View source for Nelly

{{Short description|American rapper (born 1974)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Nelly
| image              = Iverson Nelly 2 (cropped) (2) (3x4).jpg
| caption            = Nelly in 2007
| birth_name         = Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.
| alias              = <!--This field is for official stage names, ''not'' for nicknames.-->
| education          = [[University City High School (Missouri)|University City High School]]
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1974|11|2}}
| birth_place        = [[Austin, Texas]], U.S.
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
* Rapper
* singer
* songwriter
* actor
}}
| works              = {{hlist|[[Nelly discography|Discography]]|[[#Filmography|filmography]]}}
| years_active       = 1993–present
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]]|December 27, 2023}}
| children           = 5{{efn|Three biological children and two adopted children}}
| family             = {{plainlist|
* [[City Spud]] (half-brother)
* [[Yomi Martin]] (cousin)
}}
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Nelly|Full list]]
| website            = {{URL|realnelly.com}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes
  | origin = [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]], U.S.
  | genre           = {{flatlist|
* [[Midwestern hip-hop|Midwestern hip hop]]
* [[pop rap]]
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]
* [[pop music|pop]]
* [[country rap]]
}}
  | label           = {{flatlist|
*[[Barry Weiss|RECORDS]]
* [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
* [[Derrty Entertainment|Derrty]]
* [[Republic Records|Republic]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.republicrecords.com/artists/ |title=Artists |publisher=Republic Records |access-date=2014-03-20 |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421000548/https://www.republicrecords.com/artists |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Universal Motown Records|Universal Motown]]
* [[Universal Records Group|Universal]]
}}
  | current_member_of = {{flatlist|
* [[Ocean's 7]]
* [[St. Lunatics]]
}}
}}
| signature          = Nelly sig.svg
}}

'''Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.'''<ref name=AllMusicBio>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nelly-mn0000861351/biography|title=Nelly Biography |first=Jason |last=Birchmeier |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> (born November 2, 1974),<ref name=AllMusicBio /> 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 (1995−2006)|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|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The album peaked atop the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and received [[RIAA certification|diamond]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/39906/chart-watch-extra-the-top-20-new-acts-of-the-2000s/ |title=Chart Watch Extra: The Top 20 New Acts Of The 2000s |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013084002/http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/39906/chart-watch-extra-the-top-20-new-acts-of-the-2000s/ |archive-date=October 13, 2011 |work=Chart Watch |first=Paul |last=Grein |publisher=Yahoo! Music}}</ref> His second album, ''[[Nellyville]]'' (2002), spawned two consecutive ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number-one singles: "[[Hot in Herre]]" and "[[Dilemma (Nelly song)|Dilemma]]" (featuring [[Kelly Rowland]]), along with the top-five single, "[[Air Force Ones (song)|Air Force Ones]]" (featuring [[Murphy Lee]] and St. Lunatics).

The same-day dual release of his next albums ''[[Sweat (Nelly album)|Sweat]]'' and ''[[Suit (album)|Suit]]'' (2004)—bundled into the 2005 compilation album ''[[Sweatsuit (album)|Sweatsuit]]''—were met with continued success. ''Sweat'' debuted at number two while ''Suit'' debuted at number one, selling an estimated 700,000 combined units in their first week. His fifth studio album, ''[[Brass Knuckles (album)|Brass Knuckles]]'' (2008), was supported by the singles "[[Party People (Nelly song)|Party People]]" (featuring [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]]), "[[Stepped on My J'z]]" (featuring [[Jermaine Dupri]] and [[Ciara]]), and "[[Body on Me (Nelly song)|Body on Me]]" (featuring [[Akon]] and [[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]]). His sixth album, ''[[5.0]]'' (2010), delved further into [[pop music|pop]]. Its lead single, "[[Just a Dream (Nelly song)|Just a Dream]]", received triple platinum certification by the RIAA and was followed by "[[Move That Body (Nelly song)|Move That Body]]", (featuring [[T-Pain]] and Akon), and "[[Gone (Nelly song)|Gone]]", (featuring Kelly Rowland). His seventh and eighth albums, ''[[M.O. (album)|M.O.]]'' (2013) and ''[[Heartland (Nelly album)|Heartland]]'' (2021), were both met with lukewarm commercial response and mixed reviews; the latter was released by [[Columbia Records]] and marked a full departure from his previous styles in favor of [[country rap]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pavlakos |first=Louis |date=September 3, 2021|title=Nelly Brings Rap-Country Twang to the 'Heartland' |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/nelly_heartland_album_review|access-date=October 11, 2021|website=[[Exclaim!]]|language=en-ca}}</ref>

