Nelly and the St. Lunatics surprised everyone by performing together at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, despite ongoing legal battles.
The “Country Grammar” star, alongside J-Kwon and Chingy, took the stage minus St. Lunatics member Ali. Yet, they rocked the house with hits like “Air Force Ones,” “Ride Wit Me,” “Tipsy,” and “Hot In Herre.”
Just a day before this electrifying show, Nelly jokingly dared anyone with a problem to “sue” him, referencing the legal clash with his former band members. The St. Lunatics, with Ali Jones (Ali), Torhi Harper (Murphy Lee), Robert Kyjuan (Kyjuan), and Nelly’s brother Lavell Webb (City Spud), have accused Nelly of uncredited work on his 2000 album.
The lawsuit, filed in New York Federal Court on September 18, claims the group’s contributions were not acknowledged in the album’s credits. This isn’t the first time the St. Lunatics have voiced their grievances over Nelly’s alleged oversight of their creative input.
In 2023, Ali publicly stated he’d never perform with Nelly again, accusing him of unpaid debts. Ali revealed frustrations over discrepancies in payment, once stating, “It could be $90,000 or $70,000,” but receiving only $13,000. He criticized Nelly for his lack of communication and external influences separating the group.
Ali expressed his discontent, stating, “A tiger ain’t never gon’ change his stripes,” and vowed never to share the stage with Nelly again. Meanwhile, despite the tension, the AMAs reunion was unexpected yet memorable.
Nelly’s unexpected reunion with most of the St. Lunatics at the AMAs captivated audiences, showcasing the complex mix of professional and personal dynamics within the group.
