THE MUSIC HISTORY of NELLY:

In the summer of 2000, Cornell “Nelly” Haynes Jr. did the unbelievable. Nelly, an unknown rapper from St. Louis, Missouri, sold of a quarter of a million copies of his debut.album, Country Grammar during its first week of release. The album would spend seven weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart.
Two years later, in the summer of 2002, Nelly proved to be no one-hit wonder when his sophomore album Nellyville came in at the number one position on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. Nellyville went on to sell over 6 million records domestically and earn its creator two Grammy trophies for the singles “Hot In Herre” (Best male Rap Solo) and “Dilemma” (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration).
In 2003, he released a platinum-selling remix album, Da Derrty Versions (The Reinvention). As a member of the St. Lunatics, comprised of Nelly, Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan and Slo Down he released the platinum – selling Free City. In 2004 he picked up another Grammy for his collaboration with Murphy Lee and P. Diddy for “Shake Ya Tailfeather” (Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group). Cumulatively, Nelly has sold close to 30 million singles/albums worldwide establishing him as on of the top-selling artists of our time.
Nelly has also expanded his role beyond that of just an artist. His is the CEO of his own label, Derrty Ent., a venture with Universal Records that has seen success with the release of his remix album and Murphy Lee’s platinum-bound solo debut, Murphy’s Law. He is also owner Of Apple Bottom women’s clothing line & Pimp Juice energy drink and he is part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats Basketball Team. He has also started two nonprofit organizations: 4 SHo 4 kids & Jes Us 4 Jackie.

Since all that time has passed Nelly has sold 9 million records with Country Grammer, Nellyville - 4 million, Suite - over 4 million, Sweat - over 3 million and Da Derry - 1 million. That’s over 21 million albums sold worldwide. Not bad for a small town kid just trying to come up…

Be sure to pick up the latest Nelly album Brass Knuckles September 16 that is produced by Pharrell plus features JD, Ciara, Ashanti, Akon, & the “Dutchess” Fergie.