Nelly has won [[List of awards and nominations received by Nelly|multiple accolades]] throughout his career, including three [[Grammy Award]]s and nine [[Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]]. He has been referred to by [[Peter Shapiro (journalist)|Peter Shapiro]] as "one of the biggest stars of the new millennium".<ref name="Shapiro, Peter 2005, p. 274">{{cite book |last=Shapiro |first=Peter |year=2005 |title=The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop |edition=2nd |publisher=Penguin |page=274 |isbn= }}</ref> In 2014, Nelly was ranked as the fourth-best-selling hip hop artist in American music history according to the [[RIAA]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Grein |first=Paul |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-july-14-2013-albums-jay-z-030009697.html |title=Week Ending July 14, 2013. Albums: Jay-Z Back On The Throne |work=Chart Watch |publisher=Yahoo! Music |date=2013-07-16 |access-date=2022-05-24}}</ref> with 21 million albums sold in the United States. In December 2009, ''Billboard'' ranked Nelly at number three on the Top Artists of the Decade list for the 2000s.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-decade-end/artists-of-the-decade?year=2009 |title= Artists of the Decade - 2009 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 13, 2015}}</ref> Outside of recording, he starred in the 2005 sports film ''[[The Longest Yard (2005 film)|The Longest Yard]]'' alongside [[Adam Sandler]] and [[Chris Rock]]. He launched the clothing line [[Vokal (fashion brand)|Vokal]] in 1997 and the line of womenswear, [[Apple Bottoms]] in 2003. His record label imprint, [[Derrty Entertainment]], was launched in a joint venture with [[Motown]] in 2003, though it has been largely inactive.

== Life and career ==

=== 1974–2000: Early life and start of career ===
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 [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] for much of his childhood and when he was seven, his parents divorced.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> As a teenager, Haynes moved with his mother from [[St. Louis]], Missouri, to [[University City, Missouri|University City]], a [[St. Louis County, Missouri|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.<ref name=biography.com>{{cite web |title=Nelly Biography |url=https://www.biography.com/musician/nelly |website=Biography.com |access-date=15 July 2022 |date=May 19, 2020 }}</ref>

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.<ref name="all music">{{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}}</ref> Later in 1999, Nelly was signed to [[Universal Music Group]] by A&R Kevin Law.<ref name="hitquarters">{{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}}</ref> 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".<ref name="hitquarters" />

Nelly was unusual for being a rapper from the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] at a time when hip-hop was dominated by the [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]], [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] and the [[Southern United States|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.<ref name="hitquarters" /> 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|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and [[UK singles chart]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/nelly/chart-history/hsi/|title=Nelly|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-03-21}}</ref> 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.<ref name="hitquarters"/>

