Para fans de Hip-Hop, Pop, Rock, y Indie y Alternativa.
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Originally born in Austin, Texas, Nelly moved to Missouri as a result of his parents’ separation at the age of 7. It was there that he found initial musical success, with the formation of the hip-hop group “St. Lunatics” with his high school friends in 1993.
After achieving moderate local interest with their song “Gimme What U Got” it became apparent to Nelly and the rest of the group, that he was the star of the group, and they encouraged him to push forward with his solo career.
He was finally signed by Universal, despite concerns about his geographical background not being commercially viable, as the majority of well-liked rappers hailed from New York or California at the time.
However Nelly’s debut release Country Grammar in 2000, was fairly successful, with the title track’s popularity helping pull the album to the top of various charts in the US. The album established Nelly’s personal pop-rap style, matched with his southern drawl that made him distinctive in the genre at the time.
Two years later, Nelly released his second full-length album, “Nellyville”, which took the rapper to superstardom. Tracks such as the catchy “Hot In Here” and R&B collaboration jam “Dilemna” with Destiny Child’s Kelly Rowland, established Nelly at the top of the charts around the globe, with the album certified as six times platinum and ranked as the fourth best selling rap album of all time.
Suddenly, Nelly and his trademark plaster were everywhere. His third LP, a “dual” album called Sweat, Suit, was a half Rap, half R&B album, Both albums were released simultaneously in 2004, with the latter featuring the hit single “Over and Over” a surprise joint track with country singer Tim McGraw. The album was yet another commercial triumph for the rapper, cementing his place as one of the true icons of the 2000’s.
Alongside his musical career, Nelly became known for his business acumen, during a time when rappers could seemingly release anything! Nelly’s ventures included, collaboration with Nike for a limited edition sneaker, his own brand of energy drink “Pimp Juice” and a women’s clothing range called “Apple Bottoms.” He also made a name for himself in the acting industry, starring in comedy sports movie “The Longest Yard” with comedians Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.
Prior to forming Third Eye Blind, musician Stephen Jenkins had become popular around the San Francisco area following a series of solo shows. After deciding to expand his sound with a band, by 1995 the singer was joined by former-Fungo Mungo bassist Arion Salazar, former student of Joe Satriani Kevin Cadogan, and former-Counting Crows drummer Brad Hargreaves. In the wake of burgeoning late ’90’s post-grunge scene, Third Eye Blind's music drew greater influence from the classic rock/pop of the 1980s, with Jenkins gaining significant attention for producing The Braids’ cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
By this point the band had developed a devoted following across San Francisco for a series of well-received shows and a 14-track demo tape. Following a pined-over slot opening for Oasis in 1996, and a band showcase in Los Angeles, California, Third Eye Blind signed with Sylvia Rhone of Elektra Records.
The group’s debut full-length “Third Eye Blind” was issued in 1997 peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard 200. Aided by three Top 10 Singles, “Semi-Charmed Life”, “Jumper”, and “How’s It Going to Be”, the album earned strong reviews and has been certified 6x Platinum. As a result, Third Eye Blind became one of the most popular U.S. rock bands of the tail-end of the millennium, and opened a number of shows on U2’s PopMart Tour.
Third Blind Eye released their sophomore album “Blue” two years later in 1999. Despite failing to reach the success of its predecessor, “Blue” was deemed the band’s strongest release by fans and eventually sold over 1.25 million. The album spawned the singles “Anything”, “Never Let You Go”, and “10 Days Late”, however shortly after the album’s release, writer and guitarist Kevin Cadogan left the group. Following a worldwide tour, the band took a hiatus from recording and performing, and built a recording studio in anticipation of subsequent releases.
The full-length “Out of the Vein” arrived in 2003, however due to Elektra Records’ merger with Atlantic Records, the album received no promotion. Third Eye Blind were later dropped from Atlantic Records, and a serious case of writer’s block for Jenkins made any new material look unlikely. A compilation album entitled “A Collection” appeared in 2006, supported by extensive touring of past releases, along with the EP “Red Star” in 2008. The group’s long-awaited fourth full-length album “Ursa Major” finally arrived in 2009, topping the Billboard Rock, Alternative, and Digital Albums charts.
Nelly has not had frequent appearances on the charts over the last couple of years yet during his incarnation and first few years he scored chart choppers on both sides of the Atlantic. His set lists are now carefully considered to include some of his very best material along with the crowd pleasing mega hits from the mid 00's.
From the opening intro of 'Party People', Nelly swaggers around the stage and whips the crowd into frenzy. Perhaps the most iconic of all his tracks 'Hot In Herre' of course evokes screams of delight as Nelly commands the audience 'to take off all your clothes'. Yet other tracks such as 'Country Grammar' and 'Ride Wit Me' gain an equally big rap/sing-along. His biggest international hit 'Dilemma' sounds fresh and despite no guest appearance from Kelly Rowland, it is a highlight of the show.
One of the best surprises is a great mix of 'Flap Ya Wings' with Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines'. Nelly has been a consistent hip hop artist with a great selection of commercial successes, an incredibly enjoyable act to see live.
San Francisco rock group Third Eye Blind have had a varied career when it has come to commerciality yet one thing that has remained consistent is the passion and energy they invest into their live performance. They have been together as a group for over two decades and although there have been several lineup changes, the group stands as one onstage and all the musicians have a great rapport and in turn are very switched on to each other's instruments.
The crowd completely loves this interaction between the musicians and the devoted fans huddled towards the barrier have their hands in the air throughout to try and grab the attention of lead singer Stephan Jenkins. He thrusts the mic in their direction for 'Jumper' which they sing back in force. The angsty pop rock has good pace and never allows the audience's attention to drop off, as the band launches itself around the stage you cannot help but feel equally excited. The whole crowd are awarding the group with deafening applause as they take their final bows looking exhausted yet content.