Although Nelly, Cornell Haynes Jr., isn't from the South, or part of the Dirty South crowd, his work is known for his use of the southern pronunciations and extensions of words, making him the King of the South. His debut album Country Grammar in 2000 contained the hit "Country Grammar (Hot...)," became a super summer success. Then, Nelly was #1 on nearly every Billboard chart possible with his debut album Nellyville and the new, addictive catch phrase became, "Hot in Herre" in 2002. Releasing Maximum and Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention both in 2003. He also worked with P. Diddy on the Bad Boys II soundtrack with "Shake Ya Tailfeather." Nelly released Sweat Suit Combo in 2004 and will release Who's the Boss in 2006.

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When Nelly hit the scene with the band-aid under his eye and slurring out his rrr's, it looked like this was one rapper going nowhere, but he found a hold in the summer beach party scene and he went with it. He didn't try and be bigger than the beach crowd, he released a song pandering to those who flocked to beaches across America and told them to "take off all their clothes". Nelly has kept himself in the public eye by delivering just what he promises, good party music.