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NellyRap singer
Date of Birth: 02.11.1978
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Nelly
Early Life and CareerNelly, born Cornell Haynes Jr., was born on November 2, 1978, in St. Louis, Texas. Growing up in a predominantly African American neighborhood, Nelly's childhood was typical for a young black boy in the area. He faced the challenges of living in a tough neighborhood, where drugs and violence were prevalent. Despite his parents' efforts to keep him away from street life, Nelly found himself getting involved in altercations and constantly changing schools.
At the age of 14, Nelly moved to a suburb of St. Louis with his mother after his parents' divorce. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for baseball and started writing lyrics and exploring the art of rap. Influenced by artists such as Rakim, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Jay-Z, Nelly realized that rap was his true calling.
In 1996, Nelly formed the group St. Lunatics with his school friends Kyjuan, City Spud, Murphy Lee, Ali, and Jason. For four years, the group struggled to gain attention from major record labels, despite releasing their debut single "Gimmie What You Got" in 1996, which became a local hit in St. Louis.
Solo Career and Success
After years of trying to make it as a group, the members of St. Lunatics decided that Nelly should pursue a solo career. They believed that his stage presence and lyrical skills would propel him to success. Their belief paid off, and Nelly signed a contract with Universal Records.
In 2000, Nelly released his first solo single, "(Hot S**t) Country Grammar," which reached the top ten of the national charts and topped the rap singles chart. This success paved the way for his debut album, also titled "Country Grammar," which topped the Billboard 200 chart and held the position for seven consecutive weeks.
Nelly's unique style, characterized by his distinctive articulation and incorporation of pop music elements, set him apart from other rappers. Despite not having well-known producers on his team, Nelly trusted Jason Epperson to handle the production of his sound. This bold move paid off as Nelly's music resonated with a wide audience.
In 2002, Nelly released his second album, "Nellyville," which further solidified his success. The album featured the hit singles "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," a duet with Kelly Rowland. Both songs reached the top of various charts, including the Billboard Hot 100. "Nellyville" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold millions of copies.
Entrepreneurship and Continued Success
As Nelly's music career soared, he ventured into other entrepreneurial endeavors. He launched his own clothing line, Vokal, for men and later introduced a women's clothing line called Apple Bottoms. Nelly also entered the beverage industry with his energy drink brand, "Pimp Juice," which generated controversy but also helped raise funds for his charity, "4Sho4Kids," dedicated to helping children.
Throughout his career, Nelly has received numerous awards and accolades, including Soul Train Awards, Radio Music Awards, and Grammy nominations. He has also expanded his presence in the entertainment industry as a co-owner of a NASCAR racing team and the founder of Derrty Entertainment, a subsidiary of Universal.
In 2003, Nelly released his first remix album, "Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention," which featured remixed versions of his hit songs. The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Currently, Nelly is working on his third studio album, "Iz U," expected to be released in the summer of 2004. With his continued success and entrepreneurial ventures, Nelly has established himself as one of the most influential and respected figures in the rap industry.
