Nelly is an American rapper, actor, and businessman worth around \\$70 million. Nelly’s popularity began with Country Grammar, his first album, released in 2000, selling more than 10 million copies, and it is still Nelly’s highest-selling album.
Nelly has produced chart-topping songs like “Ride Wit Me,” “Hot in Herre,” and “Dilemma” (featuring Kelly Rowland), amassing over 40 million total records sold. To this end, Nelly has maintained a career in movies, business, sports ownership, and contribution services, establishing him as one of the more holistic stars in hip hop.
Early Life
Nelly (Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.) was born November 2, 1974 in Austin, Texas. Nelly’s father was in the United States Air Force, and after his parents divorced, he moved with his mother to St. Louis, Missouri.
Nelly created a rap group while in high school, called St. Lunatics, with his half-brother City Spud and some friends. After establishing a local following in St. Louis, Nelly would pursue a solo career and find international fame.
Music Career
Nelly signed with Universal Music in 1999 and released his first solo album, Country Grammar, in 2000. The song “Ride Wit Me,” an instant classic, was released as the first single from his debut album “Country Grammar (Hot Shit),” which went platinum by selling over 10 million copies.
Nelly’s follow-up album, Nellyville (2002), would become another historic project. Both “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” from the album topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The track “Dilemma” won a Grammy Award in 2003.
Nelly followed up with several other albums:
Sweat and Suit (2004)
Brass Knuckles (2008)
5.0 (2010)—which featured “Just a Dream”
M.O. (2013)
Heartland (2021)—an album inspired by country music that included the song “Lil Bit” with Florida Georgia Line.
This was Nelly’s eighth studio album, and he had won two Grammy Awards to establish himself as a rap legend.
Business Interests
His music has allowed Nelly to expand his brand:
Fashion: He established clothing lines called Vokal and Apple Bottoms.
Alcohol: He developed the liquor brand MoShine.
Sports: He acquired a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in 2004. Although many investors have since sold their shares for financial gain, he reportedly still holds his stake.
He collaborated with HarbourView Equity Partners in a multi-million dollar deal in 2023 to sell 50% of his music catalog for $50 million, which valued the whole catalog at $100 million.
He worked with Burger King in 2021, launching “Keep It Real Meals,” a menu that included his real name—Cornell Haynes Jr.
Acting/TV
Nelly has appeared in movies and television shows, including
The Longest Yard (2005) with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock
CSI: NY (2008-2009)
Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013-2016)
Reach Me (2014)
He even released a fitness DVD Celebrity Sweat, in 2010. Legal and Tax Issues
Nelly has faced a police arrest record and financial issues similar to other celebrities:
2016: The IRS issued a $2.4 million tax lien for nonpayment of taxes.
In 2015, a police search of his tour bus for drugs and weapons led to his arrest, which was later reduced.
2017 – Arrested for potential assault, for which the charges were dismissed.
Despite these challenges, he managed to recover from his tax problem and restore financial stability by performing music, selling catalogs, and making business deals.
Real Estate
Nelly has had several homes, including the following:
Purchase of a 12-acre mansion in the St. Louis area that he acquired for \$1.9 million in 2002. He had trouble selling it and eventually let it go for less than \$1 million in 2021.
Lakefront ranch-style home, which was featured on the TV show MTV Cribs.
Personal Life
Nelly dated the singer Ashanti from 2003 to 2013. After several years apart they reunited in 2023, emerged married in December 2023, and had their first child together in July 2024.
Nelly dated model Shantel Jackson from 2014 to 2021.
Philanthropy
Nelly is generous:
Founded the 4Sho4Kids Foundation
Launched Jes Us 4 Jackie, which raised awareness for bone marrow donation after his sister’s leukemia treatment
Hosted the White and Black Ball in St. Louis to operate scholarship funds
Founded a scholarship in the memory of Michael Brown (2014)
Collaborated with Do Something for anti-hunger programs
FAQs about Nelly’s Net Worth
Q1: What is Nelly’s net worth in the year 2025?
Nelly’s net worth is approximately \$70 million.
Q2: How did Nelly get his money?
Nelly derived his wealth from a variety of sources, including the sale of music, the sale of his catalogue for approximately $50 million, fashion lines, brand deals, and acting.
Q3: What is Nelly’s best-selling record?
Country Grammar (2000) broke over 10 million sales.
Q4: Did Nelly win any Grammys?
Yes, Nelly has won two awards, and one of the awards was for “Dilemma.”
Q5: Does Nelly still own part of the Charlotte Hornets?
Yes, he made the investment in 2004 for the team.
Q6: Who is Nelly married to?
His wife is Ashanti, and they were married in December 2023 and had their first child together in July 2024.
Q7: What businesses does Nelly own?
His businesses include MoShine liquor, clothing brands, and music catalog investments.
