Dilemma – Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

In 2002, the music world was graced with a timeless classic that combined the talents of rapper Nelly and singer Kelly Rowland. “Dilemma,” a track from Nelly’s second studio album “Nellyville,” quickly became a global hit, capturing the hearts of millions with its smooth blend of rap and R&B. The song’s success was not only a testament to the artists’ chemistry but also to its relatable themes, catchy melody, and memorable music video. In this article, we will delve into the composition, themes, music video, and lasting impact of “Dilemma.”

Composition and Musicality
“Dilemma” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that seamlessly integrates Nelly’s signature rap style with Kelly Rowland’s soulful vocals. The song is built around a sample of Patti LaBelle’s 1983 hit “Love, Need and Want You,” which provides a nostalgic and emotive backdrop for the track. The production, handled by frequent Nelly collaborator Ryan Bowser, features a smooth, laid-back beat that allows the vocals to take center stage.

The song is written in the key of G major and has a moderate tempo of 84 beats per minute. The chord progression is simple yet effective, creating a warm and inviting sound that complements the lyrical content. Nelly’s rap verses are delivered with a conversational tone, while Kelly’s chorus is imbued with a heartfelt and longing quality that adds depth to the track.

Lyrics and Themes
At its core, “Dilemma” is a song about unrequited love and the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics explore the emotions of two people who are deeply attracted to each other but are unable to be together due to existing commitments. Nelly’s verses narrate the internal conflict he feels as he tries to reconcile his feelings for Kelly with his loyalty to his current partner. Kelly’s chorus, on the other hand, expresses her frustration and longing for a relationship that seems just out of reach.

The chorus, which repeats the line “No matter what I do, all I think about is you,” captures the essence of the song’s emotional turmoil. This refrain highlights the persistence of thoughts about a loved one, even when circumstances prevent the fulfillment of those desires. The interplay between Nelly’s rap and Kelly’s singing creates a dynamic dialogue that mirrors the push-and-pull of their relationship.

The Music Video
Directed by Benny Boom, the music video for “Dilemma” is iconic in its own right. The video is set in a suburban neighborhood and follows the story of Nelly and Kelly as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other. Nelly plays a new resident in the neighborhood, while Kelly lives next door with her mother, played by Patti LaBelle herself.

The video opens with Nelly moving into his new home and immediately catching Kelly’s eye. As the story unfolds, the two characters exchange longing glances and subtle flirtations, all while dealing with their respective partners. The video’s narrative is interspersed with scenes of Nelly and Kelly performing the song, adding a performative element that enhances the emotional impact.

One of the most memorable aspects of the video is the infamous scene where Kelly attempts to send a text message using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet on her Nokia phone. This quirky detail has become a pop culture reference, often cited in discussions about early 2000s technology and its portrayal in media.

The visual chemistry between Nelly and Kelly is palpable, making the video a compelling watch. The suburban setting, combined with the storyline of forbidden love, adds a layer of relatability that resonates with viewers. The video ends on an ambiguous note, with Nelly and Kelly sharing a tender moment on the front steps of their homes, leaving their ultimate fate open to interpretation.

Cultural Impact and Reception
“Dilemma” was a massive commercial success, topping charts in multiple countries and earning numerous accolades. It spent ten weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The song’s widespread popularity was a testament to its broad appeal and the undeniable chemistry between Nelly and Kelly Rowland.

Critics praised “Dilemma” for its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and seamless blend of rap and R&B. The song was lauded for its ability to capture the complexities of romantic relationships in a way that felt authentic and heartfelt. Nelly’s smooth rap delivery and Kelly’s soulful vocals were highlighted as key strengths, further establishing both artists as major talents in their respective genres.

The song’s success also had a significant impact on the careers of both artists. For Nelly, “Dilemma” solidified his status as a leading figure in hip-hop and opened up new opportunities for crossover success. For Kelly Rowland, the song marked a successful venture outside of Destiny’s Child, showcasing her ability to hold her own as a solo artist.

Legacy and Influence
“Dilemma” remains a beloved classic and a staple in both Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s discographies. The song’s timeless appeal ensures that it continues to be a favorite among fans and a go-to track for karaoke and nostalgic playlists. Its influence can be seen in the continued popularity of rap-sung collaborations and the blending of genres in contemporary music.

The song’s themes of unrequited love and romantic conflict are universal, allowing “Dilemma” to resonate with listeners across generations. The music video, with its memorable scenes and iconic moments, has also left a lasting impression on pop culture, further cementing the song’s place in music history.

