After three years of a semi-musical hiatus, Nelly hit the lab to create music that once again speaks to his diverse fanbase. M.O., out today (Sept. 30), boasts big-name features that span all genres and Billboard charts, including T.I., Nelly Furtado and country pop duo Florida Georgia Line. “I know that the sound is like no other that you heard out right now. I describe it as ‘Nelly,'” he says of his seventh album’s sound. “Since the beginning, people have been trying to describe my sound, and it’s either you like it or you don’t. What works for me is just going in and doing the best music I can possibly do.”

No doubt the Grammy award-winning has proved his rightful spot over and over again (no pun intended). We caught up with Nelly to talk about his creative approach to his return, why he can’t pick a favorite album and his affinity for country collabs. –Alley Olivier

Was there a different thought process or direction you followed when going into this album?
Nelly: No, just [created] with no expectations. Trying not to make anything that wasn’t already out there, something that was refreshing when you hear it. It’s a lot more musical as opposed to when you’re dealing with instrumentals. Just trying to bring a little bit more music into it.

The “Rick James” record has people really excited. Is that your favorite on the album?
Nah, I love them all. I think people like the “Rick James” record because it doesn’t sound like anything else. It’s innovative in the sense of being different and it’s catching people off guard. It’s a dope ass record.

So you don’t have a favorite song or collab on the album?
I mean, the “Rick James” record is dope. The Nelly [Furtado] record is dope. We got a lot of collaborations on it, and when you listen to the album, you’ll see that the collaborations fit. It’s not like you try to reach out to no man’s land and just add peoples’ names on there for the sake of doing it. If you listen to it, everybody has a place.

Florida Georgia Line, who you recently collaborated with for their album, found their way onto this album. What’s your fascination with country music?
I just like good music. I’m from Missouri, and country music’s a big thing in this area. I have so much respect for all genres of music because I feel like if you don’t, why should they respect yours? I just try to bring people together the best way I can, but you gotta do it in a way that makes sense. Even when we did “Over and Over” back with Tim McGraw, it’s just bringing something new to the forefront.

Which one’s better: Your collab with Tim McGraw or Florida Georgia Line?
Each thing has a purpose. That’s for fans and for you guys to say which ones you like better.

Any other country music artists you’d want to work with?
When the opportunity presents itself and if we can come up with the right type of music. Don’t get it twisted, I have been offered in the past, but I just felt like that wasn’t right. You can’t just do it just because you did it before.

There’s been a lot of talk and comparisons between you and Flo Rida. Do you think this upcoming album will silence all of the talking?
When you have any type of success with anything, you’re going to influence people. I have no ill will with Flo Rida or anything. He’s a dope cat and I think he does him. I just think this album will separate me from whoever. We were able to do what not too many other people could’ve done. Again, if it wins, you’ll probably see a whole lot of people being influenced by it.

What do you want fans to take away from M.O.?
Hopefully, they’re satisfied and get a breath of fresh air as far as what music was and where music is headed. At the end of the day, that’s what you want, you want people to be pleased with it.

There’s been a couple sightings of you with Tae Heckard. Can you speak about your relationship with her?
I’m only talking about records.