Nelly reveals Metro Boomin will produce new St. Lunatics album in 2026

The period of hip-hop reunions is formally in full swing, and one of many Midwest’s most necessary collectives could also be subsequent. Throughout a shock second at his annual Black & White Ball, Nelly revealed that famous person producer Metro Boomin is ready to government produce a brand new St. Lunatics album, at the moment focused for a 2026 launch. Whereas the announcement got here casually, the implications have been something however small.

For longtime followers of St. Louis hip-hop, the concept of St. Lunatics returning with Metro Boomin on the helm appears like a full-circle second. It bridges generations, areas, and eras—pairing one of the influential rap teams of the early 2000s with a producer who has outlined trendy hip-hop’s sound over the past decade.

Nelly’s Profession Set the Stage for a St. Lunatics Return

Earlier than discuss of reunions or government producers, Nelly had already constructed one of the commercially dominant careers in hip-hop historical past. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he emerged within the early Nineteen Nineties as a part of the St. Lunatics. Serving to carry Midwest rap to nationwide consideration at a time when the style was nonetheless largely managed by coastal cities.

That momentum reached historic ranges in 2000 with Nation Grammar. Led by hits like “Nation Grammar (Sizzling Shit)” and “Trip wit Me,” the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and later achieved diamond certification. Immediately putting Nelly amongst rap’s elite sellers. Simply two years later, Nellyville expanded his attain even additional. Delivering back-to-back No. 1 singles with “Sizzling in Herre” and “Dilemma” that includes Kelly Rowland. Whereas nonetheless spotlighting his hometown crew on “Air Power Ones.”

Nelly continued to check artistic boundaries with the twin launch of Sweat and Swimsuit in 2004. A daring experiment that paid off commercially. As the last decade progressed, tasks like Brass Knuckles and 5.0 leaned deeper into pop crossover success, with “Only a Dream” turning into one in every of his most enduring hits and incomes triple-platinum standing.

From Lunatic to Grammy Winner

Whereas later albums similar to M.O. and Heartland obtained blended reactions, they mirrored Nelly’s willingness to evolve somewhat than repeat previous formulation. Throughout his profession, he’s earned three Grammy Awards, a number of Billboard Music Awards, and recognition as one of many best-selling hip-hop artists in U.S. historical past. Past music, he expanded into style, movie, and enterprise, additional solidifying his standing as a crossover icon.

That legacy provides weight to the St. Lunatics announcement. Nelly isn’t revisiting the group out of nostalgia or obligation—he’s getting back from a place of affect and management. Pairing the group with Metro Boomin suggests intention, signaling a reunion designed to honor their roots whereas pushing the sound ahead somewhat than merely recreating the previous.

A Low-Key Announcement With Main Weight

Nelly made the revelation whereas addressing the group at his Black & White Ball, an occasion that has change into each a cultural celebration and a gathering of hip-hop royalty. Because the evening continued—with appearances from Ashanti and Busta Rhymes—the St. Lunatics information briefly flew below the radar for informal attendees. However inside hours, the clip started circulating on-line, catching the eye of followers who understood the magnitude of what was being teased.

Metro Boomin’s involvement is particularly important. Identified for shaping the sound of artists like Future, 21 Savage, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott, Metro has change into synonymous with trendy hip-hop excellence. His function as government producer suggests greater than only a visitor look—it alerts a rigorously curated undertaking with a cohesive imaginative and prescient.

Who Are the St. Lunatics?

For newer listeners, St. Lunatics have been by no means only a aspect act to Nelly’s success. Shaped in St. Louis, Missouri, within the early Nineteen Nineties, the group consisted of childhood associates Nelly, Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, Metropolis Spud, and Slo Down. They got here up collectively, sharing aspirations lengthy earlier than fame entered the image.

Their early native success got here from the one “Gimme What U Bought.” Which gained traction in St. Louis because of native radio assist. That grassroots buzz laid the muse for what would change into one of the necessary Midwest hip-hop actions of its time.

