Nelly was born Cornell Haynes, Jr. on November 2, 1978, in Austin, Texas. His childhood was nomadict, as he was moved around from city to city and even to Spain at one point in time. His final stop, St. Louis, Missouri, proved to be his inspiration. Haynes began to test his rhyme skills in his neighborhood.

Excelling at baseball in high school at the shortstop position, Nelly dropped his glove and after being drawn to the glamour of the rap world. He formed the St. Lunatics crew while in high school and drew local interest in 1996 with the single "Gimme What Ya Got." A lack of attention from major record labels however, persuaded the group to allow Haynes, now known as Nelly, to venture out on his own.

The move paid off when Nelly signed a deal with Universal Records. His popularity in Missouri proved no fluke with the launch of the single "Country Grammar." A unique style, exceptional but underrated production, and accessible lyrics put his debut album at the top of the chart for several weeks.

The buzz around Nelly's Midwest flavor soon began to rival his southern counterparts, such as Master P. and Timbaland. Nelly had an immediate impact on the youth of America, with a fresh, melodic rhyme pattern and a syncopated beat accompaniment. But the infectious hooks on his songs were what set him apart from the rest of the rap rabble. As soon as radio and video caught on, success was a given.

Fame did not blunt Nelly's sense of loyalty. His St. Lunatics crew released their debut album in June of 2001 and enjoyed modest sales in comparison to Nelly, who himself overcame the dreaded sophomore hex with his follow-up to Country Grammar. Nellyville hit record stores hot on the heels of the smash singles "Hot In Herre" and the smooth duet with Kelly Rowland (of Destiny's Child) "Dilemma." The album has become one of the most successful rap albums of all time.