Nelly

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. was born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas, the only son of Cornell Haynes and Rhonda Mack. His father served in the Air Force for much of his childhood and when he was seven, his parents divorced.{{cite web |last=Townsel |first=Lisa Jones |title=Heating Up 'Nellyville' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zdUDAAAAMBAJ |date=September 2002 |page=144 |volume=57 |issue=11 |work=Ebony }} As a teenager, Haynes moved with his mother from St. Louis, Missouri, to University City, a St. Louis County suburb. While in high school, Nelly formed the St. Lunatics with his friends Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, Slo Down, and his half brother City Spud. The group enjoyed moderate local popularity with their single "Gimme What Ya Got" in 1996.{{cite web |title=Nelly Biography |url=https://www.biography.com/musician/nelly |website=Biography.com |access-date=15 July 2022 |date=May 19, 2020 }}

Despite being popular in Missouri and the surrounding areas, the group struggled to achieve success outside of St. Louis. The rest of the group agreed to let Nelly go solo after a major record deal failed to appear.{{cite web |last=Birchmeier |first=Jason |title=Nelly – Biography |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p416191/biography|pure_url=yes}} |publisher=Allmusic |year=2006 |access-date=2008-04-26}} Later in 1999, Nelly was signed to Universal Music Group by A&R Kevin Law.{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_Kevin_Law_2002_Int.html |title=Interview with Kevin Law |publisher=HitQuarters |date=October 3, 2002 |access-date=October 5, 2011}} Law told HitQuarters that Nelly was largely disliked by the label when he first signed, with the feedback he received from his colleagues on the rapper's music being "extraordinarily negative".

Nelly was unusual for being a rapper from the Midwest at a time when hip-hop was dominated by the East Coast, West Coast and the South. The label used this to their advantage by branding him as a star of the Midwest, hoping to inspire pride in the people of St Louis and the surrounding regions. Despite the negative feedback he received from the label, his debut single, "Country Grammar (Hot Shit)", was a success, peaking at number 7 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK singles chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20001105/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 {{pipe}} Official Charts Company|website=Official Charts|access-date=2020-03-21}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/nelly/chart-history/hsi/|title=Nelly|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-21}} Recognizing Nelly's potential, the label began to change their mind and allowed work to begin on his debut album. The label decided to do a solo record with him first and then reunite him with the St. Lunatics the following year.

The label released his debut album, Country Grammar, in 2000. The success of its title track as a single, reaching number 7 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 Hot Rap Tracks, led to the album debuting at number three in the Billboard 200 in the U.S. Other singles from the album included "E.I."; "Ride wit Me", featuring City Spud; and "Batter Up", featuring the St. Lunatics. The album was certified 9× platinum by the RIAA in April 2004.{{cite web |url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Country%20Grammar&artist=Nelly&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50 |title=Gold & Platinum – Country Grammar (album) |publisher=RIAA |access-date=2009-07-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016231837/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Country%20Grammar&artist=Nelly&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |df=mdy-all }} In January 2001, Nelly performed as a special guest in the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show.{{cite magazine |title=The most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows |url=https://ew.com/gallery/super-bowl-memorable-halftime-shows/?slide=421911#421911 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=1 December 2020 |date=2 February 2009}}

In 2002, Nelly's second album, Nellyville, was released, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Music Albums.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2002-07-13/billboard-200 |title=Music Albums, Top 200 Albums & Music Album Charts |access-date=2009-08-14 |date=2002-07-13 |magazine=Billboard}} Its lead single "Hot in Herre" was a number-one hit. Other singles included "Dilemma", which featured Kelly Rowland and sold over 7.6 million records worldwide,{{cite web|url=http://www.napolitoday.it/eventi/concerti/kelly-rowland-arenile-bagnoli-12-settembre-2010.html |title=Kelly Rowland live in Napoli 2010 |work=NapoliToday |date=August 25, 2010 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208140052/http://www.napolitoday.it/eventi/concerti/kelly-rowland-arenile-bagnoli-12-settembre-2010.html |archive-date=February 8, 2015 }}{{cite web|url=http://it.amolamusica.com/news/kelly-rowland-ft-big-sean-lay-it-on-me-e-il-nuovo-singolo/ |title=Kelly Rowland annuncia l'uscita del singolo Lay It On Me, già record di visualizzazioni su Youtube |work=Io Amo La Musica Magazine |date=July 29, 2011 |access-date=February 11, 2015 |first=Luca |last=Triptico }}{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (in Italian) "Work It" featuring Justin Timberlake, "Air Force Ones" featuring Murphy Lee and the St. Lunatics, "Pimp Juice", and "#1". This album was highly successful and was certified 6x multi-platinum in June 2003.{{cite web |url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Nellyville&artist=Nelly&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50 |title=Gold & Platinum – Nellyville |publisher=RIAA |access-date=2009-07-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016231837/http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Nellyville&artist=Nelly&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |df=mdy-all }} "Hot in Herre" won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance in 2003.{{cite web |title=Nelly – Grammy Awards |url={{AllMusic |class=artist |id=p416191/charts-awards/grammy-awards|pure_url=yes}}|publisher=Allmusic|access-date=2008-04-26}}

In 2003, Nelly released Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention, which featured the hit single "Iz U" from the soundtrack to Walt Disney's The Haunted Mansion. The music video of a Tip Drill Remix became a source of controversy due to perceptions of misogynistic depictions of women. The controversy forced him to cancel an appearance at a bone marrow drive at Spelman College, a historically black college in Atlanta.{{cite news |last=Arce |first=Rose |title=Hip-hop portrayal of women protested |url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/03/03/hip.hop/index.html |work=CNN|date=2005-03-03 |access-date=2008-04-26}} Similar claims of misogyny surrounded his single "Pimp Juice".{{cite news |last=D'Angelo |first=Joe |title=Nelly's Pimp Juice Threatened By Anti-Pimp Campaign |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1478075/nellys-pimp-juice-threatened-by-anti-pimp-campaign/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806201105/http://www.mtv.com/news/1478075/nellys-pimp-juice-threatened-by-anti-pimp-campaign/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=2003-09-10 |access-date=2022-05-24}} RIAA has certified the album as Platinum. For the Bad Boys II soundtrack album, Nelly contributed the single "Shake Ya Tailfeather" featuring Diddy and Murphy Lee. Another number-one hit, "Shake Ya Tailfeather", won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

In February 2004, Nelly performed in the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, his second time performing in a Super Bowl halftime show.

