Rapper Nelly wearing a navy blue cap and a white shirt.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Nelly

Height

5 ft 8 in (173 cm)

Net Worth

$70 million, 2026 est.

Nationality

American

Born

November 2, 1974

Birthplace

Austin, Texas, US

Age

52 Years Old

Horoscope

Scorpio

Who Is Nelly?

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. is an American rapper and singer celebrated for his unique vocal twang. He transformed mainstream popular culture by combining regional Midwestern hip-hop with effortless, radio-friendly pop melodies across a series of massive chart hits.

Haynes achieved global stardom following the breakthrough release of his 2000 album Country Grammar. The diamond-certified project yielded massive chart hits and popularized his signature cheek bandage.

Full NameCornell Iral Haynes Jr.
GenderMale
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Relationship StatusMarried
Net Worth$70 million, 2026 est.
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityAfrican American
EducationUniversity City High School
FatherCornell Haynes Sr.
MotherRhonda Mack
SiblingsJacqueline Donahue, Nijel Haynes
KidsChanelle Haynes, Cornell Haynes III, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes

Early Life and Education

Born in Austin, Texas, Haynes moved frequently before settling in St. Louis. His mother, Rhonda Mack, raised him alongside extended family while he developed a strong passion for playing baseball and writing original raps.

He later attended University City High School during his teenage years. While forming the hip-hop group St. Lunatics with hometown friends, he refined his melodic lyricism and established a loyal local following.

Notable Relationships

A series of high-profile romances has defined the personal life of Cornell Haynes. He previously dated singer Ashanti for several years before embarking on a long relationship with model Shantel Jackson.

The rapper rekindled his relationship with Ashanti, culminating in their marriage. He shares a son with whom he co-parents alongside Ashanti, while also maintaining close ties to his older adult children.

Career Highlights

In mainstream hip-hop, Haynes established an unprecedented run of commercial dominance. His sophomore album Nellyville featured consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” helping the project sell millions of copies worldwide.

Beyond music, the artist successfully expanded into fashion and sports ownership. He co-founded the popular women’s clothing line Apple Bottoms, secured a minority stake in an NBA franchise, and launched several beverage and media ventures.

To date, Haynes has collected three Grammy Awards and multiple Billboard Music honors. His crossover collaborations across rap, pop, and country genres solidified his lasting impact on modern American popular culture.

Signature Quote

“I always feel like I have something to prove. It keeps me hungry and focused on the next big goal.”