Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s iconic duet “Dilemma” has officially surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify as of April 9, 2025.
Released in June 25, 2002 as a last-minute addition to Nelly’s blockbuster sophomore album Nellyville, “Dilemma” became a global phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 non-consecutive weeks and claiming the No. 1 spot in several countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and Germany. The song famously replaced Nelly’s own “Hot in Herre” at the top of the charts, as the St. Louis rapper dominated music that year.
In the Benny Boom-directed music video, there are appearances from Patti LaBelle (as Rowland’s mother) and NBA star Larry Hughes. Set on Colonial Street, it visually portrayed the emotional tug-of-war between Nelly and Rowland’s characters as neighbors dealing with forbidden feelings.
Rowland famously famously attempted to text Nelly using Microsoft Excel on her cellphone. The scene, which has since become a popular internet meme, features Rowland typing the message “WHERE YOU AT? HOLLA WHEN YOU GET THIS” into a spreadsheet rather than a messaging app.
Speaking on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals last year, Rowland laughed about the tech blunder, saying she still gets flak for it. “I’m so used to it now,” she said, before joking, “I now understand why Nelly never texted back… because it’s just a draft, my dear.”
Despite the tech fail, the chemistry between Rowland and Nelly in the video sparked dating rumors that have persisted for years — even though the two have always maintained they were just friends. They first met on the 2001 Total Request Live tour and teamed up the following year for “Dilemma.”
Over the years, Rowland and Nelly reunited for performances, including the 2003 Grammy Awards and their 2011 follow-up duet “Gone” which didn’t reach the heights of “Dilemma.”
Critics praised its vulnerability and chemistry, leading to a Grammy Award win for Best Rap/Sung Performance and a nomination for Record of the Year at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.
Produced by Ryan Bowser and built around a sample of Patti LaBelle’s 1983 classic “Love, Need and Want You”, “Dilemma” came together in a serendipitous way. Nelly received the beat from St. Louis producer Antoine “Bam” Macon just as he was wrapping up Nellyville, and after penning his verses, reached out to Rowland—encouraged by his sister—to complete the track. After multiple takes to get her vocals just right, Rowland delivered what would become one of her most memorable performances outside of Destiny’s Child.
