Nelly Reflects on Hip-Hop’s Toughest Era: 1999-2010 and Discusses His Breakthrough Amidst Challenges
Nelly, the St. Louis rapper, recently appeared on LeBron James’ “The Shop” to discuss the challenges he faced during the peak of his career. In a candid conversation, Nelly opened up about what he considers the most competitive era in hip-hop history.
According to Nelly, the late 1990s to the early 2010s marked a period of intense competition in the rap industry. He recalled releasing songs amidst heavy hitters like DMX, JAY-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Ludacris, all vying for the top spot on the charts. Describing it as “the toughest era in hip-hop ever,” Nelly highlighted the fierce battle for recognition and success among artists during that time.
My era of music was the toughest era in Hip Hop, ever. When I put out songs, I had to go against DMX, JAY-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent [and Ludacris, All of us are fighting for one spot. So, from 1999 to like 2008, 2010, [it was] the hardest era, ever.
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– Nelly
During the discussion, comedian Cedric the Entertainer added humor by reciting a memorable line from JAY-Z‘s “Excuse Me Miss,” underscoring the competitive landscape of the era.
Nelly On Why He Thinks His Era Of Hip Hop Was ‘The Toughest’
Nelly Claims From 1999 to 2010 Was ‘Toughest Era in Hip-Hop Ever’ to Succeed.
“When I put out songs, I had to go against DMX, JAY-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Luda – all of us are fighting for one spot.”
🎥: @TheShopUN pic.twitter.com/rI3f2FZDLB
— WhatsOnRap (@WhatsOnRap_) March 7, 2024
