History of Nelly in Timeline
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor from St. Louis. He began his career in 1993 with the hip hop group St. Lunatics. In 2000, his solo debut album "Country Grammar" topped the Billboard 200 and achieved diamond certification. Nelly's second album, "Nellyville" (2002), produced two Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles: "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma", along with the hit "Air Force Ones".
November 2, 1974: Nelly's Birth
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., better known as Nelly, was born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas.
1993: Musical Beginnings
Nelly began his music career in 1993 as part of the Midwest hip hop group, the St. Lunatics.
1995: Supporting the St. Louis Rams
Nelly has been a longtime fan of the St. Louis Rams since their tenure in St. Louis began in 1995.
1996: St. Lunatics Local Success
Nelly's group, the St. Lunatics, gained moderate local popularity with their single "Gimme What Ya Got" in 1996.
1997: Vokal Clothing Line Launch
Nelly launched his clothing line, Vokal, in 1997.
1999: Solo Signing and "Country Grammar" Release
After struggling to achieve mainstream success as a group, the St. Lunatics agreed to let Nelly pursue a solo career. He was signed by Universal Music Group in 1999 and released his debut single "Country Grammar (Hot Shit)", which achieved significant chart success.
1999: Signing with Universal Records
Nelly signed with Universal Records as a solo artist in 1999, marking a significant step in his career.
2000: Country Grammar Debut and Super Bowl Performance
Nelly's debut album, Country Grammar, was released and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 in 2000. Nelly also performed as a special guest during the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show.
2000: Debut Album Release
Nelly released his debut studio album, Country Grammar, in June 2000, which achieved significant commercial success and went on to be certified diamond.
2001: Film Debut in "Snipes"
Nelly made his film debut in 2001 in the independent film "Snipes", portraying a famous rapper named Prolifik.
2002: Chingy Tours with Nelly
In 2002, Chingy was hired as an opening act for Nelly's Nellyville tour, but later expressed discontent with the lack of promotion. This event led to tension between the two artists and a public feud.
2002: Nelly Releases Sophomore Album, Nellyville
In 2002, Nelly released his second album, Nellyville, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Music Albums.
2002: Nelly Releases "Dilemma"
In 2002, Nelly released the single "Dilemma", featuring Kelly Rowland, which became a worldwide number-one hit.
2002: Nellyville Release
Nelly's second album, Nellyville, was released in 2002, featuring chart-topping singles like "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma."
March 2003: Nelly and Jackie Donahue Launch Jes Us 4 Jackie Campaign
In March 2003, Nelly and his sister Jackie Donahue launched the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign after Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia. The campaign aimed to educate minorities about bone marrow transplants and encourage donor registration.
June 27, 2003: Nellyville Certified 6x Multi-Platinum
On June 27, 2003, Nelly's second album, Nellyville, was certified 6x multi-platinum.
August 2003: Launch of "Pimp Juice" Energy Drink
Nelly's energy drink "Pimp Juice" was introduced in August 2003 and sold one million cans in its first two months. However, the name faced criticism from black consumer activists.
2003: Beginning Relationship with Ashanti
Nelly and singer Ashanti began dating in 2003 after meeting at the Grammy Awards.
2003: Apple Bottoms and Derrty Entertainment
Nelly launched his women's clothing line, Apple Bottoms, and his record label imprint, Derrty Entertainment, in 2003.
April 27, 2004: Country Grammar Certified 9x Platinum
Nelly's debut album, Country Grammar, was certified 9× platinum by the RIAA on April 27, 2004.
September 14, 2004: Nelly Releases Two Albums, Sweat and Suit
On September 14, 2004, Nelly released two albums, Sweat and Suit. Suit, an R&B-oriented album, debuted at number one on the Billboard albums chart, and Sweat, a rap-oriented album, debuted at number two.
December 2004: Nelly Releases "Anotha One"
In December 2004, Nelly released the song "Anotha One" on his album Sweat, containing lyrics that Chingy perceived as a diss track, although Nelly later claimed the lyrics were taken out of context.