When Nelly signed to Common Data in 1999, the door opened for the remainder of the group. Nevertheless, timing difficult their trajectory. As Nelly was engaged on his solo debut, Metropolis Spud was sentenced to jail for a robbery-related crime. Forcing the group to navigate success with out one in every of its core members.

Free Metropolis and the Peak of the Motion

Following the breakout success of Nelly’s Nation Grammar, St. Lunatics launched their debut album Free Metropolis in 2001. The undertaking was each a business and cultural win. Incomes platinum certification in the USA and solidifying St. Louis as a hip-hop stronghold.

Songs like “Summer time within the Metropolis” and “Midwest Swing” showcased the group’s chemistry, regional satisfaction, and talent to stability avenue narratives with mainstream enchantment. On the time, St. Lunatics represented one thing uncommon: a collective that felt genuine, unified, and unapologetically native whereas nonetheless dominating nationwide charts.

Because the years went on, particular person members pursued solo paths. Murphy Lee discovered success with Murphy’s Regulation, Ali launched Heavy Starch, and Nelly went on to change into one of many best-selling rappers of the 2000s. Nonetheless, followers by no means stopped asking the identical query—would St. Lunatics ever totally reunite?

The Album That By no means Got here

In 2009, anticipation peaked when the group teased a follow-up album titled Metropolis Free. Singles leaked, options have been introduced, and momentum started to construct. However the undertaking was repeatedly delayed and in the end shelved, turning into one in every of hip-hop’s nice “what if” tales.

The group’s absence from the album house didn’t erase their legacy, however it did depart followers eager for closure. That’s why Nelly’s latest announcement hits otherwise—it’s not nearly new music, it’s about ending a narrative that was left unresolved.

Metro Boomin’s Position Alerts Intent

This large collaboration isn’t a nostalgia play—it’s a strategic transfer. Metro has proven a capability to respect legacy whereas modernizing sound. As seen in tasks like Heroes & Villains and his collaborative albums with Future.

His involvement means that this gained’t be an try to recreate the early 2000s, however somewhat a reintroduction of St. Lunatics inside at present’s sonic panorama. For followers apprehensive about dated manufacturing or compelled relevance, Metro’s presence ought to supply reassurance.

It additionally represents a generational bridge. Metro grew up in St. Louis, that means this collaboration isn’t simply skilled—it’s private. That hometown connection provides an additional layer of authenticity to the undertaking.

Nelly’s Continued Evolution

Nelly’s profession has already earned its place in hip-hop historical past. From Nation Grammar going diamond to chart-topping albums like Nellyville, his affect on pop-rap is plain. Past music, he’s expanded into style, movie, enterprise, and philanthropy, all whereas remaining carefully tied to St. Louis.

His determination to carry St. Lunatics again into the dialog alerts development and reconciliation. Particularly after years of authorized stress and public disagreements. Notably, the group’s latest lawsuit over royalties. Which was totally dropped earlier this yr, now appears like a chapter closing somewhat than a lingering battle.

Why This Reunion Issues Proper Now

Hip-hop is at the moment in a reflective period. Legacy artists are revisiting their catalogs, teams are reuniting, and followers are craving authenticity over algorithm-driven releases. A St. Lunatics album government produced by Metro Boomin matches completely into that second.

It’s not nearly revisiting the previous—it’s about redefining legacy on the artists’ personal phrases. For longtime followers, it presents validation. For youthful listeners, it supplies an opportunity to grasp the place Midwest hip-hop’s trendy sound originated.

Wanting Forward to 2026

Whereas particulars concerning the album stay restricted, the announcement alone has reignited pleasure round St. Lunatics. If the undertaking comes collectively as promised, it might stand as one of the significant reunion albums of the last decade. Not as a result of it’s flashy, however as a result of it’s earned.

Hip-hop has at all times been about timing, and this second feels intentional. With Metro Boomin guiding the sound and Nelly anchoring the imaginative and prescient, St. Lunatics’ return has the potential to honor their roots whereas stepping confidently into the long run.

For a bunch that helped form an period, that’s the form of comeback followers have been ready for.