Nelly Reaches For Several Stars and Pulls Down a Winner With "M.O."

Nelly hasn't shown any tarnish with his new "M.O." project. His persona's versatility is buoyed by a who's who of guest stars. He can play the dew-eyed romantic. He can street party with the best of them. He can be as true to his urban background as anyone in the game today. What wins me over in a big way is Nelly Furtado's vow to drown out the world with her headphones. Nelly narrates the raw clinging to a shard of hope that represents the cold reality for many urban youths. There is a soft spot to be gleaned in his chest. "Maryland, Massachusetts" brings with it a captivating darkness. "Shake Whatever" basks in a wonderful celebratory playfulness. The awesome force that is T.I. emerges to drop some sublime science on both "Rick James" and "IDGAF". I made reference to a galaxy of guest stars earlier. A brighter constellation of rap luminaries you'll be hard pressed to find. Florida Georgia Line brings a dose of country to the crib. Trey Songz busts out on "All Around The World". 2 Chainz comes to represent with "100K". Pharrell Williams is part of the roll call for both the opening "Get Like Me" and the above "IDGAF". Future's "Give U Dat" exhilirates in its capacity as a prime sensory experience. Daley is in fine form throughout "Heaven". Fabolous & Wiz Khalifa sprinkle their talents across "My Chick Better". Upon listening I've concluded this isn't a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. Each guest injects noteworthy vigor into his star turn. Nelly should be commended for not skimping on the tools he uses to assure mass appeal.