On September 14, 2004, he released two albums, Sweat and Suit. Suit, an R&B-oriented album, debuted at number one on the Billboard albums chart, and Sweat, a rap-oriented album, debuted at number two. From Suit, the slow ballad "Over and Over", an unlikely duet with country music star Tim McGraw, became a crossover hit.{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=Tim McGraw on Nelly Duet: 'Nothin' Country About The Song, But It Was Fun' |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1494556/tim-mcgraw-on-nelly-duet-nothin-country-about-the-song-but-it-was-fun/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140801231035/http://www.mtv.com/news/1494556/tim-mcgraw-on-nelly-duet-nothin-country-about-the-song-but-it-was-fun/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 1, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=2004-12-06 |access-date=2022-05-24}} On the 2004 NBC television concert special Tim McGraw: Here and Now, McGraw and Nelly performed the song.{{Cite magazine |last=Barrett |first=Annie |title=Television Commentary – Wednesday |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,784934,00.html |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=2004-11-26 |issue=794 |access-date=April 27, 2008 |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301154141/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,784934,00.html |url-status=dead }} A feud with another St. Louis-based rapper, Chingy, emerged at the end of 2004.{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=Chingy Fires Back at Nelly And Luda, Drops New Dis Track |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1495444/chingy-fires-back-at-nelly-and-luda-drops-new-dis-track/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210074431/http://www.mtv.com/news/1495444/chingy-fires-back-at-nelly-and-luda-drops-new-dis-track/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2015|work=MTV News |date=2005-01-07 |access-date=2022-05-25}} Tsunami Aid: A Concert for Hope, a 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake benefit concert special produced by NBC, featured Nelly.{{cite news |last=Rashbaum |first=Alyssa |title=Nelly, Maroon 5, Madonna, Mary J. Blige Join Tsunami Benefit Show |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1495698/nelly-maroon-5-madonna-mary-j-blige-join-tsunami-benefit-show/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901024427/http://www.mtv.com/news/1495698/nelly-maroon-5-madonna-mary-j-blige-join-tsunami-benefit-show/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 1, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=2005-01-11 |access-date=2022-05-25}} In the winter of 2005 came Sweatsuit, a compilation of tracks from Sweat and Suit with three new tracks. "Grillz", produced by Jermaine Dupri, was a number-one hit. To date both albums have sold over 5 million units in the United States.

Brass Knuckles was released on September 16, 2008, after several delays.{{cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |title=Nelly Lines up Usher, Fergie and Akon for Brass Knuckles – but No Bruce Springsteen |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1584680/nelly-lines-up-usher-fergie-and-akon-for-brass-knuckles-but-no-bruce-springsteen/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016231841/http://www.mtv.com/news/1584680/nelly-lines-up-usher-fergie-and-akon-for-brass-knuckles-but-no-bruce-springsteen/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |work=MTV News |date=2008-04-02 |access-date=2022-05-25}} Initial release dates for the album were October 16{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=T.I., Akon, Snoop, Pimp C Get Behind Nelly's Brass Knuckles |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1567667/ti-akon-snoop-pimp-c-get-behind-nellys-brass-knuckles/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204020415/http://www.mtv.com/news/1567667/ti-akon-snoop-pimp-c-get-behind-nellys-brass-knuckles/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=2007-08-22 |access-date=2022-05-26}} and November 13.{{cite news |last1=Bowles |first1=Scott |last2=Jones |first2=Steve |last3=Johnson |first3=Pete and Pete Johnson |title=Coming attractions: Nelly's ready to crack his 'Knuckles' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/2007-09-06-coming-attractions_N.htm/ |work=USA Today |date=2007-09-06 |access-date=2007-09-09}} Its original lead single was "Wadsyaname", a ballad-oriented track produced by Ron "NEFF-U" Feemstar and sampling the piano riff from "All My Life" by K-Ci & JoJo. Nelly later confirmed that "Wadsyaname" was never going to be on Brass Knuckles. He recorded "Party People", featuring Fergie and produced by Polow da Don, which turned out to be his first official single off the album. "Stepped on My J'z" was the next single, produced by Jermaine Dupri; it features Dupri and Ciara. Next was "Body on Me", produced by Akon which features Akon and Ashanti. Nelly appeared on Rick Ross's third single, "Here I Am" featuring label mate Avery Storm.

File:Cornell-Haynes-Jr Nelly 2010-06-05 photoby Adam-Bielawski.jpg

In the summer of 2009, Nelly made a public announcement in Las Vegas about the yet-to-be-titled album.{{cite web|last=Langhorne |first=Cyrus |url=http://www.sohh.com/2009/07/nelly_premieres_new_album.html |title=Nelly Plots Comeback & Premieres New Album, "This Is My First Time Being Able To Rock This Sh*t" |publisher=Sohh |date=2009-07-08 |access-date=2010-11-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908212844/http://www.sohh.com/2009/07/nelly_premieres_new_album.html |archive-date=September 8, 2009 }} In October 2009, in an interview with SOHH.com he said that the album was going to be released sometime in 2010. In an interview with Semtex TV, he told reporters that he planned to release the album under the name Nelly.{{cite web |url=http://www.rapbasement.com/nelly/100209-nelly-talks-about-his-upcoming-new-self-titled-solo-album-with-the-st-lunatics.html |title=Nelly {{sic |nolink=y|Announces |expected=Announces}} New Self Titled Album {{pipe}} Nelly |publisher=Rap Basement |date=2009-10-02 |access-date=2010-11-16 |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108080137/http://www.rapbasement.com/nelly/100209-nelly-talks-about-his-upcoming-new-self-titled-solo-album-with-the-st-lunatics.html |url-status=dead }} In April 2010, Nelly's cousin Michael Johnson was murdered in Missouri. Nelly said that he delayed releasing the album because of the tragedy.[http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/nellys_relative_murdered_he_was_not_my_b.htmlUnti/01/16/jim-jonsin-speaks-on-2010-and-on-working-on-nellys-new-album/]{{dead link|date=November 2010}} Guests featured on the album were T-Pain, Chris Brown, Akon, Plies, T.I., Kelly Rowland, Birdman, DJ Khaled, Avery Storm, and Diddy-Dirty Money.[http://concreteloop.com/2009/11/new-music-nelly-she-got-me "NEW MUSIC: NELLY - "SHE GOT ME""] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009235828/http://concreteloop.com/2009/11/new-music-nelly-she-got-me |date=October 9, 2012 }}. November 10, 2009. Concrete Loop.

