Happy birthday! Nelly turns 51 today

By Lori Macatee
Washington
Last updated on November 2, 2025

The iconic and legendary rapper turns 51 on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

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Nelly is celebrating his 51st birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed rappers of his generation.

Popular rapper-business man Nelly (Just a Dream, Dilemma, Hot in Herre, ...) has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 51st birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Nelly, a cultural icon

Born Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. in Austin on November 2, 1974, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Nelly's not just a great rapper, he's an inspiration, an icon and a very charming man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Nelly hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Nelly as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 51.

Happy Birthday, Nelly, you're the best!