Nelly is a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist whose sound effortlessly blends hip-hop, pop, and R&B. From his explosive debut with Country Grammar to his record-breaking collaborations with country and pop stars, Nelly’s music is designed for the dance floor. As a wedding DJ, I know that when a Nelly track drops, the energy in the room shifts; he is the king of the “must-dance” moment.

Essential Nelly Wedding Moments

The Ultimate Floor Filler: “Hot in Herre” by Nelly. This is the definitive 2000s party anthem. Produced by The Neptunes, it’s a high-energy track that is guaranteed to get every guest moving. It’s a staple for the peak of your reception.
The Nostalgic Duet: “Dilemma” (feat. Kelly Rowland). One of the most successful R&B ballads of all time, this duet is perfect for a mid-tempo dance set. Its iconic sample and smooth vocals make it a favorite for “Beliebers” of classic 2000s R&B.
The “Ride Wit Me” Singalong: “Ride Wit Me” (feat. City Spud). With its catchy guitar riff and “hey, must be the money” chorus, this track is a cross-genre hit that appeals to fans of pop, hip-hop, and country alike. It’s perfect for a high-energy transition early in the night.
The “Country-Hip Hop” Fusion: “Cruise (Remix)” (Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly). For a country-themed wedding that still wants to party, this remix is the ultimate bridge. It’s a great choice for a fun group dance or as the party starts to ramp up.

Expert DJ Tips for a Nelly Set

The “Style Rebel” Entrance: Use “Air Force Ones” or “Grillz” for a fun, swagger-filled entrance for the bridal party. These tracks bring a confident, stylish energy that sets the tone for a non-traditional reception.
The “Nostalgic” Pop Moment: “Girlfriend (Remix)” (‘N Sync featuring Nelly) or “Hey Porsche” are great for couples who want a more polished, radio-friendly sound that still carries Nelly’s signature infectious flow.
The Late-Night Club Vibe: When the party hits its stride, tracks like “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” “E.I.,” or “Party People” (feat. Fergie) are essential. These are loud, disruptive hits designed to keep the dance floor packed until the very end.
The “Smooth” R&B Transition: “My Place” (feat. Jaheim) offers a silky-smooth, soulful sound that works beautifully during dinner or for a slower dance moment that still maintains a hip-hop edge.

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Nelly Highest-Charting Billboard Hits

U.S.

#1 “Hot in Herre”, 2002
#1 “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland), 2002
#1 “Shake Ya Tailfeather” (with P. Diddy and Murphy Lee), 2003
#1 “Grillz” (featuring Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp), 2005
#3 “Ride wit Me” (featuring City Spud), 2001
#3 “Where the Party At” (Jagged Edge featuring Nelly), 2001
#3 “Air Force Ones” (featuring Kyjuan, Murphy Lee and Ali), 2002
#3 “Over and Over” (featuring Tim McGraw), 2004
#3 “Just a Dream”, 2010
#4 “My Place” (featuring Jaheim), 2004
#4 “Cruise” (Remix) (Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly), 2013
#5 “Girlfriend” (Remix) (‘N Sync featuring Nelly), 2002
#7 “Country Grammar (Hot Shit)”, 2000
#9 “Get It Poppin'” (Fat Joe featuring Nelly), 2002

Best Nelly Songs List

The bandage-wearing rapper Nelly is equally competent at composing loud dance anthems (‘Hot in Herre’) and hypnotic contemplative tracks (‘Dilemma’). His impact on hip-hop music is enormous, and his career has been phenomenal. These are Nelly’s greatest songs.

Country Grammar

My grammar be’s ebonics, gin tonic and chronic
F*** bionic it’s ironic, slammin’ niggaz like Onyx
Lunatics ’til the day I die
I run more game than the Bulls and Sonics

Nelly’s debut single was a tremendous success. The 2000 single “Country Grammar” transformed an ancient nursery rhyme, “Down, Down Baby,” into one of the most recognizable hip-hop choruses. This song revolutionized midwestern rap and introduced the world to a musician determined to change a culture.

Ride Wit Me

If you want to go and take a ride with me
We 3-wheeling in the fo’ with the gold D’s
Oh, why do I live this way? (Hey, must be the money)

One of Nelly’s most successful songs is an intricate anthem that alternates between pop, country, and hip-hop. Its captivating guitar entrance, enchanting soundscapes, and subtle cadences are uncomplicated, and this is the point. Ultimately, the song demonstrates Nelly’s flexibility. “Ride Wit Me” opened the way for rappers seeking to expand their sound.

