Music Career
Nelly first came to mainstream audiences with his song, Country Grammar (2000) and released Free City with the St. Lunatics in 2001. Country Grammar turned out to become a mainstream success that set the stage for his breakthrough album, Nellyville. Nellyville established him as one of the most famous rappers in the early 2000s, with an image of being equal parts handsome boy-next-door and tough gangsters. From the beginnings of his pop career, the lyrics of "Country Grammar" explored this dichotomy, posing the question: "Who says pretty boys can't be wild niggaz?" and containing references to gun violence and drug use while also sending shout outs to billionaires Bill Gates and Donald Trump, as well as fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter.
Nelly on his double album Sweat/Suit (2005)
The 2002 single "Hot in Herre" was also tremendously popular (to the extent of being parodied by Weird Al Yankovic's "Trash Day"), as was its follow-up, "Dilemma," which featured vocals by Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child.
At the 45th annual Grammy Awards Nelly received two Grammy's for Best Male Rap Solo Performance and shared a Grammy with Kelly Rowland for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
In early 2003, Nelly released the controversial single, "Air Force Ones". MTV, MTV2, MuchMusic, and VH1 refused to air the video due to product placement for Nike's popular sneakers of the same name. BET, however, played it. (Nike and Nelly agreed on a 1 year deal contract in 2003 to release a limited-edition sneaker called the "Air Derrty" which was a retro remake of Charles Barkley's signature sneaker the Nike Air Max2 CB '94 which was released on June 13, 2003 at select NIKE town stores. Limited to 1,000 pairs.)
The following year in 2004 Nelly won his third Grammy for his number one hit single "Shake Ya Tailfeather" which featured Murphy Lee & P.Diddy. On September 14, 2004, Nelly released two albums simultaneously, Sweat and Suit. Suit, an R&B-oriented album, debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart and Sweat, a rap-oriented album, debuted at #2 on the same week. From the Suit album, the slow ballad Over and Over, an unlikely duet with country music star Tim McGraw, became another crossover hit. Nelly performed the song with McGraw on the latter's CBS Television concert special in 2004.
In 2006 he scored another #1 hit Grillz, which features Paul Wall.
Nelly's entire song catalogue - including hits he has co-written with Tim McGraw and NSync - is published by BMG Music Publishing.
Nelly also feuded with legendary rapper KRS-One. During the feud, Nelly used the angle that KRS-One was a tired and old rapper, past his prime. KRS-One on the other hand, called Nelly out for being a bubble gum pop artist. While many believe that KRS-One easily beat Nelly technically and lyrically, some believe Nelly got the best of KRS-One due to the fact that Nelly is still selling records while KRS-One is not. This feud was even referenced by rapper Chino XL in his song "B-Boy". In it, Chino XL states "Nelly battling KRS-One, we gotta stop him! What's next? Beyonce battling Rakim?"
When talking about his deal with Reebok Nelly said, “I’ve always been into sneakers and throughout my career I’ve always wanted to have a signature pair of sneakers that truly reflect my personal style…It made the most sense for me to partner with Reebok because they fully understand and respect the culture of sports, music and entertainment.”
Acting career
In 2002, Nelly segued from rapping to acting when he appeared in a starring role in the independently released film Snipes and the superstar rapper/entrepreneur/actor/athlete has played in a re-make of the Burt Reynolds' classic film, The Longest Yard starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.
Business
He started his own clothing line called Vokal before his music career took off, and he and his crew have often had its logo featured prominently on their clothing in music videos and public appearances. He also has a clothing line for women called Apple Bottoms.
Nelly is also a co-sponsor of the non-carbonated sports energy drink, Pimp Juice. The company also holds many contests, many of which have prizes to be able to meet him in person. Nelly is also part owner of the NBA expansion team Charlotte Bobcats with BET founder Robert Johnson as of 2005.
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