2004: Nelly Wins Grammy for "Shake Ya Tailfeather"
In 2004, Nelly's single "Shake Ya Tailfeather", featuring Diddy and Murphy Lee, won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
2004: Sweat and Suit Albums
Nelly released two albums, Sweat and Suit, on the same day in 2004, showcasing his versatility and continuing his commercial success.
January 7, 2005: Chingy Releases "We Got"
On January 7, 2005, angered by Nelly's song "Anotha One", Chingy leaked a diss track in response entitled "We Got", aimed at Nelly.
March 2005: Nelly's Sister Jackie Donahue Passes Away
On March 2005, Jackie Donahue, Nelly's sister, passed away due to cancer complications. Before her death, she urged Nelly and Chingy to resolve their feud.
March 24, 2005: Nelly's Sister Jackie Donahue Dies from Leukemia
On March 24, 2005, Jackie Donahue, Nelly's sister, died of leukemia after battling the disease for two years.
March 25, 2005: Death of Step-Sister Jaqueline Donahue
Nelly's stepsister, Jaqueline Donahue, passed away on March 25, 2005, after battling leukemia.
December 2005: Chingy Attempts to End Feud at Radio Music Awards
In December 2005, at the Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas, Chingy alleges he approached Nelly to end their feud, but Nelly refused to discuss it in private and repeatedly ignored him.
2005: Nelly Releases "Grillz"
In 2005, Nelly released the single "Grillz".
2005: Sweatsuit Compilation
Nelly's albums Sweat and Suit were packaged into a compilation album, Sweatsuit, in 2005.
2005: The Longest Yard
Nelly starred alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock in the sports comedy film, The Longest Yard, in 2005.
2005: Sweatsuit Album Release
In the winter of 2005, Nelly released Sweatsuit, a compilation of tracks from Sweat and Suit with three new tracks.
2005: Starring in "The Longest Yard" Remake
Nelly starred in the 2005 remake of "The Longest Yard" alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. The soundtrack featured his songs "Errtime" and "Fly Away".
2006: Nelly and Chingy End Feud
After years of public feuding, Nelly and Chingy put an end to their disagreement in 2006 after Chingy approached Nelly's cousin, who helped facilitate a reconciliation.
2006: Nelly Establishes "White and Black Ball" and Scholarship Fund
In 2006, Nelly began hosting the "White and Black Ball" in St. Louis to raise funds for scholarships. He has consistently supported students' education, sending two individuals to college annually for over a decade. He also established a scholarship fund in memory of Michael Brown, who was tragically shot and killed.
2007: Participating in World Series of Poker
Nelly played the Main Event at the 2007 World Series of Poker. He has also participated in the PokerStars European Poker Tour and PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.
June 2008: Expressing Reluctance Towards Acting Career
In June 2008, Nelly revealed in an interview with Kiwibox that he is reluctant to continue his acting career, stating his desire to not detract from the craft of acting.
September 16, 2008: Brass Knuckles Album Release
Nelly's album Brass Knuckles was released on September 16, 2008, after several delays.
2008: Brass Knuckles Album
Nelly released his fifth studio album, Brass Knuckles, in 2008.
October 2009: Nelly Announces New Album
In October 2009, Nelly said in an interview with SOHH.com that his newest album was going to be released sometime in 2010.
December 2009: Top Artist of the Decade
Billboard ranked Nelly as the number three Top Artist of the Decade for the 2000s in December 2009.
2009: Appearance on "CSI: NY"
Nelly made appearances in episodes of the CBS crime drama "CSI: NY" in 2008 and 2009.
March 2010: Selling Stake in Charlotte Bobcats
Nelly, a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats along with Robert L. Johnson and Michael Jordan, sold his stake in the team in March 2010 when Jordan became the majority owner.
April 2010: Nelly Delays Album Release
In April 2010, Nelly delayed the release of his newest album due to the death of his cousin, Michael Johnson, who was murdered in Missouri.
May 2010: Nelly Announces 5.0 as Album Title
In May 2010, Nelly confirmed that the title of his upcoming album was 5.0.
August 10, 2010: "Tippin' in da Club" and "Just a Dream" Sent to Radio
Nelly's single "Just a Dream", along with the promotional single "Tippin' in da Club", were released to mainstream and Rhythm/Crossover radio on August 10, 2010.
