Nelly may be facing a lawsuit from St Lunatics, but according to a new report from TMZ, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud are all against taking legal action. Instead, Ali Jones is the sole member who is serious about going after the Country Grammar artist. The report comes after the group (minus Jones) all reunited for a performance at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on Sunday.
In a letter obtained by TMZ, Nelly’s attorney, N. Scott Rosenblum, claims the three other St. Lunatics have all contacted him in an effort to get their names removed from the lawsuit. The filing is in relation to the making of his iconic 2000 album, Country Grammar. It alleged that Nelly never properly credited the group for their work on the effort.
In this image released on October 6, 2024, Nelly and Chingy perform at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special at LA Center Studios in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Ali Jones previously explained his issues with Nelly during an interview with VladTV, last year. In doing so, he promised to never perform with the rapper again. “A tiger ain’t never gon’ change his stripes,” he said. “I watched it for 20 years and I’m the butt of the joke because it took me 20 years to realize it. I could put a never, ever behind it will I ever hit the stage or do anything with him. He has no real raw good intentions for others. Not for us and we’ve all sat together and searched hard to try to find a time that didn’t benefit him. He got $50 million, I’m happy for him. That’s what he wants. He wants a billion.”
St. Lunatics Reunite At The AMAs
As for the group’s AMAs set, they performed a medley of several hit songs including “Air Force Ones,” “Ride Wit Me,” “Tipsy,” “Hot In Herre,” and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Nelly and St. Lunatics on HotNewHipHop.
Millennials are having it rough lately; in addition to dismal employment, housing, and romantic prospects all around, our nostalgic memories of our childhoods — all we have to hold onto, really — have been upended a whole bunch in recent months.
The latest upheaval: Nelly is being sued by members of his former group, St. Lunatics, over songwriting credits and royalties from his hit debut album, Country Grammar. Released in 2000 to widespread acclaim and truly breathtaking commercial success — it spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Country Grammar spawned three top-40 hits: “E.I.,” “Ride Wit Me,” and the title track. It also launched the St. Lunatics’ empire, which consisted of sneakers, energy drinks, clothing lines, and even an appearance in NBA Street Vol. 2 as playable characters.
Unfortunately, according to Ali, City Spud, Kyjuan, and Murphy Lee, Nelly did not give them fair credit on the album, keeping them from being properly paid for a number of its tracks which they say they helped co-write (the group’s sixth member, Slo Down, is not included as a plaintiff). Although various members are listed as co-writers throughout the album, they say they weren’t credited on “Country Grammar,” “Steal the Show,” “Thicky Thick Girl,” and “Wrap Sumden.”
Nelly has previously acknowledged that his friends wrote on those songs (it’s no secret that he was never the strongest lyricist in the group, and that they rallied behind him specifically to get their foot in the door as a collective). However, the lawsuit says, “Despite repeatedly promising plaintiffs that they would receive full recognition and credit… it eventually became clear that defendant Haynes had no intention of providing the plaintiffs with any such credit or recognition.”
According to Billboard, though, the case could be complicated by the St. Lunatics claiming ownership rather than infringement, as “copyright infringement lawsuits can be filed decades after an infringing song is released, disputes over copyright ownership face a stricter three-year statute of limitations.”
As for why it took the group so long to pursue legal action,they explain, “Unfortunately, plaintiffs, reasonably believing that their friend and former band member would never steal credit for writing the original compositions, did not initially pursue any legal remedies.” After retaining legal counsel and reaching out to Universal Music Publishing Group, they were referred to Nelly’s attorneys, who they say “expressly repudiated” their claims in 2021.
Nelly has had a lot on his plate for the past few months. In August, he and his fiancée Ashanti welcomed their first child together. Shortly before that, he was arrested at a casino in Missouri. He was accused of ecstasy possession, which his attorney vehemently denied on his behalf. Now, according to new court documents obtained by AllHipHop, he’s been hit with a $50 million lawsuit.
The lawsuit in question was reportedly filed by his former St. Lunatics groupmates Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and City Spud earlier this week. They accuse Nelly of copyright infringement and unjust enrichment. Allegedly, they didn’t receive proper credit or compensation for their contributions to Country Grammar, Nelly’s 2000 debut studio album.
