The Ultimate 2000s R&B Duet
Released in 2002, "Dilemma" became an instant classic by blending Nelly's St. Louis rap style with Kelly Rowland's polished R&B vocals. The song is built around a sample of Patti LaBelle's "Love, Need and Want You," giving it a soulful foundation that requires excellent pitch control and groove.
Singing this track poses a unique challenge: managing the "Call and Response" dynamic. Whether you are singing solo or with a partner, you must distinguish between the percussive verses and the smooth, flowing chorus.
AI Coach Tip: Melodic Rap Precision
In the verses, Nelly sings slightly behind the beat. Our analysis shows users often rush these lines. Relax your phrasing and sit "in the pocket" of the groove rather than pushing ahead of the snare drum.
Phase 1: The "Kelly" Chorus (0:24 - 0:45)
The hook ("No matter what I do, all I think about is you") is the emotional core. It sits in a comfortable mezzo-soprano range. The key here is legato—smooth, connected notes.
The Trap: Many singers go too breathy on the high notes. Maintain a solid chest-mix resonance to keep the vocals present, especially on the "I love you" line, which should be clear and direct, not whispered.
Phase 2: The "Nelly" Verses (0:45 - 1:28)
Nelly employs a sing-song rap style. While it's technically rapping, there is a definite pitch center (hovering around the root note D# and F#). You cannot just speak these lines; you must intone them.
- Articulation: Enunciate clearly but keep the vowels relaxed to match the laid-back vibe.
- Rhythm: The flow is bouncy. Practice the syncopation on lines like "I met this chick and she just moved right up the block."
Phase 3: The Bridge & Outro
As the song progresses, ad-libs become crucial. The background "Oohs" and harmonies reach up to C#5. If you are singing the lead, stay grounded in the melody while allowing the backing track (or your duet partner) to handle the high harmony layers.
The bridge acts as a conversation. Ensure there is a tonal difference between the two characters in the song to convey the story of the "dilemma" effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
The song is in D# Minor (or E♭ Minor). It uses a sample from Patti LaBelle which sets the harmonic structure.
Yes. In the Singing Coach AI app, you can choose to sing just Kelly's part, just Nelly's part, or tackle the "Solo Mix" where you handle both duties.
Treat the rap like a melody with very limited range. Focus on hitting the fundamental pitch of the chord changes rather than speaking naturally.
