Nelly, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. in 1974, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri. He rose to fame in 2000 with his debut album Country Grammar, featuring the hit single of the same name. Known for his distinctive vocal style that blends hip-hop and melodic hooks, Nelly became one of the most successful crossover artists of the 2000s. His follow-up albums, including Nellyville (2002), produced chart-topping hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma.” Nelly has won multiple Grammy Awards and remains an influential figure in hip-hop and pop music.