Joss Stone Having Secret Dates With Rapper Nelly

Joss Stone has been having secret dates with rapper Nelly.

The British singer -- who once joked about turning gay because she was having trouble finding a man -- has reportedly been on several dates with the 'Hot in Here' hitmaker.

A source reveals, "Joss and Nelly have been out on a few dates together.

"It's early days but we haven't seen Joss this happy in quite a long time.

"It's great she has met someone as successful as she is and who understands the pressures being a performer can put on your life.

"And it helps that he is hot too - he is just her type."

Joss, 21, was left devastated after splitting from long term boyfriend Beau Dozier in 2005.

She was briefly linked to music producer Raphael Saadiq but, the relationship soon fizzled out.

The source added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, "Joss is determined to spend more time on herself this year, as it has been pretty whirlwind for her since she was 14.

"And if she has a little romance along the way who can blame her.

"She certainly deserves it."