Getting the last packing done for this here fancy trip to scenic Indianapolis. Before I try to get some sleep before this insanely early flight, I ask this question of great social import.
Who’s the better singer–Andre 3000 or Nelly?
I say Nelly. The girlfriend says Dre. Nelly’s not a good singer, but he stays within his limits. Andre appears to really think he can sing. He really does. And I have no idea why.
Talk amongst yourselves.
14 Comments
by strong4u
I think Nelly is a better singer than Andre’. I also agree with you that Andre is a bit cocky and tries to take his vocals beyond his ‘gift’ range. Nelly, on the other hand does a sort of sing-song rap that doesn’t stray too far from his identity and allows him to ‘preserve the sexy’.
by strong4u
Oh yeah, I think Andre went too far with his new video where the juke joint floods while he and his makeshift band are playing. Dre tried to rationalize the video in a BET interview by stating that he was sympathizing with Katrina victims and all other oppressed Americans. However, I think that the video is in poor taste. In addition, it’s a rip-off of one of Erykah Badu’s videos, which was a rip-off of a scene from the ‘Color Purple’. There’s also a very similar tragic scene in Oprah’s made-for-tv version of ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’. OK people, how many times can we rehash the same ideas. Let’s really be creative.
by strong4u
Oh yeah, I think Andre went too far with his new video where the juke joint floods while he and his makeshift band are playing. Dre tried to rationalize the video in a BET interview by stating that he was sympathizing with Katrina victims and all other oppressed Americans. However, I think that the video is in poor taste. In addition, it’s a rip-off of one of Erykah Badu’s videos, which was a rip-off of a scene from the ‘Color Purple’. There’s also a very similar tragic scene in Oprah’s made-for-tv version of ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’. OK people, how many times can we rehash the same ideas. Let’s really be creative.
by jaedalaurez
I think Nelly has this- Andre does not “know his role” apparently, and is headed toward Captain Kirk territory, taking his thang a lil too seriously.
Nelly- he understands that he can hold a tune (which is different from singing), and doesn’t get out of his tiny little vocal range.
by eauhellzgnaw
I hate Nelly’s music, fareal, but you all hit it on the head. He knows that he can sing about 3 notes and rarely strays. He doesn’t even think he’s singing. He’s just rapping in his own “musical” way. Dre?….oh boy.
I will say this, though, compared to Macy Gray, Nelly and Dre sound like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. I’m convinced that her career is some kind of brilliant/sick practical joke. I’m waiting for her to bust out with the “gotcha, suckers!”
by aden
reminds me of my response to various questions like star jones or mo’nique, electric circus or phrenology, smokin rocks or smokin cocks:
there’s orange-brown doo doo
and green-brown doo doo
some people like orange
some people like green
but it’s all doo doo.
by Mr Carter
I think both realize that they can’t sing, but for the listener, its easier to laud Dre’ since his whole schtick is experimentation.
Nelly’s whole style revolves around a sing-song style, while it could be argued that Dre’ is taking up the mantle of Louis Armstrong; renowned for one talent, while parodying another.
by Mr Carter
I think both realize that they can’t sing, but for the listener, its easier to laud Dre’ since his whole schtick is experimentation.
Nelly’s whole style revolves around a sing-song style, while it could be argued that Dre’ is taking up the mantle of Louis Armstrong; renowned for one talent, while parodying another.
by Stephanie
Dre’s not parodying anything, unfortunately for us, he’s dead ass serious. Nelly takes this one, no question. As others have said, he knows his lane and stays in it. Plus, Nelly follows in a long line of sing-song rappin’/harmonizing emcees, whether he knows it or not. That “Idlewild Blue” joint is just bad. Like strong4u said, the nigga’s just cocky with it.
by Stephanie
Dre’s not parodying anything, unfortunately for us, he’s dead ass serious. Nelly takes this one, no question. As others have said, he knows his lane and stays in it. Plus, Nelly follows in a long line of sing-song rappin’/harmonizing emcees, whether he knows it or not. That “Idlewild Blue” joint is just bad. Like strong4u said, the nigga’s just cocky with it.
by ETS
Two different singing styles. It’s like comparing Mary J to Beyonce – yes they are both R&B/urban pop, but two different singing styles.
I’d rather hear Dre though. Nelly ain’t bringing nothing new to the table.
by C
“I will say this, though, compared to Macy Gray, Nelly and Dre sound like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.” I’ve never heard truer words spoken.
by C
“I will say this, though, compared to Macy Gray, Nelly and Dre sound like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.” I’ve never heard truer words spoken.
by Rex
Nelly… County Grammar is a better CD in my opinion too (no shouting ‘Kast fans–I liked Speakerboxxx too). Dre is creative, probably more so than Nelly, but there’s something “fun” about Nelly and the ‘Tics where Outkast doesn’t seem to have that same sense of play in their music. I mean, how fun is “Batter Up?” And to incorporate “Movin’ On Up” in the song like he did…