Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nelly

Discover the career path of Nelly, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor from St. Louis, Missouri. He began his music career in 1993 with the hip hop group St. Lunatics. In 1999, he signed with Universal Records as a solo artist. His debut album, Country Grammar (2000), achieved diamond certification and featured hits like "Country Grammar" and "Ride wit Me." His second album, Nellyville (2002), produced number-one singles "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," along with the top-five single, "Air Force Ones".

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Formation of St. Lunatics

In 1993, Nelly began his music career by joining the Midwest hip hop group St. Lunatics.

1996: Local Success with "Gimme What Ya Got"

In 1996, Nelly and the St. Lunatics achieved local popularity with their single "Gimme What Ya Got".

1997: Launch of Vokal Clothing Line

In 1997, Nelly launched his clothing line, Vokal.

1999: Solo Signing with Universal Music Group

In 1999, Nelly signed a solo record deal with Universal Music Group after the St. Lunatics failed to secure a major deal.

1999: Signing with Universal Records

In 1999, Nelly signed with Universal Records as a solo artist.

2000: Release of Country Grammar

In 2000, Nelly released his debut album Country Grammar, which reached number three on the Billboard 200.

2001: Film Debut in 'Snipes'

In 2001, Nelly made his film debut in the independent film 'Snipes', where he played a rapper named Prolifik.

2002: Reference to "Dilemma"

"Gone" is the sequel to Nelly's 2002 hit single "Dilemma".

2002: Release of Nellyville Album

In 2002, Nelly released his second album, Nellyville, which debuted at number one on Billboard's Top 200 Music Albums and featured hit singles like "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma".

2002: Chingy Opening Act for Nellyville Tour

In 2002, fellow St. Louis rapper Chingy was hired as an opening act for Nelly's Nellyville tour, although Chingy expressed discontent with the lack of promotion.

March 2003: Began the Jes Us 4 Jackie Campaign

In March 2003, Nelly and his sister, Jackie Donahue, started the "Jes Us 4 Jackie" campaign to raise awareness for bone marrow transplants after Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia.

June 2003: Nellyville Certified 6x Multi-Platinum

In June 2003, Nelly's album Nellyville was certified 6x multi-platinum.

August 2003: Pimp Juice Introduction

In August 2003, Nelly's energy drink, Pimp Juice, was introduced and sold one million cans during the first two months. It faced criticism for its name.

2003: Launch of Apple Bottoms and Derrty Entertainment

In 2003, Nelly launched the womenswear line Apple Bottoms and his record label imprint, Derrty Entertainment, in a joint venture with Motown.

April 2004: Country Grammar Certified 9x Platinum

In April 2004, Nelly's debut album Country Grammar was certified 9x platinum by the RIAA.

September 14, 2004: Release of Sweat and Suit

On September 14, 2004, Nelly released two albums, Sweat and Suit. Suit debuted at number one and Sweat at number two on the Billboard charts.

2004: Dual Album Release: Sweat and Suit

In 2004, Nelly released two albums, Sweat and Suit, simultaneously. Suit debuted at number one while Sweat debuted at number two.

January 7, 2005: Chingy leaked diss track "We Got"

On January 7, 2005, Chingy released a diss track taking aim at Nelly entitled 'We Got' in response to a verse on the song 'Anotha one'.

2005: "Grillz" success

"Just a Dream" is Nelly's highest-charting song since his 2005 single "Grillz".

2005: Release of Sweatsuit Compilation Album

In 2005, Nelly released Sweatsuit, a compilation of tracks from Sweat and Suit, featuring the hit single "Grillz".

2005: Signed shoe deal with Reebok

In 2005, Nelly signed a shoe deal with Reebok.

2005: Starred in 'The Longest Yard' Remake

In 2005, Nelly starred in the remake of 'The Longest Yard' alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. His songs 'Errtime' and 'Fly Away' were featured on the movie's soundtrack.

2005: Acting Role in The Longest Yard

In 2005, Nelly starred in the sports film, The Longest Yard.

2006: Started White and Black Ball

In 2006, Nelly began hosting a "White and Black Ball" in St. Louis to raise funds for scholarships.

2007: Played Main Event at World Series of Poker

In 2007, Nelly played the Main Event at the World Series of Poker.

June 2008: Nelly expresses reluctance about acting career

In June 2008, Nelly stated in an interview that he was reluctant to continue his acting career, feeling it would detract from the acting profession.

