Although a talented baseball player, Nelly instead decided to pursue his muscical talents by forming the rap group St. Lunatics with high school friends Kyjuan (Robert Cleveland), Big Lee (Ali Jones), City Spud (Lavell Webb), Murphy Lee (Tohri Harper), and Slow Down (Corey Edwards).

In 1996 the group enjoyed local success in their own 'backyard' of St. Louis, Missouri with "Gimme What Ya Got", but the single failed to generate interest from any record labels. In 1999 Nelly opted to embark on a solo career and was signed by Universal Records. Nelly's solo journey would later have him putting out such hits as "Country Grammar", "Ride Wit Me", and "St. Louie".

Soon afterward, Nelly reunited with the St. Lunatics and they released their debut album the following June. However, it was Nelly's single in 2002 "Hot In Herre" that made him an international star virtually overnight.

Nelly currently owns three homes in the St. Louis, Missouri area. The most prominent of these homes is located in the town of Eureka, Missouri. This affluent home is a two-story, four bedroom home which is worth just over $1.4 million. Built on almost 6 acres, this home also boasts two fireplaces, a 35 x 34 ft. swimming pool and over 9,000 square feet.

Nelly's home in Eureka, Missouri.

The population of Eureka, Missouri is 7676. Eureka is located approximately 25 miles southwest of St. Louis.

Places of interest in Nelly's community include the 419 acre Route 66 State Park, the 18-hole Aberdeen Golf Course which is open to the public, and the private 18-hole Hidden Valley Golf Course.