Nelly Reflects on Receiving His Flowers: “They Can Put My Flowers on My Grave”

In a recent interview, hip-hop icon Nelly opened up about the recognition he’s received throughout his career—or rather, the lack of it. His words struck a deep chord with fans when he said, “They can put my flowers on my grave. I’m from St. Louis. We used to get overlooked.”

This powerful statement highlights the struggles of being an artist from a city often left out of major industry conversations. It also raises an important question: why do so many artists only receive their flowers after they’re gone? Let’s break down Nelly’s thoughts on success, recognition, and why he believes it’s essential to honor artists while they’re still alive.

“We Used to Get Overlooked” – Nelly on His St. Louis Roots

Nelly’s comments have sparked discussions about the importance of acknowledging artists in real-time. Coming from St. Louis, he knows firsthand how difficult it can be to break into the mainstream music industry.

“Most people didn’t even know who we were for a long time,” he admitted, reflecting on the challenges he faced as an emerging artist.

Unlike artists from New York, Los Angeles, or Atlanta, who benefit from a well-established music scene, Nelly had to pave his own way with little industry support.

“There were no major labels knocking on our doors,” he explained.

Yet, despite these obstacles, Nelly defied the odds and became one of hip-hop’s most successful artists. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and raw talent.

“I Want My Flowers Now, Not When I’m Gone”

The phrase “giving someone their flowers” means acknowledging and celebrating a person’s contributions while they’re still alive. Unfortunately, in the music industry, many artists don’t receive true recognition until after their passing.

Nelly touched on this, saying:

“I feel like a lot of times, it may not be the right time. You gotta look back to understand what somebody really did for the game. People don’t always see it when it’s happening.”

He compared his situation to legendary athletes like Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, whose greatness was often underappreciated while they were playing. But years later, fans and analysts look back and realize just how much they changed the game.

For Nelly, it’s not about fame or validation. Instead, it’s about the impact of his work and how he’s changed the landscape of hip-hop and pop culture.

“If it happens later, that’s cool. But my first job is being a father, a husband, and providing for my family. That’s what I care about most.”

Still, the reality remains: many artists don’t get their due respect until it’s too late.

Nelly’s Legacy: More Than Just Hits

Many people only associate Nelly with his biggest hits—like Hot in Herre, Dilemma, and Ride Wit Me—but his impact goes far beyond the charts.

Bridging Hip-Hop & Pop – Nelly was one of the first rappers to blend hip-hop with pop and country music. His ability to cross genres made him a true pioneer in the industry.
Opening Doors for the Midwest – Before Nelly, St. Louis was not considered a major music hub. He changed that, inspiring countless artists from the Midwest to pursue their dreams.
Changing the Industry’s Sound – His melodic rap style influenced a new wave of hip-hop artists, including today’s sing-rappers like Drake, Lil Durk, and Rod Wave.

Even with all these accomplishments, Nelly still feels that his contributions are often overlooked.

“I didn’t fit into the mold people wanted me to,” he said, referring to the industry’s tendency to favor certain styles and regions.

But instead of changing who he was, he built his own lane—and that’s exactly why he became a legend.

“We Need to Lift Each Other Up”

One of the biggest takeaways from Nelly’s interview was the importance of community support in the music industry.

“We need to lift each other up and give props to those who deserve it,” he emphasized.

Nelly acknowledged that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about having people who believe in you. For him, that meant proving himself without the backing of a major music city or a powerful co-sign.

His message to young artists?

“Keep pushing. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make it.”

Final Thoughts: Give Nelly His Flowers Now

Nelly’s influence on hip-hop cannot be denied. His music shaped an era, his style influenced an entire generation, and his success paved the way for artists from overlooked cities.

So, should Nelly be included in the GOAT conversation?

Absolutely.

And more importantly, let’s give him his flowers while he can still smell them. 🌹