Hip-hop nostalgia is officially meeting modern hitmaking. Metro Boomin Joins Forces With Nelly on New St. Lunatics Album, marking a major comeback moment for one of St. Louis’ most iconic rap collectives.
A Long-Awaited Reunion With a Modern Twist
Nelly has confirmed that his original group, St. Lunatics, will return with a brand-new album in 2026 — their first in a quarter-century. Adding to the excitement, the project will be executive produced by Metro Boomin, one of the most influential producers of the current era and a fellow St. Louis native.
The announcement came during Nelly’s 2025 Black and White Ball, an annual charity event held on December 14. While addressing the crowd, the rapper made the reveal with unmistakable hometown pride, energizing attendees with the promise of a major St. Louis moment in 2026.
First Album in 25 Years
The upcoming, still-untitled project will serve as the official follow-up to the group’s 2001 debut album, Free City. That release arrived at the height of Nelly’s solo breakthrough, shortly after his blockbuster debut, Country Grammar, helped put both the artist and his crew on the global hip-hop map.
With Metro Boomin overseeing the sound, fans are expecting a blend of classic Midwest energy and contemporary production — a balance that could introduce the St. Lunatics to a whole new generation.
Momentum From a Surprise Awards Show Appearance
The announcement builds on the group’s unexpected reunion at the American Music Awards in October 2024. During that performance, Nelly reunited onstage with Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, Spud City, and Slo Down to deliver crowd-pleasing renditions of classics like “Air Force Ones,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “Hot In Herre.”
The moment reignited fan excitement and speculation about whether more music could be on the way — speculation that has now been fully confirmed.
Questions Still Surround One Member
Notably absent from the American Music Awards reunion was fellow group member Ali. His absence was widely linked to a legal dispute with Nelly that surfaced earlier in 2024, when Ali filed a lawsuit alleging unpaid royalties connected to Country Grammar. The suit sought $50 million in damages, claiming the group’s contributions were undervalued in the album’s credits.
The case was later withdrawn, and the judge ruled that the attorneys involved should be sanctioned for advancing claims lacking legal merit. As of now, it remains unclear whether Ali has reconciled with the group or if he will participate in the upcoming album.
A Defining Moment for St. Louis Hip-Hop
With Metro Boomin Joins Forces With Nelly on New St. Lunatics Album, 2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year — not just for longtime fans, but for St. Louis hip-hop as a whole. Whether the full original lineup returns or not, the project already stands as one of the most anticipated reunion albums in recent memory.
