Nelly Biography

The American rapper and singer known as Nelly was born in 1974 in Austin, Texas, but spent his formative years living with his mother in St. Louis, Missouri after his parents divorced. Nelly started performing while he was still in high school, in the local hip-hop group the St. Lunatics. After garnering the attention of Universal Music Group as a solo artist, Nelly left the St. Lunatics and signed with the label.

Nelly released his debut album, Country Grammar, in 2000, and on the strength of the title track, the album rose into the top five on the mainstream charts. Country Grammar also spawned the hit singles: “Batter Up,” “Ride wit Me,” and “E.I.” Country Grammar eventually rose to multi-platinum status, but it was Nelly’s second album that truly made him a household name. Nellyville arrived in 2002 and debuted at the number on spot on the mainstream charts. The album’s first single release, “Hot in Herre,” went on to become a number one hit and earn Nelly a Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance in 2003. The album also spawned a number of other chart-topping hits, including “Work It” (with Justin Timberlake); and “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland.)

Since that time, Nelly has released the albums: Sweat (2004), Suit (2004), Brass Knuckles (2008), 5.0 (2010), and M.O. (2013.) The albums collectively have spawned the additional hits: “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” “My Place” (featuring Jaheim), “Tilt Ya Head Back,” “Over and Over” (with Tim McGraw), “N’ Dey Say,” “Errtime” (featuring King Jacob), “Grillz” (featuring Paul Wall), “Party People” (featuring Fergie), and “Just a Dream.” Nelly has also appeared as a featured artist on songs by: Jagged Edge (“Where the Party At”); ‘N Sync (“Girlfriend”); Brian McKnight (“All Night Long”); Fat Joe (“Get It Poppin”); Janet Jackson (“Call on Me”) and Rick Ross (“Here I Am.”)

Nelly continues to perform and record. In 2009, Billboard ranked him as the number three Top Artist of the Decade. Nelly also ranks as the fourth best-selling rap artist in American music history.