M.O. (album)

Last updated
M.O.
Nelly - M.O. Album Cover.jpg
Studio album by
Nelly
ReleasedSeptember 30, 2013 (2013-09-30)
Recorded2011–2013
Genre
Length46:50
Label Republic
Producer
Nelly chronology
5.0
(2010)		M.O.
(2013)		 Heartland
(2021)
Singles from M.O.
  1. "Hey Porsche"
    Released: February 19, 2013
  2. "Get Like Me"
    Released: July 2, 2013
  3. "Heaven"
    Released: September 2, 2013
  4. "All Around the World"
    Released: November 21, 2013
  5. "Rick James"
    Released: December 2013

M.O. is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Nelly. The album was released on September 30, 2013, by Republic Records, as the follow-up to his sixth album, 5.0 (2010). The album is preceded by the release of its lead single, "Hey Porsche", released on February 19, 2013, and reached number forty-two on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Get Like Me", featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell, premiered online on June 18, 2013, and was officially released on July 2, 2013, as the album's second single. The album features guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Pharrell, Future, T.I., Daley, 2 Chainz, Trey Songz, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa, Florida Georgia Line, Nelly Furtado and Yo Gotti.

Contents

Background and recording

On July 3, 2011, Nelly made a public announcement on Today that he was recording a new album. [2] On January 10, 2012, it was announced that Nelly would be working with producer Dr. Dre on new music, presumably for his seventh studio album. [3] On January 15, 2012, Nelly announced via Twitter that he was working with singers Chris Brown, Trey Songz and producer Noel "Detail" Fisher on his new album. [4] On July 3, 2012, he announced that the album would be titled M.O.. [5] In August 2012, in an interview with ThisIs50.com, Nelly confirmed that Akon and the St. Lunatics will appear on the album. [6]

On August 10, 2012, Nelly posted a photo on Instagram of himself and producer Mike Will Made It in a recording studio working on new material for the album. [7] On July 7, 2013, it was announced that the album would be released on September 30, 2013. [8] [9] On September 4, 2013, the album cover was released. [10] On September 10, 2013, the final track listing was released revealing guest appearances on the album from Nicki Minaj, Pharrell, Future, T.I., Daley, 2 Chainz, Trey Songz, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa, Florida Georgia Line, Nelly Furtado and Yo Gotti. [11]

In September 2013, during an interview with Complex Nelly spoke about why he titled the album M.O., saying: "First of all, I’m excited that I get a chance to do a seventh album. [Laughs.] Also, being 14 years later [since Country Grammar was released], being able to do a lot of great things in 14 years and represent somewhere that a lot of people don’t get to represent, especially in the music business and definitely in the hip-hop game. I stand for the Midwest. That’s why the album’s titled M.O., ‘cause I’m still holding it down like that. My friends and family all call me Mo, so it’s kind of like really representing where I’m from and me at the same time." [12]

Singles

On July 3, 2012, Nelly announced via Twitter that the title of the album's first promotional single would be "Marry Go Round". [5] The Da Internz-produced track features Chris Brown and premiered in full online on July 4, 2012. [5] On February 19, 2013, the album's first single "Hey Porsche" was released. [13] On March 1, 2013, the music video was released for "Hey Porsche". [14] On July 2, 2013, the album's second single "Get Like Me" featuring Pharrell and Nicki Minaj was released. [15] On July 31, 2013, the music video was released for "Get Like Me" featuring Pharrell and Nicki Minaj. [16] On September 2, 2013, the album's third single "Heaven" featuring Daley was released. [17] On October 3, 2013, with the album in stores, Nelly appeared on Good Morning America to perform the Pharrell-produced song, "Rick James" alongside T.I. [18] In December 2013, "Rick James" will be sent to urban contemporary radio in the United States as the album's fifth single. [19]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [20]
Artistdirect Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [21]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [22]
XXL Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [23]

