Happy birthday! Nelly turns 52 today

By Lori Macatee
Washington
Last updated on November 2, 2026

The iconic and legendary rapper turns 52 on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.

Hot news

Love November 11, 2026
Nelly Engaged?
Breaking Up November 7, 2026
Nelly Single Again?
Rumor Central November 2026
Is Nelly secretly gay and hiding in the closet?

Nelly is celebrating his 52nd 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 52nd 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 52.

Happy Birthday, Nelly, you're the best!