Missouri police arrest rapper Nelly on drug, driving violations

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Missouri State Police arrested rapper Nelly early Wednesday morning for possessing the drug ecstasy, driving without insurance and failing to appear for an earlier traffic offense charge.

A Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest report indicates an officer arrested Cornell Haynes II, 49, at 4:45 a.m. CDT at the Hollywood Casino for possessing ecstasy and driving without insurance.

Cornell Hayes is the rapper's birth name, and he allegedly possessed four MDMA -- or by they are more commonly known: ecstasy -- pills, which is a controlled substance.

Maryland Heights Police afterward took custody of the rapper for failing to appear for an earlier alleged traffic offense.

Nelly had a summons for an outstanding traffic violation.

Police records show Nelly later was released from custody by the local police department for the Maryland Heights suburb of St.Louis.

Nelly began performing as a rapper in 1993 and earned three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards.