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---
title: Stephen Colbert Helps #SaveNelly With Song Debt In Herre
description: Stephen Colbert is here for Nelly with his song “Debt in Herre”
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author: Melissa Locker
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article:published_time: 2016-09-15T15:14:42.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T07:36:35.835Z
og:title: Stephen Colbert Helps #SaveNelly with Song “Debt In Herre”
og:description: “Not a little bit of back tax/ It&#x27;s a lotta bit of back tax.”
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twitter:title: Stephen Colbert Helps #SaveNelly with Song “Debt In Herre”
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# Stephen Colbert Helps #SaveNelly with Catchy New Song 'Debt In Herre'

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by 

[Melissa Locker](https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/)


## Melissa Locker


Sep 15, 2016 3:14 PM UTC

by 

[Melissa Locker](https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/)


## Melissa Locker


Sep 15, 2016 3:14 PM UTC

Stephen Colbert is doing his part to save “Ride Wit Me” rapper Nelly from a possible IRS bill.

After TMZ reported the (unsubstantiated) news that Nelly owes the taxman some serious cash, the internet has been [rallying to the cause.](http://time.com/4490160/savenelly-spotify-nelly/) In a campaign spearheaded by [_Spin,_](http://www.spin.com/2016/09/nelly-irs-debt/) fans have been streaming Nelly’s 2002 hit “Hot in Herre” as often as possible in the hopes of wracking up enough Spotify royalties that Nelly can pay his dues.

On Wednesday night, Colbert joined the cause, but instead of streaming one of Nelly’s songs, he wrote his own to teach the rapper a little fiscal responsibility.

Titled “Debt in Herre”, Colbert’s hip-hop song included some very sound financial advice for the rapper from Colbert’s accountant. “Waitin’ for the right time to pay your fees/Now you’re payin’ down serious federal liens,” Colbert rhymed. “Stop writing those I.O.U.s/I.R.S. won’t sign a truce.” Take a break from streaming Nelly to listen to this ode to fiscal responsibility.

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