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".
November 2, 1974: Nelly's Birth
On November 2, 1974, Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, was born in Austin, Texas.
Share
1993: Formation of St. Lunatics
In 1993, Nelly began his music career by joining the Midwest hip hop group St. Lunatics.
Share
1995: St. Louis Rams Tenure
From 1995, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.
Share
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".
Share
1997: Launch of Vokal Clothing Line
In 1997, Nelly launched his clothing line, Vokal.
Share
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.
Share
1999: Signing with Universal Records
In 1999, Nelly signed with Universal Records as a solo artist.
Share
2000: Release of Country Grammar
In 2000, Nelly released his debut album Country Grammar, which reached number three on the Billboard 200.
Share
2000: Release of Country Grammar
In 2000, Nelly released his debut studio album, Country Grammar, which included hit singles like "Country Grammar (Hot Shit)" and "Ride wit Me".
Share
January 2001: Super Bowl Halftime Performance
In January 2001, Nelly performed as a special guest in the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show.
Share
2001: Film Debut in 'Snipes'
In 2001, Nelly made his film debut in the independent film 'Snipes', where he played a rapper named Prolifik.
Share
2002: Reference to "Dilemma"
"Gone" is the sequel to Nelly's 2002 hit single "Dilemma".
Share
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".
Share
2002: Release of Nellyville
In 2002, Nelly released his second album, Nellyville, which featured the number-one singles "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma".
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
June 2003: Nellyville Certified 6x Multi-Platinum
In June 2003, Nelly's album Nellyville was certified 6x multi-platinum.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2003: Started dating Ashanti
In 2003, Nelly started dating singer Ashanti after meeting at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
Share
February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Performance
In February 2004, Nelly performed in the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show for the second time.
Share
April 2004: Country Grammar Certified 9x Platinum
In April 2004, Nelly's debut album Country Grammar was certified 9x platinum by the RIAA.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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'.
Share
March 2005: Jackie Donahue death
Jackie Donahue death due to cancer complications
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2005: "Grillz" success
"Just a Dream" is Nelly's highest-charting song since his 2005 single "Grillz".
Share
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.
Share
2005: Release of Sweatsuit Compilation Album
In 2005, Nelly released Sweatsuit, a compilation of tracks from Sweat and Suit, featuring the hit single "Grillz".
Share
2005: Sweatsuit Compilation Album
In 2005, Nelly released the compilation album Sweatsuit, which combined tracks from Sweat and Suit.
Share
2005: Signed shoe deal with Reebok
In 2005, Nelly signed a shoe deal with Reebok.
Share
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.
Share
2005: Acting Role in The Longest Yard
In 2005, Nelly starred in the sports film, The Longest Yard.
Share
2006: Started White and Black Ball
In 2006, Nelly began hosting a "White and Black Ball" in St. Louis to raise funds for scholarships.
Share
2006: Feud Ended with Nelly
In 2006, the feud between Chingy and Nelly came to an end after Chingy approached Nelly's cousin.
Share
2007: Played Main Event at World Series of Poker
In 2007, Nelly played the Main Event at the World Series of Poker.
Share
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.
Share
September 16, 2008: Release of Brass Knuckles
On September 16, 2008, after delays, Nelly released his album Brass Knuckles, featuring singles like "Party People".
Share
2008: Appeared in CSI: NY
In 2008, Nelly appeared in an episode of the CBS crime drama CSI: NY.
Share
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".
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2009: Appeared in CSI: NY
In 2009, Nelly appeared in an episode of the CBS crime drama CSI: NY.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
May 2010: Confirmation of Album Title: 5.0
In May 2010, Nelly confirmed that the title of his album was 5.0.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
September 2010: Released Celebrity Sweat
In September 2010, Nelly released a fitness DVD entitled Celebrity Sweat.
Share
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.
Share
October 2010: Featured on Mohombi's "Miss Me"
In October 2010, Nelly was featured on singer Mohombi's second single, "Miss Me".
Share
November 2010: Appearance at Pacquiao vs. Margarito Pay-Per-View
In November 2010, Nelly appeared at the Pacquiao vs. Margarito pay-per-view event.
Share
November 16, 2010: Release of 5.0 Album
On November 16, 2010, Nelly released his album 5.0.
