As a pioneer in the urban music scene, Nelson started his broadcasting career as "Madhatter" in 1985 on London's Kiss FM, originally a pirate radio station, and after it gained a licence in 1990. Nelson was both a daytime DJ and director. Behind the decks Nelson cut his teeth as a DJ with Soul II Soul and promoted numerous club nights including "Lick". With a stint behind the scenes in A&R at Cooltempo, EMI, Nelson was instrumental in the careers of D’Angelo, Mica Paris and Lynden David Hall. In 1996, Nelson moved to BBC Radio 1 to present the first ever national RNB show "The Rhythm Nation" and a year later began a Saturday afternoon programme which resulted in his winning a MOBO Award in 1997 as Best DJ. Nelson stayed at Radio 1 until 2013.