A line from Nelly’s verse on Jagged Edge’s 2001 club anthem felt like life imitating art at this year’s Black and White Ball. “Just show me where that party at, dirty, somewhere where it’s crackin’ right around one-thirty,” he rapped on “Where The Party At.” And right around 1:30 a.m., the festivities wound down at the Four Seasons Ballroom—proof that when Nelly throws a party, St. Louis shows up and shows out.
His annual event returned with flair, turning the ballroom into a high-energy mix of star power, bold fashion, unforgettable performances, and a mission rooted in giving back. More than a party, it was a civic moment—evidence that when this city dresses to the nines, it does so with purpose.
From the first step onto the white carpet, guests understood the assignment. Black and white wasn’t just a dress code—it was a declaration. Sequined gowns, ruched satin silhouettes, high slits, and tulle skirts shimmered under the lights. Crochet mermaid-style dresses and reflective metallic finishes caught every flash. Silver accents—jewelry, appliqués, and embellishments—sparkled throughout the room.
Men matched the moment with tailored suits and couture-level details. Brooches, pins, beaded lace, and even a standout wooden bow tie pushed menswear into new territory. Texture ruled the night. Ostrich feathers, fringe, and 3-D floral elements added movement and drama, making the fashion feel alive.
The guest list read like a who’s who across music, sports, and culture: Ashanti, Metro Boomin, Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Jermaine Dupri, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ozzie Smith, and Madison Rian. Yet despite the celebrity presence, the energy stayed warm and communal—rooted in generosity, hometown pride, and shared joy.
Beyond the glamour, the Ball’s heartbeat was philanthropy. Funds raised supported Make-A-Wish Missouri Kansas and Harris-Stowe State University scholarships. In one of the night’s most powerful moments, Nelly granted a wish on stage to 4-year-old Elijah Gilligan, sending him and his family to Disney World. Make-A-Wish surprised Nelly in return, presenting him with its highest honor, the Wish Icon Award.
Nelly also awarded Harris-Stowe student Te’Ron Moore a four-year full-ride scholarship. Tuition, books, fees, and supplies came courtesy of Walmart. “I’m truly humbled by the incredible support from the St. Louis community,” Nelly said. “Everyone came together for a shared purpose—granting scholarships and fulfilling wishes.”
Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee received the third annual Legend Award, underscoring the evening’s focus on legacy and service. “This event is a true testament to Nelly’s philanthropic spirit and the caring nature of the St. Louis community,” said Stephanie Hampton-Boeglin of Make-A-Wish. Harris-Stowe President Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith added that the scholarship exemplified “leadership, legacy, and a deep commitment to empowering our scholars to succeed.”
As dinner concluded, anticipation built for the entertainment—a hallmark of the Ball. The Dirty Muggs kicked off with hip-hop covers delivered with rock-star intensity, setting the tone for the night.
Doug E. Fresh followed, igniting the crowd with live beatboxing beneath classics like “It Takes Two” and “Love Like This.” His finale—a beatbox behind a saxophonist’s rendition of “What a Wonderful World”—left the ballroom in awe.
Then came Busta Rhymes, opening with “Put Ya Hands Where My Eyes Could See” before launching into a rapid-fire set. He shared how Nelly inadvertently led him to record his now-iconic verse on “Look at Me Now,” a story punctuated by laughter and nostalgia.
“First of all, the whole reason I ended up on this song is 100 percent Nelly’s fault,” Busta said.
“Yes sir,” Nelly chimed in. “Talk to ‘em, champ.”
Busta recalled being in the studio with Nelly in 2010 when Chris Brown stopped by. Brown played the track, and the booming 808s rattled so loud they disrupted Busta’s mix. He went next door to ask them to turn it down—but forgot once he saw Nelly and Brown vibing.
“We were in there trying to rap like you,” Nelly laughed. “And you came in—it was hilarious.”
Busta grinned: “I said, let me show y’all how to do this.” That’s how his verse made the record.
Phones shot into the air as he delivered it live, closing with “All I Do Is Win” and a surprise Bone Crusher cameo.
Nelly kept the momentum rolling past midnight. Glow sticks lit the crowd as he performed “Grillz” with Ashanti, followed by Murphy Lee’s “Wat Da Hook Gon Be.” He announced a new St. Lunatics album, executive produced by Metro Boomin, slated for 2026—a major hometown moment.
The night stretched into the early hours with Blanco Brown’s “The Git Up,” Jermaine Dupri’s “Money Ain’t a Thang,” and Nelly and Ashanti’s seamless run through “Foolish,” “Happy,” “Hot in Herre,” and “Love in This Club.”
After a challenging year for the region, the Ball felt especially meaningful. It was glamorous, joyful, and necessary—a reminder that St. Louis still knows how to show up, show out, and give back. More than a party, the night stood as a celebration of community, culture, and compassion—another defining chapter in the legacy of Nelly’s Black and White Ball.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