=== 2000–2003: Breakthrough with ''Country Grammar'' and ''Nellyville'' ===
The label released his debut album, ''[[Country Grammar]]'', in 2000. The success of [[Country Grammar (Hot Shit)|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|''Billboard'' 200]] in the U.S. Other singles from the album included "[[E.I. (song)|E.I.]]"; "[[Ride wit Me]]", featuring [[City Spud]]; and "[[Batter Up (St. Lunatics song)|Batter Up]]", featuring the St. Lunatics.<ref name="all music" /> The album was certified 9× platinum by the RIAA in April 2004.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In January 2001, Nelly performed as a special guest in the [[Super Bowl XXXV]] halftime show.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2002, Nelly's second album, ''[[Nellyville]]'', was released, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Music Albums.<ref name='Billboard Top 200 2002-07-13'>{{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}}</ref> Its lead single "[[Hot in Herre]]" was a number-one hit. Other singles included "[[Dilemma (Nelly song)|Dilemma]]", which featured [[Kelly Rowland]] and sold over 7.6 million records worldwide,<ref>{{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)''</ref> "Work It" featuring [[Justin Timberlake]], "[[Air Force Ones (song)|Air Force Ones]]" featuring [[Murphy Lee]] and the [[St. Lunatics]], "[[Pimp Juice]]", and "#1".<ref name="all music" /> This album was highly successful and was certified 6x multi-platinum in June 2003.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> "Hot in Herre" won the [[Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance]] in 2003.<ref name="grammy">{{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}}</ref>

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 (2003 film)|The Haunted Mansion]]''. The music video of a [[Tip Drill (song)|Tip Drill Remix]] became a source of controversy due to perceptions of [[misogyny|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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Similar claims of misogyny surrounded his single "[[Pimp Juice]]".<ref>{{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}}</ref> RIAA has certified the album as Platinum. For the ''[[Bad Boys II (soundtrack)|Bad Boys II]]'' soundtrack album, Nelly contributed the single "[[Shake Ya Tailfeather]]" featuring [[Sean Combs|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]].<ref name="grammy" />

=== 2004–2008: Continued success; ''Sweat'', ''Suit'', and ''Brass Knuckles'' ===
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 (Nelly album)|Sweat]]'' and ''[[Suit (album)|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 (Nelly song)|Over and Over]]", an unlikely [[duet (music)|duet]] with [[country music]] star [[Tim McGraw]], became a [[crossover music|crossover]] hit.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On the 2004 [[NBC]] television concert special ''Tim McGraw: Here and Now'', McGraw and Nelly performed the song.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> A feud with another St. Louis-based rapper, [[Chingy]], emerged at the end of 2004.<ref>{{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}}</ref> ''Tsunami Aid: A Concert for Hope'', a [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake]] benefit concert special produced by NBC, featured Nelly.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In the winter of 2005 came ''[[Sweatsuit (album)|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 (album)|Brass Knuckles]]'' was released on September 16, 2008, after several delays.<ref name="lines up">{{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}}</ref> Initial release dates for the album were October 16<ref name="guestlist">{{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}}</ref> and November 13.<ref name="usa">{{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}}</ref> 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 (K-Ci & JoJo song)|All My Life]]" by [[K-Ci & JoJo]].<ref name="guestlist" /><ref name="usa" /> Nelly later confirmed that "Wadsyaname" was never going to be on ''Brass Knuckles''. He recorded "[[Party People (Nelly song)|Party People]]",<ref name="guestlist" /> featuring [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]] and produced by [[Polow da Don]], which turned out to be his first official single off the album.<ref name="lines up" /> "[[Stepped on My J'z]]" was the next single, produced by [[Jermaine Dupri]]; it features Dupri and [[Ciara]]. Next was "[[Body on Me (Nelly song)|Body on Me]]", produced by [[Akon]] which features Akon and [[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]]. Nelly appeared on [[Rick Ross]]'s third single, "[[Here I Am (Rick Ross song)|Here I Am]]" featuring label mate [[Avery Storm]].

