Nelly is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur with a net worth of $70 million. Bursting onto the scene with the album “Country Grammar” in 2000, the album eventually sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, becoming his best-selling album to date. Featuring hit singles like “Country Grammar (Hot Shit),” “E.I.,” “Batter Up,” and “Ride Wit Me,” it was a massive success.

His second album, “Nellyville” (2002), solidified his status as a hip-hop superstar and included number one hits “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” featuring Kelly Rowland, which earned a Grammy Award in 2003. Nelly has released a total of eight studio albums, selling over 21 million records in the United States and 40 million globally, establishing himself as one of the top-selling rap artists.

Aside from music, Nelly has ventured into acting with roles in films like “The Longest Yard” (2005) and “Reach Me” (2014). He is also the founder of the alcohol brand MoShine and established a non-profit organization called Jes Us 4 Jackie, aiming to raise awareness about the necessity for bone marrow donors in the African American community.

Catalog Sale

In July 2023, Nelly sold a 50% ownership stake in his music catalog to a company called HarbourView Equity Partners for $50 million, valuing his catalog at $100 million.

Tax Problems

In August 2016, Nelly faced a federal tax lien for owing $2,412,283 in back taxes and penalties to the IRS, along with approximately $150,000 in state taxes. Although his debts were significant enough for the government to consider seizing assets, they were resolved in due course.

Early Life

Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas, Nelly experienced his father’s Air Force service. After his parents’ divorce at age seven, he relocated to St. Louis, Missouri. As a teenager, he co-founded his first band, the St. Lunatics, achieving local success in 1997 with the single “Gimme What Ya Got.” Subsequently, Nelly embarked on a solo career after the St. Lunatics failed to secure a record deal.

Career

Signing a record contract with Universal Music in 1999, Nelly’s debut album “Country Grammar” emerged in the following year, remaining his top-seller. The album featured hits like “Ride Wit Me” and “Country Grammar,” both climbing the Top 10 charts. His follow-up album, “Nellyville,” released in June 2002, harbored chart-toppers like “Dilemma” and “Hot in Here.” Further releases included “Sweat and Suit” in 2004, “Sweatsuit” in 2005, and the fifth studio album “Brass Knuckles” in September 2008. Nelly continued his musical journey with subsequent albums like “5.0” (2010), “M.O.” (2013), and “Heartland” (2021), featuring collaborations with artists like Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, and Brett Kissel.

Nelly’s career achievements encompass Grammy Awards in 2003 and 2004, as well as acting roles in films like “The Longest Yard” (2005) and appearances on TV shows such as “CSI: NY” (2008-2009) and “Real Husbands of Hollywood” on BET (2013-2016). Noteworthy ventures include the release of a fitness DVD titled “Celebrity Sweat” in 2010 and the establishment of clothing lines Vokal and Apple Bottoms.

…In 2006, for scholarships, Nelly hosted the White and Black Ball in St. Louis.

The scholarship named after Michael Brown, established by Nelly, who was shot and killed by police in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014.

For the Tackle Hunger campaign sponsored by the nonprofit Do Something, Nelly filmed a public service announcement in 2010, challenging teens to collect one million pounds of food for needy families during the holiday season.

Nelly collaborated with Vatterott College in 2011 to establish the Ex’treme Institute By Nelly, a music production school located in St. Louis.

In a gated community near the Hidden Valley Country Club in the St. Louis suburb of Eureka, Missouri, Nelly paid $1.925 million in 2002 for a partially completed 11,000-square-foot palatial mansion. The property sits on 12 acres and includes a large sports court, basketball court, pool, hot tub, and more. Despite struggling to sell the home for several years, Nelly eventually sold it in October 2021 for $599,000, accepting a substantial loss. Check out this video of the home as it appeared in mid-2021 when it was abandoned and somewhat falling apart:

In 2002, Nelly also acquired a 2,679-square-foot ranch-style lake house, which was showcased on MTV Cribs in 2002. He sold this home in June 2010 for $740,158. Here’s the episode of “Cribs”:

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