Happy birthday, Nelly!
Nelly Bio
Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. (professionally known as Nelly) was born on November 2, 1974 in Austin, Texas. Nelly moved to St. Louis when he was ten years old. Having said this, Nelly mostly spent most of his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, as per All Music. Having grown up in Missouri and being born in Texas has been the factor that influences Nelly combining country and street beats in the rap music he generates.
Nelly moved to more suburban University City, Missouri as a teenager with his mother. In University City, Nelly pursued his passion for baseball and rap. At this time, the rapper created a music group called, The Saint Lunatics with a couple of his friends simultaenously.
How Nelly Started His Rapping Career
The Saint Lunatics was able to gain regional success with their self-produced single, "Gimmie What You Got" in 1996. Unfortunately, though, no recording label signing went their way at the time. The group soon disbanded, and Nelly went on to pursue a solo music career. Nelly eventually signed on with Universal records as a solo artist.
Nelly's debut album, "Country Grammar" (2000) broke through at the number three spot in the Billboard 200 chart. Not too long thereafter, the album reached the top spot of the chart. The album saw Nelly collaborate with The Saint Lunatics, The Teamsters, 'Lil Wayne, and Cedric the Entertainer. The lead single off "Country Grammar" was "Country Grammar (Hot)....".
Nelly Hits, Accomplishments, and Accolades
Nelly followed up his debut album with a sophomore album, "Nellyville" (2002). Once again, the rapper topped the chart with his sophomore album, and with the lead single off the said album, the Neptunes-produced, "Hot in Herre" reaching the top of the chart, as well. Nelly's hit singles, "Hot in Herre", "Dilemma," and "Shake Ya Tailfeather" won Grammy awards for the rapper.
On the other hand, in a more recent news, Nelly shows off his country native culture in his 2021 country-pop album, "Heartland."
Read more: Nelly Sold Half of His Music Catalog For $50 Million As He Prepares For New Album
Nelly Got a Very Special Gift from Ashanti
In celebration of Nelly's 49th birthday today, his long-tem girlfriend, singer, Ashanti, surprised her boyfriend by gifting him with an electric blue 1962 Impala convertible vehicle. As per USA Today, Ashanti presented her gift to her significant other on Halloween night, on Tuesday, during the rapper's birthday and Halloween party-in one event. Nelly reportedly had a "G.I. Moe" themed birthday party on Halloween night.
Nelly and Ashanti met 20 years ago, and dated on and off for 10 years. The pair rekindled their romance this year.
Read more: Nelly, Ashanti Dating Again 10 Years After Split: 'We Cool Again'