=== 2009–2010: Collaborations and ''5.0'' ===
[[File:Cornell-Haynes-Jr Nelly 2010-06-05 photoby Adam-Bielawski.jpg|thumb|Nelly in 2010]]
In the summer of 2009, Nelly made a public announcement in [[Las Vegas]] about the yet-to-be-titled album.<ref name="sohh">{{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 }}</ref> In October 2009, in an interview with SOHH.com he said that the album was going to be released sometime in 2010.<ref name="sohh" /> In an interview with Semtex TV, he told reporters that he planned to release the album under the name ''Nelly''.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In April 2010, Nelly's cousin Michael Johnson was murdered in [[Missouri]]. Nelly said that he delayed releasing the album because of the tragedy.<ref>[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}}</ref> Guests featured on the album were [[T-Pain]], [[Chris Brown]], [[Akon]], [[Plies (rapper)|Plies]], [[T.I.]], Kelly Rowland, [[Birdman (rapper)|Birdman]], [[DJ Khaled]], [[Avery Storm]], and [[Diddy-Dirty Money]].<ref>[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.</ref>

In May 2010, Nelly confirmed that the title of the album was ''[[5.0]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The album was released on November 16, 2010.<ref name="Rap-Up_Revs">[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.</ref> The album's lead single "[[Just a Dream (Nelly song)|Just a Dream]]" was released on August 17, 2010, through [[iTunes]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> along with the promotional single "Tippin' in da Club".<ref>{{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 }}</ref> The two songs were released to mainstream and Rhythm/Crossover radio on August 10, 2010.<ref>[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.</ref> "Just a Dream" made its first chart appearance debuting on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] at number 12 and peaking at number 3 in its fourth week. The song debuted at number 3 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Hot 100 Digital (Digital Songs)|Digital Songs]] chart, selling 888,000 downloads in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |url={{BillboardURLbyName |artist=nelly |chart=all}} |title=Digital Songs |publisher=Billboard|access-date=2010-11-16}}</ref><ref>[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.</ref>

"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<ref name="artist history">{{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}}</ref> It debuted in Australia ([[ARIA Charts]]) on the Singles Chart at number 3,<ref>{{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}}</ref> in [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|New Zealand Singles Charts]] at number 29, and in Switzerland ([[Media Control Charts|Media Control AG]]) at number 52. The second single "[[Move That Body (Nelly song)|Move That Body]]", which features [[T-Pain]] and [[Akon]], was released on October 12, 2010.<ref>[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.</ref> The song made its first chart appearance debuting on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 at number 54 and reached number 29 in Australia.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>[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.</ref>

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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> "[[Gone (Nelly song)|Gone]]" is the sequel to his 2002 worldwide number-one single "Dilemma", also with Rowland, and is the third single from the album.

=== 2011–2014: ''M.O.'' and ''The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep'' ===
In June 2011, [[Pitbull (rapper)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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 (song)|Cruise]]", the breakthrough single of [[country music]] duo [[Florida Georgia Line]] featuring Nelly, was released. In July 2013, his single "[[Get Like Me (Nelly song)|Get Like Me]]" featuring [[Nicki Minaj]] and [[Pharrell Williams]] was released on iTunes.

Nelly's album ''[[M.O. (album)|M.O.]]'' was released on September 30, 2013, by Republic Records.

=== 2014–present: Television series and ''Heartland'' ===
From 2014 to 2015, Nelly starred in the [[reality TV]] show ''[[Nellyville (TV series)|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 (song)|The Fix]]", which was released on his own label, "RECORDS".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaX2fyYRlsw | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/QaX2fyYRlsw| archive-date=October 29, 2021|title=Nelly "The Fix" feat. Jeremih (Produced by DJ Mustard & Mike Free) |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=August 6, 2015 |access-date=June 28, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In an interview with [[Big Boy (radio host)|Big Boy]], Nelly said that there may or may not be a new album related to The Fix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOQu5NVoYh4 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211029/hOQu5NVoYh4| archive-date=October 29, 2021|title=Nelly Talks About The St. Louis Rams, Shantel Jackson, And More! (Full Interview) {{pipe}} BigBoyTV |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=August 13, 2015 |access-date=June 28, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

As of 2018, Nelly is signed to [[Columbia Records]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Artists - Columbia Records |url=http://www.columbiarecords.com/artists/ |website=Columbia Records |publisher=Sony Music Entertainment |access-date=July 9, 2018}}</ref>

