There aren’t many musicians who can get away with using just one name, but Nelly is certainly on that list. Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., the man the world knows as Nelly has long been a pioneer and a trailblazer in the hip-hop world. While he was born in Texas, Nelly comes from St. Louis and could easily be considered the king of Southern hip hop and the unique sub-genre known as country rap. Nelly burst onto the scene with his debut album in 1999, causing a splash that few artists have ever been able to replicate. Since then, his popularity has grown by leaps and bounds with each subsequent album. Along the way, he’s won multiple Grammy Awards, done a little acting, and become an entrepreneur. Most importantly, more than two decades after his debut, Nelly’s live shows are just as in demand now as they’ve ever been, and he continues to give his fans an unforgettable experience.

Around the Block

Throughout his career, Nelly has done a little bit of everything. He’s found both success and controversy. Nelly has won awards, reaching the top of the music world. But he’s also gotten involved in feuds and had some legal issues. He’s been in movies and TV shows as an actor while also competing on Dancing with the Stars. Musically, Nelly has never stopped expanding his horizons to discover new sounds. He’s also collaborated with countless other performers, helping him to expand musically that way. Over the years, Nelly has performed songs with the likes of Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Fergie, Tim McGraw, Kelly Rowland, Florida Georgia Line, and countless others across the musical spectrum. It’s why he’s never stopped surprising fans and giving them something new to enjoy while creating a massive catalog of hit songs.

Something for Everyone

Nelly’s willingness to expand his horizons musically means that every Nelly performance has something for everyone. Some fans enjoy his popular hits, others prefer his hip-hop roots, and others enjoy his country-infused songs. Most importantly, Nelly is always happy to cover a diverse range of songs during every show, making sure every audience gets what they come to hear. It’s part of the reason why Nelly remains such a beloved performer and why fans flock to see him every chance they get.