Nelly — The most famous and successful of the modern St. Louis rappers, Cornell Haynes Jr., exploded onto the scene with a unique brand of rap that transcended into pop success through the 8 million-selling Country Grammar debut in 2000, via its title track and “E.I.” He kept it going for awhile on the next two multi-platinum albums Nellyville (6 million sold), powered by “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland, and the double compilation Sweat and Suit (each selling 5 million apiece). But it’s been a good minute since he attained that level of fame — or produced any hits.