In 2020, he released the song "[[Lil Bit]]",<ref>{{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 (magazine)|People]]|date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> a collaboration with [[Florida Georgia Line]] from his "[[country music|country]]-influenced" album titled ''[[Heartland (Nelly album)|Heartland]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He also joined country singers [[Kane Brown]] and [[Brett Kissel]] for remixes of their songs, "[[Cool Again]]"<ref>{{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}}</ref> and "[[She Drives Me Crazy (Brett Kissel song)|She Drives Me Crazy]]".<ref>{{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=[[Entertainment Tonight Canada|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}}</ref> In February 2024, Nelly was featured on the [[Jermaine Dupri]] single "This Lil' Game We Play", featuring [[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]] and [[Juicy J]].<ref>{{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=February 9, 2024|access-date=February 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{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=February 9, 2024|access-date=February 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{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=January 4, 2024|access-date=February 21, 2024}}</ref>

In August 2024, it was revealed that Nelly was now frequently performing at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in [[Maryland Heights, Missouri]].<ref name=arrestwarrantaugust2024discovery /> 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.<ref>"[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</ref> The same month, he performed at [[Second inauguration of Donald Trump#Inaugural balls|Donald Trump's Liberty Inaugural Ball]] to commemorate his [[Second inauguration of Donald Trump|second inauguration]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cain |first1=Sian |title='This isn't politics': Nelly defends decision to perform at Trump inauguration ball after backlash |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/20/nelly-trump-presidential-inauguration-performance-defence |access-date=August 22, 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=January 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729210704/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jan/20/nelly-trump-presidential-inauguration-performance-defence |archive-date=July 29, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Film and television career ===
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 (2005 film)|The Longest Yard]]'' with [[Adam Sandler]] and [[Chris Rock]].<ref>{{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 (magazine)|Time]] |date=2004-09-27 |volume=164 |issue=13 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> [[The Longest Yard (soundtrack)|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".<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

In 2008 and 2009, he appeared in episodes of the [[CBS]] crime drama ''[[CSI: NY]]''. In 2011, he made a cameo appearance on ''[[90210 (TV series)|90210]]''. From 2014 to 2015, he appeared in his own reality TV show, ''[[Nellyville (TV series)|Nellyville]]'', based on the title of his second studio album. The show ran for two seasons.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Dancing with the Stars (American season 29)|29th season]] of ''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He and his partner [[Daniella Karagach]] finished in third place.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Artistry ==
{{further|List of awards and nominations received by Nelly}}
Nelly's rapping style has been described by [[Peter Shapiro (journalist)|Peter Shapiro]] as using "unforgettable [[Hook (music)|hooks]] based on schoolyard songs, double-dutch chants, and nonsense rhymes"<ref name="Shapiro, Peter 2005, p. 274" /> and has a "[[Missouri]] twang".<ref>Shapiro, Peter, 2005, ''The Rough Guide To Hip-Hop'', 2nd edition, Penguin, p. 275.</ref> [[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".<ref name="all music" />