In May 2010, Nelly confirmed that the title of the album was 5.0.{{cite web |url=http://tampabay.metromix.com/music/article/q-and-a-nelly/1941892/content |title=Q&A: Nelly |publisher= Metromix Tampa Bay |date=2010-05-10 |access-date=2010-11-16}} The album was released on November 16, 2010.[http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/05/nelly-revs-up-for-fall-album-release/ "Nelly Revs Up for Fall Album Release"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083515/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/05/nelly-revs-up-for-fall-album-release/ |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Rap-Up.com. Retrieved August 9, 2010. The album's lead single "Just a Dream" was released on August 17, 2010, through iTunes{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/just-a-dream-single/1445283279 |title=Just a Dream – Single by Nelly |work=Apple Music |date=January 2010 |access-date=2010-08-17}} along with the promotional single "Tippin' in da Club".{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/tippin-in-da-club-single/386399282 |title=Tippin' In da Club – Single by Nelly |work=Apple Music |access-date=2010-08-17 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918075731/https://music.apple.com/us/album/tippin-in-da-club-single/386399282 |url-status=dead }} The two songs were released to mainstream and Rhythm/Crossover radio on August 10, 2010.[http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691 "Available For Airplay"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142450/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16691 |date=March 22, 2013 }}. FMQB. Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report. Retrieved August 12, 2010. "Just a Dream" made its first chart appearance debuting on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 12 and peaking at number 3 in its fourth week. The song debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart, selling 888,000 downloads in its first week.{{cite web |url={{BillboardURLbyName |artist=nelly |chart=all}} |title=Digital Songs |publisher=Billboard|access-date=2010-11-16}}[http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/27/nellys-just-a-dream-makes-debut-on-charts/ Nelly's Just a Dream Makes Debut on Charts] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080420/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/27/nellys-just-a-dream-makes-debut-on-charts/ |date=March 4, 2016 }}. Rap-Up. Retrieved 2010-08-27.

"Just a Dream" is Nelly's highest-charting song since his 2005 single "Grillz" and debuted at number 7 on the Billboard Rap Songs. The song entered the Canadian Hot 100 in August 2010, at number 32{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/artist/nelly/383300 |title=Nelly Artist History |publisher=Billboard charts |magazine=Billboard |date=2010-08-27 |access-date=2010-05-26}} It debuted in Australia (ARIA Charts) on the Singles Chart at number 3,{{cite web |first=Steffen |last=Hung |url=http://www.australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Nelly&titel=Just+a+Dream&cat=s |title=Nelly – Just A Dream |publisher=Australian-Charts.|access-date=2010-11-16}} in New Zealand Singles Charts at number 29, and in Switzerland (Media Control AG) at number 52. The second single "Move That Body", which features T-Pain and Akon, was released on October 12, 2010.[https://music.apple.com/us/album/move-that-body-feat-t-pain/396138833 "Move That Body – Single by Nelly"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602111326/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/move-that-body-feat-t-pain/id396138833 |date=June 2, 2014 }}. Apple Music Retrieved October 13, 2010. The song made its first chart appearance debuting on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 54 and reached number 29 in Australia.{{cite web |url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1U50 |title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart |date=November 15, 2010 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=November 14, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707070643/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1U50 |archive-date=July 7, 2012 }}[https://web.archive.org/web/20101119103528/http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 8th November 2010]. webcitation.org. Retrieved 2010-11-17.

In October 2010, Nelly featured on the second single by singer Mohombi entitled "Miss Me", produced by RedOne. In November 2010, Nelly appeared on the Pacquiao vs. Margarito pay-per-view, at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.{{cite web |title=Nelly To Perform "Just a Dream" on Pacquiao-Margarito |publisher=BoxingScene |date=November 9, 2010 |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/nelly-perform-just-dream-on-pacquiao-margarito--32653 |access-date=May 25, 2022}} "Gone" is the sequel to his 2002 worldwide number-one single "Dilemma", also with Rowland, and is the third single from the album.

In June 2011, Pitbull released a song off the deluxe version of the album Planet Pit featuring Nelly titled "My Kinda Girl". In December 2011, he released his first solo mixtape, entitled O.E.MO, which stands for "On Everything MO". The mixtape features guest appearances from T.I., 2 Chainz, Bei Maejor, St. Lunatics and more.{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/24/new-music-nelly-oemo-mixtape/ |title=New Music: Nelly – 'O.E.MO' [Mixtape] |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-12-24 |access-date=2012-04-17}}

In August 2012, Nelly became a coach on The CW's The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep along with Gloria Estefan, John Rich and Joe Jonas. Nelly released his second mixtape, entitled Scorpio Season, on November 2, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.datpiff.com/Nelly-Scorpio-Season-mixtape.411707.html |title=Nelly -Scorpio Season // Free Mixtape |work=DatPiff |publisher=Idle Media Inc |date=2012-11-09 |access-date=2013-05-10 |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623042222/http://www.datpiff.com/Nelly-Scorpio-Season-mixtape.411707.html |url-status=dead }} In February 2013, he released "Hey Porsche", the lead single from his seventh studio album M.O. The song peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit the top ten in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In April 2013, a remix of "Cruise", the breakthrough single of country music duo Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, was released. In July 2013, his single "Get Like Me" featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams was released on iTunes.

