Music: Country Grammar

Here is a rap album without much more on its mind than cars, hanging out and having fun. But when you get right down to it, are there other things to think about? O.K., maybe global warming, the upcoming presidential election, blah blah blah. Still, despite this CD's thematic simplicity, it boasts what many other current hip-hop releases lack: strong, sure hooks. The rhythms are vigorous, the production is crisp, and Nelly's rapping manages to be both laid back and engaging. It's been said that Nelly--who scored a chart hit with the punchy title track--is trying to do for St. Louis, Mo., what Master P did for New Orleans: put his hometown on the hip-hop map. Rap's cartographers, take note.

--C.J.F.