Nelly explains his method of writing in the book ''[[How to Rap]]'', describing how he [[freestyle rap|freestyles]] most of the lyrics before going back over them to "make it a little tighter",<ref>Edwards, Paul, 2009, ''[[How to Rap]]: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC'', Chicago Review Press, pp. 151-152.</ref> he generally writes in the studio rather than at home,<ref>Edwards, Paul, 2009, ''[[How to Rap]]: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC'', Chicago Review Press, p. 153.</ref> he normally comes up with a chorus for a song before writing the verses,<ref>Edwards, Paul, 2009, ''[[How to Rap]]: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC'', Chicago Review Press, p. 190.</ref> and he likes to write to the music he will be rapping over.<ref>Edwards, Paul, 2009, ''[[How to Rap]]: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC'', Chicago Review Press, p. 169.</ref> AllMusic notes his "tongue-twisting" hooks, which are often sung rather than rapped.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Nelly dated singer [[Ashanti (singer)|Ashanti]] from 2003 to 2013 after meeting at the [[2003 Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> The two began dating again in 2023.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In December 2023, it was reported the couple were expecting their first child together and had married on the 27th.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and the couple's engagement in ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]'' magazine.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On July 18, 2024, the couple welcomed their first child.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Nelly has two children from previous relationships: a son named Cornell Haynes III (Tre) and a daughter named Chanelle (Nana).<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Nelly also has two adopted children from his stepsister Jaqueline Donahue, who died of [[leukemia]] on March 25, 2005.<ref>{{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]] }}</ref> Nelly has been a longtime fan of the [[St. Louis Cardinals]] of [[Major League Baseball]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref> Likewise a fan of the former [[St. Louis Rams]] during their tenure in St. Louis from 1995 to 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-11|title=1999 ST. LOUIS RAMS|website=[[NFL.com]] }}</ref> he expressed ongoing support for the team following their relocation to [[Los Angeles Rams|Los Angeles]] in 2016, even attending their appearance at [[Super Bowl LVI]] in 2022.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1493050894102970373?lang=en|title=@TSN_Sports: Nelly showing Cleveland some love at Super Bowl LVI.}}</ref>

== Other ventures ==
[[File:Iverson Nelly 2.jpg|thumb|220px|right|[[Allen Iverson]] and Nelly at a Reebok endorsement photo shoot in 2007]]

[[Nike, Inc.|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2005, Nelly signed a shoe deal with [[Reebok]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref> He has been in ads for [[Got Milk?]] and the [[Ford Motor Company]]. His energy drink [[Pimp Juice (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.<ref name = USAT>{{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}}</ref> He owns [[Apple Bottoms]], a female clothing line, and [[Vokal (fashion brand)|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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

Nelly has played the Main Event at the [[2007 World Series of Poker]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He has played The PokerStars European Poker Tour and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Ingredient#Artificial ingredient|artificial ingredients]] from its menu items. The meal consisted of a [[Whopper]], small [[French fries|fries]], and a small [[Sprite (drink)|Sprite]].<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

In April 2023, Nelly launched a [[moonshine]] brand called "MoShine".<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="coolmaterial.com">{{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 }}</ref>

=== Feud with Chingy ===
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".''<ref name="mtv.com">{{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]] }}</ref>

Nelly dropped a verse on the song 'Anotha one' on his 2004 album [[Sweat (Nelly 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".<ref name="mtv.com"/>

Angered by the song, Chingy leaked a song in response taking aim at Nelly entitled 'We Got' on January 7, 2005.<ref>{{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]] }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

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."'' <ref>{{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 }}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==
Nelly runs the non-profit organization 4Sho4Kids Foundation.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 [[Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2006, Nelly started hosting a "White and Black Ball" in his hometown of St. Louis as a fundraiser to collect funds for scholarships.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He has sent two students to college every year for over a decade, and set up a scholarship fund named after [[Shooting of Michael Brown|Michael Brown]] was shot and killed.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

== Legal issues ==
=== Misdemeanor drug-offense conviction (2015) ===
In April 2015, the [[Tennessee Highway Patrol]] conducted a [[traffic stop]] of Nelly's [[Prevost Car|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.<ref name="APArrest">{{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}}</ref><ref name="Johnson">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).</ref> He was initially booked into the [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam County]] Jail and was released on bail.<ref name="APArrest"/>

Nelly was initially charged with felony drug possession, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.<ref name="APArrest"/> After further testing proved that the seized substance was not methamphetamine, the felony charge was dropped.<ref name="Johnson"/> 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.<ref name="Johnson"/> Nelly entered a [[diversion program]],<ref name="Johnson"/> in which the misdemeanor convictions were cleared from his record after 11 months.<ref>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).</ref>

=== Tax lien (2016) ===
In 2016, it was reported that there was a $2.4 million [[tax lien]] against Nelly due to unpaid taxes owed to the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>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).</ref>

