Nelly's Biography.

Birth name:
Cornell Gilbert Jr.
Born
November 2, 1977 (age 29)
Origin:
St. Louis, Missouri
Genre(s):
Rap / Hip hop.
Occupation(s):
Rapper
Years active:
2000-present.
Label(s):
Fo' Reel/Derrty Ent./Universal Records
Website:
Nelly.
Biography.
Born in Austin, Texas, but raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelly's accent exhibits a great deal of influence from this Midwestern upbringing, as his midwest twang mixed with a southern drawl is a result of growing up in the hybrid southern-midwest city of St. Louis. Nelly also spent part of his first years in Spain while his father was in the US Military. Raised in suburban University City, Nelly formed the St. Lunatics with his friends in the surrounding area. After much frustration and failed attempts, it was suggested that Nelly would have a better shot at success as a solo act, to gain recognition first as a soloist and then bring in the rest of his group, the St. Lunatics in the time to come. He was soon signed by Universal Music Group. His unique Midwest/Southern style still shines through and he continues to proudly acknowledge his St. Louis roots.
In 2001, Nelly's sister Jacqueline "Jackie" Donahue was diagnosed with leukemia. In 2003, Nelly and Jackie started the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign, a search for a bone marrow donor. Although the search was unsuccessful for Jackie, (she died March 24, 2005 of complications from leukemia when she was 31 ) the foundation was able to find matches for others, including two children from Jackie's hometown of St. Louis. Nelly has continued charity work related to this illness in her memory.
He has two children: 12 year old Chanel and 7 year old Cornell Haynes III ( known as Tre ).
Nelly{Over and Over}