Ashanti, Ne-Yo, Metro Boomin, Jermaine Dupri, J-Kwon, Bow Wow and the St. Lunatics Jammed Onstage with Nelly for an unforgettable Night Celebrating the Lou!
Nelly’s Black and White Ball (12th edition)
December 15, 2024 at Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis, MO.
(All Images courtesy of Jon Gitchoff/Used with permission)
Nelly pulled out all the stops for his party with a purpose, raising money for Make-A-Wish and the granting of a Harris-Stowe State University college scholarship, as well as celebrating his hometown St. Louis.
Nelly has been a longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish, and during the event he granted a wish live on stage to 14-year-old Max DelRosario who wished for a brand new home theater system. Max was joined by his mom, dad and three siblings. Nelly also surprised Harris-Stowe State University sophomore Teanna Hoye with a 4-year full ride scholarship – covering tuition, books and student fees – as well as a new laptop.
Max Del Rosario
Teanna Hoye
All Images courtesy of Jon Gitchoff/Used with permission
Nelly, along with the St. Lunatics (Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, Slo’Down), were each presented with a key to the city by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones. In response, Nelly teased something special for his hometown: a festival in partnership with Metro Boomin, coming to St. Louis in 2025.
Mayor Tishaura Jones in good company
City Spud
Black and White Ball guests included Ashanti, Ne-Yo, Metro Boomin, Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, Jordan Binnington, Oli Marmol, Masyn Winn, J-Kwon, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City, Slo’Down, Blanco Brown, Isaac Keys, Polow Da Don, Richard Fortus, Sydney Thomas, Connor Perry, Jim Edmonds, Orlando Pace and more.
Orlando Pace
Jermaine Dupree
Neyo
The headliner was Ne-Yo. 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 with Jermaine Dupri, Nelly with the St. Lunatics (City, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan and Slo’Down). Nelly also performed with Metro Boomin, Bow Wow, Blanco Brown and Polow Da Don.
Bringing it home to St. Louis, goalie, Stanley Cup champion and St. Louis Blues all-time wins leader Jordan Binnington was honored with the event’s second annual “Black and White Ball Legend Award.” Bennington accepted the award with a speech he wrote incorporating the titles of Nelly’s biggest hits. During the presentation, Nelly also called up Super Bowl champion Orlando Pace and World Series champion Jim Edmonds for a St. Louis all-sports champions moment.
A video was played showing what an incredible year it has been for the superstar, including his 50th birthday, his marriage to Ashanti and birth of their first son together, the launch of the new Apple Bottoms and the announcement of his upcoming World Tour, Where’s the Party At Tour.
The Black and White Ball is presented by CarShield with supporting sponsors Wal-Mart and Date Ideas and Things To Do. The event is hosted and produced by Nelly Inc., Derrty Entertainment and SYNERGY Productions LLC, with support from Four Seasons Hotel.
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