Born Cornell Haynes, Jr., Nelly formed the St. Lunatics
in 1993 with friends from University City High. His 2000 solo debut "Country Grammar" topped the
Billboard charts, sold over 9 million copies and put St. Louis hip-hop in the national spotlight.
2002's multi-platinum "Nellyville" included the #1 single "Hot in Herre," which earned Nelly one of his
three Grammy Awards. Nelly reached new audiences by acting in the films "Snipes" (2001) and "The
Longest Yard" (2005), and reached out to the public by founding the charity 4Sho4Kids. Throughout
Nelly's considerable artistic evolution, his music always found its soul in his hometown of St. Louis.