Nelly

Prolific rapper Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. is much better known as Nelly. He’s also a songwriter and entrepreneur. Nelly began as a member of the group St. Lunatics in 1993, and remained with them until 2000. His solo career has been highlighted by consistent hit singles and albums. It began with the LP” Country Grammar,” and has continued through last year’s country-tinged EP “The Heartland.” He has collaborated with various rap, pop, and country artists, earned Grammy awards in 2003 and 2004, and was cited among the most dominant artists in the first half of the new millennium. He’s also had a very active career in film and television, appearing in the features “Snipes,” and the remade version of “The Longest Yard.” He’s also appeared in such TV projects as “The Next Fame is at Your Doorstep,” “The Heartland,” “CSI: New York,” “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Nellyville.” Nelly was a participant last year in “Dancing With The Stars.” But he’s equally proud of his endeavors as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He’s had shoe deals with Reebok, done ads for the Ford Motor Company and Milk products, and owns Apple Bottoms and Vokal, clothing lines designed for women and men respectively. He’s a former part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and has previously released a fitness video. Perhaps most importantly, he joined forces with Vatterott College to found the Extreme Institute by Nelly, a music production school in the heart of St. Louis in 2011. He currently runs the nonprofit organization 4Sho4Kids Foundation, which began in 2003. It was created by Nelly and his sister Jackie Donahue after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Its main purpose is to educate African Americans and other minorities about the need for bone marrow transplants, and also to register more donors. Nelly began the “White and Black Ball” in St. Louis 15 years ago. He serves as its host, and the event is a fundraiser that collects funds for scholarships. He’s sent two students to college each year for over a decade, and also established a scholarship fund named after Michael Brown. Nelly endorsed the Do Something’s Tackle Hunger campaign in 2010, and every holiday season collects tons of food to feed those most in need. He’s currently on Columbia Records, and maintains an active performing career with various charitable activities.