Rolling Stone (7/25/02, p.73) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...It's a solid dance record, peppered with clever punch lines and very likable..."
Spin (8/02, p.109) - 6 out of 10- "...The unsung hero of Nelly's debut was producer Jason Epperson, whose beats were the sonic equivalent of a chromed-out grill. Jay E's new tracks have a similar sheen...Every time [Nelly] catches one of Jay E's deadpan grooves, that Midwestern flow conveys more than any thug posture could..."
Entertainment Weekly (6/28/02, p.141) - "...The album as a whole is so solid...a plethora of neat surprises....Our man seems to be in control of his flame and on top of his game..." - Rating: B
Q (9/02, pp.109-10) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Nelly is clearly on top of his pop-rap game..."
NME (Magazine) (6/29/02, p.38) - 7 out of 10 - "...A glossy well-produced album of populist anthems with a gangsta undertow....another multi-platinum album in the making..."