Conclusion
“Dilemma” by Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland is a timeless duet that perfectly captures the emotional complexities of romantic relationships. Its seamless blend of rap and R&B, combined with relatable lyrics and a memorable music video, has ensured its enduring popularity. As a song that defined an era and showcased the talents of both Nelly and Kelly Rowland, “Dilemma” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers around the world.

Uh, uh
Check it, check it
Uh, uh, uh

I love you
And I need you
Nelly, I (Uh) love you
I do (Check it) need you

No matter what I do (Woo)
All I think about is you (Uh-huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (Check it)
No matter what I do (Check it, check it, check it)
All I think about is you (Check it, check it, check it)
Even when I’m with my boo (Check it, check it, check it)
You know I’m crazy over you (Check it, check it, check it; uh, uh, uh, uh)

I met this chick and she just moved right up the block from me
And, uh, she got the hots for me, the finest thing my hood done seen
But oh, no, no
She got a man and a son though, oh (Check it)
But that’s okay, ’cause I
Wait for my cue and just listen, play my position
Like a shortstop, pick up e’rything, mami hittin’
And in no time-ime
I plan to make this one here mine-ine
And that’s for sure, ’cause I
I’ve never been the type to break up a happy home
But, uh, there’s somethin’ ’bout baby girl, I just can’t leave alone
So tell me, ma, what’s it gonna be?
She said, “You don’t know what you mean to me” (Come on)

No matter what I do (Woo)
All I think about is you (Uh-huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you
No matter what I do (Check it)
All I think about is you (Check it, check it, check it)
Even when I’m with my boo (Check it, check it, check it)
You know I’m crazy over you (Check it, check it, check it; uh, uh, uh, uh)

I see y’all out and you lookin’, I never say a word
I know how niggas start actin’, trippin’, I heard about they girls
And there’s no way, hey
Nelly gon’ fight over no dame (I ain’t gon’ fight over no dame), as you can see
But I, I like your steeze, your style, your whole demeanor
The way you come through and holla and swoop me in his two-seater
Now that’s gangsta-a
And I got special ways to thank ya-a
Don’t you forget it
But, uh, it ain’t that easy for you to pack up and leave him
But, uh, you and Derrty got ties for different reasons
I respect that, and right before I turn to leave
She said, “You don’t know what you mean to me” (She said, she said, she said, come on)

No matter what I do (Woo)
All I think about is you (Uh-huh)
Even when I’m with my boo (Yeah)
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (Uh, uh, put your hands up)
No matter what I do (Put your hands up)
All I think about is you (Uh, yeah, yeah)
Even when I’m with my boo
You know I’m crazy over you (Sing it for me, K)

And I love you (Word?)
And I need you (Yeah, uh)
Nelly, I love you (Uh)
I do (Come on, girl)
And it’s more than you’ll ever know
Boy, it’s for sure
You can always count on my love (Uh)
Forevermore, yeah (Uh), yeah (Uh, woo)

East Coast, I know you shakin’ right (Uh-huh)
Down South, I know you bouncin’ right (Yeah-eah)
West Coast, I know you walkin’ right ’cause you don’t know what you mean to me
Uh, Midwest, I see you swangin’ right

No matter what I do (Yeah)
All I think about is you (Uh-huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (Uh, uh, uh, yeah)
No matter what I do (Uh, yeah)
All I think about is you (Check it, ah)
Even when I’m with my boo (Check it, check it, check it, ah)
You know I’m crazy over you (Check it, check it, check it, ah)

East Coast, I know you shakin’ right (Uh-huh)
Down South, I know you bouncin’ right (Uh-huh)
West Coast, I know you walkin’ right (You don’t know what you mean to me)
Midwest, I see you swingin’ right
East Coast, you still shakin’ right (Uh-huh)
Down South, I see you bouncin’ right (Uh-huh)
West Coast, I know you walkin’ right, ’cause you don’t know what you mean to me
Midwest, I see you swangin’ right

No matter what I do (Woo)
All I think about is you (Uh-huh)
Even when I’m with my boo
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (Uh-huh)
No matter what I do
All I think about is you
Even when I’m with my boo (Check it)
Boy, you know I’m crazy over you (Yeah, yeah)

East Coast, I know you shakin’ right (What?)
Down South, I know you bouncin’ right (Derrty, Derrty, ma)
West Coast, I know you walkin’ right (You don’t know what you mean to me)
Midwest, I see you swangin’ right (Uh)
East Coast, you still shakin’ right
Down South, I see you bouncin’ right (Derrty, Derrty)
West Coast, I know you walkin’ right, uh (You don’t know what you mean to me)
Midwest, I see you swangin’ right