Rapper Nelly, born Cornell I. Haynes Jr., was arrested early Wednesday morning in Maryland Heights, Missouri, following a routine stop by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The arrest occurred around 4:45 a.m. near the Hollywood Casino, just outside St. Louis, according to a spokesperson for the Highway Patrol who confirmed the details to Variety.
The incident began when Nelly was stopped by the Missouri Gaming Commission for an ID verification as he was leaving the casino. During this routine check, it was discovered that Nelly had an outstanding warrant related to a previous charge for failing to obtain car insurance.
The situation escalated when a subsequent search of Nelly’s vehicle by state highway officers uncovered ecstasy pills, leading to additional charges for drug possession. Nelly was taken into custody and transported to the Maryland Heights Police Department. He was later released. Representatives for the rapper have not yet responded to requests for comment from Variety.
This arrest comes shortly after Nelly completed a nationwide tour as the supporting act for Janet Jackson’s latest concert series, an extension of her 2023 “Together Again” tour, which has become the highest-grossing tour of her career. Nelly’s last performance was on July 30 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.
Although Nelly has taken a step back from his solo music career, his most recent full-length album, “Heartland,” released in 2021, featured collaborations with country artists like Florida Georgia Line. Recently, he signed with WME for global representation, following tours with T.I., Ja Rule, and Ashanti, as well as a short tour with Nashville singer Chase McDaniel and appearances at various music festivals.
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