Nelly, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., is a renowned American rapper and singer from St. Louis. He first stepped into the music scene with the Southern hip hop group St. Lunatics in 1993. In 1999, he inked a game-changing deal with Universal Records.
His stardom soared with his 2000 album “Country Grammar,” which stormed the top 10 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Subsequent albums like “Nellyville,” “Sweat,” and “Suit” also reached the summit. In 2008, he dropped his fifth studio album, “Brass Knuckles,” featuring hit collaborations with Fergie, Jermaine Dupri, Ciara, and Akon.
Nelly is a proud recipient of three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards. He’s not just about music; Nelly dabbled in acting, appearing in “The Longest Yard” in 2005, and launched two clothing lines, Vokal and Apple Bottoms.
By 2014, he ranked as the fourth best-selling rap artist in American music history, selling 21 million albums. In the 2000s, Billboard even hailed him as the third Top Artist of the Decade.
In a recent groundbreaking move, Nelly earned a cool $50 million by selling half of his legendary catalog, featuring eight albums and classic hits, to the investment firm HarbourView Equity Partners owned by Sherrese Clarke Soares. The deal, encompassing the sale of eight albums, was unveiled on July 5.
Billionaires.Africa turns the spotlight on five companies directly owned by Nelly, revealing the vast empire that bolsters his net worth.
- Apple Bottoms
Apple Bottoms, a renowned female clothing line, was co-founded in 2003 by the eminent hip-hop artist Nelly, in collaboration with Yomi Martin and Ian Kelly. This brand was specifically crafted for women with full hips, focusing on style and comfort. Over the years, it has evolved to include a diverse range of products, extending beyond clothing to encompass accessories and a signature line of perfumes.
- Vokal (Very Organized Kids Always Learning)
In 1997, Cornell “Nelly” Haynes Jr., Abayomi Jamil “Yomi” Martin, and Nick Loftis came together to create Vokal, an iconic hip-hop fashion brand. This label caters to men’s fashion, specializing in T-shirts, jerseys, and bespoke clothing. Vokal products can be found in select stores across America and Europe, embodying a distinct blend of hip-hop culture and style.
- MoShine
In April 2023, Nelly introduced MoShine™, a brand of moonshine deeply rooted in his love for the two music genres. This brand serves as a heartfelt tribute to Nelly’s hometown, St. Louis, Missouri, encapsulating his passion for both musical worlds. - Ex’treme Institute
Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his community, Nelly collaborated with Vatterott College in 2011 to establish the Ex’treme Institute By Nelly. Located in the heart of St. Louis, this institute is dedicated to the art of music production, imparting invaluable knowledge and fostering talent.
- 4Sho4Kids Foundation
Founded by Nelly, the 4Sho4Kids Foundation was born out of a vision to make a difference. In 2003, Nelly, alongside his sister Jackie Donahue, initiated the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign to raise awareness and educate African Americans and minorities about bone marrow transplants. After the loss of Donahue in 2005, Nelly’s commitment to helping children facing addiction and developmental disabilities led to the establishment of 4Sho4Kids, an organization that continues to make a positive impact on young lives.