August 2010: "Just a Dream" Enters Canadian Hot 100
Nelly's song "Just a Dream" entered the Canadian Hot 100 in August 2010, at number 32.
August 2010: Radio Hosting on WHHL HOT 104.1
In August 2010, Nelly started as the afternoon host on WHHL HOT 104.1 in St. Louis, temporarily replacing regular PM drive personality Stacy Static during her pregnancy leave.
August 17, 2010: "Just a Dream" Release
The lead single from Nelly's album 5.0, "Just a Dream", was released on August 17, 2010, through iTunes.
September 2010: "Celebrity Sweat" Fitness DVD Release
Nelly released a fitness DVD called "Celebrity Sweat" in September 2010, guiding viewers through exercise and weight training routines.
October 12, 2010: "Move That Body" Release
The second single from Nelly's album 5.0, "Move That Body", which features T-Pain and Akon, was released on October 12, 2010.
November 13, 2010: Nelly Performs at Pacquiao vs. Margarito Fight
On November 13, 2010, Nelly appeared on the Pacquiao vs. Margarito pay-per-view, at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
November 16, 2010: 5.0 Album Release
Nelly's album 5.0 was released on November 16, 2010.
2010: 5.0 Album Release
Nelly's sixth studio album, 5.0, was released in 2010, featuring the hit single "Just a Dream."
2010: Nelly Supports Do Something's Tackle Hunger Campaign
In 2010, Nelly endorsed Do Something's Tackle Hunger campaign, challenging teens to combat hunger by collecting one million pounds of food for the holiday season.
June 2011: Pitbull Releases "My Kinda Girl" Featuring Nelly
In June 2011, Pitbull released a song off the deluxe version of the album Planet Pit featuring Nelly titled "My Kinda Girl".
December 2011: Nelly Releases First Solo Mixtape, O.E.MO
In December 2011, Nelly released his first ever official solo mixtape, entitled O.E.MO, which stands for "On Everything MO".
2011: Cameo Appearance on "90210"
Nelly made a cameo appearance on "90210" in 2011.
2011: Founding the Ex'treme Institute By Nelly
In 2011, Nelly partnered with Vatterott College to establish the Ex'treme Institute By Nelly, a music production school in St. Louis.
August 2012: The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep
In August 2012, Nelly joined The CW's "The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep" as a coach alongside Gloria Estefan, John Rich, and Joe Jonas.
November 2, 2012: Scorpio Season Mixtape Release
On November 2, 2012, Nelly released his second mixtape, "Scorpio Season".
February 2013: "Hey Porsche" Single Release
Nelly released "Hey Porsche", the lead single from his seventh studio album "M.O", in February 2013.
April 2013: "Cruise" Remix Release
A remix of "Cruise", the hit single from country duo Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, was released in April 2013.
July 2, 2013: "Get Like Me" Single Release
Nelly released "Get Like Me", featuring Nicki Minaj and Pharrell, as a single on iTunes on July 2, 2013.
September 30, 2013: "M.O" Album Release
Nelly's seventh studio album, "M.O", was released by Republic Records on September 30, 2013.
2013: End of Relationship with Ashanti
Nelly and Ashanti's relationship ended in 2013.
2013: M.O. Album Release
Nelly's seventh studio album, M.O., was released in 2013.
2013: Joining "Real Husbands of Hollywood" Cast
Nelly joined the main cast of the mockumentary series "Real Husbands of Hollywood" in 2013.
2014: "Nellyville" Reality Show Premiere
From 2014 to 2015, Nelly starred in his own reality TV show, "Nellyville", which aired for two seasons on BET.
2014: Fourth Best-Selling Hip Hop Artist
In 2014, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) ranked Nelly as the fourth best-selling hip hop artist in American music history.
2014: Nellyville Reality Show Premiere
Nelly's reality TV show, "Nellyville", premiered in 2014 and ran for two seasons on BET. The show focused on his music and acting career and featured his four children.
April 2015: Nelly's Tour Bus Searched, Drugs and Weapons Found
In April 2015, Nelly's tour bus was stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol for non-compliant stickers. During the stop, troopers smelled marijuana and searched the bus, finding drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and handguns. Nelly was arrested and later released on bail.