Nelly's album M.O. was released on September 30, 2013, by Republic Records.

From 2014 to 2015, Nelly starred in the reality TV show Nellyville, which ran for two seasons. The BET series is about Nelly's career in music and acting. His four children are featured, two biological, the other two from his late sister. On August 6, 2015, he premiered the single "The Fix", which was released on his own label, "RECORDS".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaX2fyYRlsw | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/QaX2fyYRlsw| archive-date=2021-10-29|title=Nelly "The Fix" feat. Jeremih (Produced by DJ Mustard & Mike Free) |publisher=YouTube |date=2015-08-06 |access-date=2016-06-28}}{{cbignore}} In an interview with Big Boy, Nelly said that there may or may not be a new album related to The Fix.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOQu5NVoYh4 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/hOQu5NVoYh4| archive-date=2021-10-29|title=Nelly Talks About The St. Louis Rams, Shantel Jackson, And More! (Full Interview) {{pipe}} BigBoyTV |publisher=YouTube |date=2015-08-13 |access-date=2016-06-28}}{{cbignore}}

As of 2018, Nelly is signed to Columbia Records.{{cite web |title=Artists - Columbia Records |url=http://www.columbiarecords.com/artists/ |website=Columbia Records |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=2018-07-09}}

In 2020, he released the song "Lil Bit",{{cite web|first=Benjamin|last=VanHoose|url=https://people.com/music/nelly-florida-georgia-line-drop-lil-bit/|title=Nelly Calls Himself the 'Black Tom Brady' on New Song with Florida Georgia Line|work=People|date=October 23, 2020}} a collaboration with Florida Georgia Line from his "country-influenced" album titled Heartland.{{cite web| url=https://tasteofcountry.com/nelly-florida-georgia-line-lil-bit/|title=Nelly Brings Florida Georgia Line Back for New Song 'Lil Bit' [Listen]| publisher=Taste of Country|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=November 30, 2020 |first=Angela|last=Stefano}} He also joined country singers Kane Brown and Brett Kissel for remixes of their songs, "Cool Again"{{cite web | url=https://tasteofcountry.com/kane-brown-nelly-cool-again-remix/ | title=Kane Brown and Nelly head beachside for 'Cool Again' remix [Watch] | publisher=Taste of Country | date=August 7, 2020 | access-date=August 11, 2020 | author=Cillea Houghton}} and "She Drives Me Crazy".{{cite web|first=Katie|last=Colley|url=https://etcanada.com/news/713455/brett-kissel-teams-up-with-nelly-for-remix-of-she-drives-me-crazy-ive-dreamt-about-this-moment/|title=Brett Kissel Teams Up With Nelly For Remix Of 'She Drives Me Crazy': 'I've Dreamt About This Moment'|work=ET Canada|date=November 13, 2020|access-date=November 30, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124071205/https://etcanada.com/news/713455/brett-kissel-teams-up-with-nelly-for-remix-of-she-drives-me-crazy-ive-dreamt-about-this-moment/|url-status=dead}} In February 2024, Nelly was featured on the Jermaine Dupri single "This Lil' Game We Play", featuring Ashanti and Juicy J.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6tZArCRW7OATZSOuTtIjfa?si=4Xf1jw47Qkq0s-SptviKqA|title=Jermaine Dupri - This Lil Game We Play feat Nelly, Ashanti & Juicy J|website=Spotify|date=9 February 2024|access-date=21 February 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2024/02/09/jermaine-dupri-drops-new-single-this-lil-game-we-play-ft-nelly-ashanti-juicy-j/|title=Jermaine Dupri Drops New Single "This Lil Game We Play" ft Nelly, Ashanti & Juicy J|website=The Source|last=Grant|first=Shawn|date=9 February 2024|access-date=21 February 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/jermaine-dupri-nelly-ashanti-collaboration-1234837852/|title=Jermaine Dupri Previews Nelly, Ashanti, And Juicy J Collaboration|website=Vibe|last=Inman|first=Demicia|date=4 January 2024|access-date=21 February 2024}}

In August 2024, it was revealed that Nelly was now frequently performing at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in Maryland Heights, Missouri. In January 2025, it was announced that Nelly would have a residency at Zouk Nightclub in Resorts World Las Vegas, with dates running through the end of August 2025."[https://news3lv.com/news/local/nelly-announces-2025-las-vegas-residency-at-resorts-world Nelly announces 2025 Las Vegas residency at Resorts World]", KSNV News 3, January 13, 2025, accessed January 22, 2025

Nelly's film debut began in 2001 in the independent film Snipes, playing a famous rapper named Prolifik. He starred in the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.{{Cite news |last=Tyrangiel |first=Josh |title=The Rapper Who Likes Bowling |url=http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,995224,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204150222/http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,995224,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 4, 2013 |magazine=Time |date=2004-09-27 |volume=164 |issue=13 }}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XLYDAAAAMBAJ&q=Nelly+runs+the+non-profit+organization+4Sho4Kids+Foundation&pg=PA60|title=Jet|date=2004-09-13 |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company }} The movie's soundtrack includes his songs "Errtime" and "Fly Away". In June 2008, in an interview with Kiwibox, Nelly revealed that he is reluctant to continue his acting career, noting that he does not want to "take away from the culture of acting".{{cite web|last=Horowitz |first=Steven |title=Exclusive Nelly Interview |url=http://kiwibox.com/article/36913/3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319001518/http://kiwibox.com/article/36913/3 |archive-date=March 19, 2009 }}

In 2008 and 2009, he appeared in episodes of the CBS crime drama CSI: NY. In 2011, he made a cameo appearance on 90210. From 2014 to 2015, he appeared in his own reality TV show, Nellyville, based on the title of his second studio album. The show ran for two seasons.{{cite web |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/nellys-nellyville-series-returning-for-second-season-in-may/article_a1f3e23b-fed5-5cf8-9237-23455f7b3f14.html |title=Nelly's 'Nellyville' series returning for second season in May |author=Kevin C. Johnson |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 8, 2015 |access-date=May 25, 2022}} From 2013 to 2016, Nelly was in the main cast of the mockumentary series Real Husbands of Hollywood.

