Wishes came true at Nelly’s Black & White Ball 2024

More important than the star power that St. Louis rap star Nelly draws each year for his Black & White Ball is the purpose behind the party. Some of the biggest names in sports and music were on deck for Black & White Ball 2024 on Sunday, December 15, at The Four Seasons. The event raised funds to help wishes come true by way of The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Harris-Stowe State University.

As usual, Black & White Ball 2024 was the epitome of elegance. Guests, including So-So Def hitmaker Jermaine Dupri, NFL Hall-of-Famer Orlando Pace, former NFL player Isaac Keys, The St. Lunatics, super producer Blanco Brown, St. Louis’ own Metro Boomin and more joined some of the region’s most influential citizens in support of the event and its worthy causes.  An open bar preceded the official ceremony, where Nelly took the opportunity to give samples of his MoShine crafted drinks – the music star and entrepreneur’s latest business venture.

The formal program included a surprise presentation to Max DelRosario and his family. Max, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease last year, was provided a new home theatre system thanks to proceeds raised by Nelly through The Black & White Ball. Nelly also gifted a full ride scholarship and a new laptop to Teanna Hoye, a sophomore at Harris-Stowe State University. Nelly has raised millions for the worthy causes selected as beneficiaries of the Black & White Ball. This year, hundreds of young people across Kansas and Missouri will be impacted when their wishes are granted through Make-A-Wish.  

Mayor Tishaura Jones presented Nelly and The St. Lunatics with the key to the city during the formal program.

Following the ceremony, guests were ushered into party mode with a set by world-renowned DJ Charlie Chan. He had the crowd on their feet with hits like “Wipe Me Down” and “Swag Surf.” The concert portion of the ball kicked off with The Dirty Muggs – a band that has become a St. Louis favorite over the past several years. Their rendition of Sexyy Red’s “Get it Sexy,” was one to remember.

Nine-time Grammy-Award winner Ne-Yo was up next. The R&B veteran blessed the crowd with old and new hits as he adorned his trademark low-brim fedora. A mashup of “She Knows” featuring Juicy J and David Banner’s “Like a Pimp” was among the highlights of his set. He closed his portion of the show with hits that he had written and/or produced for other artists. The most notable of the night was his take on Beyonce’s “Irreplicable.”  The crowd shouted out the lyrics while swinging side to side. They even started an encore when the song was finished.

Following Ne-Yo’s performance, the St. Lunatics took the stage. They dug into the crates with songs like “Tip Drill,” “Air Force Ones,” and “Not a Stain” by Big Tuck featuring Murphy Lee. There was also a cameo by Grammy-winner Ashanti, who made her Black & White Ball return last year as Nelly’s date, which confirmed the reports of the couple’s reunion. Photos from the Black & White Ball 2023 sparked new rumors – that Ashanti was pregnant with Nelly’s baby. The rumor was fueled by Nelly rubbing Ashanti’s belly during the event.  It turned out to be true. This year, the couple made their Black & White Ball debut as husband and wife – and as the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.

At Black & White Ball 2024, Ashanti performed her hit, “Baby.” “We made a Baby Baby Baby Baby Baby,” Ashanti jokingly sang to Nelly.

There was plenty of St. Louis hip-hop love shared during the concert/after-party. Media personality Shorty da Prince came on stage to perform his club hit “Wah Wah Wow.” Next year, the song will celebrate its 15th anniversary.

Nelly invited Grammy nominated producer and artist Metro Boomin, who is nominated in four rap categories for the 2025 Grammys thanks to his chart-topping joint albums with Future, on stage to close the show. He played some of his biggest hits – and revealed that he and Nelly will bring a new music festival to St. Louis next year.

“It’s half country and half hip-hop,” Nelly said.

Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.