Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known as Nelly, was born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas, and raised primarily in St. Louis, Missouri. He formed the hip-hop group St. Lunatics in the early 1990s with high school friends, achieving local success with the 1996 single 'Gimme What You Got.' The group encouraged Nelly to pursue a solo career, leading to a Universal Records contract in 1999. Nelly's 2000 debut album Country Grammar topped the Billboard 200, with singles 'Country Grammar' and 'Ride wit Me' reaching high chart positions. His 2002 follow-up Nellyville produced hits 'Hot in Herre' and 'Dilemma,' earning Grammy awards including Best Male Rap Solo Performance. He released Sweat and Suit simultaneously in 2004, both debuting at number one. Nelly blends hip-hop with pop and R&B elements, known for energetic live performances featuring hits from his catalog and group material with St. Lunatics.