In September 2020, Nelly was announced as one of the celebrities competing on the 29th season of Dancing with the Stars.{{cite web|url=https://abc.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/news/updates/dancing-with-the-stars-2020-celebrity-cast-announced?linkId=98669467|title="Dancing with the Stars" 2020 Celebrity Cast Announced!|work=ABC|date=September 2, 2020}} He and his partner Daniella Karagach finished in third place.{{cite web |last1=Seemayer |first1=Zack |title=Nelly Says He Probably Wouldn't Have Done 'DWTS' Had He Known Who His Competitors Were (Exclusive)|url=https://www.etonline.com/nelly-says-he-probably-wouldnt-have-done-dwts-had-he-known-who-his-competitors-were-exclusive |website=Entertainment Tonight |access-date=May 25, 2022 |date=November 23, 2020}}

{{further|List of awards and nominations received by Nelly}}

Nelly's rapping style has been described by Peter Shapiro as using "unforgettable hooks based on schoolyard songs, double-dutch chants, and nonsense rhymes" and has a "Missouri twang".Shapiro, Peter, 2005, The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop, 2nd edition, Penguin, p. 275. AllMusic suggests Nelly's style is based largely on where he comes from: "Nelly's locale certainly informs his rapping style, which is as much country as urban, and his dialect as well, which is as much Southern drawl as Midwestern twang".

Nelly explains his method of writing in the book How to Rap, describing how he freestyles most of the lyrics before going back over them to "make it a little tighter",Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, pp. 151-152. he generally writes in the studio rather than at home,Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, p. 153. he normally comes up with a chorus for a song before writing the verses,Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, p. 190. and he likes to write to the music he will be rapping over.Edwards, Paul, 2009, How to Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC, Chicago Review Press, p. 169. AllMusic notes his "tongue-twisting" hooks, which are often sung rather than rapped.{{cite web |last=Birchmeier |first=Jason |url={{AllMusic |class=album |id=r470821|pure_url=yes}} |title=Country Grammar – Nelly |publisher=AllMusic |date=2000-06-06 |access-date=2010-11-16}}

Nelly dated singer Ashanti from 2003 to 2013 after meeting at the 2003 Grammy Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ashanti-talks-nelly-split-ive-been-betrayed-2015133/|title=Ashanti talks Nelly: "I've been betrayed"|work=US Magazine|access-date=March 9, 2015}} The two began dating again in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/nelly-ashanti-dating-again-after-breakup-1234754173/|title=Nelly And Ashanti Back Together 10 Years After Breakup: Report|date=May 4, 2023 }} In December 2023, it was reported the couple were expecting their first child together and had married on the 27th.{{cite magazine |last=Macke |first=Johnni |title=Ashanti Is Pregnant, Expecting 1st Baby With Boyfriend Nelly |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/ashanti-is-pregnant-expecting-1st-baby-with-boyfriend-nelly/ |magazine=Us Weekly |publisher=A360media |access-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204205132/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/ashanti-is-pregnant-expecting-1st-baby-with-boyfriend-nelly/ |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |location=United States |issn=1529-7497 |date=December 4, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/nelly-and-ashanti-already-married-tied-the-knot-in-december-2023-8666059/|title=Surprise! Nelly and Ashanti Are Already Married; Couple Tied the Knot 6 Months Ago|website=People|date=June 19, 2024 |language=en|access-date=2024-06-20}} In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and the couple's engagement in Essence magazine.{{Cite web|url= https://www.essence.com/celebrity/black-celeb-couples/ashanti-nelly-engaged/|title=Exclusive: Ashanti And Nelly Are Expecting — And Engaged!|website=Essence|date=April 17, 2024 |language=en|access-date=2024-05-24}} On July 18, 2024, the couple welcomed their first child.{{Cite web |last=Sacks |first=Hannah |date=2024-08-22 |title=Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Baby Together — and Share His Name: 'So in Love' |url=https://people.com/ashanti-welcomes-first-baby-with-nelly-8635691 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=People |language=en}}

Nelly has two children from previous relationships: a son named Cornell Haynes III (Tre) and a daughter named Chanelle (Nana).{{cite web|url=https://news.amomama.com/209156-nelly-is-a-doting-father-two-kids-meet-r.html|title=Nelly Is a Doting Father of Two Kids — Meet the Rapper's Family Including His Late Sister's Children|date=May 25, 2020 }} Nelly also has two adopted children from his stepsister Jaqueline Donahue, who died of leukemia on March 25, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/zp44ln/nellys-sister-loses-her-battle-with-leukemia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708205735/https://www.mtv.com/news/zp44ln/nellys-sister-loses-her-battle-with-leukemia|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 8, 2023|title=Nelly's Sister Loses Her Battle With Leukemia|website=MTV }} Nelly has been a longtime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball.{{cite web|url=https://fox2now.com/sports/st-louis-cardinals/nelly-celebrates-with-pujols-after-home-run-685-in-cardinals-win/|title=Nelly celebrates with Pujols after home run 685 in Cardinals win|work=FOX 2 |date=July 13, 2022 }} Likewise a fan of the former St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis from 1995 to 2015,{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-11|title=1999 ST. LOUIS RAMS|website=NFL.com }} he expressed ongoing support for the team following their relocation to Los Angeles in 2016, even attending their appearance at Super Bowl LVI in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62kecXR7dD8|title=Nelly Says Rams Are 'On Loaner' In L.A., Still STL's Team! : TMZ Sports|website=YouTube |date=September 27, 2018 }}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1493050894102970373?lang=en|title=@TSN_Sports: Nelly showing Cleveland some love at Super Bowl LVI.}}

