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Nelly’s Signature Fashion Staples Make Him A Style Icon: Grillz, Fresh Kicks, And More!

The ‘I Am Hip Hop Award’ honoree has serious swag.

Nelly has a swag that continues to influence the masses. Since his debut album, Country Grammar in 2000, the St. Louis rapper has used his personal style to compliment his bars. Just consider how many of his admirers wanted to duplicate his trademark style cards that included custom gold grills, designer durags, fresh new sneakers, and face band-aids. 

RELATED | Nelly Is This Year's I Am Hip Hop Winner

As we prepare for the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards, we decided to take a look at some of the most memorable fashion mainstays from the lyricist, who is the I Am Hip Hop Award honoree. We assure you that this mini-style guide will not let you down!

  1. Chunky Chains And Eye-Catching Grillz

    (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

    Photo by John Shearer/WireImage

    (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)

    You cannot call out Nelly’s style staples without bringing attention to his love for bold and eye-catching jewelry. Whether he’s spotted performing on stage or making a debut on a red carpet, it is not uncommon to see the “Grillz” rapper dripping in iced-out bling, thick gold chains, and eye-catching mouthpieces.  

  2. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

    Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage

    (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
  3. Facial Band-Aids And Flashy Sunglasses

    (Photo by Malcolm Ali/WireImage)

    Malcolm Ali/WireImage

    (Photo by Malcolm Ali/WireImage)

    Trendsetters have the ability to create their own accessories—even if it is unorthodox. This is exactly the case for Nelly who was almost never spotted in the early 2000s without a band-aid on his face. Don’t even get us started about his sunglasses game that continues to catch our attention. 

  4. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

    Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

    (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
  5. Designer Durags, Stylish Snapbacks, And Dope Streetwear

    (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

    Photo by Ron Galella

    (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

    Between his Louis Vuitton leather durag and extensive collection of oversized jerseys, it is no question that Nelly is all about streetwear swag. And we’re not mad at it! 

  6. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage for Mediaplacement)

    Rebecca Sapp/WireImage for Mediaplacement

    (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage for Mediaplacement)
  7. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

    Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET

    (Photo by Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
  8. Fun Bonus: Fresh Footwear Always And Forever!

    (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images)

    Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

    (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images)

    Nelly stays with fresh kicks! In 2020, the “Air Force Ones” rapper broke the internet when he performed on  Dancing With the Stars with stylish Air Jordan 3s that were specially customized by The Shoe Surgeon with dancefloor-friendly heels. Now that’s a true sneakerhead!  

  9. (Photo by Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images for dcp)

    Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images for dcp

    (Photo by Emma McIntyre /AMA2020/Getty Images for dcp)

    Watch the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday, October 5 at 9 PM ET/PT.

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