the future?
Nelly: I don't know yet. Not until I hear the track. One thing I can't say is never say never of who I won't work with (laughs). We were talking earlier about Chuck (D) and I would love to work with him. Jay-Z also, we've never worked together. I think that would be hot!

Aries (T M H): Any touring in your future?
Nelly: Yeah at the top of the year and in the spring. Not sure with who yet. Any you know what else? I'm not sure if I want to do 15,000 or 3,000 seaters. I like smaller arenas better. When fans are right there on you B. Where they can touch you and smell you. Man I would love to do that type of tour. We did it last year with the up-close and personal tour. It was rockin man, the music was beatin up in that mutha fucka. I love when the music is like that, it's so clear and loud in small arenas (laughs). I mean we've had success with larger arenas, but the fans are just to distant for me.

Aries (T M H): What up-coming projects do you have coming up?
Nelly: I don't know, let me see. I got the soundtrack to The Longest Yard, a movie I did. The soundtrack is going to be on my label. Ali and Big Gip from Goodie Mob got a CD coming out called "Kin Folk." We're finishing Murphy Lee's new CD, which is ridiculous B (laughs). Peeps gon be like, wow! Then next year I plan to take a break. And I mean a break man, not no two/three week vacation, but relax for a good while. I haven't taken a break since I started.

Aries (T M H): Any last words for your fans?
Nelly: Thank you, those are the best two words I can say. Thank you for all of your support and support Justice For Jackie. Be lookin' out.