The hip-hop star, Nelly, isn’t just a known figure for his catchy tunes and untenable swag—he’s also built a huge fortune over the years. From dominating the charts in the early 2000s to making some sharp business moves, his fortune has always been a hot topic.
So, how much is Nelly net worth exactly, and what’s behind his financial success? Did he make all his fortune only from his musical talent, or does he have other sources of income?
In this article, we’ll go down the road of discovering the story of this St. Louis superstar together. You’ll learn more about his chart-topping moments and ventures outside the music world. Let’s get started!
Nelly: Personal Profile
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Nelly first appeared on the music scene in the early 2000s with his debut album, “Country Grammar.” Soon after, the album sold over 10 million copies globally. Since then, he’s become a famous name in the world of hip-hop and beyond.
Before getting to the details of Nelly’s net worth, let’s take a quick look at some key highlights about the man himself:
- Full Name: Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.
- Date of Birth: November 2, 1974
- Place of Birth: Austin, Texas
- School: University City High School
- Profession: Rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor
- Music Genres: Hip hop, R&B, pop, and country
- Parents: Cornell Haynes and Rhonda Mack
- Siblings: One half-brother (Lavell Webb, AKA City Spud) and one deceased half-sister (Jacqueline “Jackie” Donahue)
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Ashanti (m. 2023)
- Children: Five (Shawn Thomas, Chanelle Haynes, Sydney Thomas, Cornell Iral “Tre” Haynes III, and Kareem Kenkaide Haynes)
- Net Worth: $70 million
Nelly: Net Worth
Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., Nelly has managed to amass a substantial fortune through a diverse career. His current net worth is estimated to be around a staggering $70 million. Besides being a music star, Nelly has found success in many areas.
Here’s a closer look at how he earned his millions and what keeps his wealth growing:
1. Music Sales
Nelly’s music career was the first stone in the foundation of his fortune. His first album, “Country Grammar,” released in 2000, was a huge hit. At the time, it sold over 10 million copies worldwide and remains his best-selling album to date.
Over the years, his other albums brought him even more success. This includes “Nellyville” and “Sweatsuit,” which achieved millions of sales and included chart-topping singles. In total, Nelly sold more than 21 million records across the U.S. and nearly 40 million worldwide.
Even though Nelly’s biggest hits came out years ago, millions of listeners still play them on streaming platforms every day. This, as well, keeps the money coming in as his music remains popular among fans of all ages.
2. Concerts and Tours
Live performances have always been another massive source of income for Nelly. His world tours (which are almost always sold out) earned him millions of dollars.
No matter how many years go by, fans from all over enjoy seeing him perform classics like “Hot in Herre” and “Ride Wit Me” live.
3. Music Catalog Sale
In 2023, Nelly made a major business move by selling a 50% ownership share of his music catalog. Estimated as a whole at $100 million, he received $50 million for half of his catalog sales.
Besides earning him millions, this deal proves the lasting value of Nelly’s music even years after its release.
4. Acting and TV Appearances
In addition to music, Nelly also earned money from acting. He appeared in movies like “Snipes,” “The Longest Yard,” and “Reach Me.” He also made a couple of TV appearances in four episodes of “CSI: New York” and one episode of “Cedric the Entertainer Presents.”
Furthermore, Nelly was a top cast member of the TV show “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Although these roles weren’t too many, they added to Nelly’s income and helped him stay in the spotlight beyond music.
5. Business Ventures
Nelly’s interest in business grew throughout his career. In 1997, he launched a clothing line with the name Vokal. Later in 2003, he co-founded another fashion brand called Apple Bottoms, which became quite popular.
Besides fashion, Nelly also tried his luck with a moonshine brand that he named “MoShine.” The brand blends traditional moonshine roots with modern flavors.
6. Brand Endorsements
Over the years, Nelly has partnered with major brands for endorsement deals. He’s worked with companies like Nike and Reebok, earning money while promoting their products.
On top of that, Nelly also collaborated with Burger King in their bold move to cut out many artificial ingredients from the menu. He promoted what they called the “Keep It Real Meals” and even had the “Cornell Haynes, Jr. Meal” named after him.
7. Fitness DVD
In 2010, Nelly tried to venture into the fitness world by releasing a workout DVD, “Celebrity Sweat.” It featured his personal fitness routines and tips for staying healthy, alongside appearances by other celebrities and athletes.
Nelly: Issues With Taxes
Despite his success in music and business, Nelly faced financial challenges at some points in his career. In 2016, he reportedly owed the IRS around $2.4 million in back taxes. Back then, the IRS filed a federal tax lien against him, raising concerns among his fans.
Not only that, but Nelly also owed about $150,000 in taxes to the state of Missouri. This shows how even high-earning celebrities can face financial trouble if they don’t manage their taxes properly.
Nelly: Other Legal Issues
Beyond his tax problems, Nelly has faced other legal challenges throughout his career. In 2015, the police stopped and searched his tour bus in Tennessee. They discovered marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia on board.
Nelly denied drug ownership, and his legal team claimed he was unaware of their presence. Therefore, he was charged with felony drug possession and misdemeanor charges. Eventually, the felony charge was dropped, and Nelly was sentenced to only one year of probation.
That said, in 2017, Nelly was accused again. This time, it was sexual assault, which he denied, claiming the allegations were false. He didn’t face charges at the time because the accuser refused to cooperate. Following that, Nelly filed a countersuit to claim defamation.
Later on, the two lawsuits were dropped after they reached a settlement.
