Cornell Haynes Jr. (born November 2, 1974) is an American rapper and singer from St. Louis, Missouri who experienced massive popularity in the early 2000s. Best known by his stage name, Nelly, he is one of the best-selling rappers of all-time, with over 30 million albums sold worldwide. He has also achieved three number-ones in the UK (four including his vocal contribution to Nasty Girl by Notorious B.I.G), four U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, and four Grammy Awards.
Born in Austin, Texas, but raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelly's accent exhibits a great deal of influence from this Midwestern upbringing, as his midwest twang mixed with a southern drawl is a result of growing up in the hybrid southern-midwest city of St. Louis. Nelly also spent part of his first years in Spain while his father was in the US Military. Raised in suburban University City, Nelly formed the St. Lunatics with his friends in the surrounding area. Read more about ...