File:Iverson Nelly 2.jpg and Nelly at a Reebok endorsement photo shoot in 2007]]

Nike and Nelly agreed on a one-year deal in 2003 to release a limited-edition sneaker called the "Air Derrty", which was a retro remake of Charles Barkley's signature sneaker.{{cite news |title=For The Record: Quick News On Deftones, Kimberly Caldwell, 50 Cent, Michelle Branch, Hanson, The Roots & More |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1471683/for-the-record-quick-news-on-deftones-kimberly-caldwell-50-cent-michelle-branch-hanson-the-roots-more/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602142538/http://www.mtv.com/news/1471683/for-the-record-quick-news-on-deftones-kimberly-caldwell-50-cent-michelle-branch-hanson-the-roots-more/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 2, 2014 |work=MTV News |date=2003-05-02 |access-date=2022-05-25}} In 2005, Nelly signed a shoe deal with Reebok.{{cite web |title=Nelly's New Sneaker & Apparel Deal With Reebok |url=http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/news/84912.php |work=Nobody Smiling |date=2005-07-20 |access-date=2008-04-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112070944/http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/news/84912.php |archive-date=January 12, 2009 |df=mdy-all }} He has been in ads for Got Milk? and the Ford Motor Company. His energy drink Pimp Juice sold one million cans during the first two months after its introduction in August 2003, and was criticized for its name by black consumer activists.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2003-10-27-energydrinks_x.htm |title=Energy drinks get their hip-hop on |last=Howard |first=Theresa |publisher=USA Today |date=2003-10-27 |access-date=2010-02-14}} He owns Apple Bottoms, a female clothing line, and Vokal, which caters to men. He was one of the owners of the Charlotte Bobcats, along with Robert L. Johnson and Michael Jordan, until Jordan became the majority owner in March 2010.{{cite press release|title=Robert L. Johnson Adds Nelly To Bobcats Ownership Team |url=https://www.nba.com/hornets/news/nelly_release_040719.html |publisher=NBA |date=2004-07-19 |access-date=2022-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212094614/http://www.nba.com/bobcats/news/nelly_release_040719.html |archive-date=December 12, 2008 }}

Nelly has played the Main Event at the 2007 World Series of Poker.{{cite news |title=Day 3 of the main event of the World Series of Poker |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/2007-07-08-1894055204_x.htm |work=USA Today |date=2007-07-08 |access-date=2008-05-19}} He has played The PokerStars European Poker Tour and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.{{cite web |last=Young |first=Simon |url=http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pca/2010/2010-pca-amfar-tournament-round-one-062976.html |title=2010 PCA amFAR Tournament: Round one – PokerStars Poker Blog |publisher=PokerStars Blog |date=2010-01-08 |access-date=2011-08-05}} In August 2010, he began a stint as the afternoon host on WHHL HOT 104.1 in St. Louis. He was taking the place of regular PM drive personality, Stacy Static, who left on pregnancy leave.

In September 2010, Nelly released a fitness DVD entitled Celebrity Sweat, walking viewers through various exercises and weight training techniques.{{cite web |url=http://www.urblife.com/the-life/nelly-exclusive-interview |title=Nelly's Priceless Princess! Fitness, Genetic Bliss, Career and More! |work=UrbLife.com |date=September 20, 2010}} In 2011, he and Vatterott College worked together to found the Ex'treme Institute By Nelly, which is a music production school in the heart of St. Louis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.stlmag.com/Nellys-New-School-Takes-Education-to-the-Extreme/|title=Nelly's New School Takes Education to the Ex'treme|last=Powell|first=William|date=2013-02-25|access-date=2018-02-06|work=St. Louis Magazine}}

In 2015, Nelly teamed up with Mike and Ike candy after a halt in collaborating a year earlier. He and the owners of Mike and Ike released a movie trailer the same day titled "The Return of Mike and Ike" describing the split and reunion.{{cite web |url=http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/nelly-branding-mike-ike-candy-reunite/ |title=Hip-Hop Artist Nelly Teams Up with Mike and Ike To Reunite Candy Brand |work=Black Enterprise |date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=June 13, 2015 |last=Hazelwood |first=Janell}} In 2021, he collaborated with Burger King on the "Cornell Haynes, Jr. Meal", part of a line of celebrity-themed meals that the establishment created to promote its "Keep It Real Meals", in recognition of their removal of 120 artificial ingredients from its menu items. The meal consisted of a Whopper, small fries, and a small Sprite.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/burger-king-teams-nelly-line-celebrity-themed-meals |title=Burger King teams with Nelly for line of celebrity-themed meals |work=Fox Business |date=September 10, 2021 |access-date=February 21, 2023 |last=Hollan |first=Michael }}

In April 2023, Nelly launched a moonshine brand called "MoShine".{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/entertainment-icon-nelly-announces-moonshine-brand-moshine-301791847.html |title=Entertainment Icon Nelly Announces Moonshine Brand, MoShine |website=PR Newswire |date=6 Apr 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://coolmaterial.com/food-drink/moshine-nelly/ |title=Nelly Launched a Spirit Brand Called MoShine. Here's What It Tastes Like |website=Cool Material |last=Hines |first=Nickolaus |date=April 29, 2023 }}

Fellow St. Louis rapper Chingy was hired as an opening act, while touring in support of Nellyville in 2002. Chingy had initially expressed discontent with the lack of promotion on the tour. Meanwhile, reports persisted that Nelly was increasingly irritated with Chingy's growth in fame, particularly when he signed with Ludacris' DTP label shortly following the tour. Nelly claimed he felt disrespected by Chingy's actions, claiming in a 2005 interview; "For him to say that 'Nelly and all them didn't take no part in him getting a deal', is like saying 'RUN DMC and them didn't take any part on me getting a deal', everybody that comes out tries to help the next motherfucker".{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/97cboy/nelly-tells-chingy-to-calm-down-and-pay-him-more-respect|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412054541/https://www.mtv.com/news/97cboy/nelly-tells-chingy-to-calm-down-and-pay-him-more-respect|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2023|title=Nelly Tells Chingy To Calm Down And Pay Him More Respect|website=MTV }}

Nelly dropped a verse on the song 'Anotha one' on his 2004 album Sweat with a line in the song saying, {{'}}I like it how you do it right thurr [there]/You just to remember why you do that right thurr, I made it tight to be country/ They thought country was bummy/ Till country start making money{{'}} which was perceived by Chingy as a diss track. In an interview with Nelly in December 2004, he stated that he believed the lyrics were taken out of context, later claiming: ''"I wasn't going at him. If you listen to the song, it says, 'I like the way you do that right thurr.' I could have said, 'Fuck the way you do that right thurr!' It ain't even like that".

