The 46-year-old rapper Nelly was honored with the “I Am Hip Hop” award at the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards that was held in Atlanta on Friday.
Nelly Gained Success Without the Help of Any Co-Singer
The prize that Nelly has recently won would be a significant one for any rapper, but as a Midwesterner, the award meant even more to Nelly, who is also the fourth best-selling rap artist in American history, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The Country Grammar rapper recognizes the significance of achieving that level of success as an unknown youngster from St. Louis.
Nelly told a Hollywood news website that when he says that he didn’t have any co-signers, people didn’t get it. Nelly further explained that he had no one on his side, and he had no one to speak out for him. He also added that people expressed their affection for him, but no one stood up for him.
He went on to say that everyone used to say that he was good, but no one said that with certainty. He also said that the people couldn’t name a single successful person in his era or in his field who didn’t have a co-signer.
What Else Did Nelly Said?
Nelly sees the results of his labor in the flood of new musicians on the music scene, in addition to setting records and being acknowledged by the entertainment industry. He said that at this point, the whole radio nearly sounds like him. He also said that it’s not to say these brothers and sisters aren’t putting their stamp on it; of course, they are, just as he did with his style.
Nelly is pleased to hear traces of his sound in rap today, in contrast to frequent criticisms of rappers chewing other entertainers’ style, and he considered that a blessing. He also said that this demonstrates an artist’s influence. As an artist, the person should inspire others.
