Rapper Nelly is ARRESTED for alleged drug possession near St. Louis after a traffic stop

The rapper Nelly was arrested early Wednesday morning for alleged drug possession.

The 49-year-old Hot In Herre hitmaker — real name: Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. — was arrested around 4:45 a.m., according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s arrest report, via FOX 2 News.

He was taken into custody in Maryland Heights, an outer suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, after police allegedly discovered four ecstasy pills in his vehicle.

Nelly — who was revealed in June to have secretly married the singer Ashanti last year — was also arrested for driving without insurance.

He was reportedly released later on Wednesday. 

The rapper Nelly was arrested early Wednesday morning for alleged drug possession, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s arrest report, via FOX 2 News

Police allegedly found four ecstasy pills in his vehicle; pictured in his mug shot from the Maryland Heights Police Department

After the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Nelly, he was then transferred to the custody of the Maryland Heights Police Department, where he was arrested on a failure to appear warrant.

That warrant was reportedly related to a traffic charge he had previously received in Maryland Heights, the department said in a statement to NBC News.

DailyMail.com has reached out to a representative for Nelly requesting comment.

So far, it’s unclear what prompted police to stop the rapper in the first place.

Earlier this summer, Nelly was reported to have married Ashanti secretly wed nearly six months earlier. 

Citing public records, TMZ reported that the couple wed on December 27, 2023.

It’s unknown where exactly they tied the knot, but the union became official in St. Louis County. Nelly hails from St. Louis.

DailyMail.com contacted representatives for the couple for comment. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol also arrested Nelly for allegedly not having insurance; pictured in November 2023 in Miami, Florida

He was then reportedly transferred to the custody of the Maryland Heights Police Department, where he was arrested on a failure to appear warrant; pictured in 2022 in NYC

That warrant was reportedly related to a traffic charge he had previously received in Maryland Heights, an outer suburb of St. Louis, the Maryland Heights Police Department said in a statement to NBC News

Nelly are expecting their first child together after Ashanti, 43, confirmed her pregnancy and revealed their engagement in April.

Recently, Ashanti shared details from Nelly‘s proposal. 

The singer reflected on the event, explaining the casual way the rapper popped the question.

‘It was just such a beautiful, intimate moment’ Ashanti told Entertainment Tonight. ‘We were not dressy.’

The singer said they were watching television in bed, dressed in pajamas, which added to why she was ‘completely’ shocked.

‘I cried. I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever,’ Ashanti recalled. ‘I FaceTimed everyone I know… I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy kind of like all in one.’

When it comes to their impending nuptials, the Foolish artist confirmed she will give birth before walking down the aisle.  

‘Never in a million years did I think we would be here,’ she gushed. ‘Ten years ago — maybe yes — but after our breakup, you know, I didn’t even think we’d ever have a conversation again.’

Earlier this summer, Nelly was reported to have married Ashanti secretly wed nearly six months earlier; pictured together in February in Miami

The couple are expecting their first child together. In April, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and revealed their engagement

The couple dated from 2003 to 2013 before going their separate ways. 

Then, in 2021, Nelly and Ashanti ran into each other at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle.

The 49-year-old asked for Ashanti’s number from DJ City, sparking the pair to rekindle their romance.

‘I guess when you go through a breakup, for me personally, I kind of just shut that person out…’ Ashanti continued. ‘It’s kinda like, OK, that chapter is closed and you just move on, you know, and there’s nothing there.’