Nelly, Grillz | Rap BNGRZ

In the 17^th edition of Rap BNGRZ (2023), we break down the banger status of “Grillz,” performed by Nelly. 

Bring on the braggadocio, drip, sex, and kicka$$ery, WOO! You’ve entered Rap BNGRZ territory! On Rap BNGRZ (bangers being the proper spelling), the premise is simple. Rap BNGRZ provides background info and commentary on cocky, confident, ferocious hip-hop/rap songs. The bangers can be brand-spanking-new or certified classics. In the 17^th edition of Rap BNGRZ (2023), we break down the banger status of “Grillz” performed by Nelly featuring Paul Wall, and Ali & Gipp. 

via GIPHY

“Rob the jewelry store and tell ‘em, ‘Make me a grill’!”   “Grillz” is a a certified aughts rap classic, PERIOD.  It ascended to no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006, spending two weeks in the penthouse and charting for 28 weeks. This marked the fourth and final no. 1 single by Midwest pop-rap extraordinaire, Nelly. At one time, Nelly was one of rap’s biggest stars, with 14 top-10 hits to his name.  While “Grillz” doesn’t threaten the dominant “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland) or “Hot in Herre” for top honors, it is a surefire, unforgettable banger about teeth !  

Well, it goes beyond the teeth, but those grills are crucial .  Nelly asserts in the first verse, “I got like platinum and white rose, traditional gold / I’m changin’ grills every day, Like Jay change clothes.”  Woo! Expectedly, Nelly informs us “My grandmama hate it, but my lil mama love it.” Paul Wall gets in on the action in the second verse – remember he had a run when that Houston rap was thriving? He brags, “I got my mouth lookin’ something like a disco ball / I got the diamonds and the ice all hand set / I might cause a cold front if I take a deep breath.” Gah-day-ummm! ICED OUT! Can’t leave out Ali & Big Gipp, either! Notably, Ali spits, “Got a bill in my mouth like I’m Hillary Rodhman” ! Of course, over lit Jermaine Dupri production, it is the chorus that shines brightest, with the help of Brandi Williams joining Nelly and Paul Wall:  

Williams: Smile for me, daddy  

Nelly: Woo, what you looking at? Uh 
Williams: Let me see your grill  

Nelly: Let you see my what? 
Williams: Ya, ya grill (Uh), ya, ya, ya grill
Nelly/Wall: Rob the jewelry store and tell ‘em, ‘Make me a grill.’  

“Grillz” speaks for itself. BANGER!  

via GIPHY

Nelly • Sweatsuit • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2005 

Nelly, “Grillz”: Rap BNGRZ No. 17 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; cottonbro studio via Pexels]