Suit [PA] (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Nelly (rap vocals); Pharrell Williams, Anthony Hamilton, Ronald Isley, Tim McGraw (vocals); Jazze Pha (rap vocals, various instruments); Jaheim, Mase, Snoop Dogg, T.I. (rap vocals); James D. "Sted Fast" II Hargrove, Richard "Rip" Gager, Onion, Dan "Thunda Dan" Marshal, Shorty B. (guitar); Jayson "Koko" Bridges (keyboards, drums, percussion); Avery Storm (vocoder); Bryan Loss (drums); Rajinder Kala (congas); Kim Moore Johnson (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Phil Tan; Richard Travali.

Recording information: Basement Beats Studios, St. Louis, MO; Derrty Studios, L. A; Derrty Studios, St. Louis, MO; Do Or Die Recording; Levelhead Studios, Atlanta, GA; Platinum Sound Recording, New York, NY; Sho Nuff Studios, Atlanta, GA; Soulpower Studios, L. A; SouthSide Studios, Atlanta, GA; The Grind House, Adamsville, GA; The Record Plant, L. A; The Village Recorder, L. A.

Photographer: James White .

Nelly broke out in 2000 with his debut, COUNTRY GRAMMAR, and its infectious summer-anthem title track. Two years later, the St. Louis rapper dropped the multi-platinum NELLYVILLE and another summer anthem, "Hot in Herre," which balanced raw carnality with a deft pop hook. Nelly has always possessed this duality of unrefined energy and a melodic sensibility, and, in 2004, he decided to break the two aspects of his music into separate albums, SWEAT and SUIT.

On SUIT, he focuses on his more cultivated side with a constantly engaging, tightly produced record, filled with memorable singles. Just because there's a measure of manner pervading the record doesn't mean that Nelly's not having fun, as the disc ranges from the inspired balladry of "My Place" and the borderline-chopped-and-screwed haze of "Woodgrain and Leather wit a Hole." SUIT is still a party, and, as it's a Nelly party, there are tons of VIP guests crowding in. Most excitingly, both Snoop Dogg and Ronald Isley appear on the sly "She Don't Know My Name," and Nelly shows off his versatility with the odd mix of country and rap on "Over and Over" with Tim McGraw. Nelly knows how to go pop without losing his street edge, and SUIT is a prime example of this prowess. minimize