M.O. was met with generally mixed reviews from music critics. David Jeffries of AllMusic gave the album three out of five stars, saying "Even if Nelly had his most successful single in years with 2010's "Just a Dream," his defining numbers go back over a decade before this 2013 release, with "Country Grammar" landing in 2000 and the massive "Hot in Herre" dropping in 2002. The serene and smooth "Just a Dream" was also an odd duck for the party-time rapper as he always seemed more comfortable popping bottles and dropping drawers, so the semi-sweet M.O. splits the difference, dropping "Just a Dream" sequels like the uplifting "Heaven" with Daley, and the less-successful "Headphones" with Nelly Furtado, a rap-by-numbers "we need something that sounds like B.o.B's 'Airplanes'" track." [20]

Chris Mench of XXL gave the album an M, saying "In the end, M.O. simply fails to excite or innovate. It’s a serviceable enough album, one that may have been good if it had been released in 2004. However, not only does it not break new ground, but it has a pervasive sense of playing catch-up. It’s as if Nelly knows he’s lost the public’s ear and is trying desperately to get it back. Unfortunately for him the album fails to do so, and M.O. remains a disappointment for a rapper who was once among the most recognizable entities in hip-hop." [23] Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone gave the album two out of five stars, saying "Nelly's seventh album opens strong with a brilliantly chill Nicki Minaj cameo on a gloriously narcotic Pharrell track ("Get Like Me") and a characteristically romantic turn from Future ("Give U Dat"), but wraps weakly with a jangly jam featuring country duo Florida Georgia Line and a cheesy ballad with Nelly Furtado." [22] Rick Florino of Artistdirect gave the album five out of five stars, saying "M.O. ebbs and flows with dynamics rarely seen in hip-hop. That's what makes it such a well-rounded listen overall. Ultimately, it's a milestone for Nelly, and that's saying a lot. He's not stopping anytime soon either." [21]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 15,000 copies in the United States. [24] In its second week, the album sold 5,000 more copies. [25] In its third week, the album sold 3,000 more copies bringing its total album sales to 23,000. [26]

Track listing

M.O. – Standard version [27]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Get Like Me" (featuring Nicki Minaj & Pharrell)
 The Neptunes 3:51
2."Give U Dat" (featuring Future)
 Detail 4:12
3."Rick James" (featuring T.I.)
Pharrell Williams3:46
4."Heaven" (featuring Daley)
  • Haynes
  • Fisher
  • Evan Taubenfeld
  • Sidney Swift
  • Alex Goodwin
Detail3:23
5."Maryland, Massachusetts"
  • Haynes
  • Williams
Pharrell Williams3:48
6."100K" (featuring 2 Chainz)
Detail3:49
7."All Around the World" (featuring Trey Songz)
 J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League 4:07
8."IDGAF" (featuring Pharrell & T.I.)
Pharrell Williams3:10
9."U Know U Want To"
 Planet VI 3:50
10."My Chick Better" (featuring Fabolous & Wiz Khalifa)
John "$K" McGee4:18
11."Walk Away" (featuring Florida Georgia Line)
 Rico Love 4:18
12."Headphones" (featuring Nelly Furtado)
  • Haynes
  • Starley Hope
  • Martin Evans
  • John Goodier
  • Andrew Roettger
  • Allen Ritter
  • Brandon Green
Soul Unique [28] 4:18
Total length:46:50
M.O. – Deluxe version (bonus tracks) [29]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
13."Ciroc & Simply Lemonade" (featuring Yo Gotti)
  • Nelly
  • Sag Live
3:28
14."Hey Porsche"
3:29
15."Shake Whatever"
  • Haynes
  • Williams
Pharrell Williams3:10
16."Mo's Focused"
  • Haynes
  • Jared Johnson
  • Arnaldo Gordon
  • Karriem Mack
  • Keith Lamar Conover
  • K-Mack
  • Jared "Face 49" Johnson
  • Keith Lamar Conover*
2:57
Total length:59:54

Notes

Chart positions

Chart (2013)Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA) [30] 81
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [31] 34
UK Albums (OCC) [32] 89
UK R&B Albums (OCC) [33] 10
US Billboard 200 [34] 14
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [35] 4

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel(s)
United Kingdom [36] September 30, 2013
 Universal Island
United States [37]
Italy [38] October 2, 2013 Universal Music
Germany [39] October 4, 2013

