Nelly, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. on November 2, 1974, is an American rapper, singer, and actor from St. Louis, Missouri. He began his career in the early 1990s with the St. Lunatics before breaking out as a solo artist with his debut album Country Grammar in 2000. The album became a major success, going diamond and producing hits like Country Grammar and Ride wit Me. Nelly followed up with the multi-platinum Nellyville in 2002, featuring chart-topping singles Hot in Herre and Dilemma with Kelly Rowland. Throughout the 2000s, Nelly released a string of successful albums including Sweat, Suit, and Brass Knuckles, collaborating with artists such as Fergie, Akon, and Ciara. His pop-influenced album 5.0 produced the triple-platinum single Just a Dream. Later works like M.O. and Heartland showed his willingness to experiment with new styles, including country rap. With three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards, Nelly is recognized as one of the top hip hop artists of his era, selling over 21 million albums in the United States. Outside of music, he has starred in films like The Longest Yard, launched fashion brands such as Vokal and Apple Bottoms, and managed the Derrty Entertainment label. Nelly remains an influential figure in hip hop and popular culture.