Nelly and St. Lunatics Set Album Executive Produced by Metro Boomin

Nelly just delivered a major announcement that is bound to spark excitement among fans of early 2000s rap. While performing on Sunday, December 15, the Country Grammar star revealed that he and his longtime collective, St. Lunatics, are planning to release a brand new album next year. That was only part of the surprise.

In footage captured by big_business_, the St. Louis rapper also revealed that a hometown heavyweight will play a key role in shaping the project. “St. Lunatics 2026 executive produced by Metro Boomin. St. Louis we in the building we turning up 2026 one time!” he told the crowd.

The news carries weight for several reasons. Most notably, this would mark the group’s first album since 2001’s Free City, a release that featured standout tracks like “Midwest Swing,” “Let Me in Now,” and others that defined their era.

It also represents another milestone for Metro Boomin. After becoming one of the most influential figures in modern trap and consistently pushing that sound forward, he now has an opportunity to show his range in a completely different space.

Metro has already proven his ability to tap into the feel of early 2000s Atlanta, and there is little doubt he can do the same for his own city’s musical identity. This will be only the second time in the past three years that he has served as an executive producer, following his work on Young Thug’s BUSINESS IS BUSINESS.

Beyond the music, the announcement also suggests that Nelly’s relationship with St. Lunatics continues to move in a positive direction.

For those unfamiliar, the “Hot In Herre” rapper has been involved in an ongoing legal dispute with group member Ali Jones. The situation has lingered in some form for roughly two years, though Ali withdrew his copyright infringement and unjust enrichment lawsuit in April.

Ali alleged that Nelly failed to properly credit St. Lunatics for their contributions to Country Grammar. Notably, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of the entire group without the consent of Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, or City Spud.

After the case was dropped, Nelly’s legal team sought sanctions against Ali, labeling the lawsuit “frivolous.” With that context in mind, it remains to be seen whether Ali will play any role in the group’s upcoming reunion album.