Nelly

A solo emcee previously with the St. Lunatics, Nelly put the long-ignored St. Louis scene on the map with his album's title track and chart-topping debut single "Country Grammar." Supported by bouncy beats and undeniably catchy production, his charismatic sing-song rhyme style has earned him love from millions of new fans. Nelly's sophomore LP Nellyville featured even more platinum hits, loaded with heavy-rotation singles such as "Hot In Herre," "#1," and "Dilemma." After the tremendous success of his sophomore LP, Nelly also founded several charities (including one for his cancer-afflicted sister and one for underprivileged kids from the neighborhood), launched his Apple Bottom clothing company for the ladies, and started his own energy drink called Pimp Juice. He released a remix album Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention in 2003, and the following year made history by releasing two new LPs simultaneously: Suit, a mellow love-rap collection, and Sweat, aimed squarely at the clubs. However, by 2008 and his fifth album, Brass Knuckles, Nelly's career cooled considerably. Two years later, he launched a comeback with a new hit single, "Just A Dream."