Nelly is an American rapper and singer famous for hits like “Country Grammar” and “Dilemma.”

By Julia Anderson Last updated Jan 29, 2025

Who Is Nelly?

Nelly’s solo debut in 2000, Country Grammar, produced a smash single of the same name and showcased his unique musical style, ensuring a steady stream of hits. His subsequent four albums all ranked in the top three on the Billboard chart, with multiple singles reaching the top 20 and four achieving No. 1 status. Beyond music, the two-time Grammy Award winner also ventures into film and television.

Early Years

Born Cornell Haynes Jr. on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas, Nelly’s parents divorced when he was young. He and his mother moved from downtown St. Louis to University City, Missouri. Growing up, his interests included baseball and rap, leading him to form his first musical group, St. Lunatics, with high school friends. They gained local success in 1996 with the self-produced single “Gimme What You Got.” When success didn’t last, St. Lunatics decided Nelly should pursue a solo career to bring attention to the group. This proved effective, as Nelly was soon signed by Universal.

Albums and Songs

‘Country Grammar’

Nelly’s debut album, Country Grammar (2000), was a major hit, featuring appearances by St. Lunatics, Lil Wayne, and Cedric the Entertainer. The album went platinum nine times in the United States and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, eventually peaking at No. 1. The first single, also called “Country Grammar,” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and No. 1 on the rap chart. The second single, “Ride wit Me,” featuring St. Lunatic member City Spud, hit No. 3.

The following year, Nelly reunited with St. Lunatics to release their first album, Free City, which went platinum in the United States.

‘Nellyville’

In 2002, Nelly released his second solo record, Nellyville. One week after debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, he topped 10 different Billboard charts. Nellyville eventually went platinum six times. The single “Hot in Herre” became a ubiquitous No. 1 hit and won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance. The follow-up single, “Dilemma,” featuring Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child, earned the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance. Additional singles like “Work It,” featuring Justin Timberlake, and “Air Force Ones,” featuring Murphy Lee and the St. Lunatics, dominated the airwaves.

‘Sweat,’ ‘Suit,’ ‘Sweatsuit’

In 2003, Nelly released a remix album, Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention, before releasing two more studio albums in 2004: Sweat (an R&B album) and Suit (a more rap-oriented album). Suit debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart, while Sweat debuted at No. 2, keeping Nelly at the top of the music world. In winter 2005, Sweatsuit, a compilation of songs from Sweat and Suit with three new tracks, was released. The compilation’s lead single, “Grillz,” reached No. 1, while “Flap Your Wings” and “My Place” also topped the charts.

‘Brass Knuckles,’ ‘5.0,’ ‘M.O.’

In 2008, Nelly released his fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The highest-charting single, “Party People,” peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Stepped on My J’z” and “Body on Me” peaked at No. 90 and No. 42, respectively. In 2010, Nelly released 5.0., featuring hits like “Just a Dream” (No. 3), “Move That Body,” and “Gone,” a sequel to 2002’s “Dilemma.” He followed up in 2013 with M.O., which included a well-received collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams on “Get Like Me.”

Films and TV Shows

Nelly appeared in Adam Sandler’s 2005 remake of the prison football film The Longest Yard and later had a recurring role on CSI: NY. He also starred in two seasons of Nellyville and was prominently featured in Real Husbands of Hollywood and The Platinum Life.

Clothing and Charity

Early in his career, Nelly launched the clothing lines Vokal and Apple Bottoms. He also founded the 4Sho4Kids Foundation, which raises money and awareness for various children’s health issues.

Personal

Nelly has been in a relationship with Shantel Jackson since 2014.

In late 2017, a 22-year-old University of Washington student accused Nelly of sexual assault on his tour bus and claimed he damaged her reputation in his public denials. Nelly’s lawyer dismissed the lawsuit as “motivated by greed” and indicated that Nelly would countersue. The charges were eventually dropped.

Quick Facts

Name: Nelly
Birth Date: November 2, 1974
Birth State: Texas
Birth City: Austin
Birth Country: United States
Best Known For: Nelly is an American rapper and singer known for such hits as ‘Country Grammar’ and ‘Dilemma.’
Astrological Sign: Scorpio