September 16, 2008: Release of Brass Knuckles

On September 16, 2008, after delays, Nelly released his album Brass Knuckles, featuring singles like "Party People".

2008: Appeared in CSI: NY

In 2008, Nelly appeared in an episode of the CBS crime drama CSI: NY.

2008: Release of Brass Knuckles

In 2008, Nelly released his fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles, featuring singles like "Party People" and "Stepped on My J'z".

October 2009: Album Announcement

In October 2009, Nelly announced in an interview with SOHH.com that his new album would be released sometime in 2010.

2009: Appeared in CSI: NY

In 2009, Nelly appeared in an episode of the CBS crime drama CSI: NY.

March 2010: Charlotte Bobcats Ownership Change

In March 2010, Michael Jordan became the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. Nelly was formerly one of the owners of the Charlotte Bobcats, along with Robert L. Johnson and Michael Jordan.

May 2010: Confirmation of Album Title: 5.0

In May 2010, Nelly confirmed that the title of his album was 5.0.

August 10, 2010: Release of "Just a Dream" and "Tippin' in da Club" to Radio

On August 10, 2010, Nelly released "Just a Dream" and "Tippin' in da Club" to mainstream and Rhythm/Crossover radio.

August 2010: "Just a Dream" Chart Performance

In August 2010, "Just a Dream" debuted and charted on various charts including the Billboard Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100.

August 2010: Hosted on WHHL HOT 104.1

In August 2010, Nelly began a stint as the afternoon host on WHHL HOT 104.1 in St. Louis.

August 17, 2010: Release of "Just a Dream"

On August 17, 2010, Nelly released "Just a Dream" as the lead single from his album 5.0.

September 2010: Released Celebrity Sweat

In September 2010, Nelly released a fitness DVD entitled Celebrity Sweat.

October 12, 2010: Release of "Move That Body"

On October 12, 2010, Nelly released "Move That Body", featuring T-Pain and Akon, as the second single from the album 5.0.

November 16, 2010: Release of 5.0 Album

On November 16, 2010, Nelly released his album 5.0.

2010: Endorsed Tackle Hunger campaign

In 2010, Nelly endorsed Do Something's Tackle Hunger campaign, challenging teens to collect one million pounds of food.

2010: Release of 5.0 Album

In 2010, Nelly released his sixth album, 5.0, which included the hit single "Just a Dream".

December 2011: Release of O.E.MO Mixtape

In December 2011, Nelly released his first solo mixtape, entitled O.E.MO.

2011: Founded Ex'treme Institute By Nelly

In 2011, Nelly and Vatterott College worked together to found the Ex'treme Institute By Nelly, a music production school in St. Louis.

2011: Cameo on 90210

In 2011, Nelly made a cameo appearance on 90210.

August 2012: Coach on The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep

In August 2012, Nelly became a coach on The CW's The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep.

November 2, 2012: Release of Scorpio Season Mixtape

On November 2, 2012, Nelly released his second mixtape, entitled Scorpio Season.

February 2013: Release of "Hey Porsche"

In February 2013, Nelly released "Hey Porsche", the lead single from his seventh studio album M.O.

April 2013: "Cruise" Remix Release

In April 2013, a remix of "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly was released.

July 2013: Release of "Get Like Me"

In July 2013, Nelly's single "Get Like Me" featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams was released.

September 30, 2013: Release of M.O. Album

On September 30, 2013, Nelly's album M.O. was released by Republic Records.

2013: Release of M.O. Album

In 2013, Nelly released his seventh album, M.O.

2013: Cast member of Real Husbands of Hollywood

In 2013, Nelly was in the main cast of the mockumentary series Real Husbands of Hollywood.

2014: Starred in Nellyville

In 2014, Nelly began starring in his own reality TV show, Nellyville, which was based on his second studio album.

2014: Premiere of Nellyville Reality TV Show

In 2014, Nelly starred in the reality TV show Nellyville, which ran for two seasons.

August 6, 2015: Premiere of "The Fix"

On August 6, 2015, Nelly premiered the single "The Fix", released on his own label, RECORDS.

2015: Starred in Nellyville

In 2015, Nelly continued to star in his own reality TV show, Nellyville.

2015: Team Up with Mike and Ike Candy

In 2015, Nelly teamed up with Mike and Ike candy after a halt in collaborating a year earlier and released a movie trailer describing the split and reunion.