Superstar Nelly lit up the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis on December 15, 2024, hosting the 12th edition of his annual Black and White Charity Ball. The event brought together an impressive lineup of celebrities, athletes, and supporters for an unforgettable evening dedicated to philanthropy and celebrating the Lou.
A Purposeful Party
The Black and White Ball continues to embody Nelly’s commitment to giving back to his community. This year’s event raised funds for Make-A-Wish and provided a full-ride college scholarship to Harris-Stowe State University. During the evening, Nelly granted a heartfelt wish live on stage to 14-year-old Max DelRosario, surprising the teen with a brand-new home theater system. Max and his family were thrilled to witness their wish come true in front of the star-studded crowd.
Nelly also presented Harris-Stowe sophomore Teanna Hoye with a life-changing surprise: a four-year scholarship covering tuition, books, and fees, along with a new laptop to aid her academic journey.
A Celebration of St. Louis
Mayor Tishaura Jones honored Nelly and his St. Lunatics crew—Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud, and Slo’Down—with keys to the city, recognizing their contributions to the local community and culture. In response, Nelly teased a new project: a 2025 festival in collaboration with Metro Boomin, which promises to be a monumental celebration of St. Louis.
Sports heroes also took center stage as Stanley Cup champion Jordan Binnington received the Black and White Ball Legend Award. The Blues goalie delivered an inspiring speech cleverly referencing Nelly’s biggest hits. To cap off the tribute, Nelly invited Super Bowl champion Orlando Pace and World Series champion Jim Edmonds on stage for a memorable “St. Louis champions” moment.
Star Studded Performances
The night was packed with electrifying performances. Headliner Ne-Yo led the charge, joined by a rotating lineup of musical guests including Ashanti, Jermaine Dupri, Metro Boomin, Bow Wow, Blanco Brown, and Polow Da Don. The jam-packed stage saw mini-concert sets featuring Nelly with Ashanti, Nelly with Jermaine Dupri, and a high-energy reunion of Nelly with the St. Lunatics.The crowd was treated to a historic group jam session, a musical celebration that underscored the global impact of St. Louis talent.
A Year to Remember
A highlight of the evening was a video montage recapping Nelly’s milestone year, including his 50th birthday, his marriage to Ashanti, the birth of their first son, the relaunch of his iconic Apple Bottoms brand, and the announcement of his upcoming Where’s the Party At World Tour.
Community and Corporate Support
The Black and White Ball, presented by CarShield with support from Walmart and Date Ideas and Things To Do, was produced by Nelly Inc., Derrty Entertainment, and SYNERGY Productions LLC. The event was hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel, underscoring its status as one of St. Louis’ most prestigious and impactful gatherings.
Looking Ahead
As Nelly closed the night with a heartfelt thank-you to his hometown and the many stars who came to support, it was clear that the Black and White Ball is more than a glamorous event. It’s a testament to the power of music, philanthropy, and community in shaping a brighter future for St. Louis.For more information on the event and its impact, visit www.blackwhiteballstl.com.
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- The Stars Shine Bright at Nelly’s 12th Annual Black and White Ball: A Night of Celebration, Charity, and St. Louis Pride - Monday, December 16, 2024
- Nelly’s Black and White Ball St. Louis Returns with Star-Studded Purpose - Tuesday, November 26, 2024
- K Camp Brings “Beautiful Conversations” Tour to The Hawthorn - Tuesday, October 22, 2024
