Rap superstar Nelly will likely be the first hip-hop star to get paid for letting their underwear show. The St. Louis-bred artist, whose real name is Cornell Haynes Jr., will be the new spokesmodel for Sean Jean Underwear, the intimates line by fellow hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Nelly is Sean Jean’s first underwear model, though the Sean Jean clothing line has featured spokesmodels like NBA star Dwayne Wade, actress Cru Penelopez, and rappers Snoop Dogg and Nas.

“To me, Nelly is the quintessential definition of the Sean John man,” Diddy said in a statement on Monday. “He has the attitude, the swagger and most of all, the physique that our customers can both aspire and relate to. And let’s be honest, all of the ladies out there are going to be thanking us for this campaign. The images are so strong; they speak for themselves.”

The print campaign for Sean Jean Underwear was shot in Los Angeles by photographer Randee St. Nicholas and features Nelly in various loungewear inside and outside a modern California home.

“I have been a big fan of Diddy and the Sean John clothing line for years,” said Nelly. “So, when they asked me to work with them, it was a real honor. I hope my fans will enjoy this campaign as much as I did shooting it.”

The Sean John company has annual retail sales in the of more than $525 million and is sold in specialty and department stores, including Macy’s.

This is not Nelly’s first endorsement deal.

The 33-year-old Grammy winner was the first rap star to appear in the Got Milk? campaign. He’s also had an endorsement deal with Reebok.

In other Nelly news, the ‘Hot in Here’ rapper is readying the release of his fourth CD, ‘Brass Knuckles.’

In addition to collaborating with singer Fergie on the track, ‘Party People,’ the CD also features guest appearances by Usher, TI, Akon, Public Enemy’sChuck D, LL Cool J and his girlfriend Ashanti.

Speaking of Ashanti, a source close to the pair tell me that those rumors coming from the U.K. that Nelly is dating blue-eyed soul singer Joss Stone are “completely bogus.”

Nelly and Ashanti are still going strong and despite not actually talking publicly about their courtship – sans for Ashanti’s introduction of him at this year’s BET Awards – the couple have been together since 2004.

In fact, the couple was just today in London about three weeks ago and was spotted having drinks at the Sanderson Hotel in London with Usher.