In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, Nelly revealed plans for a full St. Lunatics reunion album during his annual Black & White Ball charity event last night. The project, marking the group’s first new music together in over two decades, will be executive produced by fellow St. Louis native and super-producer Metro Boomin.
The revelation came toward the end of the star-studded evening at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, where Nelly and most members of the St. Lunatics – Murphy Lee, City Spud, Kyjuan, and Slo Down – were honored with keys to the city by Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. As Metro Boomin joined Nelly on stage for a high-energy performance, the two teased not only their upcoming Smokin’ Hayride festival but also dropped hints about deeper collaboration in the studio.
“St. Louis has always been home, and it’s time we give the fans what they’ve been asking for,” Nelly reportedly said from the stage. “The Lunatics are back in the lab, and we’ve got Metro behind the boards. This one’s gonna hit different – classic vibes with that new energy.”
While full details on the album – including title, tracklist, and release date – remain under wraps, sources close to the project describe it as a blend of the group’s early 2000s Midwest swing sound with Metro Boomin’s signature trap-infused production. Tracks are said to feature the full crew reflecting on their journey, from the streets of St. Louis to global stardom, with potential guest appearances from other hometown heroes.
The announcement caps a banner year for the St. Lunatics, who recently reunited for performances at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special and are set to join Nelly on his 2025 “Where the Party At” world tour alongside guests like Chingy, Ja Rule, and Eve. It also follows the resolution of past legal tensions within the group, allowing them to focus on new music.
Metro Boomin, fresh off multiple Grammy nominations for his work with Future, expressed excitement about bridging generations of St. Louis rap. “Nelly and the Lunatics put the Lou on the map for me growing up,” Metro said in a post-event interview. “Honored to help bring that legacy forward.”
Fans have waited years for new St. Lunatics material since their platinum-selling 2001 debut Free City. A planned follow-up, City Free, was teased in 2009 but never materialized.
