It feels like ages since Nelly came out with “Country Grammar” and that’s because it has been. The smash hit is about to turn 16 years old in February. SIX TEEN. Yeah, you didn’t think that song came out that long ago, right?
In a new episode of Magnum Opus, Nelly and the St. Lunatics sit down with Complex to talk about how the track came about, explaining how it was a smash in St. Louis before the world heard it and the impact of the song putting the city on the map. You also get to hear commentary from the producer of the record (Jay E) and director of the music video (Mark Klasfeld) about their experience with the crew and it all got put together.
From what Nelly says, he didn’t have cosigns when he first came in the game and he wasn’t recognized by the GRAMMYs, so the accolades don’t matter much to him anyway. He just cares about his publishing and royalties. As long as he has that straight, he’s good.
Turns out, the single was supposed to be a posse cut, but the crew wanted Nelly to go solo. So they shopped his demo and the four songs on there ended up being his first four smashes. They all popped big enough that Nelly was receiving calls from Michael Jackson about “Country Grammar.” That’s when he knew he was out of here.
Peep the full story from those who were there up top.
OS REWIND: Nelly – The Fix (feat. Jeremih) [Music Video]
OS REWIND: Nelly Interview With The Breakfast Club
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