The Midwest is officially warming up. Nelly has confirmed that the St Lunatics are returning with a brand new album scheduled for 2026 and Metro Boomin will executive produce the project. This marks the group’s first album in twenty five years and instantly puts St Louis back at the center of the hip hop conversation.

The announcement came during Nelly’s annual Black and White Ball where he told the crowd the St Lunatics were locked in and ready to turn up next year. The room erupted and social media did the same once word spread. For longtime fans this is the follow up that has been talked about for decades. For newer listeners this is an introduction to a group that helped shape early two thousands radio and club culture.

The upcoming album will serve as the follow up to Free City released in 2001 which arrived right after Nelly’s breakout success with Country Grammar. That era produced timeless records and positioned St Louis as a major player in mainstream hip hop. Bringing Metro Boomin into the mix bridges generations and suggests the sound will blend nostalgia with modern production that connects with today’s audience.

The group recently reunited on stage at the American Music Awards performing Air Force Ones Ride Wit Me and Hot In Herre which reignited interest in a full comeback. One missing piece was Ali whose absence was tied to a legal dispute over royalties connected to Country Grammar. That lawsuit has since been withdrawn though it remains unclear whether Ali will be part of the new project.

Regardless the announcement alone signals a major cultural moment. St Louis artists collaborating across eras with one of the biggest producers in the game feels intentional powerful and timely. The countdown to 2026 just started.

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