Nelly is a Grammy-winning rapper, singer, and entrepreneur who emerged as one of the defining stars of early-2000s hip-hop. Hailing from St. Louis, he brought a fresh sound to the industry with his melodic flow, catchy hooks, and infectious energy. His debut album, *Country Grammar*, became a cultural phenomenon, producing massive hits and establishing Nelly as a crossover artist whose appeal extended far beyond traditional rap audiences.

Throughout his career, Nelly has demonstrated remarkable versatility, blending hip-hop with pop, R&B, and even country influences. Chart-topping singles like “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma,” and “Ride Wit Me” solidified his status as a hitmaker with universal reach. Beyond music, Nelly has expanded his brand into acting, fashion, fitness, and philanthropy, making him one of the most recognizable and influential entertainers of his generation.

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.[2] (born November 2, 1974),[2] better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and embarked on his musical career in 1993 as a member of the Midwest hip hop group St. Lunatics. He signed with Universal Records as a solo act in 1999 to release his debut studio album, Country Grammar (2000). Its two lead singles, "Country Grammar (Hot Shit)" and "Ride wit Me", (featuring City Spud), both entered the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. The album peaked atop the Billboard 200 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[3] His second album, Nellyville (2002), spawned two consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles: "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" (featuring Kelly Rowland), along with the top-five single, "Air Force Ones" (featuring Murphy Lee and St. Lunatics).