Cornell "Nelly" Haynes is the second highest selling hip hop artist of all times. He has sold over thirty-five million records worldwide. Nelly is the recipient of music’s highest honors with three Grammys, three American Music Awards, four number one albums and five number one singles to hit the charts.

Artistic and business-minded, Haynes has navigated his crossover appeal into television both as an actor and guest- broadcaster. Nelly appeared in Adam Sandler's block buster hit, “The Longest Yard” and served as executive producer of the soundtrack. Continuing to showcase his acting skills Haynes is also part of the CSI New York cast having a recurring role as Club Owner "Terrence" in the hit series. Haynes utilizes his intellect, brand marketing, and ownership equity as a co-owner of NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, the owner of clothing companies; Apple Bottoms and Troop and is the owner of his own record label, Derrty Entertainment.

Beyond business, Haynes is also a humanitarian who operates the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign, co-founded by his late sister Jackie Donahue. Jes Us 4 Jackie aims to raise awareness about the need for bone marrow and stem cell donors in the African American community. Haynes also operates 4Sho4Kids. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and is also a mentoring based nonprofit organization that caters to youth education and scholarship donations.