History of Nelly in Timeline

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

November 2, 1974: Nelly's Birth

On November 2, 1974, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, was born in Austin, Texas.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Formation of St. Lunatics

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

1995: St. Louis Rams Tenure

From 1995, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.

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.

January 2001: Super Bowl Halftime Performance

In January 2001, Nelly performed as a special guest in the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show.

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.

2003: Release of Da Derrty Versions and Tip Drill Controversy

In 2003, Nelly released Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention. The music video of "Tip Drill Remix" sparked controversy, leading to a cancelled appearance at Spelman College.

2003: Started dating Ashanti

In 2003, Nelly started dating singer Ashanti after meeting at the 2003 Grammy Awards.

February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Performance

In February 2004, Nelly performed in the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show for the second time.

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.

December 2004: Nelly addresses Diss Track Perception

In December 2004, Nelly addressed claims that the lyrics to his verse on the song "Anotha one" were directed at Chingy, stating he believed they were taken out of context.

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.

2004: Grammy Award for Shake Ya Tailfeather

In 2004, Nelly won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Shake Ya Tailfeather", featuring Diddy and Murphy Lee.

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'.

March 2005: Jackie Donahue death

Jackie Donahue death due to cancer complications

March 24, 2005: Donahue died of leukemia

On March 24, 2005, Jackie Donahue died of leukemia, almost two years after the "Jes Us 4 Jackie" campaign began.

March 25, 2005: Stepsister Jaqueline Donahue died of leukemia

On March 25, 2005, Nelly's stepsister, Jaqueline Donahue, passed away due to leukemia. She is survived by her two adopted children.

December 2005: Chingy Alleged Nelly Refusal

In December 2005, at the Radio Music Awards, Chingy alleges he approached Nelly to end the feud, but claims Nelly refused to discuss it in private but was ignored repeatedly.

2005: "Grillz" success

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

2005: Disrespect Claim

In 2005, Nelly claimed he felt disrespected by Chingy's actions after he signed with Ludacris' DTP label shortly following the 2002 Nellyville tour.

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.

2006: Feud Ended with Nelly

In 2006, the feud between Chingy and Nelly came to an end after Chingy approached Nelly's cousin.

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.

December 2009: Billboard Top Artist Ranking

In December 2009, Billboard ranked Nelly at number three on the Top Artists of the Decade list for the 2000s.

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.

April 2010: Death of Nelly's Cousin

In April 2010, Nelly's cousin, Michael Johnson, was murdered in Missouri, leading to a delay in his album release.

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.

October 2010: Featured on Mohombi's "Miss Me"

In October 2010, Nelly was featured on singer Mohombi's second single, "Miss Me".

November 2010: Appearance at Pacquiao vs. Margarito Pay-Per-View

In November 2010, Nelly appeared at the Pacquiao vs. Margarito pay-per-view event.

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".

June 2011: Featured on Pitbull's "My Kinda Girl"

In June 2011, Nelly was featured on Pitbull's song "My Kinda Girl".

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: Ended relationship with Ashanti

In 2013, Nelly and singer Ashanti ended their relationship after dating since 2003.

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.

2014: Top Selling Hip Hop Artist Ranking

In 2014, Nelly was ranked as the fourth-best-selling hip hop artist in American music history by the RIAA.

April 2015: Tour Bus Traffic Stop

In April 2015, Nelly's tour bus was stopped by the Tennessee Highway Patrol due to non-conforming stickers and after a trooper smelled marijuana, a search led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and several handguns. He was booked into jail and released on bail.

August 6, 2015: Premiere of "The Fix"

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

December 2015: Case resolved with guilty plea

In December 2015, Nelly's drug case was resolved when he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, receiving one year of probation.

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.

2015: St. Louis Rams Tenure

To 2015, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.

2016: Supported Rams Relocation

In 2016, Nelly expressed his support for the St. Louis Rams following their relocation to Los Angeles.

