Born in Austin, Texas, on 2nd November 1975, but raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelly's accent exhibits a great deal of influence from this Midwestern upbringing, as his midwest twang mixed with a southern drawl is a result of growing up in the hybrid southern-midwest city of St. Louis. Nelly became a hip-hop and pop superstar after the success of his solo 2000 release, Country Grammar. The album spawned three big hits (including "Ride Wit Me") and three Grammy awards and Nelly became an MTV favorite, recognized by a stylish band-aid on one cheek. His second effort, Nellyville, (2002) was equally successful. It included the hits "Dilemma" and "Hot in Herre" and was nominated for five Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. In 2004 Nelly released two albums at the same time, Sweat and Suit, and in September they briefly held the two top spots on the charts.