“My era of music was the toughest era in hip-hop EVER!”- Nelly is a national treasure and should be protected at all costs | HO

The wait is over. Grab a virtual seat in #TheShop for the Season 7 premiere with co-hosts Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera as they’re joined by entrepreneur and investor Nelly, back-to-back WNBA Champion, 6x WNBA All-Star and Naismith Hall of Famer Becky Hammon and actor, comedian, director and producer Cedric The Entertainer. The crew discusses snubs, disses, respect, disrespect, business and everything in between.

This Thursday (March 7), fans of LeBron James’ “The Shop” will be able to check out a new episode that features Nelly. In a clip shared on the show’s Instagram account on Tuesday (March 5), the St. Louis-based MC expressed his feelings about the level of competition during the height of his rap career.

“My era of music was the toughest era in Hip Hop, ever. When I put out songs, I had to go against DMX, JAY-Z, Eminem, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent [and Ludacris],” he said. “All of us are fighting for one spot. So, from 1999 to like 2008, 2010, [it was] the hardest era, ever.” Fellow guest Cedric the Entertainer then recited a classic line from JAY-Z’s “Excuse Me Miss.” “Only dudes movin’ units, Em, Pimp Juice and us!” the comedian rapped as “The Shop” co-host Maverick Carter laughed.

Elsewhere in the short preview, Nelly addressed his issues with the Recording Academy. “It’s one of those situations where you just hope that the Grammys get it together,” he expressed, echoing sentiments previously made by peers like Meek Mill and Drake. “First of all, I wasn’t even nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. Understand that. Country Grammar [earned] 5 million [records sold], and I didn’t even get nominated as Best New Artist.”

He continued, “My album came out in 2000. So, I wasn’t even on the ballot in 2001. The great, talented, well-deserving Miss Alicia Keys won. And she should have won. She should have won in 2001.”

Notably, Nelly would go on to earn 12 nominations from the Recording Academy during his decorated career. Of that figure, he collected a Best Rap/Sung Performance win for “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland, a Best Male Rap Solo Performance win for “Hot In Herre,” and a Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group win for the Diddy and Murphy Lee-assisted “Shake Ya Tailfeather.

Nelly’s Right: The Rap Game Was Harder 20 Years Ago

Becky discusses the prospect of becoming the first woman head basketball coach in the NBA. When asked if there’s unnecessary importance in achieving that milestone, given her success and championships in the WNBA, she reflects on how it used to be a goal. However, she expresses immense joy coaching women and winning championships, emphasizing that success in the WNBA is fulfilling.

Becky mentions receiving calls for NBA coaching interviews but declined them, asserting that she doesn’t need the NBA to validate her coaching abilities. She draws a parallel to her experience with the Grammys, highlighting the personal moments of pain and disappointment that aren’t visible to the public. Becky notes that she doesn’t need external validation to affirm her coaching capabilities, and the desire for challenges doesn’t equate to pursuing every opportunity.

The conversation shifts to the emotional impact of rejection and how people, especially black men, may downplay their feelings. Becky acknowledges the human need to be liked and how the acknowledgment of hurt or disappointment is often met with skepticism. The discussion touches on the vulnerability associated with pursuing goals, facing rejection, and the importance of being honest about the emotional toll it takes.

As the conversation progresses, the focus turns to the realization of the entertainment industry as a business. The participants, all successful in their respective fields, share insights into recognizing the business aspect of their careers and the importance of navigating it alongside their passion and talent.