2016: Cast member of Real Husbands of Hollywood

In 2016, Nelly was in the main cast of the mockumentary series Real Husbands of Hollywood.

2016: $2.4 Million Tax Lien

In 2016, it was reported that Nelly had a $2.4 million tax lien against him due to unpaid taxes owed to the IRS.

October 7, 2017: Arrested on Suspicion of Rape

On October 7, 2017, Nelly was arrested in Auburn, Washington, on suspicion of second-degree rape. He was released without charge after denying the accusations.

2017: Sexual Assault Allegation

At the end of 2017, Nelly was accused of sexual assault after a gig in Westcliff-on-Sea, England.

January 2018: Accused of Sexual Assault

In January 2018, Nelly was accused of sexual assault after a gig in Westcliff-on-Sea, England. There was also an additional allegation of assault reported.

June 2018: Operating a Vehicle Without Proof of Insurance

In June 2018, Nelly was arrested warrant had been issued based on an infraction, which involved Nelly operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.

2018: Signing with Columbia Records

As of 2018, Nelly is signed to Columbia Records.

2018: Lawsuits Dropped After Settlement

In 2018, the lawsuits related to the rape accusation against Nelly were dropped after the parties reached a settlement.

2019: Reached Settlement

In 2019, it was reported that Nelly had reached a settlement with the woman who accused him of sexual assault at Cliffs Pavilion.

September 2020: Competed on 'Dancing with the Stars'

In September 2020, Nelly was announced as one of the celebrities competing on the 29th season of 'Dancing with the Stars'.

2020: Release of "Lil Bit" and Country Remixes

In 2020, Nelly released "Lil Bit" with Florida Georgia Line and joined Kane Brown and Brett Kissel for country remixes.

2021: Collaborated with Burger King

In 2021, Nelly collaborated with Burger King on the "Cornell Haynes, Jr. Meal" to promote its "Keep It Real Meals".

2021: Release of Heartland Album

In 2021, Nelly released his eighth album, Heartland, marking a shift to country rap.

November 2022: Chingy claimed Nelly's sister Jackie wanted them to end their feud

During an interview in November 2022, Chingy alleged Nelly's sister Jackie had also approached him at an airport, diligent for both to resolve the feud prior to her death due to cancer complications in March 2005.

2022: Attended Rams Super Bowl LVI Appearance

In 2022, Nelly attended the Los Angeles Rams' appearance at Super Bowl LVI.

April 2023: Launched MoShine Brand

In April 2023, Nelly launched a moonshine brand called "MoShine".

December 2023: Arrest Warrant Issued

In December 2023, a Judge issued an arrest warrant for Nelly for a no proof of insurance charge.

December 2023: Reported to be Expecting First Child and Married

In December 2023, it was reported that Nelly and Ashanti were expecting their first child together and had married on the 27th.

February 2024: Feature on Jermaine Dupri's "This Lil' Game We Play"

In February 2024, Nelly was featured on Jermaine Dupri's single "This Lil' Game We Play", featuring Ashanti and Juicy J.

April 2024: Confirmed Pregnancy and Engagement

In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and the couple's engagement in Essence magazine.

July 18, 2024: Welcomed First Child

On July 18, 2024, Nelly and Ashanti welcomed their first child together.

August 7, 2024: Arrested on Failure-to-Appear Warrant

On August 7, 2024, Nelly was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, on a failure-to-appear warrant stemming from a traffic charge. He was charged with possessing ecstasy pills and lacking insurance.

August 2024: Performances at Hollywood Casino and Hotel

In August 2024, Nelly was revealed to be performing frequently at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

November 12, 2024: Nelly Would Not Face Charges

On November 12, 2024, it was announced that Nelly would not face charges due to not enough facts to warrant the charges.

January 2025: Las Vegas Residency Announcement

In January 2025, it was announced that Nelly would have a residency at Zouk Nightclub in Resorts World Las Vegas, with dates running through the end of August 2025.