Nelly (b. 1974)

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Biography

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and embarked on his musical career in 1993 as a member of the Midwestern hip-hop group St. Lunatics. He signed with Universal Records as a solo act in 1999 to release his debut studio album, Country Grammar (2000). Its two lead singles, "Country Grammar " and "Ride wit Me", both entered the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. The album peaked atop the Billboard 200 and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His second album, Nellyville (2002), spawned two consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles: "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma", along with the top-five single, "Air Force Ones".

Timeline

The story of Nelly, told in moments.

1974 Birth

Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. in Austin, Texas. His family moved to St. Louis when he was young. He grew up in University City, Missouri.

Was growing up in University City, Missouri the right place for hip-hop? Did Austin, Texas feel like a first home? What did moving to St. Louis change?

1993 Life

Formed the hip-hop group St. Lunatics with childhood friends in St. Louis. They released the regional hit "Gimme What Ya Got" in 1996.

Was the St. Lunatics the family you chose? Did 'Gimme What Ya Got' being a regional hit feel like a start? Was the crew always the foundation?

2000 Event

Released Country Grammar. The album sold over 8.4 million copies in the US. The title track and "Ride wit Me" both cracked the top ten.

Did 8.4 million copies of Country Grammar feel unreal? Was the title track your signature or just the introduction? How does a St. Louis rapper break through nationally?

2002 Event

His album Nellyville hit number one. "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" with Kelly Rowland both topped the Billboard Hot 100. He won three Grammys that year.

Was Nellyville hitting number one the peak? Did two number-one singles in one year feel earned? Were three Grammys enough recognition?

2003 Life

Launched the clothing lines Vokal and Apple Bottoms. His sister Jackie died of leukemia. Nelly began a bone marrow donor campaign in her memory.

Was launching clothing lines the entrepreneurial side? Did Jackie's death from leukemia change your purpose? Is the bone marrow campaign your most important work?

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