Related Research Articles

Young Money Entertainment is an American record label founded by rapper Lil Wayne in 2005. The label was an imprint of Cash Money Records, known together as YMCMB from its formation until 2018, thereafter operating as an imprint of its parent label, Republic Records. Wayne's longtime affiliate and rapper Mack Maine was appointed as the company's president in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fabolous discography</span>

The discography of Fabolous, an American rapper, consists of seven studio albums, two extended plays, 58 singles, and eleven mixtapes, and amongst various other recordings. Throughout his career, he’s been primarily known as a flagship artist for Def Jam Recordings and Desert Storm Records, however, his first of three studio albums were released through Elektra and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lookin Ass</span> 2014 single by Young Money featuring Nicki Minaj

"Lookin Ass" is a song by rapper Nicki Minaj, released on February 14, 2014 as the third single from the Young Money Entertainment compilation album Young Money: Rise of an Empire (2014). It was produced by Detail and Choppa Boi. The music video for the track was released on February 14, 2014. The track is a hip hop song which lyrics criticize stereotypical behaviors commonly associated with black men.

<i>The R.E.D. Album</i> 2011 studio album by Game

The R.E.D. Album is the fourth studio album by American rapper Game. It was released on August 23, 2011, by DGC Records and Interscope Records, which serves as Game's first release under DGC and his first album for Interscope since 2005's The Documentary. His previous two, Doctor's Advocate (2006) and LAX (2008), were released under Interscope's subsidiary imprint, Geffen Records.

"Roger That" is a hip hop song by rap group Young Money Entertainment released as the third single from their debut collaboration album We Are Young Money. Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga rap on this song. The video was released on March 1, 2010, alongside "Girl I Got You".

<i>The Appeal: Georgias Most Wanted</i> 2010 studio album by Gucci Mane

The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted is the seventh studio album by American rapper Gucci Mane. It was released on September 28, 2010, by 1017 Brick Squad Records, Warner Bros. Records and Asylum Records. It serves as a sequel to his previous studio release The State vs. Radric Davis (2009), which was released after the Atlanta rapper's incarceration from prison. The album debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 61,450 copies; it has sold an estimated 169,500 copies as of the week ending of August 21, 2011.

<i>Student of the Game</i> 2013 studio album by N.O.R.E.

Student of the Game is the sixth studio album by American hip hop recording artist N.O.R.E.. The album was released on April 16, 2013, under Militainment Business, Conglomerate and E1 Music. The album features guest appearances from French Montana, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Pharrell, Pete Rock, Havoc, Jeremih, Mick Jones, Large Professor, Swizz Beatz, Raekwon, Tech N9ne, Busta Rhymes and Scarface among others.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2012.

<i>Excuse My French</i> (album) 2013 studio album by French Montana

Excuse My French is the debut studio album by Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. It was released on May 21, 2013, by Coke Boys Records, Bad Boy Records, Maybach Music Group and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Ace Hood, Lil Wayne, Birdman, The Weeknd, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Max B, Ne-Yo, Machine Gun Kelly, Raekwon, Scarface and Snoop Dogg, while the production was handled by Mike Will Made It, Jahlil Beats, Reefa, Rico Love, Lex Luger and Young Chop. The album was supported by three singles: "Pop That", "Freaks" and "Ain't Worried About Nothin'".

<i>Kiss the Ring</i> 2012 studio album by DJ Khaled

Kiss the Ring is the sixth studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released under We the Best Music Group, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Universal Republic Records on August 21, 2012. The album was supported by the singles "Take It to the Head" and "I Wish You Would", both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at numbers 58 and 78, respectively. The album features guest appearances from Meek Mill, Ace Hood, Plies, Lil Wayne, T.I., Future, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, T-Pain, Scarface, Nas, DJ Premier, French Montana, Jadakiss, Birdman, 2 Chainz, Wale, Tyga, Kirko Bangz, Mavado and Mack Maine.