Angered by the song, Chingy leaked a song in response taking aim at Nelly entitled 'We Got' on January 7, 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1oytvn/chingy-fires-back-at-nelly-and-luda-drops-new-dis-track|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403042037/https://www.mtv.com/news/1oytvn/chingy-fires-back-at-nelly-and-luda-drops-new-dis-track|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 3, 2023|title=Chingy Fires Back At Nelly And Luda, Drops New Dis Track|website=MTV }} In December 2005 at the Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas, Chingy alleges he approached Nelly to end the feud, but claims he refused to discuss in private but was ignored repeatedly.{{cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/nelly-chingy-has-a-problem-being-a-man/|title=Nelly: "Chingy Has A Problem Being A Man"|date=January 14, 2005 }}

Months later, Chingy approached Nelly's cousin, who allowed both rappers to put an end to the feud in 2006. During an interview in November 2022, Chingy alleged Nelly's sister Jackie had also approached him at an airport, diligent for both to resolve the feud prior to her death due to cancer complications in March 2005, claiming "At that point, she said she had a wish, and that wish was for me and him to come together... When I heard that, I had to end this; for her. This can't go on. She had a wish for this to happen, she really wanted me and her brother to be cool." {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzvgX2_inZ4|title=Chingy on Nelly Beef: His Sister Wanted Us to End Feud Before She Passed Away|website=YouTube |date=November 4, 2022 }}

Nelly runs the non-profit organization 4Sho4Kids Foundation.{{Cite news|url=http://thesource.com/2013/04/29/hip-hop-charitable-nelly/|title=Hip Hop Charitable- Nelly|date=2013-04-29|work=The Source|access-date=2018-02-06}} In March 2003, he and Jackie Donahue, his sister, began the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign, after Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia. The campaign attempts to educate African Americans and other minorities about the need for bone marrow transplants. It also tries to register more donors. Donahue died of leukemia on March 24, 2005, almost two years after the campaign began.{{cite news |title=Rapper Nelly's sister dies of leukemia |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-03-24-nelly-sister-obit_x.htm |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=2005-03-24 |access-date=2008-05-09}}

In 2006, Nelly started hosting a "White and Black Ball" in his hometown of St. Louis as a fundraiser to collect funds for scholarships.{{cite web |title=Look back: Highlights from 10 years of Nelly's Black and White Ball |date=April 9, 2016 |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/look-back-highlights-from-years-of-nelly-s-black-and/collection_9b2530a4-628a-5582-bd51-95a4a5328dea.html |access-date=7 December 2018}} He has sent two students to college every year for over a decade, and set up a scholarship fund named after Michael Brown was shot and killed.{{cite news |last1=McCord |first1=Shakeitta |title=Nelly Sends Two Kids to College Every Year for the Last 10 Years: 'Only Way to Elevate Black Community is Education' |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2015/08/20/nelly-way-elevate-black-community-education-sends-2-kids-college-year-last-10-years/ |access-date=7 December 2018 |date=August 20, 2015}}

In 2010, Nelly endorsed Do Something's Tackle Hunger campaign. In a public service announcement he filmed for the cause, he challenged teens to fight hunger by collecting one million pounds of food for the holiday season.{{cite web |title=Nelly 'Dreams' Big with DoSomething.org |url=http://www.dosomething.org/about/press/nelly-%E2%80%98dreams%E2%80%99-big-dosomethingorg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927103133/http://www.dosomething.org/about/press/nelly-%E2%80%98dreams%E2%80%99-big-dosomethingorg |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-09-27 |publisher=Do Something }}

In April 2015, the Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of Nelly's Prevost tour bus, because of non-conforming U.S. Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association stickers. He, a bus driver, and four other people were on board. After a state trooper said that he smelled marijuana, the troopers searched the bus and said that they found drug paraphernalia and marijuana, as well as a substance that they initially believed to be methamphetamine and several handguns.{{cite news |title=Nelly Arrested on Felony Drug Charge While Traveling in Tennessee |url=https://people.com/crime/nelly-arrested-for-meth-in-tennessee/ |work=People |agency=Associated Press |date=2015-04-12 |access-date=2022-05-25}}Kevin C. Johnson, [https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/nelly-attorney-issue-statements-on-rapper-s-misdemeanor-guilty-plea/article_345f31aa-3c74-5358-b0c5-1e325098c465.html Nelly, attorney issue statements on rapper's misdemeanor guilty plea], St. Louis Post-Dispatch (December 15, 2015). He was initially booked into the Putnam County Jail and was released on bail.

Nelly was initially charged with felony drug possession, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. After further testing proved that the seized substance was not methamphetamine, the felony charge was dropped. In December 2015, the case was resolved when he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and was sentenced to one year probation. Nelly entered a diversion program, in which the misdemeanor convictions were cleared from his record after 11 months.Corrine Heller, [http://www.eonline.com/news/645356/nelly-arrested-on-felony-drug-charges-in-tennessee-get-the-details-and-see-his-mug-shot Nelly Cuts Plea Deal on Drug Charges in Tennessee—Get the Details], E Online (December 14, 2015).

