Nelly at the Forum

Back in 2003 Nelly was hailed as one of the most popular rappers of the time, with iconic 00s hits and a plaster stuck on his face. With the release of his seventh album M.O and the popular single Hey Porche Nelly has bounced back on the scene to beckon the UK with an exclusive performance at the Forum in Kentish Town.

Nelly emerged on to the stage to Party People wearing his trademark white vest and shades. The audience went absolutely mad, as if it were still 2003. Amid the crowd were crazed Nelly fans in tears and twerking girls with Savlon plasters slapped on their cheeks, whose constant enthusiasm built the atmosphere of the evening.

After his blast from the past performance of Ride Wit Me he brought three girls up on stage to challenge each other to some sort of “swag” walking competition, the winner being serenaded by Nelly. High energy spread throughout the venue as he rapped over The Motto by Drake and Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, which were fantastically adapted in his southern style.

The eagerly anticipated performance of Hot in Herre did not disappoint, and Nelly throwing his vest into the audience revealed a body nearly identical to that of ten years ago. Ending the night with Dilemma, his famous debut with Kelly Rowland (who was replaced with a fan girl singing along) brought a uplifting end to the night. When the crowds filed out into Kentish Town excitingly humming old Nelly songs, it was clear his first London headline show in years was a great success.

Jay Duncan
Photos: Andrei Grosu

For further information and future events visit Nelly’s website here.

Watch the video for Get Like Me ft. Nicki Minaj & Pharrell here: