September 18, 2010

The last time Nelly saw the top 10 of any Billboard chart was in 2006, when "Grillz" hit No. 1 on the Hot 100. The "Hot in Herre" rapper makes a strong re-entry with his latest single, "Just a Dream," which debuts at No. 8 on Digital Songs. Produced by Jim Jonsin and Rico Love, the track is a midtempo cross between straightforward hip-hop and a pop ballad about missing a past love. "I was thinking about her, thinking about me/Thinking about us, when we're gonna be?/ Open my eyes, it was only just a dream," goes the contagious chorus, atop guitar licks and heavy synths. Layered vocals and Nelly's own ad-libs also dramatize the track. Its quick success signals that a return to the spotlight isn't just a dream.—Mariel Concepcion

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