August 6, 2015: "The Fix" Single Premiere
On August 6, 2015, Nelly premiered the single "The Fix", which was released on his own label, "RECORDS".
December 2015: Nelly Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Drug Charges
In December 2015, Nelly pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He received a one-year probation sentence and entered a diversion program, ultimately clearing the convictions from his record after 11 months.
2015: "Nellyville" Reality Show Second Season
"Nellyville", Nelly's reality TV show, aired for a second season in 2015.
2015: End of the St. Louis Rams' Tenure
The St. Louis Rams' time in St. Louis concluded in 2015.
2015: Reuniting with Mike and Ike Candy
Nelly resumed his collaboration with Mike and Ike candy in 2015 after a brief hiatus. He and the owners released a movie trailer titled "The Return of Mike and Ike" to mark their reunion.
2016: Continued Support for the Los Angeles Rams
Despite the St. Louis Rams relocating to Los Angeles in 2016, Nelly continued to support the team.
2016: Nelly Faces $2.4 Million Tax Lien
In 2016, it was reported that Nelly had a $2.4 million tax lien filed against him by the IRS for unpaid taxes.
2016: Departure from "Real Husbands of Hollywood"
Nelly's time on the mockumentary series "Real Husbands of Hollywood" ended in 2016.
October 7, 2017: Nelly Arrested on Suspicion of Rape
On October 7, 2017, Nelly was arrested in Auburn, Washington, on suspicion of second-degree rape. He was accused by a woman who claimed he invited her onto his tour bus and assaulted her. Nelly denied the allegations and was released without charge.
2017: Nelly Performs at Cliffs Pavilion in England
At the end of 2017, Nelly performed a concert at the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea, England. Following the event, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman who attended the concert.
January 2018: Nelly Accused of Sexual Assault in England
By the end of January 2018, another woman accused Nelly of sexual assault after a concert in England in 2017. An additional allegation of assault also surfaced at the time.
2018: Signing with Columbia Records
As of 2018, Nelly is signed to Columbia Records.
2018: Rape Charges Against Nelly Dropped, Lawsuits Settled
In December 2017, the sexual assault case against Nelly was dropped due to the alleged victim's unwillingness to cooperate. He filed a defamation countersuit, but both lawsuits were eventually settled in 2018.
2019: Nelly Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit
In 2019, Nelly reportedly reached a settlement with the woman who accused him of sexual assault following his performance at the Cliffs Pavilion in England in 2017.
September 2, 2020: Competing on "Dancing with the Stars"
On September 2, 2020, Nelly was announced as a contestant on the 29th season of "Dancing with the Stars". He and his partner Daniella Karagach finished in third place.
2020: "Lil Bit" Release and Country Collaborations
In 2020, Nelly released "Lil Bit", a collaboration with Florida Georgia Line from his "country-influenced" album "Heartland". He also collaborated with Kane Brown and Brett Kissel on remixes of their songs, "Cool Again" and "She Drives Me Crazy".
2021: Collaborating with Burger King
In 2021, Nelly collaborated with Burger King on the "Cornell Haynes, Jr. Meal", part of their "Keep It Real Meals" campaign, which promoted the removal of 120 artificial ingredients from their menu.
2021: Heartland Album Release
Nelly released his eighth studio album, Heartland, in 2021, marking a departure from his previous styles and a move towards country rap.
November 2022: Chingy Reveals Nelly's Sister's Role in Ending Feud
During an interview in November 2022, Chingy alleged that Nelly's sister Jackie had approached him at an airport before her death in March 2005, urging them to resolve their feud.
2022: Attending Super Bowl LVI
Nelly showed his support for the Los Angeles Rams by attending Super Bowl LVI in 2022.
April 2023: "MoShine" Moonshine Brand Launch
In April 2023, Nelly launched his own moonshine brand called "MoShine".
December 2023: Expecting First Child with Ashanti
In December 2023, reports surfaced that Nelly and Ashanti were expecting their first child together.
February 2024: "This Lil' Game We Play" Feature
On February 9, 2024, Nelly was featured on Jermaine Dupri's single "This Lil' Game We Play", alongside Ashanti and Juicy J.