In 2016, it was reported that there was a $2.4 million tax lien against Nelly due to unpaid taxes owed to the IRS.{{cite web |url=http://www.tmz.com/2016/09/11/nelly-tax-lien/ |title=Nelly owed back taxes to IRS |date=September 11, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2016}}Elahe Izadi, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/09/15/the-campaign-to-save-nelly-from-tax-debt-tripled-his-spotify-streams/ The campaign to save Nelly from tax debt tripled his Spotify streams], Washington Post (September 15, 2016).

On October 7, 2017, Nelly was arrested in Auburn, Washington, a southern Seattle suburb, on suspicion of second-degree rape after a woman alleged that he invited her onto his tour bus earlier that morning and raped her.Daniel Kreps, [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/nelly-arrested-on-rape-charge-following-seattle-area-concert-w507701 Nelly Arrested on Rape Charge Following Seattle-Area Concert], Rolling Stone (October 7, 2017).Jayme Deerwester, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/10/07/rapper-nelly-arrested-rape-charges-near-seattle/742703001/ Nelly released without charges after rape arrest; rapper will miss Saturday concert], USA Today (October 8, 2017). Nelly was booked into a Des Moines, Washington, jail and released from custody without charge. He denied wrongdoing; his attorney said that the accusation was "clearly false". On December 14, it was revealed Nelly would not be charged in the case because the alleged victim declined to cooperate.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/nelly-not-charged-rape-case/|title=Nelly Won't Be Charged in Rape Case|website=XXL Mag|date=December 14, 2017 |access-date=May 25, 2022}} He also filed a countersuit claiming defamation.{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/nelly-settles-sexual-assault-and-defamation-lawsuit/ | title=Nelly Settles Sexual Assault and Defamation Lawsuit | website=Pitchfork | date=September 27, 2018 }} Both lawsuits were dropped after the parties reached a settlement in 2018.

At the end of January 2018, Nelly was again accused of sexual assault after a gig at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea, England, at the end of 2017. There was an additional allegation of assault reported at the time.{{cite news| title=In Lawsuit, 2 More Women Accuse Rapper Nelly Of Sexual Assault | website=NPR | date=25 January 2018 | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/01/25/580691539/in-lawsuit-2-more-women-accuse-rapper-nelly-of-sexual-assault | access-date=8 April 2023}} In 2019, it was reported that he had reached a settlement with the woman who was at Cliffs Pavilion.{{cite web | title=Nelly Reaches Settlement in UK Sexual Assault Case: Report | website=Pitchfork | date=24 October 2019 | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/nelly-reaches-settlement-in-uk-sexual-assault-case-report/ | access-date=8 April 2023}}

On August 7, 2024, Nelly was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri on a failure-to-appear warrant. The warrant stemmed from an earlier traffic charge in Maryland Heights, Missouri. He was charged with possessing four Ecstasy pills and lacking insurance.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/rapper-nelly-arrested-drug-allegations-abeef0fce2c54ae1859f0d32be4e12c4|title=Rapper Nelly is arrested and accused of having illegal drugs. His lawyer says the case will die|first1=Summer|last1=Ballentine|first2=John|last2=Hanna|publisher=Associated Press|date=August 8, 2024|access-date=August 8, 2024}}{{Cite web |last1=Cohen |first1=Rebecca |last2=Bosner |first2=Brittany |date=2024-08-07 |title=Rapper Nelly arrested in St. Louis area on charges of possessing ecstasy, not having insurance |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/rapper-nelly-arrested-st-louis-area-charges-possessing-ecstasy-not-ins-rcna165627 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=NBC News |language=en}} He was held and then released. His attorney said that Nelly was "targeted by an overzealous, out of line officer", and that his legal representation would ask for an inquiry into the arresting officer's conduct.{{Cite web |last1=Ballentine |first1=Summer |last2=Hanna |first2=John |title=Rapper Nelly is arrested and accused of having illegal drugs. His lawyer says the case will die |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/rapper-nelly-arrested-suspected-drug-possession-st-louis-112661483 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=ABC News |language=en}} It was acknowledged that this arrest was originally tied to an arrest warrant, which had been issued by a Judge in December 2023 for a no proof of insurance charge.

The arrest was made after the December 2023 arrest warrant was discovered, following a required background check which occurred after Nelly scored jackpot wins at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in Maryland Heights.{{cite news|url=https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/rapper-nelly-arrested-in-maryland-heights-wednesday-morning/|title=Rapper Nelly arrested after casino jackpot win|first1=Kevin S.|last1=Held|first2=Megan|last2=Mueller|first3=Taylor|last3=Harris|publisher=Fox 2 Now|date=August 8, 2024|access-date=August 8, 2024}} After Nelly was pulled over and handcuffed, for the no proof of insurance charge, his car was searched, and the four ecstasy pills were discovered in his possession. According to a statement released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the initial patrol contact with Nelly occurred during an "identification verification in accordance with the Missouri Gaming Commission regulations." The arrest warrant had been issued based on a June 2018 infraction, which involved Nelly operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.

On November 12, 2024, Chris King, a spokesperson for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated that Nelly would not face charges.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/rapper-nelly-wont-charged-august-casino-arrest-rcna179905|title=Rapper Nelly won't be charged after August casino arrest|first=Joe|last=Kottke|publisher=NBC News|date=November 12, 2024|access-date=November 13, 2024}} King claimed that "We don't believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges."

{{Main|Nelly discography}}

Studio albums

• Country Grammar (2000)
• Nellyville (2002)
• Sweat (2004)
• Suit (2004)
• Brass Knuckles (2008)
• 5.0 (2010)
• M.O. (2013)
• Heartland (2021)

{{Reflist}}

{{notelist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://www.realnelly.com/}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p416191}}
• {{IMDb name|625099}}

{{Nelly|state=expanded}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Nelly

|list =

{{American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist}}

{{BET Award for Best New Artist}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video}}

}}

{{Billboard Year-End Top Artists}}

{{St. Lunatics}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1974 births

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