Watch Taylor Swift, Nelly & Haim Perform “Hot In Herre”
Nelly‘s impact. That’s what we’re seeing in rap right now. The melodic rap trend that has reshaped Kanye West‘s career, taken sad-sacks Future and Drake to the top of the charts and skyrocketed guys like Young Thug and Fetty Wap to fame can — no joke — be traced back to turn-of-the-millennium pop-rappers Ja Rule and Nelly. Yes, there was some singsong-rap before them, most notably Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, but in the modern rap hegemony, it traces back to those two dudes. Instead of the current crop of rappers paying their respects, though, we have situations like last night, when Taylor Swift and Haim co-signed Nelly. And it almost makes more sense that way. Couldn’t you see some pop queen in 20 years inviting a balding Drake on stage to perform “Hold On We’re Going Home”?
Anyway, Taylor Swift’s endless 1989 Tour hit St. Louis Tuesday (September 29), and she brought out hometown hero Nelly for his inescapable 2002 hit “Hot In Herre.” Swift and the Sisters Haim served as backup dancers/singers, and the vibe was basically “popular sorority girls do a choreographed dance in a teen movie.” Apparently this is the S-T-L-M-O MC’s third time joining Taylor on stage.
Watch it below.
BUSTING LOOSE bc Tay, Nelly & HAIM threw it back 2night w/ ‘Hot in Herre’ #1989TourStLouis pic.twitter.com/LJiJvaNegm
— Taylor Nation (@taylornation13) September 30, 2015
The highlight of our friendship thus far @HAIMtheband PS WE LOVE YOU @Nelly_Mo #1989TourStLouis pic.twitter.com/3USBBookRg
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) September 30, 2015
“WHAT?!” @Nelly_Mo @HAIMtheband #1989TourStLouis pic.twitter.com/lZYDlJNmsS
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) September 30, 2015