All photos were approved and are courtesy of Jon Gitchoff
December 3, 2023, at Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis, MO.
Nelly pulled out all the stops for his party with a purpose, raising money for Make-A-Wish and the granting of college scholarships, as well as celebrating his hometown St. Louis.
Guests included Ashanti, DMC of Run DMC, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City, Slo’Down, Blanco Brown, Isaac Keys, Jermaine Dupri, Monica, Polow Da Don, Wyclef Jean, Bow Wow, DJ Irie, Ron Isley, Big Boss Vette, Jon Jay, Ozzie Smith, Jim Edmonds, Torry Holt, Mark Clayton, Orlando Pace and more.
Anyone who has seen Nelly in concert knows Nelly knows how to party. Especially when it is for his 11th annual Black and White Ball, benefiting Make-A-Wish Missouri and raising money for college scholarships, he takes it to a whole new level. DMC and DJ Charlie Chan got the crowd on their feet during the dinner. The headliner for the after-party was Wyclef Jean. He was joined by attending musical guests, who took over the stage for a group jam session. Guests were treated to multiple mini-concert sets – from Nelly with Ashanti, Nelly and Jermaine Dupri, Monica, and Bow Wow. Blanco Brown and Polow Da Don also performed.
The surprise of the night was Nelly bringing up Murphy Lee, Slo’Down, and Kyjuan to perform with him and City. The group played a variety of fan favorites including “Air Force Ones,” “Wat Da Hook Gon Be” and “Batter Up.”
Moreover, Nelly has been a longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish, and tonight he even granted a wish live on stage to 4-year-old Messiah Rice who wished to go to Disney World. Nelly also surprised three Harris-Stowe State University students with Apple Macbook Airs and full-ride scholarships.
In addition, bringing it home to St. Louis, Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith was honored with the event’s first “Black and White Ball Legend Award.” During the presentation, Nelly talked about how inspirational Ozzie was in his life and how he even aspired to model his signature backflip.
In conclusion, The Black and White Ball is produced by Derrty Entertainment and SYNERGY Productions LLC. Additional information is available at www.blackwhiteballstl.com.
Photos courtesy of Jon Githoff
- Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupree 2. Monica 3. DMC Below: Nelly and his girlfriend R&B artist Ashanti
Make a Wish recipient Messiah with Nelly
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