Four Former St. Lunatics Members Accuse Nelly Of Copyright Infringement And Unjust Enrichment
Nelly attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 01, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
They accuse Nelly of falsely and fraudulently claiming to be the sole author of various tracks he allegedly created with St. Lunatics. These include “Batter Up,” “Thicky Thick Girl,” and “Steal The Show.” In their lawsuit, they also allege that Nelly promised to give them credit and compensation for their contributions. According to them, they figured out that he was allegedly not telling the truth several years later in 2020.
“Despite repeated assurances by defendant Haynes that plaintiffs would receive their writing credit and publishing income for creating the Original Compositions, plaintiffs, sometime in 2020, eventually discovered that defendant Haynes had been lying to them the entire time,” the lawsuit reads. “Plaintiffs eventually discovered that not only did they not receive any credit as authors and/or creators of the Original Compositions, but that defendant Haynes, and others, took full credit for creating the Original Compositions contained in the Infringing Album.” What do you think of Nelly getting sued by his former St. Lunatics groupmates? Are you surprised by this or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Emerging from St. Louis, Missouri, in the early 2000s, Nelly (born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.) crafted a distinctive sound that merged hip-hop with pop-friendly hooks. His debut album, Country Grammar, released in 2000, combines Southern edge and universal mainstream appeal. The album sold over 8.4 million copies in America alone and earned diamond certification. In this crowded hip-hop landscape where catchy beats and sing-along choruses reign supreme is what Nelly was all about.
Further, Nelly has often been responsible for producing hit single after hit single that appeals to millions worldwide. He has always stayed relevant by making music that could be played on the radio but still has its roots deeply planted in hip-hop culture. For over two decades now, Nelly has been commercially successful and influenced a whole generation of artists who want seamless genre mixing in their music. Here are five essential songs that will give you an idea about what kind of influence Nelly had on music and how he developed as an artist himself.
1. “Country Grammar” (Hot Sh*t) (2000)
The song “Country Grammar (Hot Sh*t)” put Nelly on the map, making it his entry into the mainstream. It was released as the first single from his debut album in 2000 and quickly climbed the charts. The single went to No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100. The song’s catchy hook and confident delivery summed up his unique style. Its production laid down a template for Nelly’s signature sound with its trademark beat and infectious chorus.
“Country Grammar” also successfully positioned Nelly after selling millions of copies while establishing himself as a solo artist. This song became an anthem of summer and a staple in radio stations across America. Its funny yet streetwise lyrics and ear-catching melody were enjoyed by all walks of life and made it a massive hit amongst them all. This track demonstrated Nelly’s skill at crafting commercially viable hip-hop songs without losing their essence. It was this track where he revealed his knack for creating tunes that appealed to both mass audiences and rap’s roots.
2. “Hot in Herre” (2002)
In his second album, Nellyville, the hit “Hot in Herre” is probably Nelly’s most identifiable song. In 2002, this single became a cultural institution as it swept over the airwaves. Due to the song’s irresistible vibe and hard-to-forget lyrics, it gained the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for seven uninterrupted weeks, making Nelly an important figure in rap.
Its production was vital to its success, with The Neptunes producing “Hot In Herre.” As much as this funky rhythmic beat by The Neptunes was all about the fun mood of the early 2000s, Nelly’s charismatic delivery made it an anthem. It is worth noting that these playful and suggestive words boosted its popularity. This made Nelly a diverse artist who could compose chart-topping songs across genres appreciated by different walks of life.
A single from Nelly’s second album, “Dilemma” was released in 2002 and featured Kelly Rowland. It is also his most popular and long-lasting hit song. This track is a sad departure from the rapper’s normal party anthems. The duet displays Nelly’s vulnerability by combining rap with R&B into a classic love ballad. Spending ten weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was among the year’s best-selling singles and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
The success of this song can be mainly attributed to Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s undeniable chemistry. Their voices blend so well that they sound like they were made for each other. It tells a story about complicated love and longing through lyrics full of genuine emotion that reverberate. Therefore, we can say without any doubt that “Dillema” will always be considered among the most significant hits from Nelly. It proves how versatile he is when it comes to creating music that cuts across different genres.
4. “Ride Wit Me” (2001)
Also from Country Grammar, “Ride Wit Me” is one of Nelly’s most popular songs. It quickly became an anthem for driving around aimlessly and having fun. It once again showed that Nelly was good at making happy music that everyone could enjoy. The chorus of this track features the unforgettable line “Hey, must be the money!” It wasn’t surprising when the song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Nelly as a significant figure in early 2000s rap.