Hot in Herre

Its gettin hot in here (so hot)
So take off all your clothes
I am gettin so hot, I wanna take my clothes off

His first number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 is one of his most well-known compositions. “Hot in Herre” by The Neptunes is the ideal party song, interpolating Chuck Brown’s “Bustin’ Loose” with Nelly’s trademark, sugary drawl.

His classic opening line, “I was like/Good god, ass is bodacious,” served as a funny beginning to a story about a boisterous but wonderful evening.

Dilemma

All I think about is you (yeah)
Even when I’m with my boo
You know I’m crazy over you

“Dilemma” is an R&B ballad rather than a straightforward hip-hop cut. Nonetheless, it continues to be one of Nelly’s and Kelly Rowland’s most successful songs.

The duet borrowed “Love, Need, and Want You” by Patti LaBelle and highlighted Nelly’s vocal and emotional versatility.

E.I.

Andele andele mami, E.I, E.I (uh-oh)
What’s poppin’ tonight?
Andele andele mami, E.I, E.I (uh-oh)
If the head right, Nelly there e’ry night

“E.I.” embodies the essence of Nelly. His exuberant flow is infectious, particularly in the song’s comical chorus (“Andele, andele, Mami/ E.I. E.I./Uh-oh/poppin’ What’s tonight?”). This tune exemplifies Nelly’s genius when things are breezy and perky to perfection.

The Sh_t Talker

Nelly is one of the few rappers capable of trash-talking as well as he can. Nelly radiates confidence regardless of whether he is boasting about his poetic ability, pursuing a woman, or exhibiting his achievements.

Pimp Juice

She only want me for my pimp juice (that’s all she want me for f’real)
Not my pimp juice, I’m talkin’ new pimp juice (woo)
I think I need to cut her loose (I cut her lose ‘fore that happen)

In 2002, on “Pimp Juice,” Nelly tried a seductive sound. Nelly has recently adopted one of the most notorious clichés in the history of rap, despite the offensive nature of its lyrical content.

On it, Nelly said that everything about him, from his footwear (“everything from Timberland to Gators”) to his car (“that 1974 Coupe de Ville”), made him attractive to the other sex. (It was also the inspiration for the name of an energy drink.)

#1

I am number one – no matter if you like it
Here take it sit down and write it
I am number one
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey – now let me ask you man

#1 is used in both the 2001 film Training Day and the second album by Nelly, Nellyville. This is the epitome of unabashed boastfulness. A chorus of jokes emphasizing the rapper’s innate superiority is both effective and very appealing. On the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Chart, it peaked at No. 20.

Batter Up

From the crowd when I take the mile, let me show ’em how
Hit the ball on the ground (swing, batter-batter)
And make ’em get down (swing, batter-batter, swing batter up)

As suggested by the title, “Batter Up” is full of baseball metaphors. The song focuses on Nelly and his team St. Lunatics’ rise to prominence, including a line about the group reaching the “big leagues.”

In this scenario, the actual sign of success is Sherman Hemsley’s presence in the music video. The greatest endorsement.

The Lothario

The majority of Nelly’s repertoire varies between hypermasculinity and feel-good music, but he also has an abundance of tracks that explore other emotions. Nelly has built a pattern of using his sexuality to keep fans on their toes, whether he is collaborating with big R&B singers or delivering a song alone.

My Place

Cause When we laugh or we cry it’s together
Through the rain and the stormiest weather
We goin’ still be as one it’s forever, it’s forever

“My Place,” only Jaheim’s silky and sensual voice is smoother than Nelly’s murmured cries. The chorus of the album’s opening track, “Suit,” blatantly samples Teddy Pendergrass’ “Come Go With Me.” Nelly and Jaheim are a dynamic team whose connection and lyrical flow are clear.

Wadsyaname

Wadsyaname is
I said now shawty, shawty, shawty, whatcha yo sign
Ey whatcha yo sign

Even though this song was only featured as a bonus track on Nelly’s fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles, it remains one of his most engaging songs.

The rapper’s decision to sample the piano melody from K-Ci & JoJo’s “All My Life” proved advantageous; he added a relentless chorus in which he attempts to holler at a potential muse. Nelly’s romance has always been based on persuasion.

One & Only

I want you
To want me
Girl I need to know that
I could be your one and only

“One & Only” by Nelly pays homage to synthy 1980s love ballads with his distinctive style. This is one of his most emotionally charged performances. When he is appealing and demanding on giving and receiving love, you will never hear from Nelly greater compassion.

The Style Rebel Nelly Nelly’s style, which consists of du-rags, massive chains, and sports shirts, is renowned. Fashion has always been a priority.