<i>California Republic</i> (mixtape) 2012 mixtape by Game

California Republic is the thirteenth mixtape by rapper the Game hosted by DJ Skee. The mixtape was released April 5, 2012 in anticipation of Game's upcoming fifth album, and follows the highly successful mixtape Purp and Patron in 2011.

<i>Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up</i> 2012 studio album (reissue) by Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up is the reissue of rapper Nicki Minaj's second studio album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012). It was released on November 19, 2012, by Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic Records. Released seven months after the original, The Re-Up features seven newly recorded songs and an exclusive behind-the-scenes footage DVD. The new material incorporates hip hop and pop styles. As co-executive producer, Minaj enlisted collaborators Boi-1da, Juicy J and T-Minus.

<i>Hotel California</i> (Tyga album) 2013 studio album by Tyga

Hotel California is the third studio album by American rapper Tyga. It was released on April 9, 2013, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records; distributed by Republic Records. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, The Game, Jadakiss, while the production on the album was handled by DJ Mustard, Detail, Cool & Dre, David D.A. Doman, Mars of 1500 or Nothin', The Olympicks, SAP and Ryan Hunt, among others.

<i>Suffering from Success</i> 2013 studio album by DJ Khaled

Suffering from Success is the seventh studio album by American disc jockey and producer DJ Khaled. It was released on October 22, 2013, by We the Best Music Group, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. The album has guest appearances from Future, Diddy, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, T.I., 2 Chainz, French Montana, Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Drake, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and Jeremih. Producers include DJ Khaled, Boi-1da, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Arthur McArthur, Timbaland, Streetrunner, Young Chop and Lee on the Beats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freaks (French Montana song)</span> 2013 single by French Montana featuring Nicki Minaj

"Freaks" is a song by American hip hop recording artist French Montana and features Nicki Minaj. It was released on February 14, 2013, as the second single from his debut studio album Excuse My French (2013). The song was produced by Rico Love and Earl & E from Division 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tapout (song)</span> 2013 single by Rich Gang featuring Birdman, Lil Wayne, Mack Maine, Nicki Minaj and Future

"Tapout" is a song released by American hip hop group Rich Gang featuring performances by Trinidadian-born rapper Nicki Minaj and American rappers Lil Wayne, Mack Maine, Future, and Rich Gang founder Birdman. Produced by Southside & TM88 with co-production and uncredited vocals by Detail, the song is the lead single of the eponymous YMCMB compilation album, premiering on March 12, 2013 and becoming available for digital download on March 19. The song has since peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twerk It</span> 2013 single by Busta Rhymes featuring Nicki Minaj

"Twerk It" is a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes featuring Nicki Minaj. Written alongside producer Pharrell Williams, the song was intended to be the lead single from Busta Rhymes' tenth studio album, E.L.E.2 that was delayed from 2014 to 2020; the final album did not feature this song. "Twerk It" has been said to be Jamaican-inspired and is influenced by dancehall music. A music video for the song was shot in Flatbush, New York on June 3, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feds Watching</span> 2013 single by 2 Chainz featuring Pharrell

"Feds Watching" is a song written and performed by American rapper 2 Chainz featuring fellow American musician Pharrell Williams. Produced by the latter, it released on June 4, 2013, as the lead single from the former's second studio album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time (2013). The song has since peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Like Me (Nelly song)</span> 2013 single by Nelly featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell

"Get Like Me" is a song written and performed by American rapper Nelly featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams. Produced by the latter, "Get Like Me" was released by Republic Records as the second single from the former's seventh studio album M.O. on July 2, 2013. Upon its release, the song was positively received by most music critics who praised the chemistry between the performers and praised its sound.

<i>Based on a T.R.U. Story</i> 2012 studio album by 2 Chainz

Based on a T.R.U. Story is the debut studio album by American rapper 2 Chainz. It was released on August 14, 2012, by Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from fellow rappers Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Playaz Circle cohort Dolla Boy, along with singer-songwriters The-Dream, Mike Posner, The Weeknd and Chris Brown. The album's production was handled by Brick Squad Monopoly's Southside, Mike Will Made It, Sonny Digital, Kanye West, Hit-Boy, Drumma Boy, DJ Mustard, Mr. Bangladesh and DJ Spinz, among others.

