NELLY SUED BY AMERICAN EXPRESS FOR $20 G'S!

Nelly ran up a $20,403.64 credit card bill with American Express -- which seems totally reasonable for a big name rap star. Just one problem ... AMEX says he never paid it!

The credit card company filed a lawsuit against Nelly (real name Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr) in Missouri back in October to try and get their money back (plus another $3,000 in attorney's fees). So far though, they claim Nelly has refused to pay what he owes.

A court hearing is scheduled for January 9.

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