Air Force Ones

Give me two pairs
(Cause) I need two pairs
(So I) can get to stompin’ in my Air Force Ones

“Air Force Ones” is an eloquent homage to the classic Nike sneaker. The rappers, including Ali, Murphy Lee, and Kyjuan, boast about the colors and designs of the shoes they’re buying and how it almost feels like a religious rite. A rumbling rhythm conjures me an image of Nelly “stomping in [his] Air Force Ones.”

Grillz

Smile for me daddy
What you looking at?
Let me see ya grill

The jewel-encrusted mouthpieces of Nelly are prominently featured on the appropriately titled track “Grillz.” In hip hop, getting a grill is virtually a rite of passage, but Nelly’s No. 1 single elevated the custom.

As he described one of his favorites, his pride is evident: “I have a grill they call penny candy, you know what that means/It resembles Now and Laters, gumdrops, and jelly beans.”

Stepped On My J’z

It’s all good until I get my first scuff and I’m like
Hell Naw ain’t no way
(What’s wrong)
Man he den stepped on my Jay’s

In “Stepped on My J’z,” Nelly, Ciara, and Jermaine Dupri recount the consequences of having his Air Jordans defiled. The dramatic aspects increase the intensity of the song. Ciara discreetly reminds the listener that women are also a part of the culture while Nelly and Dupri rap about their shoe obsession.

Experimental Crooner

Exploration is one of Nelly’s most desirable musical qualities. Although he debuted as a hip-hop musician, he quickly demonstrated an interest in other genres. Nelly’s musical flexibility, whether in pop, country, or rap, has not only led to big album sales but has also inspired the next generation to be more adventurous.

Over & Over

Before we said our goodbyes
And it’s a shame that we
Gotta spend our time
Being mad about the same things
Over and over again

Both musicians mourn the prospect of losing a partner in the second single from the 2004 album Suit, which featured a notable cameo by country superstar Tim McGraw.

Despite McGraw’s declaration that “Over & Over” was never intended to be a country ballad, the song pushed the boundaries of both genres. Over & Over is an excellent example of a successful collision of worlds.

Just A Dream

So I travelled back down that road
Will she come back? No one knows
I realize, yeah, it was only just a dream

“Just a Dream” exemplifies Nelly’s mainstream tastes as well as his lyrical and emotional maturity. It is impossible to imagine Nelly in his early career singing about losing the love of his life, let alone addressing his probable role in the occurrence.

Hey Porsche

Crazy baby girl, there ain’t nothing like you
Hey little Porsche, so right I had to get ya
B-b-back it up, let’s roll, roll, roll, roll

On the first single from M.O., Nelly achieved full pop star status. The artist engaged in risky behavior. Although he has dabbled with genre-bending in the past, this song has a more polished radio sound. “Hey, Porsche” underscores the rapper’s self-assurance and dedication to creating enticing commercial songs through its manufactured beauty.

Party Starter

If you were at a hip-hop club in the 2000s, chances are you heard a Nelly song (or two). Nelly makes the transfer of provocative dance moves into cultural trends look simple.

Shake Ya Tailfeathers

Let me see you take it low (girl, go and take it low)
We can even do it slow (we can even do it slow)
Either way you want to go (either way you want to go)
Just take that a** to the floor

There is nothing equivalent to “Shake Your Tailfeather,” the club standard. It is one of the most infamous songs from the soundtrack of the 2003 film Bad Boys II, and its lyrics are among Nelly’s most frequently referenced. (“Is that your mother or your posterior?”)

Flap Your Wings

I can tell you can see it
I like that in you
I don’t see nothing wrong
Drop down and get your eagle on

“Descend and expand your wings!” This is the well-known dancefloor command from “Flap Your Wings,” but it wouldn’t be nearly as effective if it weren’t complemented by a typically straightforward and excellent Neptune production. The Neptunes’ minimalistic, tribal tones offer the appropriate backdrop for Nelly’s breezy, lyrical delivery.

Party People

Just walked through the door
What’s it gonna be?
Take it to the floor
Girls all over me
Where my party, pa- party

This song featuring Fergie was included on both the deluxe version of The Dutchess and Nelly’s fifth studio album Brass Knuckles. It is quite loud and disruptive. Its massive beat serves as the perfect backdrop for Nelly’s harsh and tempestuous shouts. In “Party People,” hedonism reigns supreme as the pair brags about their better clubbing style.

Fan Favorites

Cruise (Remix) with Florida Georgia Line

Baby you’re a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise
Down a back road blowin’ stop signs through the middle
Every little farm town with you