For fans of St. Louis hip hop, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Nelly just revealed a huge announcement at the Black and White Ball, promising new music from the legendary St. Lunatics. The group, which hasn’t released an album in over two decades, is preparing to return, and they’re bringing one of rap’s most in-demand producers along for the ride.
The anticipation is especially high considering the group’s past drama. Nelly and Ali’s long-standing dispute over royalties and group credits has been well documented, and many fans were unsure if St. Lunatics would ever release new music together. Now, with Metro Boomin at the helm, the group looks ready to make a comeback while bridging old-school energy with modern hip hop sound.
This article dives into Nelly’s announcement, the history of St. Lunatics, and why Metro Boomin’s involvement makes this project one of the most anticipated releases in rap and hip hop for the next year.
Nelly taps Metro Boomin for St. Lunatics’ first album in 25 years
On Sunday, December 14, Nelly took the stage at the Black and White Ball in St. Louis to give fans an exciting update. “St. Lunatics 2026 executive produced by Metro Boomin. St. Louis, we in the building, we turning up 2026 one time!” he said in a clip from the event.
This marks the first album from the group since their 2001 debut, Free City, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and earned platinum certification from the RIAA. The original lineup, Nelly, Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, and Slo Down, defined St. Louis hip hop in the early 2000s, but it remains unclear who will participate in the 2026 project.
A look back at St. Lunatics’ drama and legacy
The return of St. Lunatics is notable because of past tension, particularly between Nelly and Ali. The disagreement centered on royalties from Nelly’s debut album, Country Grammar, and led to a lawsuit filed by Ali on behalf of the group. Murphy Lee, City Spud, and Kyjuan later pulled out, claiming they hadn’t consented, and Ali eventually dropped the suit in April 2025.
Despite the drama, the group’s impact on rap and hip hop is undeniable. Free City solidified their place in early 2000s hip hop, and fans have been eager for a follow-up that honors their legacy while introducing a modern twist.
Metro Boomin’s role and recent success
Metro Boomin brings serious momentum to the project. After releasing 2024’s joint album with Future, We Don’t Trust You, which sparked the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud, and its follow-up, We Still Don’t Trust You, both of which topped the Billboard 200, Metro’s influence is undeniable.
This year, he also dropped the mixtape A Futuristic Summa, paying tribute to 2010s Atlanta hip hop, featuring the hit “Take Me Thru Dere” with Quavo, Breskii, and YK Niece.
With Nelly’s iconic legacy and Metro Boomin’s modern production mastery, the St. Lunatics’ first album in 25 years is shaping up to be a must-hear release for rap and hip hop fans everywhere.