Nelly & the St. Lunatics Get the Key to St. Louis

This past Sunday, Nelly & the St. Lunatics were honored with the Key to the City of St. Louis, a huge recognition for their impact on the city and beyond.

The award was presented at Nelly’s annual Black & White Ball, an event that not only celebrated the group’s legacy but also gave back to the community.

The event raised funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and awarded scholarships to Harris-Stowe State University students. But the night wasn’t just about the glitz and glam. Nelly took a moment to honor Max Del Rosario, a young boy battling Hodgkin’s disease.

Mayor Tishaura Jones presented the key to Nelly and the crew, praising their contributions: “You’ve had an amazing year and an amazing career. I think we can all agree in this room that Nelly has put St. Louis on the map,” she said. “And because of that, he’s been awarded time and time again by so many national organizations – but we want to give him his flowers here.”

All St. Lunatics were in attendance for the big moment, though Ali, currently locked in a legal dispute with Nelly over unpaid royalties, was notably absent.

Regardless, the night was a celebration of the city’s most iconic rap group.

Nelly and the St. Lunatics are officially cemented as St. Louis legends with the keys to the city to prove it.

Dec.15.2024 | NELLY’s 12th Annual Black & White Ball | A Charity Event in support of #StLouisMissouri “Make-A-Wish Foundation” & Harris-Stowe State University. @MakeAwishMoKan @HarrisStowe

NELLY GIFTED WITH THE KEY 🔑 TO THE CITY BY ST LOUIS MAYOR

NELLY TELLING EVERYBODY… pic.twitter.com/JEbo6QGxFN

— Music & Black Love 🖤 (@MusicnBlackLove) December 16, 2024