:''For the Canadian Singer-Songwriter, see Nelly Furtado.''
'''Cornell Haynes Jr.''' (born November 2, 1974)
[State of Texas. ''Texas Birth Index (1903 - 1997)''. Texas Department of State Health Services.] is an American rapper turned singer from St. Louis, Missouri who experienced massive popularity in the early 2000s. Best known by his stage name, '''Nelly''', he is one of the best-selling rappers of all-time, with over 30 million albums sold worldwide. He has also achieved three number-ones in the UK (four including his vocal contribution to Nasty Girl by Notorious B.I.G), four U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, and four Grammy Awards.
Personal background
Born in Austin, Texas, but raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelly's accent exhibits a great deal of influence from this Midwestern upbringing, as his midwest twang mixed with a southern drawl is a result of growing up in the hybrid southern-midwest city of St. Louis. Nelly also spent part of his first years in Spain while his father was in the US Military. Raised in suburban University City, Nelly formed the St. Lunatics with his friends in the surrounding area. After much frustration and failed attempts, they decided Nelly would have a better shot at success as a solo act. He was soon picked up by Universal Music Group. His unique Midwest/Southern style still shines through and he continues to proudly acknowledge his St. Louis roots.
In 2001, Nelly's sister Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2003, Nelly and Jackie started the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign, a search for a bone marrow donor. Although the search was unsuccessful for Jackie, (she died March 24, 2005 of complications from leukemia when she was 31 ) the foundation was able to find matches for others, including two children from Jackie's hometown of St. Louis. Nelly has continued charity work related to this illness in her memory.
Nelly has 2 children: 12 year old Chanel and 7 year old Cornell Haynes III ( known as Tre ). Nelly has been linked to Grammy Award-winning singer/actress Kelly Rowland.
Music Career
Nelly first came to mainstream audiences with the song, "Country Grammar" (2000) and released ''Free City'' with the St. Lunatics in 2001. ''
Country Grammar'' established him as one of the most successful rappers of the early 2000s with the help of an image one part handsome boy-next-door and one part tough gangster. From the beginnings of his hip/hop career, the lyrics of "Country Grammar" explored this dichotomy, posing the question: "Who says pretty boys