The smoothness of its production gives “Ride wit Me” a relaxed vibe to go with Nelly’s flow and down-to-earth lyrics about enjoying oneself. It’s also bright and summery, which made it perfect for radio airplay or party playlists. This also helped it contribute even further towards achieving multi-platinum status for Country Grammar. This record represents what can happen when you mix catchy melodies with elements from hip-hop because it attracted both hardcore rap fans as well as mainstream listenership. So many people still love this track – it just goes to show how much influence Nelly had on music during that time!
5. “Just A Dream” (2010)
“Just a Dream,” released in 2010 as the lead single from Nelly’s sixth studio album, 5.0, marked a significant comeback for the artist. This introspective track diverges from Nelly’s typical party anthems, exploring themes of love and regret. The song became a commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum certification, reaffirming Nelly’s relevance in the evolving music terrain.
The song’s reflective lyrics also resonated with a broad audience, showcasing Nelly’s versatility and depth. Combining melodic piano and driving beats, the production provided a poignant backdrop for Nelly’s lost love and longing narrative. “Just a Dream” highlighted Nelly’s ability to evolve with changing musical trends while staying true to his unique style. This track is a testament to his enduring talent and ability to connect with listeners personally.
In the tumultuous shift from ’99 to the early 2000s, hip-hop witnessed the demise of East Coast vs. West Coast rap feuds, the ostentatious bling era led by icons like Jay-Z and P. Diddy, and the peak of gangsta rap embodied by N.W.A. The dawn of the new millennium brought forth a seismic transformation, as crunk music ascended, Southern hip-hop took center stage, and the once-rigid regional boundaries blurred. In this chaos, artists like OutKast and Nelly emerged as trailblazers, shifting the hip-hop paradigm.
Nelly’s debut album, Country Grammar, emerged as a defining moment, etching an indelible mark in the annals of the genre. The title track, “Country Grammar (Hot S***),” erupted like a sonic hurricane, catapulting the rapper to international stardom. But what alchemy allowed this record to amass over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone? In this exposé, we shall unravel the elements that have forged its everlasting resonance, solidifying its status as a classic amid the chaotic rap landscape.
How It All Began
Nelly and the St. Lunatics during Nelly Live In Concert at World in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Djamilla Rosa Cochran/WireImage)
Country Grammar, my friends, stands as a testament to Nelly’s unparalleled knack for seamlessly melding divergent hip-hop styles. Born in the heart of Texas but raised in the gritty streets of St. Louis, this rap maverick harnessed the essence of his roots, uniting the fiery fervor of Southern hip-hop with his distinctive Midwestern swagger, birthing a sound that resonated with all who encountered it. The album’s producer, Jason “Jay E” Epperson, incorporated catchy beats and hooks so infectious they could lure the devil himself to dance.
In the mid-1990s, a serendipitous collision occurred when Jay E and Nelly, along with other St. Lunatics crew members, found themselves at a skating rink studio. Jay E would speak in an interview with HotNewHipHop about their musical kinship leading to Country Grammar. “We just started growing together as a musical family,” says Jay E as he recounted the formative days when they collectively penned “Gimmie What U Got.” This was the moment when the stars aligned, and Jay E sensed his destiny as a producer was etched in the cosmos. Soon, the artists embarked on the journey that would lead to the creation of Country Grammar’s first song.
“The first song we ever did from Country Grammar was ‘Batter Up,’” says Jay E, who also credited the song as the beginning of Nelly’s “singsong lane,” a style for which the rapper is known. When creating the tracks that ended up being on the multi-Platinum-selling album, Jay E spoke about the production process. “The main thing I started with was the drums,” he says. Next comes the melody, then the bassline, a relentless pulse that seizes your soul and rattles your very speakers.
Jay E and Nelly also adapted some classic Southern rhymes that date back further than Country Grammar. “Nobody can take credit for ‘Down Down Baby’ [referring to Country Grammar”s chorus],” says music reviewer Tom Breihan in an article for Stereogum. “’Down Down Baby’ is a part of American folkloric tradition, a clapping-game chant that goes back, at the very least, to the mid-20th century…” Breihan also mentioned how the chant worked in “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko-Ko-Bop,” a 1959 hit by Little Anthony & The Imperials.