=== Rape arrest (2017) ===
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.<ref name="Kreps">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).</ref><ref name="Deerwester">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).</ref> Nelly was booked into a [[Des Moines, Washington]], jail<ref name="Kreps"/> and released from custody without charge.<ref name="Deerwester"/> He denied wrongdoing; his attorney said that the accusation was "clearly false".<ref name="Deerwester"/> On December 14, it was revealed Nelly would not be charged in the case because the alleged victim declined to cooperate.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He also filed a countersuit claiming defamation.<ref name=accuse1>{{cite web | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/nelly-settles-sexual-assault-and-defamation-lawsuit/ | title=Nelly Settles Sexual Assault and Defamation Lawsuit | website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] | date=September 27, 2018 }}</ref>  Both lawsuits were dropped after the parties reached a settlement in 2018.<ref name=accuse1/>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2019, it was reported that he had reached a settlement with the woman who was at Cliffs Pavilion.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== Drug and insurance arrest (2024) ===
On August 7, 2024, Nelly was arrested in [[St. Louis|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 [[MDMA|Ecstasy]] pills and lacking insurance.<ref name=marylandheighttrouble>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He was held and then released.<ref name=marylandheighttrouble /> 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.<ref name=nellyaugust2024arrest>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=marylandheighttrouble />

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.<ref name=arrestwarrantaugust2024discovery>{{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=[[KTVI|Fox 2 Now]]|date=August 8, 2024|access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref><ref name=marylandheighttrouble /> 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.<ref name=arrestwarrantaugust2024discovery /> 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."<ref name=arrestwarrantaugust2024discovery /> The arrest warrant had been issued based on a June 2018 infraction, which involved Nelly operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.<ref name=nellyaugust2024arrest /><ref name=marylandheighttrouble />

On November 12, 2024, Chris King, a spokesperson for the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, stated that Nelly would not face charges.<ref name=nocharges2024>{{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}}</ref> King claimed that "We don't believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges."<ref name=nocharges2024 />

== Discography ==
{{Main|Nelly discography}}

'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Country Grammar]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Nellyville]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Sweat (Nelly album)|Sweat]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Suit (album)|Suit]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Brass Knuckles (album)|Brass Knuckles]]'' (2008)
* ''[[5.0]]'' (2010)
* ''[[M.O. (album)|M.O.]]'' (2013)
* ''[[Heartland (Nelly album)|Heartland]]'' (2021)

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Snipes (film)|Snipes]]''
| Prolifik
| Lead role
|-
| 2005
| ''[[The Longest Yard (2005 film)|The Longest Yard]]''
| Earl Megget
| Supporting role<br />Also sang on [[The Longest Yard (soundtrack)|the soundtrack]]
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Reach Me]]''
| E-Ruption
| Supporting role
|}

===Television===

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2008–2009
| ''[[CSI: NY]]''
| [[Minor characters in CSI: NY#Terrence Davis|Terrence Davis]]
| 4 episodes
|-
| 2011
| ''[[90210 (TV series)|90210]]''
| rowspan=7|Himself
| Cameo appearance; Episode: "Revenge with the Nerd"
|-
| 2011–2013
| ''[[T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle]]''
| Cameo appearances; season 1, episode: 3, "America's Sweetheart"; season 2, episodes: 2 "Birthday Bash", 4 "Bitter Sweet 16" & 6,  "Who's the Boss?"
|-
| 2012
| ''[[The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep]]''
| Reality television
|-
| 2013–2016
| ''[[Real Husbands of Hollywood]]''
| Recurring role
|-
| 2014–2015
| ''[[Nellyville (TV series)|Nellyville]]''
| rowspan=2|Reality television
|-
| 2017
| ''The Platinum Life''
|-
|2020
|''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''
|Contestant
|-
|}

===Video Games===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2003
| ''[[NBA Street Vol. 2]]''
| Himself
| Playable character
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|https://www.realnelly.com/}}
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p416191}}
* {{IMDb name|625099}}

{{Nelly|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Nelly|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:Nelly| ]]
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