References

  1. ↑ "Review: Nelly aims for broad appeal on 'M.O.' : Entertainment". Stltoday.com. 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2015-07-17.
  2. ↑ "Nelly Plans New Album for This Year". Rap-Up.com. 2011-05-18. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  3. ↑ "Nelly Hits the Studio with Dr. Dre". Rap-Up.com. 2012-01-10. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
  4. ↑ "Twitter: Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo)". Twitter. 2012-01-15. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
  5. 1 2 3 "Twitter: Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo)". Twitter. 2012-07-04. Retrieved 2012-07-05.
  6. ↑ "TI50: Nelly says Ashanti is a GREAT Friend, Congratulates Frank Ocean & Talks Chris Brown vs Drake". ThisIs50.com. 2012-08-05. Archived from the original on 2013-10-01. Retrieved 2012-08-05.
  7. ↑ "Twitter: Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo)". Twitter. 2012-08-10. Retrieved 2012-08-10.
  8. ↑ Cooper, Roman (2013-07-07). "Nelly "M.O." Release Date". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 2013-08-18. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  9. ↑ "Upcoming Releases". HITS Daily Double. Archived from the original on 2013-02-22. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  10. ↑ "Nelly M.O. Cover & Tracklist". Rap Radar. 2013-06-18. Retrieved 2013-09-11.
  11. ↑ "Tracklisting: Nelly – 'M.O.'". Rap-Up.com. 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2013-09-11.
  12. ↑ "Interview: Nelly Talks Upcoming Album "M.O."". Complex. 2013-04-14. Retrieved 2013-09-30.
  13. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Hey Porsche - Single by Nelly". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-02-19. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  14. ↑ "Nelly - "Hey Porsche"". HipHop DX. 2013-03-01. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  15. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Get Like Me (feat. Nicki Minaj & Pharrell) - Single by Nelly". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-07-02. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  16. ↑ "Video: Nelly f/ Nicki Minaj & Pharrell – 'Get Like Me'". Rap-Up.com. 2013-07-31. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  17. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Heaven (feat. Daley) - Single by Nelly". Itunes.apple.com. 1974-11-02. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
  18. ↑ "Nelly & T.I. Perform "Rick James" on Good Morning America (Video)". 2dopeboyz. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  19. ↑ "View Listing | Promo Only: Music & Music Video". Promo Only. Archived from the original on 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2015-07-17.
  20. 1 2 David Jeffries (2013-09-30). "M.O. - Nelly | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  21. 1 2 "Nelly "M.O." Album Review — 5 out of 5 stars @ARTISTdirect". Artistdirect.com. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  22. 1 2 Caryn Ganz (2013-09-23). "Nelly, 'M.O.'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2013-10-09.
  23. 1 2 "Nelly Gets Lost In The Shuffle On 'M.O.' - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 4 October 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  24. ↑ Tardio, Andres (2013-10-06). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/6/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2013-10-06.
  25. ↑ Tardio, Andres (2013-10-13). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/13/2013". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
  26. ↑ Tardio, Andres (2013-10-23). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/20/2013". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2013-10-23.
  27. ↑ "iTunes — Music — M.O. by Nelly". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. September 30, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  28. ↑ "Nelly Previews New Album At Jungle City Studios In NYC - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2015-07-17.
  29. ↑ "iTunes — Music — M.O. (Deluxe Version) by Nelly". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. September 30, 2013. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  30. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Issue 1223 (Week Commencing 14 October 2013)" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-23. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  31. ↑ "M.O." (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Nelly | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
  33. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 15, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Nelly Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-10-11.
  35. ↑ "Nelly Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-10-11.
  36. ↑ "101 new albums to get excited about between now and Christmas!". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 2013-09-30.
  37. ↑ "M.O.: Music". Amazon. Retrieved 2013-09-11.
  38. ↑ "M.O. (Deluxe Edition) [Explicit]: Nelly: Amazon.it: Musica MP3". Amazon.it. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2013-09-30.
  39. ↑ "M.O.: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved 2013-09-30.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.