Dilemma (lyrics) - Nelly Ft. Kelly Rowland May 2026

Released on June 25, 2002, "Dilemma" by Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland remains a definitive anthem of the early 2000s, blending smooth R&B with melodic rap to explore the complexities of forbidden attraction. The track, which served as a major solo milestone for Rowland and a chart-topping follow-up for Nelly, is celebrated for its emotional depth and iconic visual storytelling. Musical Composition and Samples

: Produced by Ryan Bowser , the song features a signature high-pitched vocal intonation in the intro, which Bowser has stated was created through original vocal experimentation rather than a direct sample.

"Dilemma" is characterized as a mid-tempo R&B ballad. Its soulful foundation is built upon an interpolation of 1983 classic, "Love, Need and Want You" . Dilemma (Lyrics) - Nelly ft. Kelly Rowland

"Dilemma" was a massive commercial success, dominating global charts and cementing the legacy of both artists.

: The video follows the pair through near-misses and stolen glances at a record shop and a movie theater, culminating in a late-night dance session that symbolizes their undeniable connection. Critical Success and Legacy Released on June 25, 2002, "Dilemma" by Nelly

Directed by , the video is set in the fictional neighborhood of "Nellyville" and features cameos from Patti LaBelle (as Rowland's mother) and NBA player Larry Hughes (as her boyfriend).

: A scene where Rowland types a message to Nelly into a spreadsheet application on her Nokia 9210 Communicator has become a legendary internet meme. Nelly later explained it was simply "new technology at the time," while Rowland admitted she didn't realize it was a spreadsheet while filming. "Dilemma" is characterized as a mid-tempo R&B ballad

: The track utilizes a "call and response" format, pairing Nelly's laid-back rap verses with Rowland's "twinkling" nursery-rhyme chorus. Lyrical Narrative: The "Dilemma"