Country Grammar is the debut
studio album by
American rapper
Nelly. It was released on June 27, 2000, by
Universal Records (who released the album after listening to demos by Nelly, before signing a record deal with the rapper in 1999). The
production on the album was handled by
Jason "Jay E" Epperson, with additional production by C-Love, Kevin Law,
City Spud,
Steve "Blast" Wills and
Basement Beats. Nelly contributed to all lyrics on the album, with Epperson and City Spud also contributing. The album introduced a unique Saint Louis, Midwestern sound, and introduces Nelly's vocal style of
pop-
rap singalongs and Midwestern,
Missouri twang.