Nelly is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. His journey from St. Louis to global stardom is marked by chart-topping hits, business ventures, and philanthropic efforts. Let’s delve into the details of Nelly Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, controversies, awards and achievements.

Nelly Net Worth

Early years

Nelly was born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. on November 2, 1974 in Austin, Texas. His parents split when he was seven, and he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, with his mother.

His passion for music began at an early age, and he founded the hip-hop group the St. Lunatics with buddies Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, Slo’Down, and his half-brother City Spud.

Career

In 2002, Nelly released his second album, “Nellyville,” which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. The album’s main track, “Hot in Herre,” was an instant success, hitting number one. The album also featured songs including “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland, “Work It” with Justin Timberlake, “Air Force Ones,” “Pimp Juice,” and “#1.” By June 2003, the album had achieved 6x multi-platinum status, and “Hot in Herre” won a Grammy for Best Male Rap Solo Performance.

In 2003, Nelly released “Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention,” which included the smash single “Iz U.” However, the “Tip Drill” remix video provoked outrage for its depiction of women, prompting the cancellation of his engagement at Spelman College. Despite this loss, his song “Shake Ya Tailfeather” from the “Bad Boys II” soundtrack received a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2004.

In 2004, Nelly dropped two albums on the same day: “Sweat” and “Suit.” “Suit,” with its R&B flavour, debuted at number one, while the rap-focused “Sweat” arrived at number two. The ballad “Over and Over,” a duet with country singer Tim McGraw from “Suit,” became a crossover hit. He later released “Sweatsuit,” a collection of songs from both albums, including the chart-topping smash “Grillz.”

2008-2013

Nelly released “Brass Knuckles” in 2008, following multiple delays. The album’s singles were “Party People” with Fergie and “Body on Me” with Akon and Ashanti. He also appeared on Rick Ross’ track “Here I Am.” In 2010, Nelly released “5.0,” with the lead single “Just a Dream” reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100, his highest-charting song since 2005. The album also featured “Move That Body” with T-Pain and Akon, as well as “Gone,” a follow-up to his previous hit “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland. In June 2011, Nelly collaborated with Pitbull to release “My Kinda Girl” off the deluxe version of “Planet Pit”. By the end of that year, he had released his debut solo mixtape, “O.E.MO”, which included notable names such as T.I., 2 Chainz, and others.

In August 2012, Nelly started working as a coach on The CW’s “The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep”. A few months later, in November, he dropped another mixtape titled “Scorpio Season”. The lead single from his seventh album, “M.O.”, “Hey Porsche,” was released in February 2013, peaking at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking into the top ten in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In April 2013, Nelly appeared on a remix of Florida Georgia Line’s single “Cruise.” In July, he released “Get Like Me” alongside Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams. His album “M.O.” came out on September 30, 2013.

2014-present

Between 2014 and 2015, Nelly participated in the BET reality TV show “Nellyville”, which provided viewers a look at his music career and life with his four kids. In August 2015, he released the track “The Fix” under his own label, RECORDS. He signed with Columbia Records in 2018. In 2020, he teamed with Florida Georgia Line on the song “Lil Bit” and produced remixes with country singers Kane Brown and Brett Kissel. In February 2024, he appeared with Ashanti and Juicy J on Jermaine Dupri’s track “This Lil’ Game We Play”.

Nelly made his cinematic debut in 2001 with “Snipes”. He appeared in the 2005 version of “The Longest Yard” and contributed to its music. Although he has been in series such as “CSI: NY” and “90210”, he has been hesitant to completely commit to acting out of respect for the trade. He starred in the mockumentary series “Real Husbands of Hollywood” from 2013 to 2016, and his reality TV programme “Nellyville” aired from 2014-2015. In 2020, Nelly competed in the 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars”, finishing third.

Apart from music, Nelly has dabbled with entrepreneurship, creating apparel companies Vokal and Apple Bottoms. He has also invested in the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, currently known as the Hornets. In 2021, Nelly partnered with Burger King to promote their “Keep It Real Meals” campaign.

Nelly established the alcohol brand MoShine. He also founded the non-profit organisation 4Sho4Kids Foundation, which raises awareness about the need for bone marrow donors in the African American community.

Nelly’s discography includes eight studio albums: “Country Grammar (2000),” “Nellyville (2002),” “Sweat (2004),” “Suit (2004),” “Brass Knuckles (2008),” “5.0 (2010),” “M.O. (2013),” and “Heartland (2021).”

Personal Life

Nelly dated Ashanti from 2003-2013. They began dating again in 2023 and the pair are expecting their first child together.

Nelly has two children, Chanelle and Cornel Haynes III from previous relationships and another 2 from adoption whom were his sister’s children before her death.

Nelly is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting bone marrow donation awareness and education.

Controversies

Nelly has had legal difficulties, including a federal tax lien and narcotics possession allegations.
He was also detained and then freed on bond following a rape charge, which was finally dismissed.

In July 2023, Nelly sold 50% of his song catalogue to HarbourView Equity Partners for $50 million. The acquisition valued his whole catalogue at $100 million.

In August 2016, Nelly received federal tax liens saying he owed the IRS $2,412,283 in late taxes and penalties. He also owed around $150,000 in state taxes, which might have resulted in asset seizures. Fortunately, the debts were eventually addressed.

Awards and Achievements

Nelly has won three Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, four Teen Choice Awards and so many others.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Nelly

1. Who is Nelly?

He is a renowned American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur.

2. When was Nelly born?

He was born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas.

3. What is Nelly’s net worth?

Nelly’s net worth is around $70 million.

4. What are Nelly’s most popular songs?

His most popular songs are “Ride Wit Me,” “E.I.,” “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones,” and “Country Grammar.”

5. Has Nelly won any awards?

He has won three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards.

6. What is Nelly’s most popular album?

His most popular album is “Country Grammar,” which achieved significant success and paved the way for his subsequent albums.

7. What is Nelly’s genre of music?

His genre of music is hip-hop and rap.

8. How many albums has Nelly released?

He has released eight studio albums.

9. Has Nelly collaborated with other artists?

He has collaborated with various artists, including Kelly Rowland, Tim McGraw, and Florida Georgia Line.

10. Has Nelly acted in any movies?

He has acted in films like “The Longest Yard” and “Snakes on a Plane.”

11. Has Nelly been involved in any controversies?

He has faced legal issues, including a federal tax lien and drug possession charges.

12. Is Nelly involved in any philanthropic work?

He is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting bone marrow donation awareness and education.

13. What is Nelly’s relationship status?

He is engaged to Ashanti.

14. How many children does Nelly have?

He has four children and is expecting another with his fiancee.

Conclusion

Nelly’s success in the music industry, entrepreneurial ventures, and philanthropic efforts have contributed to his estimated net worth of $70 million. Nelly remains a major presence in the entertainment business, and his accomplishments demonstrate his passion and determination.