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May 24, 2023 4 min read
When it comes to the greatest rappers of all time, Nelly's name will always be at the forefront of the conversation. From the early 2000s to the present, his songs and greatest hits have propelled him to stardom and left an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry. However, Nelly's influence extends far beyond his music; his fashion choices have made a significant impact, inspiring countless individuals and setting new trends. Even today, his influence in the music industry continues to resonate as we still enjoy his music in movies, TV shows, and various other mediums. Nelly's distinctive style and fashion sense have made him a standout figure, consistently making headlines and captivating audiences.
One of the most recognizable aspects of Nelly's fashion is his signature face band-aid. Although it originated from a basketball injury, he continued to wear it as a tribute to his incarcerated friend, making it an integral part of his look. Whenever we think of Nelly, the face band-aid immediately comes to mind. Another notable element of his fashion repertoire is his love for grillz, which he proudly displays in his music videos. In fact, he even dedicated a song to grillz, further solidifying their significance in his artistic identity.
Beyond his stage name, Nelly's real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. He embarked on his hip-hop journey in 1993 when he joined the St. Lunatics group in St. Louis, Missouri. However, it was in 2000 that he truly rose to fame with the start of his solo career. His album "Country Grammar," featuring the hit single "Ride wit Me," soared to the top of the charts, becoming one of the top ten hits and reaching number one on the Billboard 200. Collaborations with artists like Kelly Rowland on "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma" further solidified Nelly as a household name. Throughout his career, he has amassed numerous prestigious awards, including Billboard Music Awards and Grammys. Nelly has also ventured into acting, showcasing his talent alongside comedy icons Adam Sandler and Chris Rock in the film "The Longest Yard."
Nelly's influence on the grillz industry cannot be overstated. His song about grillz sparked a surge in demand for these unique accessories, catapulting them into the mainstream. Some credit the music video for the song as the catalyst that ignited this trend. Co-written with fellow artists Paul Wall, Ali, and Gipp, the track reached the US Billboard top 100 and achieved top 20 positions in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. Nelly's consistent presence wearing grillz in his music videos solidified their significance as part of his artistic identity. It is nearly impossible to imagine Nelly without his trademark grillz, as they have become an integral part of his persona.
When it comes to his personal grooming, Nelly is known for his impeccable style. He always appears well-groomed and perfectly coiffed, thanks to his personal barber who accompanies him on his travels. This attention to detail has earned him the moniker "Hip-Hop's Most Dapper Gentleman." Additionally, Nelly boasts an extensive collection of footwear, particularly athletic shoes. In 2020, he made waves on "Dancing with the Stars" when he sported a custom high-heeled Air Jordan, showcasing his bold fashion choices. However, it is his teeth grillz that truly stand out. Nelly's journey with grillz began when he got his first gold tooth at the age of 17, simply to gauge his mother's reaction. Fortunately, she approved, giving him the green light to confidently embrace this unique style. While Nelly has since transitioned to veneers, showcasing a pearly white smile, he still cherishes his collection of grillz.
Nelly's affinity for large jewelry extends beyond grillz. He possesses an array of hip-hop chains, each more captivating than the last. During a concert, he caught the attention of the audience with a massive Cuban link chain, and on another occasion, he boldly wore six oversized chains simultaneously. Yet, despite his impressive jewelry collection, it is the allure of his grillz that consistently steals the show.
One of Nelly's most iconic grillz is the single cap cemented onto his tooth. This gold cap adorns his upper teeth and has become synonymous with the artist. We have witnessed this signature gold tooth in countless music videos, emphasizing the significant role grillz play in Nelly's fashion expression.
It's no wonder that many of us wonder about the cost of Nelly's teeth and are tempted to acquire our own. The dazzling grillz he showcases often exude an air of luxury and exclusivity. In one music video, he showcased a flashy $30,000 grill set encrusted with blue diamonds, highlighting his penchant for one-of-a-kind pieces. Collaborating with renowned jeweler Paul Wall, Nelly ensured that his grillz reflected his unique artistic persona.
Nelly's contributions to the grillz and hip-hop jewelry industry are widely recognized. His song "GRILLS" sparked a revolution, introducing these fashion accessories to a broader audience and transcending their initial association with hip-hop culture. Today, grillz are seen as versatile pieces that people from various genres can wear and customize according to their personal taste and style. Nelly's fashion choices continue to inspire future generations of rappers, setting the bar higher and establishing him as a trendsetter. In the realm of both fashion and music, Nelly's grillz have become a cultural phenomenon, etching his name in history.
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