NELLY - NELLY: 'I DO POP MUSIC'

R+B star NELLY is sick of receiving criticism for being "commercial" - he insists popularity is nothing to be ashamed of.

The HOT IN HERRE singer claims he has not intentionally written songs with mass-market appeal, but he is proud people like them.

He tells music website ALLHIPHOP.COM, "I've been able to appeal, but who hasn't?

"Is 50 (CENT) a commercial rapper? He sold 6 million albums, you know. JAY-Z sold 5 million albums on an album before. And once you get to a certain (point), you are pop music.

"It's funny because a lot of rappers say that, until they achieve that type of success, and then you see a slight change in them. At least mine been the same since day one.