As the new millennium unfurled, Labor Day Weekend bore witness to Nelly’s audacious ascent into the upper echelons of the Billboard Hot 100 charts with his debut mainstream opus, Country Grammar. This audacious album would go on to unleash three titanic singles upon the world: “Country Grammar,” “E.I.,” and “Ride wit Me.” These compositions, much like the entire sonic tapestry of the album, wove a mesmerizing fabric. They melded the unmistakable elements of New Orleans bounce, a rhythmic “singsonglane” akin to R&B, and the age-old pillars of hip-hop. But it was the incorporation of the album’s title track’s chants that conjured a storm, one that swept across the nation with relentless fury.
Today, Country Grammar is a glistening jewel in the abyss of hip-hop, a Diamond album, a rarefied breed that has seduced over 10,000,000 souls into its harmonious embrace. Its melodies have transcended the boundaries of albums and become the heartbeat of countless movies and commercials, an omnipresent force lingering in the collective consciousness. This opus, my friends, is no mere album; it’s a seismic shift, a watershed moment in hip-hop’s tumultuous journey. It set a new trajectory, one where artists boldly grasped their regional identities, and the genre, forever altered, embarked on a journey of unbridled experimentation, a journey only the fearless dare to undertake.
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of Nelly’s debut album, Country Grammar. The classic album arrived on June 27, 2000 via Universal Music Group and Fo’ Reel Entertainment. Country Grammar featured the likes of Cedric the Entertainer, St. Lunatics, City Spud, Murphy Lee, Ali, Lil Wayne, and The Teamsters. It was primarily produced by Jay E and City Spud. Country Grammar introduced Nelly’s signature style of melodic rapping that would eventually become a staple for 2000s hip hop and influence future generations. The album also contained major hits, many of which are still the biggest of Nelly’s career. With its chart-topping singles and unique sound, the album proved to be influential and helped define an era of 2000s hip hop. Today, we’re looking back at Nelly’s Country Grammar for its 23rd anniversary.
Country Grammar Put St. Louis On The Map
Country Grammar was quite literally Nelly introducing St. Louis sound and lingo to the world. His music transported listeners into a world that he would dive further into on 2002’s Nellyville. Drawing from Nelly’s Texas and Missouri origins, Country Grammar blended country with hip hop but was still palatable for both hardcore hip hop heads and casual listeners.
Nelly was an anomaly at the time as hip hop in 2000 was dominated by the East and West coasts and Southern rap. He has attributed his style as a blend of multiple regions that allowed him to create his own sound. The only other chart-topping rapper from the Midwest was Eminem, who occupied a completely different lane of music. As hip hop began to grow commercially in 2000, hip hop gained pop appeal, eventually becoming the world’s biggest genre. Country Grammar’s success took hip hop to new commercial heights.
Nelly’s sing-rap sound that he established on Country Grammar created a brand new style of hip hop. His pop/rap fusion put him at the forefront of the hip hop scene and established St. Louis as a city with talented rappers. Nelly’s signature sound and success with the album allowed future artists like Chingy and J-Kwon to represent St. Louis throughout the 2000s.
Stacked With Hits
A significant reason for Nelly’s debut album standing the test of time is that one could not escape it during its release. Country Grammar was the ultimate debut. It spawned multiple hit singles, becoming some of the biggest hip hop songs ever. The album’s title track and “E.I.” proved Nelly’s ability to create hit records with catchy hooks effortlessly. The third single from Country Grammar, “Ride Wit Me,” became the ultimate crossover hit. It was easily the biggest song of Nelly’s career at the time and remains an instantly recognizable anthem today. The overall commercial success of the album and its singles created a career-defining album for Nelly that only propelled him further with his following releases.
A Career-Defining Album
Country Grammar is undoubtedly Nelly’s classic album. With his critically acclaimed and commercially successful debut, Nelly was able to be one of the biggest rappers in the hip hop and pop spaces, dominating the 2000s. Country Grammar went platinum months after its release and now stands at diamond status, a 10x platinum achievement that very few rappers can brag about. Nelly’s debut album was influential in its sound, style, and appeal.
Twenty-three years later, the album is still being celebrated. In 2021, Nelly performed Country Grammar in its entirety for a live album accompanied by a documentary. The melodic rap sound that Nelly created on Country Grammar has stood the test of time. The albumpaved the way for the contemporary sound of hip hop that continues to tread the line between rapping and singing.
