Rapper Analysis

I chose to write about Nelly. Nelly aka Cornell Haynes Jr. was born in St. Louis Missouri. His dad was in the Air Force so they actually lived in Spain for 3 years. When Nelly lived in St. Louis, he was the youngest kid in the neighboorhood, and always found himself getting into trouble, and running the streets. His parents divorced when he was 8 years old. Nelly eventually had to go live with several different relatives in hopes that he would get on the right path. It wasn't until he went to University City that he really got his act together. He began to play organized baseball, and excelled in the sport. Baseball distracted Nelly from trouble, and he began getting offers to play professionally. In an interview, Nelly stated that he thought he would end up playing ball, but he was "seduced by the rap game." His motivation was the artists he looked up to, and portraying his own special style of rap.

One example of his lyrics:
"Well you should see me now,
I'm eatin Wheaties now
I'm stealin second and third
and lookin home peepin' greedy now
See me now, people call me speedy now
Known for runnin' the quickest miles"

Nelly's lyrics are different according to each song. He refers to males and females with some sexualized lyrics, but for the most part he is pretty respectful towards women and doesn't really portray the "badman" image. His notions of realness are expressed by him rapping about his life, experiences, and hobbies. He raps about what matters to him and thats what makes him real. For example, the lyrics i used.. those show his interest in baseball and he has a lot of knowledge on that subject so he is very credible. He also raps about his hometown a lot and that also makes him credible.