Nelly

About Nelly

Cornell Haynes Jr. (born November 2, 1974), better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1996 and was signed to Universal Records in 2000. Under Universal, Nelly has four solo studio albums released in his name and several number-one hits. He also won Grammy Awards in 2003 and 2004. He also starred in the 2005 remake film The Longest Yard alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. In addition, Nelly played in the Main Event at the 2007 World Series of Poker. He is also one of the owners of the Charlotte Bobcats, along with Robert L. Johnson and NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Nelly who is of African American heritage was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Born in Texas on November 2, 1974, his father, who was in the Air Force, moved the family to Spain for three years but eventually settled in the city Nelly calls home, St. Louis. Nelly became very interested in organized baseball which distracted from the streets. Nelly excelled at the sport and several offers were made for him to play professionally. Nelly continued to work on his baseball skills and formed a rap group called the St. Lunatics with school pals Kyjuan Ali, Murphy Lee and his little brother City Spud. St. Lunatics decided to try their luck in Atlanta and teamed up with Kula who was managing Mase at that time. Eventually they realized Nelly would have a better chance of scoring a record deal on his own.

He was soon signed to Universal Music Group, which released his major-label debut Country Grammar in 2000. The success of its title track as a single led to the album debuting at the third spot in the Billboard 200 in the U.S. Other singles from the album included "E.I.", "Ride Wit Me", and "Batter Up". Free City, which Nelly recorded with the St. Lunatics, followed in 2001 with the hit single "Midwest Swing"; Nelly also recorded a track titled "#1" for the soundtrack to the film Training Day that year.