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Nelly

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., a.k.a. Nelly, born on November 2, 1974, is an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur. He is a successful entertainer whose career goes back to 1993 when he became part of the Midwest hip-hop group called St. Lunatics. Nelly has many hits under his belt. From ‘Dilemma’ with Kelly Rowland to ‘Hot in Herre’ and several others, he’s an artist that has given the world timeless bangers. Hence, he deserves to be celebrated on his birthday today!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.

Birth date:

November 2, 1974

Age:

49

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 8"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$8 million

Cornell's Social Media:

Background

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., better known professionally as Nelly, is an American singer, rapper, and serial entrepreneur whose talents have won him millions of fans worldwide. He was born on November 2, 1974, and his birthplace is in Austin, Texas. Nelly is of African-American, Italian, and Jamaican descent. He is also a Scorpio. Nelly’s father served in the Air Force for most of his childhood. However, after his parent’s divorce, he moved with his mother from St. Louis to University City, where he attended high school. During high school, Nelly formed St. Lunatics with his friends and released the single ‘Gimme What Ya Got’ in 1996. However, the group struggled to achieve success outside of St. Louis.

Nelly signed with Universal Music Group in 1999. In February 2000, he released his debut single, ‘County Grammar (Hot Shit).’ The single peaked at number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a success. His debut studio album, “County Grammar,” followed suit and was released by the label in June. The album was a commercial success and became certified 9x platinum by the R.I.A.A. The singer released his second studio album, “Nellyville,” in 2002, and it debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top 200 Music Albums. The album featured Nelly’s hit single ‘Hot in Herre,’ which was a global number-one hit, and ‘Dilemma’ with Kelly Rowland, which sold 7.6 million copies worldwide. “Nellyville” became 6x R.I.A.A. platinum-certified and won multiple awards. In 2004, the singer released two albums, “Sweat” and “Suit.” The latter debuted at number one on the Billboard albums chart, meanwhile, “Sweat” took second place. In 2010, he released his sixth studio album, “5.0,” which featured the hit track, ‘Just a Dream.’

Nelly has an enviable career. He has eight studio albums to his credit, with the most recent, “Heartland,” released in 2021. This singer has had a reality T.V. show and starred in films since 2001, including “The Longest Yard” (2005), and was the main cast member of “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” which ran for five seasons. Nelly has done it all; music, film, television, and many more. He had a Nike sneaker deal and another one with Reebok. He owns the Apple Bottoms clothing line, has played at the event of the World Series of Poker, and released a fitness D.V.D. He’s a celebrated serial entrepreneur, a three-time Grammy award-winning singer/rapper, and a Billboard-ranked Top Artist of the 2000s. Nelly’s personal life is public, and he’s been linked to several ladies. However, his most recent and public relationship was with Shantel Jackson, but the pair split in 2021. Nelly is currently single but has two children.

Career timeline

1999
Nelly Goes Solo

Nelly signs a solo record deal with Universal Music Group, commencing his solo career.

2000
His Debut Single

Nelly releases ‘County Grammar (Hot Shit).’

2002
His Second Studio Album

Nelly drops “Nellyville,” which debuts at number one on Billboard’s Top 200 Music Albums.

2003
The Grammy Award

Nelly’s ‘Hot in Herre’ wins the Best Male Rap Solo Performance at the Grammys.

2010
The Sixth Studio Album

Nelly releases “5.0,” which also gains success by peaking at number 10 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

2014
His Reality T.V. Show

Nelly stars in “Nellyville” for two seasons, which is about his music and acting career, as well as him raising four children.

Why We Love Nelly

  1. He’s talented

    Nelly’s three Grammy Awards are proof of his exceptional talents. He has given the world hit after hit. It’s almost like he creates happiness with his music.

  2. He’s a philanthropist

    Nelly runs a non-profit organization called 4Sho4Kids Foundation. He has also raised funds for college scholarships and has sent two students to college every year for over a decade. He’s also contributed to the Tackle Hunger campaign.

  3. He’s handsome

    Nelly has the looks, charm, and talents that make him very attractive to the ladies. He’s eye candy, and we’re addicted to sugar.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He was disliked by the label

    According to the A&R head of Universal Music Group, Nelly was disliked by the label when he first signed.

  2. He joined a dance competition

    Nelly was on the 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

  3. He loved sports

    Nelly played basketball, football, and baseball in high school.

  4. He can bench 225 pounds

    Nelly revealed he could bench 225 pounds for more than 20 consecutive rounds.

  5. He worked in the warehouse

    Before his days in the sun, Nelly was employed by the United Parcel Service and worked in the warehouse, loading and unloading trucks.

Nelly FAQs

How is Nelly still making money?

Aside from his shows and tours, Nelly has multiple ventures that rake in lots of money.

How long did Nelly date Ashanti?

The pair dated on and off for 11 years.

Does Nelly have four kids?

The rapper has two biological children and is the legal guardian of his deceased sister’s two children.

Nelly’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024November 2Saturday
2025November 2Sunday
2026November 2Monday
2027November 2Tuesday
2028November 2Thursday

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