Share
2010: Endorsed Tackle Hunger campaign
In 2010, Nelly endorsed Do Something's Tackle Hunger campaign, challenging teens to collect one million pounds of food.
Share
2010: Release of 5.0 Album
In 2010, Nelly released his sixth album, 5.0, which included the hit single "Just a Dream".
Share
June 2011: Featured on Pitbull's "My Kinda Girl"
In June 2011, Nelly was featured on Pitbull's song "My Kinda Girl".
Share
December 2011: Release of O.E.MO Mixtape
In December 2011, Nelly released his first solo mixtape, entitled O.E.MO.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
November 2, 2012: Release of Scorpio Season Mixtape
On November 2, 2012, Nelly released his second mixtape, entitled Scorpio Season.
Share
February 2013: Release of "Hey Porsche"
In February 2013, Nelly released "Hey Porsche", the lead single from his seventh studio album M.O.
Share
April 2013: "Cruise" Remix Release
In April 2013, a remix of "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly was released.
Share
July 2013: Release of "Get Like Me"
In July 2013, Nelly's single "Get Like Me" featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams was released.
Share
September 30, 2013: Release of M.O. Album
On September 30, 2013, Nelly's album M.O. was released by Republic Records.
Share
2013: Ended relationship with Ashanti
In 2013, Nelly and singer Ashanti ended their relationship after dating since 2003.
Share
2013: Release of M.O. Album
In 2013, Nelly released his seventh album, M.O.
Share
2013: Cast member of Real Husbands of Hollywood
In 2013, Nelly was in the main cast of the mockumentary series Real Husbands of Hollywood.
Share
2014: Starred in Nellyville
In 2014, Nelly began starring in his own reality TV show, Nellyville, which was based on his second studio album.
Share
2014: Premiere of Nellyville Reality TV Show
In 2014, Nelly starred in the reality TV show Nellyville, which ran for two seasons.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
August 6, 2015: Premiere of "The Fix"
On August 6, 2015, Nelly premiered the single "The Fix", released on his own label, RECORDS.
Share
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.
Share
2015: Starred in Nellyville
In 2015, Nelly continued to star in his own reality TV show, Nellyville.
Share
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.
Share
2015: St. Louis Rams Tenure
To 2015, Nelly was a fan of the St. Louis Rams during their tenure in St. Louis.
Share
2016: Supported Rams Relocation
In 2016, Nelly expressed his support for the St. Louis Rams following their relocation to Los Angeles.
Share
2016: Cast member of Real Husbands of Hollywood
In 2016, Nelly was in the main cast of the mockumentary series Real Husbands of Hollywood.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2017: Sexual Assault Allegation
At the end of 2017, Nelly was accused of sexual assault after a gig in Westcliff-on-Sea, England.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2018: Signing with Columbia Records
As of 2018, Nelly is signed to Columbia Records.
Share
2018: Lawsuits Dropped After Settlement
In 2018, the lawsuits related to the rape accusation against Nelly were dropped after the parties reached a settlement.
Share
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.
Share
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'.
Share
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.
Share
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".
Share
2021: Release of Heartland Album
In 2021, Nelly released his eighth album, Heartland, marking a shift to country rap.
Share
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.
Share
2022: Attended Rams Super Bowl LVI Appearance
In 2022, Nelly attended the Los Angeles Rams' appearance at Super Bowl LVI.
Share
April 2023: Launched MoShine Brand
In April 2023, Nelly launched a moonshine brand called "MoShine".
Share
December 2023: Arrest Warrant Issued
In December 2023, a Judge issued an arrest warrant for Nelly for a no proof of insurance charge.
Share
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.
Share
December 2023: Arrest Warrant Origin
In December 2023, the arrest warrant for Nelly was discovered, following a required background check which occurred after Nelly scored jackpot wins at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in Maryland Heights.
Share
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.
Share
April 2024: Confirmed Pregnancy and Engagement
In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and the couple's engagement in Essence magazine.
Share
July 18, 2024: Welcomed First Child
On July 18, 2024, Nelly and Ashanti welcomed their first child together.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
August 2025: End of Las Vegas Residency
Nelly's residency at Zouk Nightclub in Resorts World Las Vegas ends in August 2025.
Share