Cornell Haynes Jr. (born November 2, 1974), best known by his stage name Nelly, is a rapper from St. Louis, Missouri, who experienced popularity in the early 2000s. He is one of the best-selling rappers of all-time, with over forty million albums sold worldwide. He has also achieved three number ones in the United Kingdom (four including his vocal contribution to "Nasty Girl" by Notorious B.I.G.), four U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, and three Grammy Awards. To date, he's the most successful rapper in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 as he has charted nine top ten singles, four of which were number one, a feat yet to be equaled by any rapper.

Name at birth: Cornell Haynes, Jr. Nelly became a hip-hop and pop superstar after the success of his solo 2000 release, Country Grammar. The album spawned three big hits (including “Ride Wit Me”) and three Grammy awards and Nelly became an MTV favorite, recognized by a stylish band-aid on one cheek in the memory of his good friend City Spud, who he collaborated with on “Ride Wit Me”. His second effort, Nellyville, (2002) was equally successful. It included the hits “Dilemma” and “H