Sales of Nelly’s “Brass Knuckles” less than crushing
Critics weren’t terribly kind to Nelly’s new project, “Brass Knuckles,” and neither were fans.
In its first week of release, “Brass Knuckles” sold only 84,000 copies, a low for the St. Louis rapper for a new studio release.
But that tally was enough to land him at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. At the top of the chart is Metallica’s “Death Magnetic” with 337,000 copies sold, followed by Ne-Yo’s “Year of the Gentleman” with 250,000 copies.
Here’s how “Brass Knuckles” shapes up with Nelly’s past.
– “Country Grammar,” 252,000 copies sold first week, No. 3 debut, released in 2000
– “Nellyville,” 716,000 copies sold first week, No. 1 debut, 2002
– “Suit” and “Sweat,” 396,000 and 342,000 copies sold first week, respectively, No. 1 and No. 1 debuts, 2004
Scandalous but popular urban entertainment web site www.mediatakeout.com ran with the low-blow headline “Flop-Arazzi! Nelly’s new album flops as bad as Ashanti’s.” Hot hip-hop site www.sohh.com went with the headline “Nelly’s ‘Brass Knuckles’ Incredibly Disappointing,” and called the CD a bomb.
Rolling Stone magazine, more respectful, said “he mostly sticks to that pop-rap formula, cranking his distinctly melodic flow to hyper-speeds and playing the good-natured hedonist. But when he tries to come off hard on a handful of Dirty South brawlers, he ends up sounding generic.”
Vibe magazine called the CD standard Nelly fare. “Besides going extra hard on the bicep curls and sit-ups, Nelly’s return…is lackluster.”
I’m the first to say I don’t love “Brass Knuckles,” and thought a few star-studded tunes opening the CD, “U Ain’t Him,” “Hold Up,” and “L.A.”, missed the mark.
But I did like “Brass Knuckles” enough to purchase it the day of release although I already had an advance copy.
“Last Night” featuring Usher is my favorite jam, and has smash written all over it. The Chuck D.-assisted “Self Esteem” is something special, and “Lie” featuring St. Lunatics has a coarse appeal.
Also, singles “Party People” and “Stepped on My J’s” are big-sounding, chart-topping hits that never were.
“Brass Knuckles” deserves a better reception than what it’s getting.
Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade. 
St Louis needs to support and get out there and buy this album. He should have 50-70k sales alone from St Louis. Come on now.
SORRY PEOPLE DONT HAVE MONEY LIKE THAT ANYMORE.THE YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD FOCUS MORE ON EDUCATION MORE THAN BRASS KNUCKLES. SORRY
I agree. I think that people are letting the reviews guide their decision to buy the album; I learned long ago that the critic’s word is NOT the standard for what’s really hot in the streets. For me, this is an album that I wasn’t crazy about at 1st pass, but the more I listen to it, the more it’s growing on me….definitely worth adding to the collection!
awww…this is kind of sad. And when did 85K in sales get you #3.
This isn’t a good look for him. He waited so long to put out an album and the reason was because he was working hard and wanted to put out a good product. It’s time to take a break from the gym and put that modeling career on hold and get his mojo back with the mic.
Or maybe…just maybe it’s time for him to step aside and let Murphy Lee come to the front of the Derrty ENT label…just a thought
Sounds like he needs to stick to what got him where he is and quit passifying the crossover crowd with suck face reality shows, 3 rate movies and horrible home town props. Did ya forget ya roots??? Errbody in STL knows about ya 8 fakin(two dolla word for you newbies) and put STL on the map not Nellie!! Can you say KARMA??? If not check ya record sales!!!
Too bad. Rap is on the way out, and it’s about time.
damn, his cd is pretty good, nothing bad or horrible like a lot of bloggers are saying, but it’s whatever. i enjoyed the purchase of the cd so say whatever you want.
ATTENTION MARK: Please go sit in the corner for that comment
I wished the brother much success with the release of this latest CD, and its unfortunate that this one didn’t see the same 1st week numbers as his previous CDs. However, I agree that the economy is too bad to be running out to the store to buy a CD for the purpose of supporting a hometown favorite, or anyone else for that matter. Oh, and to those here in STL that always assume that everyone is a hater….”No, I am not a hater, but my priorities are definitely in order, and unfortunately this month Brass Knuckles is not on the list!!!”
Dear Ms STL, remember me? The one you tried to put on blast for speaking real about LUSH? Keep your comments about what other people say to yourself. You called me a hater back then but isn’t the haters who feel need to try and call everyone ELSE out? Hypocrytical.