Nelson, who grew up in Garden City Park, Long Island, New York, was a child star, appearing in many national commercials and in a movie, Mixed Company. From 1973 to 1974, he performed on Broadway alongside Marlo Thomas in Thieves. At the age of 14, he guest starred on Sanford and Son as Grady's grandson; at 15, he was in the cast of a spin-off of Sanford and Son called Grady (1975). The show was short-lived. The next year, in 1976, at the age of 16, he landed the role of Dwayne on What's Happening!!, the first African-American teen sitcom. As a "teenage heartthrob" on a popular television series, Nelson was one of the first African-American teen idols. In 1977, Nelson guest starred on Kojak in the episode "The Godson" as Bobby Moore.

Nelson still works in entertainment. He does not work behind the scenes anymore since 2014. In the past,he has worked in talk shows, TV shows and interview programs. Nelson today, is a main point advisor in his current wife's company SKYEWOOD. His wife Khnadya Skye aka Skye Nelson is also listed as Nelson's Attorney at SAG-AFTRA. It is also said that his wife is definitely and directly related to the Royal Family's of Saudi Arabia and Dubai. Which is why Nelson is rarely seen and extremely private nowadays. Nelson hasn't seen or spoken to his former "What's Happening!!" castmates, since 2014. Despite the fact that there are similarities, Nelson and the late Prince Rogers Nelson are not related. Both Nelson and his current wife have been publicly vocal on this subject strongly. Acquantainces yes, but only family of his music and spirit for life.