Yahoo Lifestyle Must Be the Money! Find Out Nelly's Net Worth in 2025
Country Grammar came out 25 years ago in June, catapulting artist Nelly to fame and making him a very rich man. How rich? Let's just say that, with a net worth like his, you could find yourself "paying cash, first class, sitting next to Vanna White" a million times over (that's a "Ride Wit Me" reference for the uninitiated).
Keep reading for more on how Nelly got his start and what he earned along the way.
How did Nelly get his start?
Nelly was born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. on Nov. 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas, but he was raised in St. Louis, Mo., where he moved with his mother after his parents' separation. He got his start in music in the late '90s, as part of a local group called the St. Lunatics (other members included fellow rappers Ali, Murphy Lee, City Spud and Kyjuan). But his big break came in 1999, when he signed with Universal Records. The following year, he released his debut album, Country Grammar, which became a massive commercial success, largely propelled by the title track, “Country Grammar (Hot Sh--).” The album went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide, receiving a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2016.
Far from a one-hit wonder, Nelly further cemented his status as one of the most successful rappers of his era with anthemic tracks like "Ride Wit Me," "E.I.," "Batter Up," "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" (featuring Kelly Rowland).
Staying true to his roots, he featured the St. Lunatics on several of his tracks along the way.
What is Nelly's net worth in 2025?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Nelly's net worth in 2025 is a whopping $70 million—the result of album sales, sales of his alcohol brand, MoShine, and the 2023 sale of half his music catalog for $50 million, among other ventures.
How much did Nelly sell his music catalog for?
In July 2023, Nelly sold a 50 percent stake in his music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners for $50 million. The company acquired rights to "Ride Wit Me," "Dilemma" and "Hot in Herre," among other tracks, in the deal.
"As artists, we put our heart and soul into each track and there comes a time when you consider preservation of that artistry. My music is my legacy which I want to last beyond me, continuing to make my existing fans happy while reaching new generations and new audiences," Nelly said in a statement at the time.
Related: Eminem's Net Worth in 2025 Would Make Any Accountant Into a Stan
What was Nelly paid for The Longest Yard?
Nelly played a convict named Earl Megget in The Longest Yard, a 2005 movie starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, but his payday for the film isn't public information.
What brands does Nelly own?
Nelly is the founder of the moonshine brand MoShine (named for his home state), which he partnered with Piedmont Distillers to create in 2023.
He also launched the denim brand Apple Bottoms in 2003 with rappers Yomi Martin and Ian Kelly. The label went dark after less than 10 years on the market, despite its early popularity. Although Nelly teased a comeback via Instagram in 2020, the brand doesn't appear to be back in business.
Has Nelly won a Grammy?
Indeed. He's won three of his 12 nominations:
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Dilemma" (2003)
Best Male Rap Solo Performance for "Hot In Herre" (2003)
Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for the Sean "Diddy" Combs song "Shake Ya Tailfeather," which featured Nelly and Murphy Lee (2004)
What is Nelly's best-selling album?
Nelly has released eight studio albums, but his very first, Country Grammar, remains his top-seller to date.
Related: Check Out Nelly's Awesome Nike Dancing Shoes for the Finale on Dancing With the Stars
What was Nelly paid to perform at President Donald Trump's inauguration?
Nelly is set to perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of three official balls celebrating Trump’s return to office. Typically, artists do not get paid for performing at inaugural events.
In a 2021 interview with Billboard, Erik Smith, creative director for Barack Obama’s 2009 and 2013 inaugurations said that artists were usually game to work for free. “What we were telling artists was, ‘You’re invited to perform. You’re not getting paid. Your band’s not getting paid. You get one hotel room and two tickets,'” Smith told the outlet.
During a livestreamed conversation with fellow rapper Willie D on Sunday (via The Guardian), Nelly addressed backlash to his upcoming performance, saying, “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor. I respect the office."
He also said it wasn't a "political" move.
“This is not me telling you, ‘Yo, you should vote for this candidate.’ I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people who you love and you provide for because I’m clueless on a lot of things when it gets down to it."
“But what I will say is that, I respect the office. This isn’t politics. The politics, for me, is over. [Trump] won! He’s the president. He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world."
Other inaugural performers include Carrie Underwood and Billy Ray Cyrus.
